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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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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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Xi X

11/14/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance has been very helpful for my dog's health. I started became a dog parent since less than one year, my puppy needs a lot of vet visits like getting the vaccines, body exam, etc. The insurance package I selected for my puppy covers 90% of the vet bill after the init deductible, which is very helpful for me so that I won't hesitate to consult the vets if anything wrong comes up to my puppy. I'll continue to use Nationwide Pet Insurance for my dog.
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D

11/14/2017
Nationwide has given us excellent customer service. Claims are reviewed and paid in a timely manner. I could not ask for anything more. This policy costs a tad bit more than some other companies out there but it goes with the saying...you get what you pay for. Thank you for your fairness and speedy response in handling the claims for both of our dogs. You have taken the worry off of our shoulders in knowing WE do not have to put a price tag on the heads of our 4 legged family members. Thank you again.
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J
JC

11/14/2017
truthfully, it seems as if you guys deny claim without looking at it. it was denied for pre existing. when the last time something was submitted was TWO years ago. Then, i have to contest it and that took you guys over 45 days and three calls later to resolve. i was much happier when it was VPI.
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L
Larry P

11/14/2017
Once the claim was filed by my vet, the payment was prompt and fair. It's nice to know that, as my pets get older with increasing needs, Nationwide is behind me. Thank you.
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Lisa K

11/14/2017
So far so good!! I am extremely impressed with Nationwide pet insurance! My puppy is almost 5 months old and we've had our share of pet visits, from bee sting reactions, issues with possible vaccine reactions twice, regular checkups and regular vaccinations. I just have my vet fax my vet bills to Nationwide and within a week to a few weeks I had 90% of my vet bills paid after meeting my deductible of $250. It was just as promised! This is my first time having pet insurance and I wouldn't have it any other way! Thank you Nationwide, you are on my side!
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Carole R

11/14/2017
Coverage is extremely helpful. Jemma is doing fine.
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Meagan E

11/14/2017
very efficient and quick review! Also love that my reimbursement is sent electronically, so far best experience I have had with pet insurance.
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S
Samantha C

11/14/2017
The level of service from Nationwide Pet Insurance has more than exceeding my expectations. It used to be worrisome as my pets are aging at just what may come our way in regards to vet bills, however with Nationwide Pet Insurance I feel at ease. Each claim is handled quickly and if there are any discrepancies they are addressed immediately. Thank you so very much for the terrific service!
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R
Roni

11/14/2017
Nationwide services and claim process has been a been terrific for me. I no longer worry about what medical services I can afford, this allows me to give my pup the best of care after all who wants to worry about finances when it comes to our valued family members. It makes taking her to the vet a calm & relaxing trip. Thank you, Nationwide Pet Insurance.
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Patti K

11/13/2017
All I can say if THANK YOU Nationwide for this awesome insurance plan and how well you execute claims etc
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