Nationwide Pet Insurance Review 2024

Nationwide offers various accident and injury plans with different methods of reimbursement.
Sarah Schlichter
By Sarah Schlichter 
Updated
Edited by Caitlin Constantine

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Nationwide

NerdWallet rating 

5.0

/5

Annual max coverage

Unlimited

Reimbursement rates

50% - 90%

Deductibles

$100, $250, $500

Policy highlight

Covers dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other pets.

Pros

  • Gives discounts for multiple pets or more than one policy with Nationwide.
  • Modular plan offers customizable coverage.
  • Has a 24/7 vet helpline for policyholders.

Cons

  • Not all plans and coverage options are available online.
  • Can't combine wellness coverage with Whole Pet plan.
  • 12-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries in most states.

Nationwide can cover a wide range of accidents and illnesses, but some plan options are available only by phone.

Nationwide is one of the oldest and largest pet insurance companies in the U.S., covering more than a million pets. Unlike most pet insurers, Nationwide sells policies for dozens of species, not just cats and dogs — so owners of parrots, rabbits and guinea pigs can get coverage, too.

Nationwide has three plans to cover accidents and injuries, though not all may be available to all pets. Two are similar to many other pet insurance plans, reimbursing you for a percentage of your vet bill. The other pays a set amount per condition, regardless of what you actually spend. The company also offers wellness coverage. Not all plans are available in all states.

Note: Coverage options and availability may vary depending on where you live and the age and breed of your pet.

Nationwide pet insurance

5.0

NerdWallet rating 

Nationwide earned 5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, coverage options and financial strength ratings.

Based on this rating, Nationwide is on NerdWallet's list of the Best Pet Insurance Companies.

State availability

Nationwide sells pet insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, the availability of specific plans may vary by state.

Availability may change at any time. Coverage may not be available to all pets in a given state.

Nationwide pet insurance plans

Nationwide offers a variety of pet insurance plans, with availability depending on where you live.

Modular

Nationwide’s Modular plan allows you to pick the coverage you want. For example, you could choose accident coverage only or add coverage for illnesses, behavioral therapies, prescription food and supplements, and/or wellness. (Some options may be available only by phone.) The Modular plan pays you back for a percentage of your vet expenses.

Whole Pet

Whole Pet is Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan, covering the broadest range of illnesses and injuries. Like the Modular plan, it will reimburse a percentage of your vet bill for accidents or illnesses, including exams and tests. However, there’s no option to add wellness coverage to pay for things like routine exams or heartworm prevention.

Major Medical

The Major Medical plan pays based on a benefit schedule, which lists a maximum annual reimbursement amount per condition — regardless of what your vet charges you.

Major Medical plans may cost less than other plans, but they don’t offer as much coverage. For example, Major Medical plans won’t pay to treat congenital conditions (disorders your pet is born with), while Whole Pet plans will.

Wellness

Nationwide’s optional wellness coverage can reimburse you for vaccinations, heartworm tests, microchipping and other basic services. Depending on your plan, it may also pay for spaying, neutering or dental cleaning.

Wellness plans aren’t available in every state. Where available, you can buy a wellness plan in conjunction with a Major Medical or Modular plan. You can’t add wellness coverage to a Whole Pet plan.

What Nationwide pet insurance covers

Depending on the options you select, Nationwide’s Modular plan can cover:

  • Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses, including cancer.

  • Hereditary and congenital conditions.

  • Diagnostic tests.

  • Prescription medication, food and supplements.

  • Behavioral exams and therapies.

  • Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic.

  • Routine and preventive care expenses such as vaccinations, fecal tests and heartworm prevention.

  • Dental diseases, as long as there were no previous signs before the effective date of your pet’s coverage.

Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan covers:

  • Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses, including cancer.

  • Hereditary or congenital conditions.

  • Diagnostic tests.

  • Prescription medication.

  • Nutritional supplements or therapeutic diets that your vet prescribes.

  • Dental diseases such as gingivitis.

  • Behavioral exams and therapies.

  • Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic.

Nationwide’s Major Medical plan covers:

  • Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses listed in your benefit schedule, including cancer.

  • Diagnostic tests.

  • Prescription medication.

  • Some hereditary conditions.

  • Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic.

  • Some dental conditions, but not gingivitis.

Depending on the plan you choose, Nationwide’s wellness plans may cover:

  • Routine checkups and behavioral exams.

  • Vaccinations or titers.

  • Heartworm or FeLV/FIV testing.

  • Fecal testing.

  • Deworming.

  • Microchipping.

  • Flea or heartworm preventives.

