Head-to-Head Comparison
Nationwide vs. Pets Best
Fortune 100 legacy carrier vs. vet-founded value leader
Our Verdict
Pets Best edges ahead for most pet owners with stronger overall value. Nationwide may be the better choice for owners who prioritize its specific strengths.
Which One Is Right For You?
Real-world scenarios where Nationwide or Pets Best comes out ahead, based on the categories where each wins.
If…
You have a high-risk breed prone to cancer, IVDD, or hip dysplasia where lifetime claims could exceed $30,000
Choose
Pets Best— the higher coverage limit gives more catastrophic protection
If…
You're on a tight budget with a young, healthy pet and want the lowest possible monthly premium
Choose
Pets Best— base premiums run noticeably lower for healthy young pets at comparable coverage tiers
If…
You just adopted a new puppy or kitten and want accident coverage to start as fast as possible
Choose
Pets Best— its short accident waiting period gets you covered before the first chaotic weeks are over
If…
You want a financially rock-solid underwriter that will reliably pay claims for the next 15+ years
Choose
Nationwide— backed by a higher-rated insurer with stronger long-term claim-paying capacity
Nationwide
3.8/5
Exotic pets and Fortune 100 financial backing
Pets Best
4/5
Best value with low deductible options
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Coverage Limits
Nationwide
$10K annual
Pets Best
$5K–Unlimited
Pets Best offers superior coverage limits for catastrophic protection.
Monthly Premiums
Nationwide
$35–$100
Pets Best
$18–$65
Pets Best offers lower base premiums for most demographics.
Accident Waiting Period
Nationwide
14 days
Pets Best
3 days
Pets Best's 3 days accident waiting period is shorter.
Claims Speed
Nationwide
5–30 days
Pets Best
5–10 days
Both carriers have comparable claims processing times.
Financial Stability
Nationwide
Nationwide (A+ (Superior))
Pets Best
American Pet Insurance Co. (A- (Excellent))
Nationwide's A+ (Superior) rating provides superior financial backing.
Wellness Coverage
Nationwide
Available
Pets Best
Available
Both carriers offer wellness coverage options.
Deductible Options
Nationwide
$250 only
Pets Best
$50–$500
Both carriers offer deductible options to fit different budgets.
Expert Take
Mike
Licensed Insurance Professional (AAI, PRC, SBCS, CCIC)
Nationwide brings Fortune 100 stability and exotic pet coverage. Pets Best brings veterinary expertise and value pricing. For standard dog and cat coverage, Pets Best is the better product — lower premiums, more plan variety, and a founder who literally invented US pet insurance.
Nationwide's standard plans have restrictive coverage limits ($7,500–$10,000) that Pets Best's options exceed. Nationwide's Whole Pet plan competes at a higher price point but adds wellness coverage. Pets Best's BestBenefit plans offer comparable coverage at 20–30% lower premiums.
Nationwide wins for exotic pets and bundling discounts. For everything else, Pets Best delivers better value. The vet-founded credibility is not just marketing — it translates into plans that are priced closer to actual veterinary costs.
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