We receive advertising fees from the service providers we rank below.

Advertising Disclosure
  • Best Pet Insurance
  • Pet Insurance Guides
    • Why to Buy Pet Insurance?
    • 10 Tips for Being a Better Pet Parent
    • Understanding Pet Insurance Lingo
  • Pet Insurance Reviews
    • Fetch Pet
    • Spot Pet
  • Pet Insurance Comparison
    • Spot vs MetLife
© 2015-2025. Top-pet-insurance.com. All rights reserved.
nationwide-logo

Nationwide Insurance Review (2025)

9.8
Our Score
Average User Rating
image-spot-hero-min
Special offer:
Nationwide protects more than 1,000,000 pets
Visit Site
icon-pet-hero-01 Comprehensive Coverage
icon-pet-hero-02 Customizable Plans
icon-pet-hero-03 Affordable Pricing
Don't Have Time? Here's a Short Summary (1-Minute Read)
  • What makes Nationwide a trusted pet insurance provider? Nationwide is one of the longest-standing and most recognized names in pet insurance, offering coverage since 1982. As the first company to provide pet health insurance in the U.S., Nationwide has built a reputation for reliability, comprehensive coverage, and a commitment to pet wellness. With a broad network and strong financial backing, pet owners trust Nationwide to protect their pets’ health.
  • What types of coverage and treatments does Nationwide offer? Nationwide provides various coverage options, including plans for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and even wellness care. Their Whole Pet with Wellness plan covers diagnostics, surgeries, chronic conditions, and routine care like vaccinations and flea prevention. They also offer accident-only plans and coverage for exotic pets, making them a unique option in the pet insurance industry.
  • How flexible are Nationwide’s plans and pricing?Nationwide offers different levels of coverage to fit various budgets and pet care needs. Pet owners can choose from comprehensive plans with wellness coverage or more basic accident-only policies. While pricing varies based on the pet’s breed, age, and location, Nationwide provides policyholders with multiple deductible and reimbursement options to customize their plans.
  • How easy is it to submit a claim with Nationwide? Nationwide allows pet owners to submit claims through an online portal or mobile app, streamlining the reimbursement process. While claim processing times may vary, policyholders can expect payments within a few weeks. Their customer service team is available to assist with questions, ensuring a hassle-free experience for pet owners.

When it comes to ensuring the health and well-being of your beloved pet, choosing the right insurance provider is a crucial decision. Nationwide Pet Insurance is one of the leading pet insurance providers in the United States, offering a variety of plans to cover everything from routine checkups to emergency surgeries. Unlike many competitors, Nationwide extends its coverage beyond just dogs and cats to include birds, reptiles, and other exotic pets. But how does it stack up in terms of cost, coverage, and customer experience? In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Nationwide Pet Insurance to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you and your furry (or feathered, or scaly) companion.

nationwide-logo
Nationwide protects more than 1,000,000 pets
Visit Site
Visit Site
nationwide-logo
BEST PET INSURANCE
Visit Site Nationwide protects morethan 1,000,000 pets

Overview of Nationwide Pet Insurance

Nationwide Pet Insurance, formerly known as Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), was one of the first pet insurance providers in the United States. With decades of experience in the industry, the company has built a reputation for offering extensive coverage options for a variety of pets. Nationwide provides different plans, including accident and illness coverage, wellness plans, and even a unique plan for exotic pets. Policies are available in all 50 states, making it a widely accessible choice for pet owners.

Types of Coverage

Nationwide offers three main types of pet insurance plans:

  1. Whole Pet with Wellness: This is the most comprehensive plan available, covering accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, wellness visits, vaccinations, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture.
  2. Major Medical: A more basic plan that covers accidents and illnesses but does not include routine care.
  3. Pet Wellness: This plan is for routine care expenses such as vaccinations, flea prevention, and annual exams. It can be added to another policy for extra coverage.

One of the standout features of Nationwide is its exotic pet coverage, a rarity in the pet insurance industry. If you own a bird, rabbit, reptile, or other small mammal, Nationwide is one of the only providers that offer coverage.

Visit Site

Customer Experience and Claims Process

Customer reviews for Nationwide Pet Insurance are mixed. Many customers appreciate the wide range of coverage options, especially for exotic pets. However, others express frustration with long claim processing times and higher-than-average premiums. The claims process is relatively straightforward, requiring pet owners to submit invoices online or via the Nationwide Pet Insurance app. Once submitted, claims are typically processed within 14-30 days.

Who Should Consider Nationwide Pet Insurance?

  • Exotic Pet Owners: If you have a bird, reptile, or small mammal, Nationwide is one of the only insurers that offer coverage for them.
  • Multi-Pet Households: The multi-pet discount can make Nationwide an attractive option for families with multiple pets.
  • Pet Owners Looking for Comprehensive Coverage: If you want accident, illness, and wellness care all in one plan, the Whole Pet with Wellness plan is a strong choice.

What is not included

​Nationwide pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage for pets; however, certain conditions and services are excluded to maintain affordability and clarity. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for policyholders to manage expectations and ensure their pets receive appropriate care.​

Pre-existing Conditions

Any illness or injury that manifests before the start of coverage is considered a pre-existing condition and is generally not covered. However, if a condition is documented as cured for at least six months, it may become eligible for coverage.

