Nationwide Pet Insurance is one of the leading providers in the pet insurance industry, offering comprehensive coverage options for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. As the first pet insurer to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Nationwide has established a strong reputation for providing reliable and affordable pet insurance plans. Whether you're a new pet owner or you're looking to switch providers, Nationwide offers a variety of plans that can meet the specific needs of your furry, feathery, or scaly companions.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Nationwide Pet Insurance, including its coverage options, benefits, pricing, and how it compares to other pet insurance providers.
What is Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Nationwide Pet Insurance is an established provider that offers a wide range of pet insurance options to ensure that your pets receive the best care without causing financial strain. Nationwide offers plans for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic pets such as reptiles and rabbits. Its pet insurance products provide coverage for various veterinary services, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and preventive care.
Nationwide is known for its long-standing presence in the pet insurance industry, and it offers some of the most comprehensive plans available. Pet owners can also access an extensive network of veterinary clinics, which makes it easier to find care for their pets.
Types of Coverage Offered by Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide offers several different pet insurance plans, each designed to meet the specific needs of pet owners. The company’s plans fall into two main categories: Accident and Illness Coverage and Wellness Coverage. Each of these categories offers different levels of protection and benefits.
1. Whole Pet with Wellness Coverage
This is Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan, providing coverage for both accidents and illnesses, along with preventive and wellness care. The Whole Pet plan is designed to ensure that your pet is covered for most types of medical care, from emergencies to routine checkups.
What’s Covered:
- Accidents and injuries (e.g., broken bones, cuts, or bites).
- Illnesses such as infections, allergies, and chronic conditions.
- Surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications.
- Diagnostic tests like X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds.
- Routine care and wellness exams (vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, etc.).
What’s Not Covered:
- Pre-existing conditions (conditions that existed before the policy took effect).
- Elective or cosmetic procedures (unless required for medical reasons).
- Routine grooming (unless part of a wellness plan).
2. Major Medical Coverage
The Major Medical plan provides coverage for accidents and illnesses but does not include wellness care. This plan is a good choice for pet owners who want essential coverage for serious health issues but do not need comprehensive wellness or preventive coverage.
What’s Covered:
- Accidents such as fractures, injuries, and toxic ingestion.
- Illnesses, including infections, cancer, and chronic diseases.
- Surgery, diagnostics, and hospital stays.
- Prescription medications.
What’s Not Covered:
- Wellness exams or preventive care.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Elective procedures.
3. Accident-Only Coverage
Nationwide also offers an accident-only plan, which is the most affordable option for those who are primarily concerned about accidents. This plan provides coverage for injuries and accidents that may occur during your pet’s everyday activities.
What’s Covered:
- Accidents such as broken bones, cuts, bites, and sprains.
- Emergency care and treatment.
- Hospitalization, surgery, and prescription medications related to accidents.
What’s Not Covered:
- Illnesses or medical conditions unrelated to accidents.
- Preventive care like vaccinations or flea treatments.
- Routine veterinary visits and checkups.
4. Wellness Coverage (Optional Add-On)
The wellness coverage option is an add-on to any of the accident-and-illness plans. This plan covers routine and preventive care, which includes vaccines, flea and tick treatments, and dental cleanings. Adding wellness coverage helps to keep your pet healthy and catch health issues early.
What’s Covered:
- Annual wellness exams and vaccinations.
- Routine dental cleanings and checkups.
- Preventive care, such as flea/tick prevention, heartworm testing, and deworming.
What’s Not Covered:
- Treatment for illnesses or accidents.
- Procedures outside of routine and preventive care.
Benefits of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers several advantages, which make it a strong contender for pet owners looking for reliable coverage. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Comprehensive Coverage Options
Nationwide provides a variety of coverage plans that cater to different needs, from basic accident-only policies to comprehensive plans that cover wellness care, surgeries, and long-term treatments. The flexibility to choose between these plans ensures that you can find the right option for your budget and your pet’s needs.
2. Coverage for Exotic Pets
Unlike many pet insurers, Nationwide offers coverage for exotic pets, such as birds, reptiles, rabbits, and other small animals. This makes it an excellent choice for pet owners who have pets outside of the traditional dog and cat categories.
3. Nationwide Network of Veterinarians
Nationwide partners with a wide range of veterinary offices across the country. This large network makes it easier for pet owners to find a participating vet, especially if you travel frequently or live in a remote location.
4. Flexible Reimbursement Options
Nationwide offers customizable reimbursement levels, allowing you to choose how much the insurance company will reimburse you for covered expenses. With options to increase or decrease the reimbursement, you can adjust the policy to meet your financial needs.
5. Fast and Efficient Claims Process
While Nationwide is a more traditional insurer, the claims process is designed to be as quick and simple as possible. You can submit your claims online, and the company typically reimburses you within a reasonable time frame.
6. Pet Health Tracker
Nationwide offers a helpful pet health tracker for policyholders, which helps you monitor your pet’s health and keep track of any medical treatments. This is a great tool to manage your pet’s health records and can also help you keep an eye on future preventive care needs.
How Much Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of Nationwide Pet Insurance depends on several factors, including your pet’s breed, age, location, and the type of coverage you select. On average, premiums for pet insurance range from $30 to $90 per month, but this can vary widely depending on your pet’s health and the level of coverage you choose.
Here are some factors that may influence the cost of your premium:
- Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to genetic health conditions, which can increase the cost of coverage. For example, large dog breeds may have higher premiums due to the increased risk of hip dysplasia and other orthopedic issues.
- Age: Older pets are more likely to develop health problems, which can raise the cost of insurance. Puppies and kittens tend to have lower premiums compared to older pets.
- Location: The cost of veterinary care varies by location, so premiums may be higher in areas where veterinary services are more expensive.
- Coverage Type: Major medical and whole pet plans typically cost more than accident-only plans because they provide broader coverage.
How to Sign Up for Nationwide Pet Insurance
Getting started with Nationwide Pet Insurance is easy. Here’s how you can sign up for a policy:
- Visit the Nationwide Website: Go to the Nationwide Pet Insurance website to begin the quote process.
- Fill Out the Quote Form: Provide information about your pet, including breed, age, and medical history. You’ll also need to specify the type of coverage you’re interested in.
- Review Your Options: Based on your pet’s information, Nationwide will present you with coverage options, including the plan details, cost, and reimbursement levels.
- Choose Your Plan: Select the coverage that best suits your pet’s needs and your budget.
- Submit Your Application: Once you’ve chosen your plan, submit your application and provide payment details to finalize the process.
- Start Coverage: Once your application is approved, your pet will be covered under the policy.
Conclusion
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers a range of comprehensive, customizable plans that can meet the needs of dog, cat, and exotic pet owners alike. With a strong reputation for reliability, a large network of veterinarians, and coverage options that cater to different budgets, Nationwide remains one of the top choices for pet insurance. Whether you're looking for full wellness coverage or just want to cover your pet for accidents, Nationwide provides the flexibility and security that pet owners need to protect their pets’ health.
By choosing Nationwide Pet Insurance, you can rest assured that your pet will have access to the best possible medical care when they need it most.