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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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Patricia M

10/9/2017
I am very thankful I have nationwide pet insurance. I have three dogs and aside of the annual check ups, my daughters puppy ,Pumpkin has had some serious issues. In September she was very sick and when I brought her to the vet, they found she had a foreign object in her intestine and part of her stomach. She had ultrasound and surgery and overnight stay. The bill was almost four thousand dollars. I had no issue with saying okay to the surgery because I knew I would be reimbursed for most of the bill by Nationwide. It is so easy to submit a claim and the vet bill, and the response is great. I have never had an issue with this insurance, and I tell all my friends to get it. I have it... Read More
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Gary A

10/9/2017
Nationwide is the best insurance around for your believed pet.. they have never questioned any charges and has been there for my Angle. Would highly recommend this insurance to an pet owner..thank you Nationwide for always being here for us.
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Denise S

10/9/2017
I am so grateful for Nationwide in not only providing THE BEST health coverage for my Pet Luna, but also for the phenomenal customer service, the prompt payment of claims, etc., At Nationwide, they make the claim process so easy. They keep you informed via email/text notifications regarding the status of your claims; from receiving your claim through to payment of you claim. I can honestly not say enough great things about Nationwide Pet Insurance. I would highly recommend them for your pet coverage needs. Customer service agents are easy to reach, knowledgeable, compassionate and super friendly. Thank God for Nationwide, as I would not have been able to afford care for my "Luna"... Read More
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Melanie G

10/9/2017
My dog Banner started to limp shortly after signing up for a policy. After a vet and a specialist he was diagnosed with a cruciate ligament tear (ACL tear). Nationwide reimbursed over $5000 worth of surgery and rehabilitation bills. So grateful we have this policy!
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Art

10/9/2017
Fast payment through auto deposit. Glad we have Nationwide Pet.
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Lois

10/9/2017
Service is unbeatable and I recommend Nationwide to all my dog owner friends. Thanks
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Rick K

10/9/2017
I don't normally leave review but I am compelled to write one for Nationwide Pet Insurance. I am utterly thrilled with Nationwide. I carefully researched all the pet insurance companies and while they all had some good points, I don't see how you can beat unlimited 90% reimbursement for all medical, accident and wellness claims at a very affordable premium. The sales rep was so helpful. The customer service reps answer quickly and have all the answers. The Vitus Vet app for submitting claims is SO quick and easy. The claims are paid in just a few days. I love Nationwide Pet Insurance and would wholeheartedly recommend it to all pet owners. Nationwide is on your side whether you... Read More
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Minna F

10/9/2017
Insurance on my furry kids has saved me THOUSANDS!!! And made it possible to treat instead of euthanize. It just makes $ & cents to me! HAPPY PET MOM
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Robert C

10/6/2017
It is a pleasure to work with a company like Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have nothing but praise for the quality of support and the excellent quality of professional work from your staff. Keep up the good work.
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Steven S

10/6/2017
Taking our pet to the vet as soon as we got her, without thinking about how the vet’s notes would be interpreted has given Nationwide the opportunity to classify almost every issue as “pre-existing”. Even a rash is considered “pre-existing”. BE CAREFUL AND THINK AHEAD if you intend to go with Nationwide.
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