Many or all of the companies featured compensate us. Compensation and research may determine where and how companies appear. Learn more
  1. Home
  2. Pet Insurance
  3. Nationwide Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
Our content is free because we may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site. Learn more.
Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company with unparalleled financial stability and claims-paying ability that has recently ventured into the pet insurance marketplace.

The company stands out because they offer expanded coverage beyond just cats and dogs, as well as wellness plans that cover things like checkups and vaccinations.
 
View Top 10 List

How Do We Rate Nationwide?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
3.0/5
Cost
4.0/5
Extras

Our Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5 (Excellent)

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness Plan is one of the most comprehensive on the market, and it will, as a result, cost you more than most standard pet insurance plans.

Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that will extend coverage beyond dogs and cats, covering birds and all manner of other pets.

Truly unlimited coverage, however, is only offered if you choose the top tier plan.

Be aware that all plans besides Whole Pet with Wellness operate on a benefit schedule.

Nationwide Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Nationwide's Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a great option for a complete pet insurance plan.

In addition to the normal accident and illness coverage, it also provides for yearly physical exams, vaccinations, and flea/heartworm prevention. It is, however, on the pricey side as a result. Its Major Medical plan is more in line cost and coverage-wise with the standard accident and illness plans offered by most companies.

You can also purchase the wellness plan on it's own, and it is relatively inexpensive. Finally, Nationwide recently released a more inexpensive Whole Pet plan without the wellness component.

This plan has many of the same characteristics of Whole Pet with Wellness, operates on a percentage reimbursement basis, but is subject to different annual caps.

It is interesting to note that Nationwide is the only company we are aware of that extends pet insurance beyond cats and dogs.

The company will cover most birds and a wide range of exotic pets.
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Exotic Animals
Coverage Types
Medical
Wellness
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Both Nationwide models -- Whole Pet with 90% reimbursement, and all other plans with a benefit schedule -- offer unlimited annual maximums. The new Whole Pet plan without wellness, though, is subject to a $10,000 annual cap.

Additionally, you must remember that any plan but the Whole Pets are going to limit you by condition or procedure.

So even though technically there is no limit to the dollar amount they will spend on your pet in a year in total, there are limits on a condition and service basis with the lower two plans.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Nationwide's top tier Whole Pet with Wellness, as well as the new Whole Pet (alone) plan, both reimburse 90% of the total vet bill.

However, Major Medical and Pet Wellness reimburse according to a benefits schedule.

These schedules cap payouts by condition or service. If you are going with one of these plans we suggest you scrutinize your policy carefully before purchase, as your pet's breed may be susceptible to certain conditions with low coverage limits in the plan.

Benefits schedules, and no choice in customizing the reimbursement percentage in the top tier plan, limit the flexibility of Nationwide's offerings.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Benefit Schedule
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness offers one annual deductible of $100.

This is in some ways good because it is so low. But you will not have the flexibility of choosing higher deductibles should you want a lower monthly premium or should it somehow fit your needs in other ways.

Most of our top companies offer customizable deductibles.

The new Whole Pet without the wellness component, as well as the Major Medical plan, both have annual deductibles set at $250.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$100
Maximum Deductible Offered
$250

Pricing: How much does Nationwide cost?

Cost - 3 / 5

Nationwide's plans are comprehensive, but you are going to pay the price. Their monthly premiums are a little on the high end as opposed to our other companies.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$34.25
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$18.84
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $250, Benefits Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: Benefits Schedule
Available Discounts: 5% discount on current Nationwide member

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 3 / 5

Like our other companies, Nationwide will enroll pets starting at 6 weeks. Unlike our other companies, Nationwide has a relatively lower age restriction with older pets at 10 years.

However, if the pet is enrolled before age 10, and the policy never lapses, they will be covered for the duration of their lives.

Waiting periods are industry standard at 14 days, although Wellness starts 24 hours after approval.
Min Enrollment Age
6 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
10 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
14 days
Free Look Period
10 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4 / 5

Nationwide's claims procedure is standard for the pet insurance industry.

