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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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Eileen B

7/5/2017
I am very happy with the way Nationwide handled my claims for Buddy especially because I didn't know what was causing Buddy's problem. He wasn't eating or drinking. I was really worried about my friend but with Nationwide by my side we were able to diagnose his issues, over the weekend, with the help of 24 hour emergency vet care and follow up with a new veterinarian Doctor. Nationwide has exceeded my expectations. All claims were handled promptly. I highly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance with their help I can now give him the best care possible
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Sid B

7/5/2017
Best pet insurance ever!! Quick responses, very reliable always there when u need them., Thank you.
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Cindy

7/4/2017
Harlee has recovered from her pneumonia. Thank you Nationwide for being there.
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HEATHER

7/4/2017
Excellent customer service. Fast turn around with my claim. Answered all my questions and I felt like they honestly cared about my Griffin.
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Katherine M

7/4/2017
Thank you for asking how my Westie Kasey is doing. The vet said he has arthritis so she prescibed rymadal for him and it really helps him to not walk like a old dog. He actually walks with a spring in his step thanks to the rymadal. Nationwide pet insurance has always been there for me and Kasey. We recently bought a new dog, Susie Q and we also covered her with Nationwide. I recommend Nationwide pet insurance to all my friends.
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Jillian E

7/4/2017
Nationwide has been one of the best things we could do for our puppy, Ellie. We have nothing but great things to say about their pet insurance. Worth every penny!
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debbie_smile1

7/4/2017
Our experience with Nationwide Pet Insurance (formerly VPI) has been great to date. We purchased the pet insurance right after our puppy was born so we could start his first year off life off with a sense of security with payments for all vaccines, neutering and microchip fees. The first year is expensive but with the pet insurance it was very doable. Our dog is only 2 and just had knee surgery as his knee cap started to pop out of the socket when we was jumping to play ball and he would yelp in pain. Having our pet insurance made that almost $2,000 surgery easier on our pocketbook. We are awaiting our payments from the claim forms but we called the insurance representatives ahead of... Read More
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Toni A

7/4/2017
Thanks for asking, Lola is about 6 years old boxer and she has been limping on her right fright side so the dr as been taking ex -rays and they are having problems trying to find out what is wrong with her. 1 She does favor has right paw 2. She does limp on her right fright side 3. She is in some kind of pain. That's to our insurance co because without them a we would of had to pay so much money out of our pockets. We have been with this insurance co since they were VIP and their customer service has just gotten better. Thank you from Lola & Bella for the wonderful care we get
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Katherine H

7/4/2017
Nationwide is great! They have always been there for both of our dogs. The staff is very courteous, helpful & very accessible when needed.
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Lisa M

7/4/2017
I am SOOOO PLEASED with Nationwide Pet Insurance! I find what they reimburse is generous and quick, and their website and claims are very user friendly and easy to navigate. Plus the fact that they check in via email is a very nice touch. I'm very happy I signed up both my babies with Nationwide. I'm a VERY HAPPY customer! Thank you, Nationwide!:)
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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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