In-Depth Review
Nationwide Pet Insurance Review
Our Verdict
Best for exotic pet owners and those who want the backing of a Fortune 100 insurer. Nationwide is the only major carrier that covers birds, reptiles, and exotic pets — a unique advantage. However, the Whole Pet plan's $10K annual cap and slower claims processing are notable drawbacks.
Coverage Limit
$10,000 annual (Whole Pet) / Schedule of Benefits
Monthly Premium
$35–$100
Deductible Options
$250
Reimbursement
50%, 70%, 90%
Quick Facts
Pros
- Only major carrier covering exotic pets (birds, reptiles, etc.)
- Backed by Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with A+ rating
- Wellness coverage available on all plans
- No upper age limit for enrollment
- Multi-pet discount available
Cons
- —Whole Pet plan capped at $10,000/year — low for catastrophic events
- —Slower claims processing (up to 30 business days)
- —Limited deductible options ($250 only on most plans)
- —Major Illness plan uses a benefit schedule (not actual vet costs)
- —Higher premiums relative to coverage limits
Overview
Nationwide has been in the pet insurance business since 1982, making it one of the longest-operating carriers in the U.S. As a Fortune 100 company with over $50 billion in assets, Nationwide offers unmatched financial stability.
The standout feature is exotic pet coverage — Nationwide is the only major carrier that insures birds, reptiles, and other exotic animals. For dog and cat owners, the Whole Pet with Wellness plan provides comprehensive coverage including preventive care.
Coverage Details
Nationwide offers three plan tiers: the Whole Pet with Wellness plan (most comprehensive), the Major Medical plan, and the Pet Wellness plan (preventive care only). The Whole Pet plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, behavioral treatments, and alternative therapies.
The Major Medical plan uses a benefit schedule rather than actual vet costs, which means reimbursement is based on a predetermined amount per condition rather than what your vet charges. This can result in lower payouts for expensive procedures.
Pricing & Premiums
Nationwide's premiums are on the higher end, starting around $35/month for cats and $50/month for dogs. The Whole Pet with Wellness plan typically runs $60–$100/month depending on breed and location.
The $10,000 annual cap on the Whole Pet plan means you're paying premium prices for mid-tier coverage limits. For comparison, Healthy Paws offers unlimited coverage at similar or lower premiums.
Claims Experience
Claims can be submitted via the Nationwide app, web portal, or traditional mail. Processing times are among the slowest in the industry, ranging from 5 to 30 business days.
Nationwide reimburses based on actual vet bills for the Whole Pet plan, but uses a benefit schedule for the Major Medical plan. Direct deposit is available for reimbursements.
Expert Take
From Mike Donaldson, AAI, PRC, SBCS, CCIC
Nationwide occupies a unique niche: it is the only major carrier that covers exotic pets. If you have a parrot, a bearded dragon, or a rabbit, Nationwide is essentially your only option among established insurers. That alone makes them worth considering for exotic pet owners.
For dog and cat owners, the picture is more complicated. The Whole Pet plan is decent but capped at $10,000 annually — well below what Healthy Paws, Trupanion, or even Spot offer. The Major Medical plan uses a benefit schedule rather than actual vet bills, which means your reimbursement may be significantly less than what you actually paid. I generally steer dog and cat owners toward other carriers unless the Fortune 100 financial backing is a priority for them.
The claims processing speed is the biggest pain point. At 5–30 business days, Nationwide is the slowest major carrier by a wide margin. If you are floating a $3,000 vet bill and waiting a month for reimbursement, that is a real financial strain. Nationwide has the resources to fix this — they just have not prioritized it yet.
Ready to Get Covered?
Compare Nationwide with our top-rated carrier, Healthy Paws.
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