Nationwide Pet Review
Since 1982, Nationwide Pet Insurance Company has been helping pet owners protect their best friends. As North America’s largest pet insurance company, Nationwide provides coverage for over 600,000 dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Formerly known as Veterinary Pet Insurance, Nationwide has improved significantly since it rebranded in 2015. Their Whole Pet with Wellness plan, the only one of its kind in the U.S, offers comprehensive coverage for accidents, injuries, illnesses, and wellness care.
Nationwide coverage
Nationwide’s Major Medical Plan covers the following treatments in line with other pet insurance companies:
- Accidents and illnesses
- Hereditary, chronic, and congenital disorders
- Cancer
- Diagnosis, surgery, and hospitalization
- Prescription medications
- Emergency care
- Specialty care
- Behavioral therapy
- Alternative care
Nationwide Pet Insurance Plans
Nationwide plans are packaged differently from most competition that either offers no wellness at all or offer add-ons for limited wellness coverage. Nationwide offers either full Wellness benefits through their Whole Pet Wellness Plan or Wellness plan.
Here are Nationwide’s 3 plans:
- Whole Pet - A comprehensive coverage that includes wellness care as well as hereditary conditions
- Major Medical - Covers accidents, illnesses, and hereditary conditions
- Pet Wellness- Offers partial reimbursement for basic care like vaccinations and flea control
Benefit limits
All Nationwide’s plans come with annual maximums. However, if you want unlimited annual benefits, consider purchasing the Whole Pet plan. Its lower tier plans do not come with unlimited benefits, but rather limit the dollar amount that can you can spend on conditions based on the benefit schedule. Benefits schedules are limiting since they impose a limit on the amount you will be reimbursed for a specific illness or accident.
Claims and Reimbursement method
Top tier plans come with 90% reimbursement of the vet bill while lower-tier plans reimburse based on the benefits schedule that includes individual payout caps for each condition treated. Reimbursement is made upon presentation of the treatment invoice.
Deductible types
Nationwide has one annual deductible of $250. While this makes your choice easy, it can also make your premiums quite expensive. You need to pay your annual deductible once every 12 months for the full coverage to take effect.
The claims procedure is pretty standard. You first pay the vet, then download and submit the claims form together with all the paid invoices. It takes 14 to 30 days to process your claim.
Nationwide pet insurance cost
The Whole Pet plan starts at $32 for cat insurance and $60 for dog insurance. The Major Medical plan starts at $18 for cats and $34 for dogs. You are entitled to a 5% discount if you insure an additional pet with them or when you already have Nationwide Renters or Home Insurance.
Enrollment and waiting period
Nationwide enrolls pets from 6 weeks old. The age restriction is 10 years. However, the policy will not lapse if you enroll your pet before the age of 10. The waiting period is industry standard at 14 calendar days, with Wellness starting within 24 hours after approval.
Conclusion
Formerly known as VPI, Nationwide Pet Insurance is one of the biggest and oldest pet insurance companies in America. Their quality plans provide great options for pet owners seeking coverage for their pets. Additionally, Nationwide is the only insurance company that provides coverage for exotic pets.