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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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Phoebe F

1/4/2018
Kiri is fine. My problem is with Nelson. We adopted him 11 months ago and he was perfectly healthy, according to my vet. Shortly after, he developed allergies (dermatitis) that require ongoing care. When I submitted a claim, someone on your end decided this was a "pre-existing condition" and would not pay. It seems he is allergic to something in the house (we haven't found it yet). The lesions become infected and he requires Cytopoint injections along with antibiotic injections at least every month. I am less than happy, but will not give up on my baby.
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Gail

1/4/2018
Thank you very much for covering his shot at the Veterinary ! I appreciate It ! He’s scheduled for his Neutering this June ! Thank you very much Again !
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Yevgeniya A

1/4/2018
Nationwide is a scam insurance ever. I was offered by my new employer to switch from my pet insurance that I have been happy with for 8 years. I was hesitating, but the sales of Nationwide insurance convinced me that it would be a smooth transition and as long as my dog does not have any chronic preexisting conditions that she has been medically treated or diagnosed before I should have no issues with any of my routine visits and incidents. Well all of that was a big lie !!!! I took my senior dog to a routine care vet appointment as she was due for some vaccinations and a senior panel blood test. And then did multiple other routine care tests as it was All supposed to be covered... Read More
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P
Paula E

1/3/2018
It was so comforting to know that Nationwide petninsurance was there for us when our beloved dog needed emergency veterinary service! Thank you Nationwide!
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F
Freddy

1/3/2018
Sadie is doing great. Thank you for following up.. Nationwide is the best thing I ever signed up for concerning my fur-baby. Never batting an eye if she needs to be seen it is such a peace of mind knowing I have her covered. Filling and receiving my reimbursement is simple.. 100% Satisfied with my wellness plan on her. I can not express how comforting it is.
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C
cmgrassia

1/3/2018
It has been very easy to send invoices to Nationwide via email. Every interaction with Nationwide has been positive.
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N
negrone k

1/3/2018
ive been using them for 9 years on two of my pets dogs. I only had really 1 incident each within 6 weeks of each other. First my Rottweiler Samantha woke up could not stand or move just her eyes..Carried her to our v et he saw her said take her to hospital we did. They needed to run test her heart was racing out of control than bloodwork. I FELT I HAD INSURANCE . Well the last test pulled up lyme and medication was given but no results. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION WITH MY 50 DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE THAT 90 PCT OF MY VETINARY BILL WOULD BE COVERED. Well to my surprise its only what they allow not what your vet charges or you laid out My bill was around 2950 i was pd about 1600 . My next... Read More
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Mary P

1/3/2018
I am very happy to comment on our experience with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Our coverage is for major medical and we have had our GSD insured with you since almost his birth 6 years ago. we have experienced some small surgeries and vet visits and have always been reimbursed quickly. when he was diagnosed with a CCL tear we received an estimate of a bit more then $4,000. and truthfully held our breath to see if the surgery would be covered. The bill was submitted by the orthopedic surgeon and as always we were promptly paid no questions asked. What a relief. We were very apprehensive as I had just retired and money was a little bit short so we would have to dip into savings. Should... Read More
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M
Michelle R

1/3/2018
Thank you thank you you make it possible for us to have a healthier pet Happy NEW Year 🎆
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E
Evert D

1/3/2018
Quick response. Very easy Claim submission process. Very happy so far. Thanks for the support
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  • No enrollment or administrative fees
  • Accidents, illnesses & emergency care
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  • Flexible premium & deductible options