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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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A
Amor

5/8/2017
Just happy Kisses is taken cared of so well with Nationwide!
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S
Sabrina M

5/8/2017
I will never own an animal without Nationwide Pet Insurance. You have come through for me when I really needed it the most. My poor Princess Fiona has really had a rough life so far and with all the stress of her health, I'm thankful to have peace of mind when it comes to the insurance coverage. Our fur babies are our babies and need medical attention just like any child. That medical attention is not cheap either! Thank you Nationwide for being by my side. Thank you for checking in on Princess Fiona since you could see that she has not been well. This is very much appreciated! Sincerely, Sabrina Bleakley & Princess Fiona
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Angelina B

5/8/2017
Dr. Staubach is the best. I would not trust my Teddy with any one else
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H
holly

5/8/2017
I can honestly state that Nationwide Pet Insurance is the "real" deal. As a pet owner, I know that I am able to provide the best life for my pet due to them. No need to get anxiety or stressed over how much the care costs because Nationwide handles that for us. We have had a tough first part of the year with 2 pups going thru illness and major surgery but now I have peace of mind because they are healthy and striving. I do not have any cons to add at this time because we are completely, 100%, satisfied customers!
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Jennifer E

5/8/2017
Sadie is feeling much better, and the vet visits were much less stressful knowing that I had Nationwide to help with the costs. We are very happy with the coverage!
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C
Cameron

5/8/2017
Nationwide has been very prompt in their responsiveness and feedback. With every claim that I submit, I am quickly notified of the status. They are also very prompt in their ability to send reimbursement checks after a claim is submitted. It is reassuring to know that I can bring our dog to the vet and not be burdened with costs for necessary treatment.
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I
IndyMom

5/7/2017
We purchased Nationwide's pet insurance for our new puppy in 2016. We have been so impressed with their service. Nationwide has not misrepresented anything regarding coverage for our pet. Claims have been processed promptly and, when due, reimbursements have come very quickly. I could not be more pleased. We elected a total wellness package for our big buddy and have received remarkable service from Nationwide. Even my vet has been impressed with the coverage offered.
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D
Dawn M

5/7/2017
I am grateful to know that whatever Diamond goes to the vet for......she is insured and I have no worries about her care!
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B
bbailine

5/7/2017
I was disappointed with the customer service portion of your company. I submitted a claim and asked for the company to contact the Doctor directly since this was for an MRI and I knew more information would be needed. Instead I received a letter 2 weeks later saying "Oops I did not include everything" I have been doing business for over 20 years and I felt tht a phone call to myself would have been better then sending a letter to alert me of information needed. This was a large bill for me to pay for.
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Eugenia M

5/7/2017
Hello all Jack is doing fine. If it was not for Nationwide Pet Insurance I don't know what I would have done I don't have that kind of money to spend and they took care of the hole bill. Thank you and Jack and COCO BEAN all so thanks you too she is so close to Jack (her dad).
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
  • Most claims are processed within 2 days
  • Flexible premium & deductible options