What Nationwide Pet Insurance Covers
Nationwide offers several pet insurance plans that differ in what they pay for and how much you pay out of pocket. The main plans are Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness, Nationwide Whole Pet, and Nationwide Pet Liability. Each one covers accidents and illnesses differently, and each has its own deductible, co-insurance percentage, and annual limit.
Accident and illness coverage is the foundation of most Nationwide plans. This means if your pet is hit by a car, eats something toxic, develops diabetes, or tears a ligament, the plan reimburses you after you pay the vet bill upfront. The Whole Pet with Wellness plan adds routine care — annual exams, vaccinations, flea prevention, and dental cleanings — though these are usually subject to a separate annual limit.
Nationwide does not cover pre-existing conditions, meaning any illness or injury your pet had before the policy started date. They also exclude breed-specific conditions for some dog breeds and certain hereditary conditions depending on your pet's age when you enroll. Cosmetic procedures, breeding-related costs, and behavioral training are not covered under any plan.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide has three main plan types: Whole Pet with Wellness (includes routine care), Whole Pet (accidents and illnesses only), and Pet Liability (covers injuries your pet causes to others).
- You pay the vet bill in full at the time of service, then submit a claim to Nationwide for reimbursement based on your plan's deductible, co-insurance, and annual limit.
- Pre-existing conditions are never covered, and some hereditary or breed-specific conditions may be excluded depending on when you enroll and your pet's breed.
- Monthly premiums vary based on your pet's age, breed, species, and location, and they increase as your pet ages.
How Deductibles, Co-Insurance, and Annual Limits Work
Nationwide plans require you to choose a deductible — the amount you pay before the plan starts reimbursing. Common deductible options are $250, $500, $750, and $1,000 per year. A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium, but you pay more out of pocket before coverage kicks in.
After you meet your deductible, Nationwide reimburses a percentage of the remaining vet bill. This percentage is called co-insurance, and Nationwide typically offers 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursement. If you choose 80% co-insurance and your vet bill is $1,000, Nationwide pays $800 and you pay $200 (after your deductible is met). The higher the co-insurance percentage, the higher your monthly premium.
Each plan also has an annual limit — the maximum amount Nationwide will pay in a calendar year. Annual limits vary by plan and can range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more. Once you reach your annual limit, Nationwide stops reimbursing for the rest of that year. The limit resets on January 1st.
How to File a Claim with Nationwide
After your vet visit, you pay the full bill at the clinic. Nationwide does not bill vets directly or offer in-network discounts, so the amount you pay depends only on what your vet charges. Keep your itemized receipt and any medical records the vet provides.
You can file a claim through Nationwide's website, mobile app, or by mail. The online and app methods are fastest — you upload a photo of your receipt and any supporting documents, and Nationwide typically processes claims within 10 business days. By mail, you send the original receipt and a completed claim form to Nationwide's claims address.
Nationwide deposits reimbursement directly to your bank account once the claim is approved. The amount you receive depends on your deductible, co-insurance percentage, and whether the charge falls within your annual limit. If your claim is denied, Nationwide sends a written explanation of why.
Enrollment and Waiting Periods
You can enroll in a Nationwide pet insurance plan online, by phone, or through an agent. Enrollment is available for dogs and cats, and Nationwide also covers birds, rabbits, ferrets, and other small animals through a separate product called Nationwide Pet Insurance for Exotic Pets.
All Nationwide plans have waiting periods — times when coverage does not explore even though you are paying premiums. Accidents are typically covered after 3 to 5 days. Illnesses have a waiting period of 14 days. Orthopedic conditions (like hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament tears) have a waiting period of 12 months. Wellness coverage, if included in your plan, usually begins after 30 days.
Your pet's age at enrollment affects both your premium and what conditions are excluded. Pets enrolled before age 6 weeks or after age 14 years may have different coverage options. Nationwide does not cover pre-existing conditions regardless of when you enroll, so any illness or injury your pet had before your policy start date will never be covered.
How Premiums Are Calculated
Nationwide bases your monthly premium on several factors: your pet's species (dog or cat), breed, age, and your location (state and zip code). A young mixed-breed dog in a low-cost area pays less than a purebred dog of the same age in an expensive area. Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs.
Your premium increases each year as your pet ages. A dog that costs $30 per month at age 2 might cost $50 per month at age 7. The increase is automatic and built into the policy — Nationwide notifies you of the new premium before it takes effect, usually during your policy's renewal period.
Your choice of deductible, co-insurance percentage, and whether you add wellness coverage all change your premium. A $250 deductible with 90% co-insurance and wellness coverage costs more per month than a $1,000 deductible with 70% co-insurance and no wellness. You can adjust these settings during your annual renewal if you want to lower or raise your premium.
Nationwide Pet Liability Coverage
Nationwide Pet Liability is a separate product that covers injuries or property damage your pet causes to other people or their property. If your dog bites someone and they sue you, or your cat damages a rental apartment, this coverage pays for legal defense and damages up to your policy limit.
Pet Liability typically covers bodily injury and property damage separately, with limits ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on the plan you choose. This coverage is often cheaper than accident and illness plans because claims are less frequent. You can purchase Pet Liability alone or add it to an accident and illness plan.
Pet Liability does not cover injuries to your own pet or damage your pet causes to your own property. It also does not cover incidents involving certain dog breeds that Nationwide considers high-risk, though the list of excluded breeds varies by state and changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any veterinarian with Nationwide pet insurance?
Yes, Nationwide works with any licensed veterinarian in the United States, including emergency clinics and specialists. There is no network restriction, so you can see your current vet or switch vets without affecting your coverage. You always pay the vet bill upfront and submit it to Nationwide for reimbursement.
What happens if my pet has a pre-existing condition?
Pre-existing conditions are never covered by Nationwide, even if they are not active at the time you enroll. If your pet had arthritis, allergies, or any other condition before your policy start date, treatment for that condition will not be reimbursed. Some hereditary conditions may also be excluded depending on your pet's breed and age at enrollment.
Can I cancel my Nationwide pet insurance policy anytime?
Yes, you can cancel at any time by contacting Nationwide directly. There is no cancellation fee or penalty. If you cancel mid-month, Nationwide typically prorates your refund based on the unused portion of your premium. Cancellation takes effect on the date you request or on your next billing date, depending on Nationwide's process.
Does Nationwide cover prescription medications?
Prescription medications are covered under accident and illness plans when they are prescribed to treat a covered condition. If your vet prescribes antibiotics for an infection or pain medication after surgery, those costs are reimbursed as part of the treatment claim. Over-the-counter medications and supplements are not covered unless they are part of a wellness plan.
What is the maximum age to enroll a pet with Nationwide?
Nationwide typically accepts pets up to age 14 years, though some plans may have different age limits. Pets enrolled at older ages may have higher premiums or different coverage options. Contact Nationwide directly with your pet's age to confirm whether your pet is may be able to access and what the premium would be.