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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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Anthony D

10/26/2017
Thank you for your quick response and helping with your monetary reimbursement.
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Harry G

10/26/2017
I had Nationwide Insurance sense I had Iiebe. Insurance is a real asset when you own an dog. I had used the insurance for several months. Being retired I could not afford to take good care of her. My last bill was over $1200.00 and the insurance is paying 90% of the bill. I advised everyone that loves thier animal to but Nationwide Insutance. Harry
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Mary L

10/25/2017
Nationwide has provided excellent coverage and incredibly timely claims processing--far easier to deal with than our own health insurance!
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R
Roula

10/25/2017
First, I'm giving one star because I don't have an option to rate them below that. A total waste of my money, Nationwide are charging me over 1200 a year with 0 coverage. This is my third claim and overtime they come back to me with an excuse. I cancelled the policy.
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M
Matilda J

10/25/2017
I am pleased that Nationwide has taken over my pet insurance. Spice is doing well, - she had two teeth extracted yesterday, and I have been able to give her the meds mixed in with her soft food. Artemis, my third cat, will have her turn at the vet in about two weeks, and you will be hearing from me then. All three cats have been rescued, two from a barn and one from somebody's backyard in upstate New York. I am very satisfied with the correspondence I receive from you as well as the promptness with which you respond and the courtesy you extend to me whenever I call with questions. I have told several of my friends who own pets about you, and hope that they will contact you. With... Read More
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Susan S

10/25/2017
I have been with you for nearly 17 years now. You have helped pay for several back surgeries for my now past dachshund and many tooth extractions. Madeline just turned 5 and has very bad allergies. She takes 3 pills a day and also gets a shot every two weeks. Without your insurance it would be difficult for me to pay for all of these expenses. Not only do cover a lot of her allergy meds you help pay for her well care visits. The best part is how fast I get a payment back. I rarely wait more than 2 weeks. Thank you for all you do for our fur babies.
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S
Sam O

10/25/2017
Kind & helpful representatives, and prompt claim refunds!
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Stacey B

10/25/2017
I looked into several other pet insurance companies before selecting Nationwide Pet Insurance. I have to say it's been the best decision I ever made. When interviewing other companies, I was impressed that Nationwide sold me a policy that fit my needs; they didn't try and over sell me a policy. Their customer service is great, ease for submitting claims is seamless and the turnaround time is quick.
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S
Steven L

10/25/2017
By far the best choice we could have made for our puppy. Service is speedy and accurate. The app makes claims easy to do, even from my phone! Reimbursements can be deposited to my personal account with little effort. Anyone thinking of getting a new pet should get this plan.
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K
karen

10/25/2017
carlee is doing better and the service we received when we had questions was outstanding!! keep up the good work and great customer service!
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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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