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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

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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.
 
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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
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Customer Comments

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C
Chad M

1/24/2018
The entire process from navigating online to the customer service to payments have been very easy and friendly. I am happy we made the decision to join Nationwide!
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John A

1/24/2018
Excellent service and fast processing of claims.
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Jonathan T

1/24/2018
Dexter is our 1st dog and when we got him we immediately started the search for health insurance. We signed up with VPI over 5 years ago and we have never regretted that decision. From the time Dexter got into a dog fight and required stitches to the time when he stepped on a hornet and went into anaphylactic shock, to the time he had pancreatitis, Nationwide stepped up to the plate and took care of the bills per our contract. They always reimbursed our contracted amount to the penny. Even when Dexter had eye surgery last year in his left eye and then had the same occurrence this year in his right eye, Nationwide took care of us. Even the meds and the neck-cone were covered. I cannot... Read More
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caroltate

1/24/2018
It is such peace of mind knowing that I have Vivienne covered with Nationwide. she is feeling much better but we have a surgical procedure scheduled for next week. I can't thank all of you enough for your help, quick payments and customer service. Sincerely, Carol Tate and of course Vivienne!
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Aviva T

1/24/2018
Love your customer service and coverage. What I don’t like is the length of time it takes to get reimbursed. Whenever I recommend you to others the response I get is that they heard that you take too long to reimburse. Unfortunate I have to agree with them.
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Stephanie

1/24/2018
After a terrible round of injury and illness, it was nice to know I had the coverage to get May the care she needed without considering the cost. As always the claims handling was prompt and fair. Happy to say, May has rebounded and is still with us today!
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Robert A

1/20/2018
We have had Nation's top policy on our two dogs for two years now and I couldn't be happier. They make it very easy to file a claim. After downloading a pre-filled form from their site, I only have to fill in the dates, type of claim, vet facility name and address and attach a copy of the bill. I then fax the claim but could mail or email it. Within about 2 weeks the money is directly deposited into my bank account. The times that I have called with questions they have always been pleasant and helpful. My medical insurance doesn't even come close to my dogs. I don't agree with Consumers Advocate's cost evaluation of Nationwide. If I credit what Nationwide pays for preventative care to the... Read More
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Daniel D

1/20/2018
Getting this insurance was one of the best decisions I've made for my pet. It's helped defray the cost of several issues, and just having it gives me peace of mind. I would spend whatever it takes to keep our guy healthy regardless, but having some of that cost covered is fantastic. The company also seems to truly care about pets as well.
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Karen L

1/19/2018
We have been members for about 5 months with our 9 month old golden-doodle puppy and have submitted a few claims from wellness, spay, and one illness claim. Each was super simple to complete on line and when l have called for help l have been met with the kindest and most helpful people. Getting reimbursement has also been smooth and hassle free.
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Laura M

1/19/2018
Not only did Nationwide pay a good portion of a very unexpected surgery that Chevy needed. They were even thoughtful and sent a note asking how Chevy was doing due to the claim that was sent in. They gave me a phone number to the vethotline if I needed. My only regret is not taking it out as soon as we got Chevy as a puppy. Sometime when a very expensive thing comes up you don't know what you'll have to do. Nationwide made it where we didn't have to worry. Chevy's doing excellent, healing well. The claim process is fast easy and hassle free!!
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