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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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Lidia R

8/23/2017
Thanks to Nationwide I'm able to take care of my 14 year old Dopey. Dopey has been a very healthy dog till now. But thanks god for Nationwide I'm able to keep providing lots of TLC till the end of his jurney. I call him my four legged son, lol. Always playful and loving to us for 14 years. Thank you!!!!!
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Wanda M

8/23/2017
I definitely like Nationwide Pet Insurance but I am also glad you posted the free vet helpline , as sometimes I need advice from a veterinary professional, before I take her to the Vet., Ruby is doing much better now. She apparently ate some sharp stones, an upset her GI tract big time. It was all my fault, I dumped the grease from the deep fryer out back of the shed on the red stones, never though she'd lick and eat them. Even though she's big , she's only two and still a big puppy.
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Dawn H

8/23/2017
To be frank - I have had the WORST experience from the moment coverage started for my dog, Nova. It all started with the fact that my dog had some issues from the breeder (giardia and ear mites to be specific as well as puppy vaginitis) and as a result of those conditions - Nova was itching to relieve some of the discomfort she was feeling. Nationwide took it upon themselves to diagnose my dog with "Allergies" even though my vet had yet to do so (and STILL has yet to diagnose her with any allergies) Then when she had some skin irritation after the effective date, it wasn't covered since it was considered an allergy. I called and spoke with customer service and no one could pin point how or... Read More
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Lindsey

8/23/2017
Best decision I've made. Has helped my baby,Rhett, and myself.
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A
Ann M

8/23/2017
We have had pet insurance through VPI which is Nationwide for the last 18 years. We are very pleased with how all of our claims have been handled. Five years ago when we lost our dog and got a new puppy I researched all the insurances and stayed with this company. The policies have gotten much better since we first purchased 18 years ago. We are amazed how the major medical has helped with all our bills the last 2 years. Our Maggie had a torn acl and had the surgery and had to be hospitalized over night and the billed was payed but a small fraction and basically because the second clinic we took her to re xrayed her leg before they would operate. Overall I tell everyone I meet that... Read More
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A
Arlene s

8/23/2017
There is never a time Nationwide fails me. It is so important that my Roxy can always get the best care. My policy is the best!!
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M. W

8/23/2017
The entire process was quick and easy. I was able to track my claim from start to finish, and my check was automatically deposited into my account within a very short time.
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J
joyce f

8/23/2017
My 14 month old puppy had a medical emergency after my vet's office hours. I had to take her to the local 24 hr emergency pet hospital. It was comforting to know I didn't have to worry about the big cost of the vet visit. The peace of mind I have from having Nationwide Pet Insurance is priceless. Premiums are affordable and they get me my refund in a short period of time. Thanks Nationwide.
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Katie M

8/23/2017
The process to submit a claim was very easy and straightforward. We received a confirmation that our claim had been received and was being processed right away. And our reimbursement was available in a very timely manner. I really like the ability to have it directly deposited into our checking account. In my opinion, the monthly cost of insurance is well worth it for the peace of mind it brings just in case you end up with a very large vet bill.
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Barry r

8/23/2017
Nationwide reimbursed us in a very short period of time It's nice to know I have your support when I need it Thank you
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Top Rated
Our Partner
  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options

 

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