Grooming and Routine Care

Services related to grooming, such as shampoos, baths, dips, and nail trims, are not covered under Nationwide’s plans. Routine and preventive care, including wellness exams, vaccinations, and flea or heartworm prevention, are also excluded unless a wellness plan is purchased separately. ​

Cruciate Ligament and Meniscal Injuries

Injuries to the cruciate ligament or meniscus occurring during the initial waiting period are excluded from coverage. Specific waiting periods may vary by state, so it’s essential to review individual policy details. ​

Congenital and Hereditary Disorders

Congenital anomalies (conditions present from birth) and developmental disorders are generally not covered unless they are neither visible nor symptomatic at the time of enrollment. Hereditary disorders, which are genetically transmitted conditions, have limited coverage under certain plans, such as the Major Medical plan. ​

Non-Veterinary Expenses

Expenses not directly related to veterinary services are excluded. This includes fees for waste disposal, taxes, record access or copying, and bank or credit card charges. ​

Behavioral Treatments and Alternative Therapies

Behavioral training, therapy, or treatment not prescribed by a veterinarian, as well as pet obedience training, are not covered. Additionally, alternative therapies and experimental treatments that are not within the standard veterinary care accepted by the state’s veterinary medical board are excluded. ​

Dietary Supplements and Special Diets

Foods, dietary, or nutritional supplements intended to maintain or improve general health, even if prescribed by a veterinarian, are not covered. ​

Specific Conditions

Certain conditions are explicitly excluded from coverage, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, cervical vertebral instability (wobbler syndrome), patellar luxation, renal dysplasia, cystine or urate urolithiasis, collapsed trachea, various ocular conditions (such as prolapsed gland of the third eyelid, entropion, and primary glaucoma), and blood disorders like hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease. ​

Policyholders are encouraged to review their specific policy documents, including the Declarations Page or Renewal Certificate, for a comprehensive list of exclusions and any additional conditions that may apply. Understanding these exclusions ensures informed decisions regarding pet healthcare and insurance coverage.

How Does Nationwide Compare to Other Pet Insurance Providers?

When compared to competitors such as Healthy Paws, Embrace, and Trupanion, Nationwide stands out primarily for its exotic pet coverage. However, it falls short in terms of reimbursement rates and waiting periods. If you’re looking for higher reimbursement rates and faster claim processing, providers like Healthy Paws may be a better fit. If you need customizable wellness coverage, Embrace Pet Insurance is another good alternative.

Final Verdict: Is Nationwide Pet Insurance Worth It?

Overall, Nationwide Pet Insurance is a solid option for pet owners looking for comprehensive coverage, particularly those with exotic pets. While it may have longer claim processing times and slightly lower reimbursement rates, its wide range of coverage options and availability in all 50 states make it a competitive choice.

If you value comprehensive coverage and the ability to insure a wide range of pets, Nationwide is a great option. However, if fast claim processing and higher reimbursement percentages are your top priorities, you may want to explore other providers.

nationwide-logo
Nationwide protects more than 1,000,000 pets
Visit Site
PROs
  • Comprehensive Coverage Options
  • Direct Vet Reimbursement Option
  • Available in All 50 States
  • Multi-Pet Discount
  • Exotic Pet Coverage
CONs
  • Lower Reimbursement Rates
✕
nationwide-logo
Special offer: Nationwide protects more than 1,000,000 pets
VISIT SITE
Advertising Disclosure
Table of Contents
  • Overview of Nationwide Pet Insurance
  • Types of Coverage
  • Customer Experience and Claims Process
  • Who Should Consider Nationwide Pet Insurance?
  • What is not included
  • How Does Nationwide Compare to Other Pet Insurance Providers?
  • Final Verdict: Is Nationwide Pet Insurance Worth It?

Best Pet Insurance Companies

embrace side img3
10% Multiple Pet Discount VIEW RATES Editor's review
spot 156 logo-min
Save 10% For Eligible Multiple Pets VIEW RATES Editor's review
metlife side pic (2)
Plans start at just $9/Month VIEW RATES Editor's review
Group 614FETCH 23
Save $25 or More When You Pay Quarterly or Annually VIEW RATES Editor's review
prog side pic
Best Benefit Plan for just $1/Day* VIEW RATES Editor's review
What do we check
  • icon-pet-check-01 Ease of Use
  • icon-pet-check-02 Claim process
  • icon-pet-check-03 Pricing & Plans
  • icon-pet-check-04 Customer Service
Read more on the topic
Understanding Pet Insurance

Understanding Pet Insurance Lingo

Pet insurance isn’t overly complicated, but the technical jargon or insurance lingo can make it sound that way. In the simplest terms, pet insurance is a safety net for pet owners should their beloved animals get hurt or fall ill.
Read More
brown dog

Why to Buy Pet Insurance?

With the onslaught of bills to pay for, adding one more on top of the load can seem a bit excessive for your pet. That is why people ask why to buy pet insurance when there are so many other financial responsibilities in the mix. But for most people, their pets are like a part of the family and they would be willing to pay any price to keep them healthy. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the medical problems that our pets will have, and we can’t guarantee that we will be able to afford them when they do arise. That’s why to buy pet insurance. Here is a list of benefits if you are still skeptical.
Read More
cat

Pet Insurance FAQ’s 1

Having top quality veterinary care can help your pet live a long and healthy life. That’s easy to understand. Understanding how pet insurance works can help you save money on your veterinarian care. This list of pet insurance FAQ’s answers many of the questions that can be floating around in your head as you read through your pet insurance policy packet.
Read More
Granted security with SSL certificate

bott0m-icon

Quick Links
  • Advertising Disclosure
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • How We Rate
  • Contact us
  • About Us

© 2015-2025. Top-pet-insurance.com. All rights reserved.

This site uses cookies for analytic and ad personalization which may process certain data. For more information and opt-out options review our Privacy Policy. This site uses cookies for analytic and ad personalization which may process certain data. For more information and opt-out options review our Privacy Policy. OK Decline

Opt out from Google Analytics, and from Google Remarketing