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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
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Customer Comments

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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, as well as the Ron's. 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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Stephanie D

5/4/2017
I am blown away by the support I have received from Nationwide. I recently got a puppy and was advised to get pet insurance. At first I thought, what for, he's brand new, what can go wrong? I'm glad I didn't listen to myself. My puppy ended up needing a whole bundle of vet visits for everything from giardia to kennel cough and Nationwide was so easy to work with. I never had any issues submitting a claim and had no trouble at all getting a customer care agent on the line when I had questions. I truly don't know where I'd be without the backup I've received from Nationwide as I had not anticipated all these surprise costs my puppy would incur. I cannot say enough great things about... Read More
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Michelle

5/3/2017
Knowing that I can get him the care that is needed is huge when it is necessary. Although I have to pay upfront and be reimbursed its good to know that between Nationwide and Carecredit my boys are taken care of when needed.
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Rochelle T

5/3/2017
So far our experience has been amazing! Our claims are answered immediately. I highly recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance.
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Sue D

5/3/2017
The first issue I had with my dog resulted in anesthesia and tooth extraction. Payment from a Nationwide was very prompt! There was no delay of any kind!
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Samantha C

5/3/2017
Great company! I've never had a bad experience dealing with Nationwide Pet Insurance! I've made several claims in the past three years for both of my fur babies and I've never had any issues with reimbursements. I have and will continue to recommend Nationwide Pet Insurance to anyone needing insurance for their four legged friends!
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B
Beverley

5/3/2017
My Boxer Miley was injured and had cruciate repair surgery in her hind leg. I have to say Nationwide Pet Insurance was fantastic. Quick to reimburse and so kind and helpful when I called for information. I have had other pets insured with a different popular company and I can honestly tell you Nationwide is the best. Most importantly, they tell you upfront when you first purchase insurance, preexisting conditions that may not be covered. The other company won't tell you until after the procedure. Nationwide is a 5 star company! If you love your pet and want peace of mind, to know you can always care for their health needs, get them Nationwide health insurance.
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Pilar B

5/3/2017
I love the fact that Nationwide covers everything, but am not a fan of the fact that they are quick to take the monthly payments out of my account and are slow to process my dog's claim and reimburse me.
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Henley K

5/3/2017
I have trusted Nationwide with our ranch, Ranch vehicles for 35 years and now, trust them with my dog! Nationwide has always come through without any trouble at all. they are honest and very quick to respond to any questions I may have and any claims that had to be covered. Thank you Nationwide for all of your help and assurance of great coverage over all these years!
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B
Branda

5/3/2017
I have had this insurance on my dogs and cats for over 29 years and I have never been disappointed once I was so amazed when I got back 100% of the money for his tooth extraction almost $600 that pays for multiple months of Premium I tell all my clients if you can't afford insurance on your pet you can't afford your pet the insurance will never be something you are bummed that you have it's not a matter of if you will use it it is a matter of when I have been a loyal customer for over 28 years to this company and I will be for the rest of my life thank you for being there for me when I need you and my pets as they are so important to us I never want to have to make a decision based on... Read More
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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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