How does Nationwide pet insurance work?
If a Nationwide policy suits you best, sign up, create an account and manage your plan from there. You’ll need the waiting periods to elapse before you make a claim, but then, if your pet needs eligible veterinary treatment, you can claim the cost back minus any co-pay or deductible.
The benefits of Nationwide pet insurance
Nationwide offers multiple benefits, including a 24/7 vet helpline and a 5% multi-pet discount and an additional discount for existing Nationwide members. Its Pet Rx Express gives members preferred pricing on prescriptions at Walmart and Sam’s Club – and the claim can be processed at the pharmacy counter. But perhaps the main advantage is the wide range of plans to choose from, ensuring that customers can get one that fits their needs.
Nationwide plans explained
The Whole Pet with Wellness plan includes cover for accidents and injuries, as well as routine veterinary care that’s usually part of a separate wellness plan. There’s also the Major Medical Plan that provides coverage for illnesses and injuries. Additionally, customers can choose to add either the Pet Wellness Basic or Plus plans which include cover for things like vaccinations, grooming and check-ups.
What does Nationwide pet insurance cover?
Pet insurance, in general, can help cover the vast majority veterinary costs. Here’s what’s covered by Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan: Whole Pet with Wellness.
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- Accidents
- Injuries
- Illness
- Infections
- Cancer
- Surgery
- Scans (MRIs, X-rays, etc)
- Vet exam fees
- Congenital conditions
- Emergency care
- Holistic therapies
- Chronic illnesses
- Behavioral issues
- Prescription medications
- Microchip implantation
- Wellness checks
- Routine treatment (vaccines, flea treatment, etc)
Nationwide coverage vs. other insurers
How does Nationwide stack up against America’s other providers? Have a look in our handy table!
Scroll to compare
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|
| Annual coverage options | $10,000 | $5000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, Unlimited | $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 | $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Unlimited | $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 | $10,000, $20,000, Unlimited | $20,000 | $2,000, $5,000, $10,000 |
|---|
| Deductible options | $250 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750 | $200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000 | $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | $100, $250, $500 | $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000 | $0-$1,000 | $300, $500, $700 | $100, $250, $500 | $250, $500, $1,000 | $50, $100, $250, $500 |
|---|
| Reimbursement options | 50%, 70% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70, 80, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 90% | 70%, 80%, 90% | 90% | 90%, 100% | 70%, 80%, 90% |
|---|
| When does coverage start? | 14 days | 2-14 days | 2 days accidents / 14 days illnesses | 15 days | 2-14 days | 1-14 days | 15 days | 3-14 days | 15 days | 15 days | 5-30 days | 15 days | 14 days | 15 days | 1-14 days |
|---|
| Maximum age at sign up | 20 years | 14 years | 14 years for illness (no max for accident) | 14 years | 14 years for illness, no max for accident | No maximum | 13 years | No maximum | 18 years | No maximum | 14 years | No maximum | No maximum | 16 years | No maximum |
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| Are vet exam fees included at no extra cost? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental accidents covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Are dental illnesses covered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a wellness plan offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a virtual vet/telehealth service? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| End of life coverage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a multi-pet discount offered? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there a charge for paying monthly? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Is there an app to make claims? | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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*Coverage is based on choosing unlimited coverage, 250 deductible and 90% reimbursement
Is Nationwide pet insurance good value for money?
Nationwide may appear as a slightly more expensive option; however, it does have wellness benefits included in its flagship plan and cheaper options are available. On the whole, customers seem to indicate that they are happy with the amount they pay for the service they receive.
| 4-month-old Mixed Breed Medium | 2-year-old Golden Retriever | 6-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat |
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| Los Angeles | New York | Florida |
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| | | |
| Pumpkin | $65.54/month | $87.30/month | $30.39/month |
| MetLife | $36.22/month | $55.18/month | $19.85/month |
| Paw Protect | $32.79/month | $66.76/month | $29.13/month |
How good is Nationwide’s customer service?
Many of our reviewers have stated that Nationwide’s customer service is incredibly friendly and helpful. Support is available via phone from 5am-7pm on weekdays and 7am-3.30pm on Saturdays.
How do I contact Nationwide?
There’s a phone number for new and existing customers and email address. Its Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts can all be messaged directly.
What is Nationwide’s claims process?
There are two ways to submit your pet insurance claims. The easier option is to go directly into the website, log in to your Nationwide Pet Account Access page, take a photo of your invoice and submit it. Alternatively, you can download the claims form from the website and fill it out manually. It then needs to be submitted via email, fax or mail.
How much will Nationwide pay for my claim?
This is dependent on what plan you choose. If you select the Whole Pet with Wellness plan, then you can select either a 50%, 70% or 90% reimbursement option. You also have an annual deductible amount that needs to be paid before insurance kicks in – this plan has a $250 deductible.
| Average
Vet Bill |
Cash back w/ 50% |
Cash back w/ 70% |
Cash back w/ 90% |
Difference between 50% & 90% |
| Corrective Joint Surgery
$7,268 |
$3,634.00 |
$5,087.60 |
$6,541.20 |
$2,907.20 |
| Kidney Disease
$7,098 |
$3,549.00 |
$4,968.60 |
$6,388.20 |
$2,839.20 |
| Diabetes
$2,892 |
$1,446.00 |
$2,024.40 |
$2,602.80 |
$1,156.80 |
| Heart Murmur
$1,140 |
$570.00 |
$798.00 |
$1,026.00 |
$456.00 |
Are there any exclusions?
Like most insurers, Nationwide doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, it will cover certain conditions if a pet has been illness-free for six months or more. It also doesn’t cover any treatment that isn’t prescribed by your vet, or experimental treatment that’s not within the standards of regular veterinary practices. It also doesn’t pay for end-of-life costs, which some insurers do.
What are the waiting periods for conditions?
Nationwide has a standard waiting period of 14 days for both accidents and illnesses, which is a little long for the former. There’s also a 12-month waiting period for cruciate ligaments and knee injuries, which is long by industry standards.
How quickly does Nationwide pay claims?
Claims are processed within 30 days of receiving the relevant paperwork, but in practice it often happens a lot faster.
Can I customize my Nationwide plan?
Yes, in two ways. First, by choosing from one of the many plan options, and choosing the reimbursement option.
State availability for Nationwide
Nationwide pet insurance is available in all 50 states.
Verdict: Is Nationwide pet insurance good?
Nationwide is a great option for those looking for choice in their pet insurance policy. Whether you want an extensive insurance plan or something more basic, this company can definitely deliver. The discounts are appealing, as is the comprehensive nature of the Whole Pet with Wellness plan and the convenience of Pet Rx Express. Less appealing is the 12-month wait time for cruciate and knee conditions. Premiums can be a little high, too, but you get a vast level of coverage for that.
