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 ...
Christie C

12/12/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance made a stressful surgery more manageable by having easy claim submissions and payments. Plus everyone there is super friendly and professional!!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

E
Ellen P

12/12/2017
I found submitting wellness claims for vet testing and breeding fees for Gia to be frustrating and require numerous resubmissions when a simple phone call to me would have been more timely. I think it's very shady to tag on a 10%copay in the middle of this reimbursement process. While many other breeders recommended this insurance to me, I find your front lines claims people to be woefully ignorant about typical testing and charges for breeding. I'm still evaluating the cost/benefit ratio for this insurance. Gia is fine AND pregnant.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

C
Connie

12/12/2017
My pets insurance has changed drastically since Nationwide took over. I LOVED VPI, they were so timely in processing claims and very communicative. Once Nationwide took over, I had to be always chasing after my various claims. I also find it strange that so many basic things are not covered. For example, My dog broke a nail, which I'm sure is a very standard occurrence with policy holders. Somehow Nationwide doesn't even cover the cost of 1 bandage change/vet visit for a broken nail.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

A
Angela D

12/12/2017
I could not be happier with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Any claim that I have put through was paid promptly and it is such a piece of mind to know that my dog can get the best medical care possible and I do not have to worry about the cost. Best decision I made for my pet!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

K
Kelsee

12/12/2017
When my 1 year old pup had an unexpected trip to the ER it was heart-wrenching but it was nice to be able to focus my concern on her health and not worry so much about the large bills coming my way. Knowing Nationwide would cover 90% of the cost was such a relief during a trying time and was honestly an important factor in my decision to bring her to the ER at the first signs of trouble which may have saved her life. I signed on for the maximum insurance coverage in her first year to cover the cost of her spay but it has far more than covered that cost. Cannot thank Nationwide enough for being "by my side". The only recommendation I might have is to be a little more communicative... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Dacia

12/11/2017
Nationwide has been great for us. We grossly underestimated life with a puppy and how much they can cost. I'm so glad that we got the Whole Pet with Wellness plan. It made same otherwise tough decisions easy. We are able to care for our high maintenance puppy and give him a happy and healthy life. It's been such a relief to not have to worry about his health. We can just enjoy our new little family member. We use the Vitus Vet app to take pictures of our invoices and records and submit them straight to Nationwide. They're very quick to respond and reimburse. They make it so easy, which is great when you're dealing with the stress of your puppy's stomach surgery from his experiment... Read More
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Susan M

12/11/2017
My dog had a run in with another dog and her ear was lacerated, which required surgery. Nationwide covered all the costs, minus the deductible, of course. I loved being able to submit the bill online and to have the reimbursement deposited directly into my checking account. It could not have been easier.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

E
Emilie C

12/11/2017
The process to claim was very easy and the response was much quicker than i expected. Also it was an easy process to accept payment from my claim. Usually, insurance is a little daunting to me... but this was surprisingly easy. Only downside is I wish all costs were covered... but I know that's not a realistic ask when it comes to insurance. Thanks very much Nationwide!
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

D
Donna

12/11/2017
I tell everyone about this insurance. The vet is not telling all of his clients how much you have helped me :). THANK YOU Nationwide.
Was this comment helpful?
HelpfulNot Helpful

Tara R

12/11/2017
The turn around process on claims is fast and efficient and the explanations of benefits is very helpful. Sending a claim is also easy and efficient which allows for a better experience. Thank you for your great service.
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