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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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Jessica K

10/25/2017
My claim was processed fairly quickly and I got the money fast with the new electronic payment option. I was always hesitant to try it and always asked for a check to be mailed before, but it was really easy to set up and get my claim reimbursement.
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Nancy J

10/25/2017
Nationwide is truly on you and your pet’s side. I never worry about taking my puppy to the Vet! Claims are acknowledged and paid very promptly. Thanks so much
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Mariah M

10/25/2017
I have an older pet with a lot of health issues- I appreciate Nationwide being there for us. I can focus on helping my sweet dog recover from her procedures instead of stressing over the finances. Thank you Nationwide! You’re awesome!
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Pamela B

10/25/2017
Processing of this claim went smoothly. Samson has been diagnosed properly and will now be on the medication that he needs to live a longer, healthier life. He is so much better and is back to chasing the other two younger cats around the house, asserting his domain. So happy we have this insurance to keep them all healthy!
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David S

10/25/2017
When we first considered insurance for our pet, the options were overwhelming. Then we were told about Nationwide and NPI. I was on the phone with a representative for quite awhile as we had a lot of questions and concerns about taking this next step to make sure we were doing everything we could, both financially and for the health of our dog. All of our worries were put to rest once we signed up and started to receive all the emails supporting us and our pet. The claim process is so simple. Receive a receipt from the veterinarian, and scan this and the 1 page claim form to Nationwide. Within 10-14 days we have a deposit into our bank for all covered expenses. This seemed too good... Read More
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Kathy M

10/25/2017
When I considered what price range I should buy insurance for I took into consideration everything that would have to be done with the puppy. Normal care and emergency care. I'm very happy with the insurance, it's nice getting a check in the mail for almost the total amount of the bill. I bought the highest you can buy and it has certainly paid off and been well worth it. I would suggest it to anybody.
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Kyle D

10/24/2017
The worst experience I have ever experienced with any company. We insured our puppy in November 2016 right when he came home. To avoid the long story he basically had some health issues that caused a few vet visits and multiple tests. The dog was never diagnosed with a disease by his vet or the specialists that we visited. Yet Nationwide has diagnosed him with a GI disease and has refused to pay for any of the tests or treatments claiming they are all a pre-existing condition. HE IS A PUPPY everything is a pre-existing condition. Their customer service staff is rude and unhelpful. We have had our vet reach out to their team to explain the dog has never been professionally diagnosed with... Read More
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Carol P

10/24/2017
I have had insurance for our two Golden Retrievers for about 10 years now and have been very pleased. I was particularly happy about Andre's new policy but very unhappy that Bella turned 10 just a little over when her renewal was. As you can look and see, they have both been in excellent health and it would have been great for Bella to have had the same policy.
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beth k

10/24/2017
I have had my dog enrolled for over a year now and have always had exceptional service from Nationwide. The claims are easy to do and the response from Nationwide has been within a very reasonable time frame. I am grateful to have Nationwide on our side!! Pet insurance is worth every penny i spend a month. Thank you Nationwide!!
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Joyce S

10/24/2017
My claim was processed quickly and I received payments in the mail in good time for which I thank you. Unfortunately I am not able to file a claim on a Smartphone because I don't own one so if I have future claims I will still need to process them on line. Thank you for your promptness with my claim. Joyce Sulsona. Kelsie said Hi.
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