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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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Jerry M

5/18/2017
Nationwide has been great so far! Have had my frenchie puppy now for about 4 months and Nationwide covered 90% of every vet visit thus far (after deductable). Shes been spayed, had a cherry eye surgery, and a baldder infection and we've been covered every time. Even better yet, the customer service has been awesome. I would and have been reccomending Nationwide Pet Insurance to everyone who has a dog. Thanks!
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Lisa D

5/18/2017
Nationwide has been excellent in processing our claims. We have 6 cat which are all covered by Nationwide. I have filed claims for both wellness visits and illness visits and have been very happy with not only the processing of the claims, but the coverage provided with the policy.
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Patti H

5/18/2017
Love the new phone app! So easy and fast for filing my claim... well done
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Roberta B

5/18/2017
We have had an awesome experience with Nationwide for both our 2 year old frenchie and our almost 11 year old english bulldog. Both have had health issues and Nationwide has been quick with claims as well as very informative when called with questions or concerns. We have recommended Nationwide to many people including friends and clients in the various vet hospitals/specialists we have gone to. While there are limits to how much money is paid out per diagnosis/per renewal, we have found Nationwide to be fair and honest. We consider Nationwide as our peace of mind when dealing especially with a stressful decision such as surgery or imaging
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Stacey M

5/18/2017
Claim submission is convenient and reimbursement is fast. I have not had any issues nor do I have any complaints.
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Philip. P

5/17/2017
The limited amounts per condition are just silly and in adequate
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Nbarker46

5/17/2017
Your customer service and your promptness have exceeded my expectations. This policy has been a life saver for us as we have tried desperately to save our sweet Roxie. She isn't out of the woods yet but making progress. We are hopeful they can find out what her problem is and cure her. We are most grateful for this policy. Norma Barker
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sewise2015

5/17/2017
I absolutely love your pet insurance. I have the peace of mind of being able to provide the best health care for my little girl because cost is now not an issue. As a puppy, our girl has been to the veterinarian's office quite often for different issues including two surgeries, a spay and then later to remove impacted baby teeth. The 90% coverage has proven quite beneficial. The policy covers all office visits, even those for wellness care, flea and tick medication, immunizations, and as previously stated, all the surgeries. I have yet to use the 24 hour veterinarian staff hotline but knowing it is there is very comforting. I did compare Nationwide to most, if not all, of the other... Read More
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Debbie C

5/17/2017
My family and I appreciate your concern in regard to our dog Luna. She is on the mend and nothing can slow her down. Thank you for your prompt service. Sincerely. The Lentz's
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Barbara S

5/17/2017
Having a Nationwide Pet Insurance is very affordable and convenient for my family. It really help my family with the costs of very expensive bills form the vets. I also like the explanation of benefits when I am confused. Thank you Nationwide!
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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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