Nationwide pet insurance is one of the oldest and most recognized pet insurance providers in the United States, offering a range of plans covering dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals. If you are trying to decide whether Nationwide is the right fit for your pet, this guide covers everything you need to know, including plan options, what is and is not covered, how to file a claim, typical costs, and how Nationwide compares to other providers. The short answer: Nationwide offers broad coverage with flexible plan tiers, but premiums can run higher than competitors, and some plans carry notable exclusions worth understanding before you enroll.
A Brief History of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide entered the pet insurance market through its acquisition of Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), which was founded in 1982 and is widely credited as the first pet insurance company in the United States. Nationwide Pet Insurance rebranded the VPI business under its own name in 2015, bringing the product under one of the largest insurance companies in the country. This long history means Nationwide has decades of veterinary claim data, a well-developed underwriting process, and broad brand recognition, all of which can offer peace of mind compared to newer, smaller insurers.
That longevity also means some of Nationwide’s policy structures and reimbursement models are older in design. Understanding how those models work is essential before you buy.
Nationwide Pet Insurance Plan Options
Nationwide currently offers several distinct plan tiers. The lineup has evolved over the years, and the availability of specific plans can vary by state and by pet species. As of the most recent published information, the core offerings include the following.
Whole Pet Plan
This is Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan and works similarly to how most modern pet insurance companies structure their policies. It reimburses a percentage of your actual veterinary bill for covered accidents and illnesses after you meet your deductible. Covered conditions include hereditary and congenital conditions (subject to enrollment age and pre-existing condition rules), cancer treatment, diagnostic testing, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications. This plan is generally recommended for pet owners who want broad, predictable coverage.
Major Medical Plan
This plan uses a benefit schedule, meaning Nationwide reimburses a set dollar amount for each specific condition or procedure rather than a percentage of the actual bill. For example, a cruciate ligament repair might be reimbursed up to a fixed maximum regardless of what your vet actually charges. Benefit schedule plans can leave significant gaps if your vet’s prices exceed the scheduled limits, which is increasingly common as veterinary costs have risen in recent years.
Wellness Plans (Add-On)
Nationwide offers optional wellness add-ons that can be paired with medical plans. These cover routine and preventive care such as annual exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. Wellness coverage is not pet insurance in the traditional sense since it reimburses predictable, routine expenses rather than unexpected medical costs, but it can add value if you consistently use those services.
Avian and Exotic Pet Plans
Nationwide is unique among major providers in offering coverage for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other exotic species. These plans cover illness and injury treatment, which is especially valuable because exotic animal veterinary care can be very expensive and few other insurers will underwrite it. Details and availability for exotic coverage can be found on the Nationwide exotic pet insurance page.
What Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover?
Coverage details depend on which plan you select, but the Whole Pet plan offers the broadest protection. Here is a general overview of what is typically included and excluded.
Covered Conditions and Treatments
- Accidents including broken bones, lacerations, and foreign body ingestion
- Illnesses such as infections, diabetes, kidney disease, and respiratory conditions
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment including chemotherapy and radiation
- Hereditary and congenital conditions (when enrolled before the condition is present)
- Orthopedic conditions including hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries
- Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs
- Specialist and emergency care visits
- Prescription medications related to covered conditions
- Surgery and hospitalization
What Is Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions diagnosed or showing symptoms before enrollment or during the waiting period
- Cosmetic procedures and elective surgeries
- Breeding, pregnancy, and whelping costs
- Grooming and bathing
- Food, vitamins, and supplements (unless prescribed for a covered condition, depending on plan)
- Dental illness (note: some plans exclude dental disease while covering dental accidents)
- Experimental treatments
It is worth reading the specific policy wording for any plan you consider, as exclusions can vary by plan tier and by state. The Nationwide Pet Insurance FAQ page provides additional guidance on common policy questions.
How Much Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost?
Nationwide pet insurance premiums vary based on several factors including your pet’s species, breed, age, your ZIP code, the plan tier you choose, your selected deductible, and your reimbursement percentage. Because premiums are highly individualized, it is difficult to publish universal price figures that remain accurate over time. However, some general patterns are worth noting.
Younger pets cost less to insure than older pets. Certain breeds that are prone to hereditary conditions, such as French bulldogs or golden retrievers, often carry higher premiums. Urban areas with higher veterinary costs generally result in higher premiums than rural areas. Choosing a higher annual deductible will reduce your monthly premium but increase your out-of-pocket cost when you make a claim.
For an accurate quote based on your specific pet and location, use the Nationwide online quote tool. Always compare the quote alongside at least two other providers to understand your options.
Nationwide Pet Insurance vs. Competitors: A Comparison
The table below outlines how Nationwide compares to several other well-known pet insurance providers on key features. This comparison is based on publicly available information from each provider’s website and is intended to give a general overview rather than a definitive ranking, since the best plan depends heavily on your individual pet and situation.
| Provider | Reimbursement Model | You May Also Like |
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