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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.

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
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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Hillary G

2/10/2020
I've had Nationwide for my dog for several years. I think their coverage is extensive and I never had a problem getting reimbursements from them. However, the incremental rate hikes each year were becoming too much money for me to pay out. When they make a rate hike that's almost 30 to 40% of what you were paying just because the dog is getting older - that's when I decided to jump ship. I can save that money on my own instead of pouring it into an insurer's pocket. I changed to Bivvy, instead, at $15/month. If it doesn't work out, I'll use my savings if anything happens to my dog. Also, they claim not to cover pre-existing conditions (as most insurers for pets do not) but what determines... Read More
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timothy.kafel

2/8/2020
nationwide pet insurance is one of the best companies i have had to work with. I have submitted many claims over the past few years and everything that was promised to be covered was covered. communication was great. they are fast to answer questions, and claims are paid very quickly.
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hhw0824

2/8/2020
I learned about Nationwide Pet insurance through my employer. I thought.....great....finally....someone gets it that pets need health insurance too. I called and talked to a service rep and was completely sold. $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement...…….how can you argue with that ? I treat my dog like my child and would keep her healthy whether I had this insurance or not, but it has definitely helped.
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Kris B

2/8/2020
Nationwide has quite a comprehensive policy. While they cannot cover a preexisting illness that our dog has, they cover all the other problems she comes up with. The reimbursement method is quick and easy online and the payment comes quickly. The policy is affordable and the best part is that we do not have to question whether or not a particular treatment is affordable when faced with a decision in the emergency room of an animal hospital. I recommend getting this insurance the day you adopt your dog!
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A
Amy

2/6/2020
I currently have nationwide for both dogs. I rated it a 2 star because of the difficulty i had getting both dogs under the same plan and employer discount program. My first puppy was covered thru my employer discount program and covered everything including wellness exams. When I got a second puppy 3 mos later, I signed up on nationwide’s website within my policy thinking she would be placed under the same program and plan and didn’t realize she was put under a different plan that didn’t cover wellness and wasn’t under the employer discount plan. When I finally figured it out, I called and they said I would have to fax them the vet chart notes for them to determine if they could move her... Read More
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Jerrie J

2/6/2020
Myself and my dog Chevy have been a loyal customer since 2012. I could not be more satisfied with a company like I am with Nationwide. The coverage and wellness package that I have, has been a life saver. Chevy has had 3 surgeries and wellness checks and medications are paid 100% after my deductible is paid. I would recommend Nationwide without a doubt. Thank you Jerrie Jurczyk
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jureckihunter

2/6/2020
I absolutely love our pet insurance! It has been a live-saver for us! Our bernedoodle has had multiple health problems over his life and Nationwide covers 90% after we meet our $250 deductible. We do that just walking into the vet. They review claims and reimburse you in a timely manner. I do wish they covered pre-exisiting conditions.
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Angela N

2/5/2020
I have been very satisfied with Nationwide for my dog. Paid each claim quickly and I chose them because of the dental cleaning coverage which my dog seems to need every year. Everything is covered. It is a bit expensive for me as I live on SS but so worth it.
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justaskashleigh

2/5/2020
If you have a pet, you should consider getting Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have the "Whole Pet with Wellness" Plan and it has been a lifeline. In May, my cat was acting really strange. Over the course of a day, she decided she wanted to stay in bed and not get up to eat or drink. She typically likes to lay down most of the day, but to not eat was very odd. I thought to call the vet the next day, however, the next morning she was worse, she was laying on the floor next to my bed, and she NEVER does that. Panicking I, of course, googled it. Basically said it was something to not ignore and that she needed immediate attention. I called the emergency vet and asked how soon she could be... Read More
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Kathy M

2/4/2020
I am a customer of Nationwide’s pet Insurance.I have 2 dogs and 2 cats all with major medical insurance. My animals are my world so there health means a lot to me so when there sick or injured I don’t want to think about it twice we’re I’m going because of price. I know I can take them we’re I want and they will get the best care possible .Its piece of mind . A no brainer. I use the same vets for all my animals and I know I’m giving the bast care I can afford. When there is a emergency minutes count and you don’t want to think about who you could afford and can you get there because the money you can’t do know with the pet insurance your mind is at ease and you could concentrate on your... Read More
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options