Like other companies, you must first pay the vet directly, download Nationwide's claim form, and submit the form with all paid invoices. You can submit via mail, fax or email.
Advertised Response Time
14 days
Claim Form
Mail
Email
Fax

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
https://www.petinsurance.com/
Headquarters Address
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH, 43215
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2344, Brea, CA, 92822
Year Founded
1981
What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
Are you a customer of Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Submit a comment and tell other people about your experience!
Our Comment GuidelinesTips for Writing Effective Comments
Minimum 12 words.
 No maximum length.
* What's Your Rating?
To make this comment as helpful as possible for our community, please provide at least 2 sentences.

Customer Comments

Loading Reviews ...
E
Elena

2/1/2018
My claim was handled in a timely manner. Thanks
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

M
Mary

2/1/2018
Our dog Gibson received excellent treatment! Submitting our claim was easy, and our claim was handled timely. Overall, it was a very positive experience. Thank you!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

S
sarah

2/1/2018
I have received reimbursements for all the claims I have thus far submitted. My only complaint would be it does take about 3 weeks to a month to get it but otherwise it has been easy peazy. Thank you and I hope you all keep up the good work and remain true to your customers
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Jill B

2/1/2018
So far so good. Dogs needs hip replacement but am trying other methods like Tumeric and Glucosamine Chondroitin, plus fish oil and an anti-inflamatory . 2 months now and no limping or pain. And you you guys are covering this so it's great. Would hate to spend thousands on hip replacement and then have to get both knees done again.!!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

G
Gail G

2/1/2018
Although Caroline's infected ear was upsetting and stressful getting her to the vet as soon as possible after a "bather" at the groomer's literally ripped the hair out of her ears, everything else with Caroline was fine and we got an antibiotic ointment for her ear. Got her home safe and simply faxed the invoice to Nationwide when I got back to work same day which is always no muss no fuss and just track the progress of processing the payment. Was pleasantly surprised to be reimbursed almost the entire amount ... which was wonderful and Caroline did well and was pretty much all healed after 1-2 weeks where her ear was back to its' pink/grey hue. Thank you Nationwide for expediting this... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

J
John T

2/1/2018
This was my first year with Nationwide Pet Insurance, and have been pleased with the both the service, ease of use, and how they responded when a claim was submitted. I bought the policy for my two dogs aged 4 and 10, not knowing if it would be needed. My younger dog ingested something, and after a series of Xrays and $750 in bills I put in a claim using my cell phone and their app(it was easy, just used my camera to take a photo of the bill and put in a one line diagnosis of her issue. ~24 hours later received acknowledgement of the submitted claim, and about a week later, I received about $480 electronically in my checking account (90% of the submitted amount minus my deductible of... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Lisa Q

2/1/2018
I love having the comfort that my pet bill is covered by insurance. I never have to fret over expense at the vet office. When an emergency arises I have full access to an online vet ! Just fabulous! Thank you , I couldn’t be more pleased!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Debby

1/31/2018
The insurance was very quick in processing the claim and getting reimbursed for the charges. I am beyond happy with the experience.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Julie S

1/31/2018
Nationwide is always fare with their reimbursements. I would highly recommend them for all new pet owners (and I have to many).
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

S
Susan P

1/31/2018
I purchased insuranc for my boxer mix after losing my first boxer to cancer. Wasn’t expecting much...but I was so wrong. Unfortunately my boxer mix has cancer too. VIP pet insurance really surprised me. They paid for almost all of her surgeries. They let me know when they received my claim as well as when it was processed. They made an unfortunate situation so much better. Now I know my Lucy will get the care she needs.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Top Rated
Our Partner

Rated "Best Choice Overall" by Mashable

  • No Maximum Annual or Lifetime Payouts
  • No Enrollment or Administrative Fees
  • Most Claims are Processed in 2 Days
  • Trusted by More than 625,000 Parents
READ FULL REVIEW >
VIEW RATES

Related to Pet Insurance

Top Articles
Suggested Comparisons