  • Additional screening tests.

  • Spay or neuter surgery.

  • Dental cleaning.

What’s not covered

Nationwide’s pet insurance plans don’t cover:

  • Grooming.

  • Cruciate ligament problems within the first 12 months of coverage.

  • Wellness and preventive care (unless you’ve purchased a wellness plan).

  • Experimental treatment.

The Major Medical plan also excludes:

  • Congenital or developmental disorders.

  • Some hereditary conditions.

  • Various dental issues such as gingivitis or treatment of baby teeth.

  • Behavioral therapies.

  • Age-related changes to an animal’s eyes or ears.

  • Treatment for parasites such as heartworms.

  • Prescribed nutritional supplements or pet foods.

  • Expenses associated with breeding or pregnancy, such as cesarean sections.

  • Any conditions specifically excluded in your benefits schedule.

Nationwide coverage options

Deductibles: The default deductible is $250 for Whole Pet, Major Medical and Modular plans, but other options may be available online or by phone.

Reimbursement amounts: For Whole Pet plans, you can opt to be reimbursed 50% or 70% of your vet expenses. Modular plans can pay 50% to 90% of expenses. Major Medical reimbursement is based on your schedule of benefits.

Coverage limits: There’s a $10,000 annual coverage limit for Whole Pet plans. With a Modular plan, you can choose a $5,000 annual limit or no limit. Wellness coverage has various annual limits depending on the plan you choose. Maximum coverage for Major Medical plans is on a per-condition basis.

Restrictions and waiting periods

Age restrictions: Depending on the plan, your pet may need to be at least 8 weeks old to get coverage. A maximum age of 8 or 9 years may apply. Some plans have no minimum or maximum age.

Waiting periods: A waiting period is the time between when you buy your policy and when your coverage starts. Depending on your plan, you may have to wait 14 days before coverage begins. On the Modular plan, coverage for spaying, neutering and dental cleaning generally starts 90 days after the policy takes effect. A 12-month waiting period applies to cruciate ligament issues in most states.

Nationwide pet insurance rates

The cost of Nationwide pet insurance depends on where you live, the coverage limits you choose and your pet’s breed and age.

To give you a rough idea of how much you might pay, we gathered sample rates for several popular dog breeds at ages 2 and 8. Rates below are sample monthly premiums for dogs living in Katy, Texas.

For younger dogs, our sample plan was for accident and illness coverage with a $250 deductible, $5,000 of annual coverage and an 80% reimbursement rate. Because of their age at the time of enrollment, the older dogs were eligible only for accident coverage. However, they had the same deductible, coverage limit and reimbursement rate. Your own price will vary.

Breed

Age 2

Age 8

French bulldog

$87

$53*

German shepherd

$59

$34*

Golden retriever

$60

$42*

Labrador retriever

$60

$44*

Medium mixed-breed dog

$46

$33*

Poodle

$55

$26*

*Rates for older dogs are for accident-only coverage.

We also gathered rates for a variety of cat breeds with the same coverage limits as above. Cats at age 8 at the time of enrollment were eligible for accident coverage only. Rates below are sample monthly premiums for cats living in Katy, Texas.

Breed

Age 2

Age 8

Devon rex

$46

$31*

Domestic shorthair

$23

$10*

Exotic longhair

$58

$25*

Maine coon

$38

$20*

Persian

$38

$20*

Ragdoll

$24

$10*

*Rates for older cats are for accident-only coverage.

Discounts

You can save 5% on a new pet insurance plan if you currently have another Nationwide policy such as auto or homeowners insurance.

You may also be able to save 5% to 10% if you insure more than one pet with Nationwide.

If your employer offers Nationwide pet insurance as a benefit, you can get a 5% discount.

Consumer experience

Website: Nationwide’s website is relatively easy to use, with information and FAQs about its plans and an online claim submission process. You can also get a quote and buy a policy. Nationwide pet insurance policyholders get free access to the company’s VetHelpline service, which connects you with veterinarians for advice and consultations.

App: Nationwide has a general app for all its insurance products, but it offers relatively little functionality for pet insurance customers. You can use the app to check claim status, view policy information and see perks and rewards.

Claims: You can file a claim online or download a form to send in by email, fax or physical mail. You can check your claim status through your online account. The company says it generally handles claims within five days but notes that the process may take 30 days or more in some cases. You can opt to be reimbursed electronically or by paper check.

Customer service: You can reach customer service by phone at 800-540-2016 Monday through Saturday or contact the company by email.

Nationwide vs. competitors

Here’s how Nationwide stacks up against a few other popular pet insurance companies.

