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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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Larry W

5/4/2017
For the most part I am pleased with your company. Your invoice paying response is slow.
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Sally P

5/4/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance has been a lifesaver for our Frenchie. She has food allergies that cause diarrhea and recently was diagnosed with IVDD, a paralyzing and potentally life ending condition. With Nationwide, we can give her the physical therapy she needs while young and hopefully stop the progression of this disease. I wish human insurance was as comprehensive and easy to use as the Nationwide pet insurance!!!
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Natasha

5/4/2017
They have always paid claims in a timely manner. I have been reimbursed for everything I expected to be. There have been no surprises. What they tell you they will cover they actually do.
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Natasha

5/4/2017
They have always paid claims in a timely manner. I have been reimbursed for everything I expected to be. There have been no surprises. What they tell you they will cover they actual do.
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D
Debra C

5/4/2017
I researched many companies before I chose Nationwide. They have many plan options so you get the coverage you want. I submit my claims online, user friendy. Claims are paid promptly. I'm glad I chose Nationwide for Fae's insurance.
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J
Jackie

5/4/2017
I seriously don't know what I would do with out Nationwide. The Whole Pet with Wellness Plan has been a Godsend for my Clementine. You guys have been there to cover everything from preventative care, to her unexpected emergencies. Even her routine visits are covered. I did my research before choosing Nationwide for my pet, and I'm so glad that I went with you guys. Your coverage is the best out there and no other insurance competes. Thank you Nationwide for always being there for my Pet.
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Clay P

5/4/2017
Nationwide is the best insurance company I've ever had. My dogs quality of life is so much better because I can have them treated when needed, knowing I won't have to fight to get claims addressed. Can't recommend them any more highly, they are great!
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L
Lisa

5/4/2017
I am extremely pleased with Nationwide! The representatives are very courteous and helpful. The turnaround time for paperwork and payments is excellent. I highly recommend Nationwide and will definitely will be renewing the policy in September 2017. Thank you!! Lisa Russo and Chunk!
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L
Lisa

5/4/2017
I am extremely pleased with Nationwide! The representatives are very courteous and helpful. The turnaround time for paperwork and payments is excellent. I highly9 recommend Nationwide and will definitely will be renewing the policy in September 2017. Thank you!! Lisa Russo and Chunk!
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A
Alex

5/4/2017
Payment of claim takes for ever and I am concerned my checks got stolen. The answer from the agent is that we have to wait 30 days to see if the check arrives. If the check was cashed out, I have to deal with the authorities! why cant day just cancel the checks or check if they were cashed out already or have been delivered?!? you should be able to at least share a tracking number! This is a lot of money and a terrible service! or find other payment methods to reimburse! you have my credit card in your account, and I paid really quick - you didnt have to wait 30 days as I have to wait!
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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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