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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
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Customer Comments

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Q
Quinn B

11/28/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance has been a saving grace for us and our Chesapeake Bay Retriever Otis Bruesewitz. We started with this insurance when Otis was a puppy and could not be happier or more satisfied. Otis was in a terrible car accident when he was just over a year old, veterinarians did not think he would live through it. After being in Trauma center for 6 days and over 4 months of rehabilitation, Otis is running like a 5 year old should. The help and caring that Nationwide showed during this heartbreaking ordeal was heartfelt for us. Lots of doctor appointments and rehab. Otis also tore his ACL I year ago and again the help we received was amazing. After talking with customer service... Read More
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Terri L

11/28/2017
I have never had a problem with your service for my babydoll Onyx. Thanks for all your help and concern. Happy a very merry Christmas!
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Shirley B

11/28/2017
Fantastic service and prompt.
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A
Amy

11/28/2017
Best decision I could have made. I appreciate the help I receive from Nationwide with my rescue dog.
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Ellen M

11/28/2017
The cost of having a pet can be astronomical! Nationwide has helped offset a lot of the vet costs, leaving me worry free to concentrate on giving my puppy the best she needs. She's going to be a BIG girl so having more money in my pocket for her food always helps!
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N
neil_gould

11/28/2017
With now being able to submit claims through the new app it is easier than ever! Great service, always helpful and quick to get claims processed! I wouldn't go with anyone else!!!
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Janis W

11/28/2017
My dog Morgan is a rescued dapple dachshund that I have had for 3 years. We got her when she was 6 because her first mom died of cancer and she needed a new home. She is amazing and has befriended all dogs we have or have had. Morgan had stained teeth since we got her, but I didn't want to have her put under for teeth cleaning. Finally I found a vet I was confident in and we had it done. At the same time she had six fat deposits removed on her chest (the two largest ones were nearly in her front "arm"/leg pits). Anyway, she had no problem with the dental cleaning...all stains are gone and no damaged teeth, just sparkly white ones, and no more lumps!! Morgan came thru with... Read More
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Mary A

11/27/2017
Yogi is doing fine! It is comforting knowing that we have Nationwide Pet Insurance. It has been a lifesaver for those big vet bills!
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Nancy

11/27/2017
Kiki had her annual check up and teeth cleaned. Nationwide was very quick to reimburse me for my expenses. Very happy with my coverage and support. Thank you.
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Melanie M

11/27/2017
I've really been impressed with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Submitting a claim has been really simple and getting reimbursement for covered charges has been handled professionally and in a timely manner. I am glad that I made the decision to purchase this insurance for my animals . It has been a lifesaver.
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