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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.

How is Nationwide rated?

Breakdown

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

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
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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Gene H

11/24/2017
I wish every business operated on the scale that these people do. Excellent in every facet..love dealing with them
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Mete K

11/24/2017
I have had the best experience with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Their customer service is spectacular -- both via email and phone. The benefits that they provide for my pet are phenomenal!! I highly recommend them and their services.
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Teresa D

11/24/2017
Quick refund!! Provides the security I need for my pets healthcare.
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Bonnie R

11/24/2017
Our experience with Nationwide has been absolutely excellent. When our young Basset pup swallowed a nylabone teether, he needed surgery and aftercare that cost a bundle. 90% was reimbursed quickly by Nationwide. Highly recommended! 👍🏼
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Coral E

11/24/2017
Nationwide has covered all of our dogs’s cancer treatment and other minor health issues. Going through a traumatic event like cancer is hard enough and we are grateful for natipnwide support do we don’t also have to stress about vet bills. Their customer service is awesome and they are so responsive.
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Dee M

11/24/2017
Our Toby is doing better and we appreciate the way you care for our boy. I recommend Nationwide Pet Ins. to all my friends and family that also have fur-babies. Top quality services, super easy website to manage my account. Thank you once again for being Toby's insurance provider. Dee and Toby Tyler
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Vanessa F

11/24/2017
Helped us focus on getting our dog back to healthy and not have the financial burden or stress that it could have entailed! Thank you nationwide!!
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Bradley P

11/24/2017
So sad. I pay premiums for ten years for 3 dogs and finally need the insurance, and low and behold, nothing is covered! With a tumor in her leg, they won't pay for pain relief, or steroids to limit the growth. But they will pay $750 to remove her whole leg, which costs 7 thousand and five hundred dollars! Something neither the vet nor I want to do. But seriously, if i pay ten times the reimbursement amount, they'll pay me $750. I just need to fork over $6,750. But they won't pay for pain killer so she can live out her natural life. How disappointing. If this were Japan the CEO would take ultimate responsibility for the public shame and humiliation for stealing money from defenseless little... Read More
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CarolAnn E

11/24/2017
Thankful for the financial help that comes with this insurance. We try to provide nothing but the best for the health of our much loved pets. Sometimes an illness or accident comes up and puts a financial burden on the family. Nationwide is there to help !
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Celia M

11/24/2017
My dog Oliver has been insured with Nationwide for about 6 or 7 months and I'm so glad that I signed him up. I have the most comprehensive plan, which I highly recommend. They pay almost the entire cost of every vet visit. Oliver is healthy (he's 4 years old), but he's had some odd-ball issues lately - he got bit on the paw by a neighbor's dog, and he developed a hot spot. Nationwise covered all of that plus his regular check-ups and innoculations. This is a huge stress reliever. Rather than get hit with a terrible bill that throws my budget off, I contribute every month and have peace of mind. Nationwide sends reimbursement promptly and has a good website. Its easy to understand... Read More
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