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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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Traci B

10/6/2017
I have been very pleased with the simple and fast way to submit claims and receive reimbursement. I would definitely refer anyone to Nationwide with the experience we have had thus far. Thank you for making getting a puppy just a little bit easier.
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Angela D

10/5/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance is wonderful! I am so happy that I purchased this insurance. My pup's well visits and medications were all covered. My puppy had a problem with her legs that has since healed and all of the vet bills were reimbursed. The process is easy and the money was directly deposited into my bank account in less than a weeks time. I HIGHLY recommend getting this insurance. It may seem like a lot to spend on a monthly basis but the peace of mind is completely worth it!
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Tiffany O

10/5/2017
Very simple and quick reimbursements. Coverage is great and service is also.
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Helen Z

10/5/2017
Thank you for checking in on Lucy, unfortunately Lucys rear leg is not healing correctly she is still in splints on both legs. Nationwide insurance has been so helpful, since we were able to put her 1st claim in and it was paid in a timely manner we were able to make her next payments and put the next claims in. Thank you for helping us through a very traumatic time in Lucys life and ours.
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Julie S

10/5/2017
We've had insurance since February and it's proven to be very useful. We went with the Whole Pet with Wellness simply because Scarlett's wellness costs us more in a year than our deductible. While the cost was pricey (we have a 90 pound dog), it's a nice comfort knowing that if something were to happen we are covered. We've already been reimbursed about $120 just from minor trips to the vet (eye infection, incontinence issue, etc.) and wellness. They've covered everything we've put a claim in for (except probiotics per their paperwork). All it takes is an emergency over $1200 and we'd get most of our money spent on the insurance back and we all know how expensive services at the vet are.... Read More
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Craig

10/5/2017
Our dog is an important part of our family and when she gets sick it is such a piece of mind knowing that we excellent pet insurance to provide her with the best care. I never really thought much about pet insurance, but can say with conviction it is well worth it. To say that I am extremely sastisisfied with nationwide pet insurance is a gross understatement. The process is easy to submit claims and the payout is quick (I opted for direct deposit) A sincere thank you!
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Seth S

10/5/2017
Albert swallowed a rag playing with his "sister".. Surgery was necessary and there was no question he would get it.. 4 Days in the hospital and then we brought him home.. the Vet bill was very severe and NPI in 3 weeks turned the outlay around with a very fair reimbursement and no questions. I am extremely happy with the expedited turnaround and the very friendly CS I received.
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Ariel P

10/5/2017
I was worried at first about getting my dog pet insurance. Many people I've spoken to, including a vet friend from back east, said pet insurance are no good. They give their clients such a hard time to avoid paying any claims. Processing takes forever and many times they find a reason not to pay claims. That it simply isn't worth it. I'm very happy to say that Nationwide is not like that. Instructions are very easy to follow. Their claims are hassle free and very fast. Their customer service is very helpful, kind, understanding and accommodating. I can't say enough good things about this company. They are simply GREAT!
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Tory F

10/4/2017
A new puppy has brought many new experiences! After our last 2 dogs, one stray and one rescue, we have been surprised by the vet visits with our purebred Boxer. Although still enjoying the "puppy stages" we are so grateful that our vet recommended pet insurance! Claims have been easy to process and very timely. After ingesting a toy and new skin/allergy issues, we would have been overwhelmed by these expenses. Recommending pet insurance to all our friends.
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Linda M

10/4/2017
The services you provide is superior and I glad I sort your organization out to meet my pet needs. The reimbursement program is one of the best I've had the opportunity to experience.
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