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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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Dr. I

5/13/2017
My goldendoodle was diagnosed with colitis at a young age which led to expensive vet bills. In addition, he was put on a prescription diet in order to prevent exacerbations. I am very impressed with how quickly Nationwide has reimbursed me for the expenses.
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joyce f

5/13/2017
I am so grateful for Nationwide Pet Insurance, my puppy got into something that made her sick. It was a relief to have the insurance to get care for her without having to worry about the cost. Nationwide takes care of the claim quickly and I get my check in the mail in a short period of time. Allowing me to pay off my credit card for the cost of the vet. thank you Nationwide for the peace of mind. Puppies!!!
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Maria M

5/13/2017
Filing a claim is so very easy. I get a quick response email keeping me up to date in the processing of any claim. The coverage I get back has been more than I even anticipated. And the turn around is very quick. Very professional and I love knowing that Loki is being taken care off. Thank you and I would recommend nationwide to anyone with a pet.
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A
Adel M

5/12/2017
I absolutely LOVE this Pet Insurance company. I have extensive experience in "people" insurance, payment, issues, etc. The employees at this company exhibit excellent customer service, all of them I have had the pleasure of speaking with. They pay claims more expediently than most "people" insurance plans. You must do your part too - send in an itemized bill AND a copy of the vets documentation of the pets visit. Easy to do! I use an internet fax service. If your pet has pre-existing health issues, don't expect visits for those to be paid until the waiting period is over. Use their Help Line!! You can talk with a vet any time, nights & weekends too. You will feel relieved to know... Read More
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M
Michael

5/12/2017
Incredible service and coverage! We couldn't have asked for more!
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Dawn B

5/12/2017
Simon is doing better. Along with his medicines he is on many supplements which seem to help with inflammation. That and exercise helps along with the homemade dog food I make for him to keep his kidneys going. I have had Simon on pet insurance since i first got him at 3 months old and he is now 13 years and 4 months old and still on insurance. It gives me the feeling I am able to give Simon the best. Thank you for insuring my pet dog, Simon who is not really a dog; here he is family.
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D
David M

5/12/2017
Fast with the claim and refund. Thanks!
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B
Brad R

5/12/2017
Great dog Insurance that allows the ease of prefilled claim forms that can be submitted quickly and the claim paid out quickly. Its never a good thing when our pet is sick, but its nice to know that Nationwide can help us out with expenses and get our dog the care she needs. Thank you!
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Stella D

5/12/2017
They processed the claim very quickly and I love the new deposit right to your bank that's fantastic and a lot quicker Thank you for everything job well done
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E
Elissa B

5/12/2017
Nationwide Per Insurance is the best! So easy to deal with caring professionals! Love how the always check on my pet's health!!!!
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options