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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 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
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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Kristine C

11/2/2017
Love the customer service I received from Justine and her boss Nancy. They were friendly, helpful and their responsiveness and follow-up was top notch! I also appreciate how quickly they paid my claim. Thank you Nationwide!!!
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Meredith C

11/2/2017
We love Nationwide and recommend it to all of our friends who have or are planning to get a pet. We have such peace of mind knowing that we can take care of our dog without her health being a financial decision. I could not be happier with our experience with Nationwide.
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Terri J

11/2/2017
When our English Cocker Spaniel, Winston, had cancer this summer, Nationwide Pet Insurance made life so much easier. Every claim that was submitted was covered and we were able to enjoy his last few months with us without having to argue with an insurance company. When you are losing your best friend, the last thing you need to have on your plate is dealing with insurance claims. Nationwide Pet Insurance made the experience so easy. Thank you.
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Anthony M

11/2/2017
I have had an open claim for months with your insurance team. I have gone back-and-forth with your phone representatives and my claim continues to be denied. My puppy did not have a pre-existing condition and my vet agrees… And has spent time out of her schedule talking to your claims representative to find out the rationale behind this denied claim. So if you’re asking for my opinion about Nationwide… Is overwhelmingly not positive.
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Lee B

11/2/2017
Our 4-year old Golden Retriever had a growth on his gum and Nationwide paid the claim when our vet removed it in her office. She told us she had gotten as aggressive as should could and also used a laser on the area, but that it was possible it would back. Well, 4 months later that happened and she recommended that we take him to a dental specialist, which we did. He had to have the growth removed along with a couple of teeth. Nationwide helped with both procedures and we are so grateful. Thanks so much!
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E
Elizabeth B

11/2/2017
Nationwide is the best pet insurance out there!!! My dog was diagnosed with oral melanoma in January 2017. Thanks to the surgeries and treatments he received, he is still with us, 10 months later, considered in remission and happily wagging his tail as always. The treatments his oncologist elected were costly and I don't know if I would've been able to continue with them if it wasn't for Nationwide! Together with Teddy's oncologist, they saved his life <3 THANK YOU!!!
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C
Cynthia M

11/1/2017
The claims process was super easy and within 3 weeks of my pets visit I received a check. I have heard and read many reviews from others who said that their claims were not paid, but I can assure you, that is not the case! I am just so glad that I had pet insurance because emergency's don't schedule appointments with you, they just happen and you never know when that is going to be. Thank you Nationwide! This is one of the best investments I have ever made.
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Julie H

11/1/2017
I've been insuring my dogs for almost 18 years. The customer service has always been great! Claims are paid in a timely manner. I love it that they send emails checking on my dog after she had a few claims, even though it was all routine stuff!
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J
Jackie D

11/1/2017
They were very helpful with the expensive out my dogs surgery. I was very grateful for their help.
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Skylet C

11/1/2017
So easy to submit claims and fast turn around time! So grateful to have the peace of mind that my best bud is covered!
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