Nationwide vs. Trupanion pet insurance

In most states, Trupanion has a single plan with unlimited coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate, while Nationwide has a variety of plans and options to choose from.

Each company handles deductibles differently. Nationwide has an annual deductible, while Trupanion offers lifetime deductibles per condition in most states. The latter could save you money if your pet develops a chronic condition that needs ongoing treatment every year.

For accidents and illnesses, Trupanion’s plan is similar to Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan. Both cover hereditary and congenital conditions, prescription medications and supplements, and diagnostic tests. However, certain treatments included in the Whole Pet plan cost extra with Trupanion, such as acupuncture, behavioral therapies and chiropractic.

If you’re looking for wellness coverage, Nationwide is a better bet; Trupanion doesn’t cover wellness expenses. Read our full Trupanion review.

Coverage options

Nationwide

Trupanion

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options may be available online or by phone.)

$0 to $1,000 per condition in most states (a handful of states have no deductible).

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

90% in most states.

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

Unlimited.

Nationwide vs. Healthy Paws pet insurance

Healthy Paws offers a single pet insurance plan with no annual or lifetime limits. Like Nationwide’s Modular plan, it can offer up to 90% reimbursement for some pets. However, there’s no option to add wellness coverage.

The Healthy Paws plan covers hereditary and congenital conditions, prescription medications and alternative treatment such as acupuncture and chiropractic. However, it won’t pay for exam fees, some dental health care, behavioral therapies or prescription diets — all of which Nationwide’s Modular and Whole Pet plans can cover.

Healthy Paws says it processes most claims within two business days, while Nationwide generally takes about five days.

Coverage options

Nationwide

Healthy Paws

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options may be available online or by phone.)

$100 to $1,000 per year. (Not all options are available to all pets.)

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%. (Not all options are available to all pets.)

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

Unlimited.

Nationwide vs. ASPCA pet insurance

ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan is similar to Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan. Both cover hereditary and congenital conditions, exam fees for accidents and illnesses, alternative therapies, behavioral therapies and prescription food and supplements. But you can add wellness coverage to ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan, while you can’t for Nationwide’s Whole Pet.

ASPCA also offers an accident-only policy, which you can choose as a cheaper alternative to a full accident and injury plan. Nationwide’s Modular plan can be a similar option if you customize it to include accident coverage only.

ASPCA's waiting period for cruciate ligament issues is significantly shorter than Nationwide’s — just 14 days compared with 12 months. But unlike Nationwide, it doesn’t cover rabbits, guinea pigs or other “exotic” pets other than horses.

Coverage options

Nationwide

ASPCA

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options may be available online or by phone.)

$100, $250 or $500.

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

70%, 80% or 90%.

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

$2,500 to $10,000 per year. (An unlimited option may be available; call the company for details.)

How we review pet insurance

Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. In our pet insurance reviews, we consider coverage, discounts, financial strength ratings from AM Best and more to determine our star ratings.

Our rating system rewards companies that cover a wide range of potential expenses, offer many ways to customize your plan and have a strong financial rating. Within the consumer experience category, we looked at features such as mobile app ratings and whether the company offers direct vet payments. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.

Dive deeper with our criteria for evaluating pet insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions

You can customize the Modular plan to cover spay or neuter surgery. Coverage takes effect 90 days after you buy the policy. You may be able to find other plans that cover spay or neuter surgery by calling Nationwide.

You can cancel through your online account at the Nationwide website. It will reimburse any unused premium. In some states, if you cancel soon after purchasing and haven’t filed any claims, you’ll get 100% of your money back.

The company advertises rates starting at $25 a month, but we saw rates lower than that while getting sample quotes. Your own pet’s rates will vary based on their breed, age and location. Learn more about the cost of pet insurance.

Nationwide’s accident and illness plans may cover end-of-life expenses such as cremation.

Methodology

Pet insurance star ratings

NerdWallet’s pet insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, scope of coverage, the ability to customize your plan and more. Our “consumer experience” category looks at factors such as website transparency and mobile app ratings. To calculate each insurer’s star rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale. See our full pet insurance methodology.

These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.

Pet insurance sample rates

To find sample pet insurance rates, NerdWallet gathered quotes for the base level of accident and illness coverage on each insurer’s website. Quotes reflect the monthly cost of a policy and do not include wellness coverage or other optional add-ons. Each plan for a given company had the same deductible, coverage limit and reimbursement rate for all sample pets.

These are sample rates gathered for specific pets living in Katy, Texas. Your own rates will be different.

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