In-Depth Review

Nationwide Pet Insurance Review

Last updated: March 2026 | Reviewed by Mike (AAI, PRC, SBCS, CCIC)

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.

Related Comparisons