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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
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Customer Comments

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K
katherinebranchball

10/4/2017
I am extremely grateful to Nationwide for the excellent, prompt, and cheerful assistance with my dog's health needs. He's healthy overall, but this year alone has experienced CCL surgery, three ear infections, an eye problem, and a regular physical. The expenses have been significant and unexpected, but Nationwide has gone well above and beyond expectations to make sure my sweet Fletch has been covered and cared for. Thanks, Nationwide! We're grateful for all you do!
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Joni C

10/4/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance has been an accessible and steadfast partner in helping me afford my senior dog Bart the increasing veterinary attention and intervention he has needed this past year. His 2 lengthy episodes include treatment for an ACL injury and a staf infection. The process for seeking reimbursement for appointments and medications for illness and to maintain wellness is easy and compensations come quickly. I could not be happier with my choice of Nationwide Pet Insurance. Thank you from Me and my best friend.
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Kristina H

10/4/2017
We got Nationwide Pet Insurance for our lab pup because of the way they have their policies set up. Since then, we found out she has to have both of her knees fixed. Nationwide has been wonderful working with us. I highly recommend them!!
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Gary H

10/4/2017
Nationwide was very prompt in processessing Thor's insurance claim regarding his recent annual exam. Thor received a clean bill of health from his Vet. He and I thank you for your insurance coverage.
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Sammie D

10/3/2017
Nationwide is one if the worst companies i have ever dealt with in my life! Pre-existing conditions caused by a MANAGER who gave me false information and canelled my account and when i upgraded i had preexisting conditions even though I UPGRADED WITH THE SAME COMPANY then every time I try to speak with a manager because NOTHING gets paid for they say they will call me back and no one ever calls. I would NEVER recommend nationwide to anyone and if they didn't COMPLETELY SCREW ME WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS I COULDN'T LEAVE THE COMPANY FASTER. Nationwide is SO AWFUL.
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Tia N

10/3/2017
I am very happy with my insurance. My old dog had a procedure to one of his eyes and this insurance covered everything! Their page is very neat, all the policies are clear, clear reimbursement, statements, no guess work! Their customer service is great! I received my money in 10 days tops always. Now they have this new way to refund money and you get it faster.
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Pat D

10/3/2017
I am so happy to have this insurance on my puppy. Nationwide has been quick to process our claims. I have peace of mind that she gets the best care from the vet in case of an emergency I would recommend it to anyone considering a puppy.
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C
Carey H

10/3/2017
There was a mistake made on my claim, but when I called, it was resolved quickly and I received a check in just a few days. I always appreciate great customer service!
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Rebecca K

10/3/2017
Working with everyone at Nationwide Pet Insurance has been a great experience. It gives piece of mind knowing that my dog is covered!
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Karen K

10/3/2017
Thank you Nationwide for the help with the Vet bills for my dog, Hallie and her Shoulder issues. I received all payments quickly and directly into my checking account which was great.
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