Nationwide Pet Insurance is a well-established provider in the pet insurance industry, with a history dating back to its acquisition of Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) in 2009. Offering a range of customizable pet insurance products, including accident, illness, and wellness coverage, Nationwide is available in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. In our objective rating methodology, we gave Nationwide 4.2 out of 5 stars and ranked it No. 9 on our list of the best pet insurance companies.
One of the standout features of Nationwide is its extensive experience in the insurance industry, with over 40 years of operation. Additionally, Nationwide is the only U.S. pet insurance provider that covers exotic pets, making it a unique option for pet owners with non-traditional pets. The company also offers separate accident and illness annual limits, as well as larger-than-average reimbursements on its wellness plans.
However, there are some limitations to consider when choosing Nationwide as your pet insurance provider. Customers may find it challenging to understand their policy due to the complexity of the plans and the discrepancies between the website listings and the options available through the quote tool. Additionally, Nationwide may impose per-condition limits on some plans and has a one-year waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries.
When it comes to pricing, Nationwide offers competitive rates compared to other providers in the market. The average cost of an accident-only plan is $17 per month for dogs and $5 for cats, while accident and illness coverage with a hereditary conditions add-on averages $61 per month for dogs and $25 for cats. Customers can also benefit from discounts for multiple pets and additional savings if they have other Nationwide insurance products.
In terms of coverage, Nationwide offers a variety of plans with different reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits. Customers can choose from modular plans, major medical plans, whole pet plans, and employer-sponsored plans, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. Optional add-on coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions is also available for an additional cost.
The sign-up process for Nationwide pet insurance can be a bit confusing, as the online quote tool only provides limited information. We recommend contacting customer service to discuss plan options and ensure you understand the coverage you are purchasing. Claims filing and payout processes are relatively straightforward, with claims typically processed within five days of submission.
Nationwide has waiting periods and age restrictions that vary by plan and pet, with standard waiting periods of 14 days for accidents and illnesses and one year for cruciate ligament injuries. Pets must be older than 8 weeks and younger than 10 years to enroll in a new Nationwide plan, with coverage continuing as long as payments are made on time.
Customer reviews of Nationwide are mixed, with some praising the company’s customer service and claims processing efficiency, while others express concerns about rate hikes, low reimbursements, and claims denials. Overall, Nationwide is a solid option for pet owners looking for a reputable and experienced pet insurance provider, especially if they have exotic pets or can benefit from discounts through partnerships like the one with Petco. However, customers should carefully review plan details and exclusions before enrolling to ensure they understand their coverage fully.