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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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L
Lucille

10/18/2017
I am happy with NPI. I am glad my BB is protected.
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Sheryl M

10/18/2017
I'll be the first to confess that I thought insurance for pet was gimmicky. But I decided that I would give it a try and I'm a believer. Whether it is an annual wellness visit (including coverage for monthly flea/tick and heartworm meds) or an unanticipated illness, PetInsurance has been fantastic!
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Andrea P

10/18/2017
After having a policy issued to me and I started paying the monthly fee I then submitted my first bill. Which took over two months to pay out along with issuing me two restrictions. Why would anyone issue a policy without undergoing underwriting? Underwriting should have been done before you took my money and now my policy is pretty much limited to accidents not what my dog suffers from. I wish I never signed up with you
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G
GWach

10/18/2017
As we figure out our dogs tummy problems and having to take him to the vet for followups, it's good to know that Nationwide is truly on our side. You're timely with reimbursements. We want to ensure our pup is healthy so this added peace of mind is very helpful for the whole family. Thank you.
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Wendy

10/18/2017
We have been very pleased with Nationwide Pet Insurance. Claims are handled quickly and efficiently. Thank you
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Carolyn S

10/18/2017
We recently submitted a claim for our nine month old Lab, Mila; she was spayed, microchipped, and added to that were some wellness charges for flea and tick and heartworm meds. Our experience could not have been better. The personalized, printable claim form available online makes submitting charges a breeze, and we were notified as soon as the documentation was received and the claim was being processed. Received approval, explanation, and payment in very good time. We are impressed, and glad we made the decision to opt for this coverage with Nationwide.
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Debra L

10/18/2017
Witty is doing fine now with his allergy problem. With the apoquel and now the injection he has finally improved . He also bathes with allergy shampoo. Having this insurance sure helps me provide for his condition. I thank you much.
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M
Maria

10/17/2017
Penny has been insured with Nationwide for 3 years and we have been very happy. I highly recommend Nationwide Insurance to anyone that has a pet because in the long run we have saved a lot of money with Penny’s medical bills. So far, Nationwide Insurance has been very prompt in reviewing Penny’s medical records and submitting a reimbursement check to us. I love that I can login and view when Nationwide is reviewing her records and when they have submitted a reimbursement check. Thank you Nationwide for being prompt and efficient.
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Barbara T

10/17/2017
Two years ago I found myself standing at an emergency veterinary clinic with my dog knee surgery. They were not even look at her until I gave a $2000 deposit. They estimated the bill to be between five and $6000. I was lucky, between family members we managed to scrape the $2000 deposit together, but it was too late my beautiful Lilah passed away. It was financially devastating for me. It is difficult to deal with the loss of a love pet and the financial loss too. I got Juil, I knew I did not ever want to be in that situation again! I started researching pet insurance. After much comparison and review , I chose Nationwide wellness plan. When she was about one year old, she... Read More
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Candice H

10/17/2017
I have had Pet Insurance for over 12 years and they always do an outstanding job with my claims! It is easier than ever to submit via email and now with the direct deposit options payment is easy and convenient. Thank you for helping take such good care of my "babies"!
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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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