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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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Rene

1/29/2020
I have been a Nationwide Pet insurance customer since 2016 (4 years). I initially chose Nationwide based on the price overall including the deducible amount, the coverage and the % of reimbursement I would get back during a claim. This seemed to be the most affordable for me while the coverage was better than the competitors. After 4 years I cannot say enough about how much Nationwide has been their for me and my dog. Every time I file a claim it is completed within a week or two even though I believe they ask for 30 day turn around time (which is still reasonable to me). I file claims for pretty much everything including prescription dog food, prescription treats, shots, flea... Read More
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Elizabeth

1/29/2020
I have had such a positive experience with Nationwide Pet Insurance. I initially selected them because they were the only company that insured "exotic" pets (i.e., anything that's not a cat or dog), and I had a hamster. The coverage was affordable, and when she required expensive end-of-life care, I was reimbursed quickly. I now have two cats, both of whom developed feline asthma. Their medicine is over $200 per month, plus annual x-rays and other lung functioning tests. I have never had a problem with getting reimbursed for either cat. Even when my one cat had to go to intensive care to the tune of $5000, I received 90% back (after the annual deductible). Nationwide has even recently made... Read More
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Sheila B

1/28/2020
We highly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance! Our English Retriever was diagnosed with kidney stones at the age of 4. This was an extremely difficult time for us as Lucy is a member of our family. Decisions of life and death had to be made within 48 hours of the diagnosis. Nationwide On-Call Vet support was helpful to understand and clarify the options outlined by the hospital Vets. The treatment plan was extremely expensive and Nationwide stood behind us 100%. We submitted the claims on-line and Nationwide paid in a timely manner. When additional documentation was required it was noted in the on-line portal. I'm happy to report Lucy is still with us and doing great! It's... Read More
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Paulette A

1/27/2020
I purchased this insurance for both of my pets - one who is now a "granny" (11 years of age) and one who is a toddler (3 years old). Nationwide has been incredibly quick and responsive in filing claims. We have a wonderful pet sitter, and while my family and I were on vacation, the "toddler" got a hold of (and opened) prescription medication which required an emergency vet visit. She was immediately seen and cared for. The claim and reimbursement happened quickly and allowed us to stay focus on how cute she is!
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C
Chad

1/24/2020
Nationwide is amazing and was a life savor when our dog had an emergency and needed treatment. When the claims were submitted they paid exactly what we had signed up for. The payment was quick and easy.
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bwa314

1/24/2020
I started out with the additional wellness coverage last year and they covered everything as long as I had a receipt and we didn't have any existing medical issues. My dog started having aggression issues, so for one claim I needed documentation from the vet and the dog trainer, but it was still an easy reimbursement process once I had the needed documentation. I only had one claim where I didn't get all the money requested (it was a bigger claim over 1K and it was only $100 or so that I didn't get back) and it was my fault as it wasn't covered in the plan. However, I called with questions that that were all answered in a professional, caring manner so I knew what happened. I had also... Read More
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Jodi R

1/20/2020
Having tried 5 different pet insurances, I now stick with Nationwide because I trust that they will honor claims and pay them quickly, plus the coverage is the best I have found.
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Kimm S

1/19/2020
I was disappointed to see how many wrote poor reviews----I totally disagree with them!!! I have been with Nationwide (formerly VPI) for over 20 years. At one point, I had coverage for 5 dogs. It was my choice to cover all 5 and I purchased all the coverage I could to protect and care for them. As we all know, owning an animal is an expense and one should never put a price tag on them. If your going to purchase insurance, you have to realize that reimbursement for all insurance (even for humans) is based on reasonable and customary charges. Your veterinarian is your provider but they are also trying to make a living too just like the rest of us. Going to the vet these days is not... Read More
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Leea

1/16/2020
I highly recommend Nationwide to everyone. I've had Nationwide since it was VPI and have two dogs insured. In that time, my now-senior dog has had pancreatitis, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, arthritis, along with numerous other injuries and illnesses. Nationwide covered approximately 75% of ALL the costs associated with the cancer treatment - including surgery and chemotherapy. The customer service reps that I spoke with when figuring out how to submit the claims for this (my vet at the time didn't figure it out until the 3rd visit) were all extremely supportive, caring, and helpful. They took the time to ask me how my dog was doing and about her in general. It made a horrible situation... Read More
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J
Jill L

1/11/2020
I think they are a very fair insurance company and they cover a great deal of procedures, treatments, medications, etc. I am fortunate to have this insurance offered through my employer and have been with them for about 3 years now. The few times I've called Customer Service I was treated with compassion, courtesy, and respect. They always asked about my dogs like they genuinely cared. Their reimbursement is timely. I have been extremely happy with Nationwide and highly recommend them for family and friends.
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Top Rated
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options

 

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