Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide, which has been in the insurance business since 1926, started offering pet insurance in 2008. They are based in Columbus, Ohio, and their products are underwritten by National Casualty Company and Veterinary Pet Insurance Company. The BBB gives them an A+ rating, and customer testimonials indicate they live up to their motto, “Nationwide is on your side.” They are the only pet insurance company that covers birds and exotic pets, and they offer numerous plans to meet most pet parents’ needs.
- Multiple discounts are offered
- Numerous plans are available
- A smartphone app is available to submit claims in real time
- BBB A+ rating
- Optional wellness plans are available
- Exotic pet and bird insurance are available
- There is no time limit to submit a claim
- Nationwide is a longstanding financial company
- 12-month waiting period for cranial cruciate ligament surgery
- Premiums are higher than most other companies
- Age restriction for pets 10 years and older
- Annual rates increase for senior pets
- Reimbursement may take up to 30 days
- Monthly payment option requires an additional $2 transactional charge
- Coverage is not available for dental cleanings or spay and neuter procedures
Features
Mobile Applications
Yes
Cancellation Period
Yes, within 10 days from policy purchase
24/7 Veterinary Support
Yes
Routine Care Add-ons
Yes
Pros Explained
Nationwide gives current members a 5% discount on a new pet health insurance policy, and for new customers, offers a 5% discount for the second and third pet enrolled. A 10% discount is offered for four or more pets. Nationwide also offers discounts for veterans, teachers, and frontline employees.
Nationwide clients can choose a complete care plan, or select individual aspects for their pet’s medical and wellness coverage. Their “whole pet” option covers examinations, laboratory tests, X-rays, prescriptions, surgeries, hospitalizations, chronic conditions, and includes no waiting period for hereditary conditions. Their “major medical” option has similar coverage, but excludes some hereditary conditions, and some covered conditions require a waiting period. The “pet wellness” option covers wellness exams and tests, flea and heartworm prevention, and vaccinations.
Nationwide’s clients can also choose their reimbursement method. If they choose reimbursement based on their invoice percentage, they will receive a percentage of the treatment cost. If they choose reimbursement based on a benefit schedule, reimbursement is capped at a set amount for each condition.
Nationwide is the only U.S. insurer that covers birds and exotic pets. Their exotic plan covers accidents, illnesses, examinations, laboratory fees, prescriptions, X-rays, hospitalization, and more. They offer coverage for most birds, and for exotic pets, including amphibians, chameleons, chinchillas, ferrets, geckos, gerbils, goats, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, iguanas, lizards, mice, opossums, potbellied pigs, rats, rabbits, snakes, sugar gliders, tortoises, and turtles.
Cons Explained
Nationwide does not cover pre-existing conditions, and they have restrictions for pets 10 years and older. A pet who reaches 10 years of age is not dropped from their policy, but their annual rate is increased 12%.
Also, a pet who has a cranial cruciate ligament or meniscus injury in the first 12 months after the policy purchase will not be covered.
Nationwide does not cover dental cleanings, and their medical plan does not cover dental conditions, including temporomandibular joint disease, enamel hypoplasia, and gingivitis. They also do not cover spay and neuter procedures.
Nationwide’s premiums are more expensive compared with their competitors, and their plans are not as flexible. In addition, reimbursement can take up to 30 days.
Final Thoughts
Nationwide is a stable and experienced company that offers multiple options to cover your pet’s health and wellness needs. If you have a bird or exotic pet, Nationwide is your only option, but they offer extensive coverage for these specialty pets.
Nationwide is not the best option for older pets, and if finances are a significant issue, their premium prices may be too high. The 30-day wait for reimbursement may be problematic for some people.
Nationwide is a good option for certain pet parents, and their experience ensures their dependability.
