Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance offers several different pet insurance plans that work for dogs, cats, and other animals.

You can choose to purchase basic catastrophic coverage or a policy that pays for wellness care and routine medical care as well.

Overall, this company is well known in the insurance world already.

Nationwide Insurance has a strong reputation for dependability and for offering high-quality insurance products for a variety of consumers and their needs.

Policies are underwritten by National Casualty Company, which has an A+ rating from A.M. Best.

If you’re on the hunt for a pet insurance policy that will work if you need it, it’s wise to consider Nationwide and what they have to offer.

(Sidenote: Below is a quick list of my favorite Pet Insurance Providers for your convenience. Keep reading to learn more about Nationwide Pet Insurance policies, how they work, and what they cover.) 

Nationwide Pet Insurance, At-a-Glance

In a lot of ways, Nationwide Pet Insurance is a lot like any other pet insurance company.

They offer insurance policies for both dogs and cats along with several different options that can help you tailor your insurance to your unique needs.

They also offer bird and exotic pet insurance policies which vary widely depending on the type of pet you have.

With Nationwide Pet Insurance, you can pick the reimbursement type that works for you, whether that’s a percentage of each invoice or a set benefit schedule.

According to their website, Nationwide offers three types of policies to meet pet owner’s needs:

Whole Pet With Wellness:

• Chronic Conditions

• Exams, Labs, and X-Rays

• Hereditary Illnesses

• Hospitalization

• Prescriptions

• Operations 

• Wellness

• And More

Major Medical:

• Chronic Illnesses

• Exams, Labs, and X-Rays

• Hospitalization

• Prescriptions

• Some Hereditary Illnesses (With a Waiting Period)

• Operations

Pet Wellness:

• Flea and Heartworm Prevention

• Wellness Exams & Tests

• Vaccinations

Where many pet insurance providers only offer pet wellness plans as add-ons to traditional pet insurance, Nationwide offers this coverage as a supplement or on its own.

The end result is a situation where you can purchase the exact coverage you need, whether it’s a little or a lot.

When it comes to what is covered by Nationwide Pet Insurance, this company offers very specific details on covered diseases. It is almost too much to list here, which is why you suggest out the “what’s covered” page on the Nationwide Pet Insurance website.

To summarize, major diseases covered by other pet insurance providers are covered by Nationwide Whole Pet coverage, but major medical coverage excludes some conditions such as cleft palate, deworming, fecal tests, and heartworm prevention.

When it comes to what is not covered by Nationwide Pet Insurance, it’s important to note that pre-existing conditions do not qualify for insurance coverage.

Nationwide defines pre-existing conditions as an injury or illness beginning prior to coverage. If official records from your veterinarian demonstrate that your pet has been healed or cured for 6 months, the condition may be covered, depending on the condition.

Nationwide also does not cover costs not directly related to pet care but charged by pet care providers.

These costs can include things like bank and credit card fees, fees associated with obtaining and copying tax information and other records, and waste disposal.

Finally, there are some plan restrictions you should be aware of based on the type of policy you buy. Most of these restrictions are common sense, but you should still read through them before you purchase a policy.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost, In General?

We mentioned already how Nationwide offers some of the most affordable pet insurance policies out there, but the price you’ll pay for coverage still varies a lot based on the type of pet you have and the coverage level you choose.

There are two plans available from Nationwide:

1. Whole Pet + Wellness – Unlimited Annual Maximums, $100 Deductible, and 90% Reimbursement
2. Major Medical – Unlimited Annual Maximums, $250 Deductible, and a Set Benefit Schedule

Consider these quotes for pet insurance we received from the Nationwide website if you want a general idea:

	Whole Pet + Wellness	Major Medical
Two-year-old mixed breed dog, small size (11-30 pounds)	$58.79 per month	$27.47 per month
Seven-year-old short-haired cat	$52.13 per month	$28.19 per month
One-year-old standard dachshund	$82.18 per month	$27.47 per month

As you can see, Major Medical coverage with Nationwide is affordable no matter your pet or its age.

However, it’s important to note how these plans reimburse you based on a set fee schedule.

With the set benefit schedule, there is a set cap on reimbursement based on the condition without regard to the treatment cost.

As a result, these plans may not be nearly as comprehensive as the coverage you wish to buy.

If you prefer to have full coverage regardless of how much your veterinary office charges you, make sure you buy a Whole Pet policy that reimburses at 90% instead of a set fee schedule.

Do You Need Pet Insurance?

If you’re considering Nationwide Pet Insurance and other companies but aren’t ready to pull the trigger, you may be wondering whether you even need pet insurance in the first place.

While you’re the only person who can make that decision, it really boils down to your comfort level with your pet and how well you think you could handle surprise veterinary bills.

If you have cash savings in the bank and would rather risk it, then having pet insurance may not be necessary.

But, you should also think about all the “what ifs” in life and what would really happen if your pet became ill or injured.

Could you afford to pay $5,000 or more for a surgery to save your pet’s life without any warning?

If you’re worried you could not, a pet insurance policy could provide you with peace of mind while also ensuring your pet will get the care they need no matter what.

If you think pet insurance is a good idea, make sure to get quotes from Nationwide Pet Insurance as well as other providers.

The right policy is out there for you, but you should compare all your options in terms of their benefits, coverage levels, and costs.

The Bottom Line – Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance offers a versatile range of coverage options for various pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals. Their reputation for reliability and high-quality insurance products is well-established, backed by an A+ rating from A.M. Best. The flexibility to customize reimbursement types and choose from three distinct policy options—Whole Pet With Wellness, Major Medical, and Pet Wellness—sets them apart in the pet insurance market.

Coverage details are extensive, and while some conditions are excluded under major medical coverage, the Whole Pet policy provides comprehensive protection. Pre-existing conditions are not covered, but exceptions may apply after a documented period of healing.

Nationwide’s pricing is competitive, offering affordability with flexible reimbursement options. Major Medical coverage is cost-effective, though it operates on a set fee schedule. For broader coverage, the Whole Pet policy with a 90% reimbursement rate is recommended.

Ultimately, the need for pet insurance depends on your comfort level with potential veterinary expenses. If peace of mind and financial preparedness are priorities, Nationwide Pet Insurance, along with other providers, should be considered, ensuring you find the right policy to safeguard your beloved pet’s health and well-being.

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