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Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

2,370 Customer Comments & Reviews - see all comments
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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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T
Trish

4/18/2017
So we've been with Nationwide for just @ one year now....... and overall, we are very pleased. I feel confident that Nationwide is fair, organized and communicative.... thank you.... If i could make one request, it would be to have claims available to do digitally vs mailing the claim form and receipt (unless it is, and i can't figure out how).... Overall, Thank you very much.... Trish, Chris & Quila
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S
SandyK

4/18/2017
My claims are reviewed promptly and I am notified of their status quickly. The website is very helpful in showing claims info and their status. Seems to me the customer service has gotten better since it was rebranded Nationwide Pet Insurance. It's a great relief to have this insurance. Thank you.
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L
leaglea

4/15/2017
I am very pleased with the service I get from nationwide. Coverage is great and claims processing is done in a timely fashion. I will recommend (and have already) this company to my friends.
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L
lmarques4

4/15/2017
People tell me i am paying to much insurance for 2 dogs , that i have to pay then get the money from the insurance, thats not good or, any help to them, But to me i do see their point in away but you do get almost all your money back after you send in the claim doctors do not want to wait. My dog was just so sick cost me,alot i had to come up with the money to take her to the doctor, but i send in the claim i got 90% almost all my money back and fast now i put that aside if there should be a next time so it does help alot and i will continue and recomended it to anybody that has pets it helps, Linda
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Xiya T

4/14/2017
I am using Nationwide Pet Insurance for my dog. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Here below are the summary of my review for this insurance. I am now thinking about switching to another insurance company. 1. Incompetent staff handling claim review, which of causing claims rejection. I will have to call them to explain that is a waste of my time. 2. Slow claim review. 3. Bad customer service.
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Sheeja K

4/14/2017
I'm new with this insurance and this is the best insurance ever. I already recommended to 3 of my friends. They are also happy with this. The staffs are very nice and helpful. Thanks to nationwide insurance. Love you guys.
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Kim W

4/14/2017
Nationwide Pet Insurance has given me the sense of security in knowing that my pet's medical expenses will always be covered. The staff is always easy to reach and responsive to any concerns. There is very little hassle in submitting claims and payment is sent quickly. I am extremely happy with this insurance.
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T
Tess D

4/14/2017
We had Nationwide now for a year and we will continue to insure our baby Wookie. Nationwide is simply the BEST!
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G
Gaylen M

4/14/2017
Love working with Nationwide. All claims are explained & expedited quickly & efficiently. We are always secure with knowing if our pets need treatment or just a check up, that Nationwide is always there to take away some of the worry. If you are looking for pet insurance, be confident this one will be there when you most or least need them. Customer service like this is hard to find these days. Our dogs, Jethro, Stella & Bearegaurd all thank you. Beauregard the 4 year old bloodhound, going strong with Nationwide on his side. Thanks again
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J
Jill W

4/14/2017
I have been very pleased with Nationwide Pet Insurance since I decided to sign up Chloe in September. It's so easy to fill out and fax the claims and I like that I can check on the progress of the claim online. My recent claim was for flea and tick meds and it was reviewed and paid very efficiently. Chloe is a very happy, healthy Sheltie but it gives me peace of mind to know that we have coverage not only for wellness but if she becomes sick,
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