Nationwide is one of the oldest and largest pet insurance companies in the U.S., covering more than a million pets. Unlike most pet insurers, Nationwide sells policies for dozens of species, not just cats and dogs — so owners of parrots, rabbits and potbellied pigs can get coverage, too.

Nationwide has three plans to cover accidents and injuries. Two are similar to many other pet insurance plans, reimbursing you for a percentage of your vet bill. The other pays a set amount per condition, regardless of what you actually spend. The company also offers wellness coverage, though it's not available in all states.

Note: Coverage options and availability may vary depending on where you live and the age and breed of your pet.

Nationwide pet insurance
4.5NerdWallet rating 
Nationwide earned 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, coverage options and financial strength ratings.

Based on this rating, Nationwide is on NerdWallet's list of the Best Pet Insurance Companies.

State availability
Nationwide sells pet insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, the availability of specific plans may vary by state.

Nationwide pet insurance plans
Nationwide offers four pet insurance plans to choose from.

Whole Pet
Whole Pet is Nationwide’s most comprehensive plan, covering the broadest range of illnesses and injuries. It will reimburse a percentage of your vet bill for accidents or illnesses, including exams and tests. However, it doesn’t cover wellness expenses such as routine exams or heartworm prevention.

Modular
Nationwide’s new Modular plan allows you to pick the coverage you want. For example, you could choose accident coverage only or add coverage for illnesses, behavioral therapies, prescription food and supplements, and/or wellness. Like Whole Pet, the Modular plan pays you back for a percentage of your vet expenses.

The Modular plan isn’t available online, but you can call the company to discuss your choices.

Major Medical
The Major Medical plan pays based on a benefit schedule, which lists a maximum annual reimbursement amount per condition — regardless of what your vet charges you.

Major Medical plans generally cost less than Whole Pet plans, but they don’t offer as much coverage. For example, Major Medical plans won’t pay to treat congenital conditions (disorders your pet is born with), while Whole Pet plans will.

Pet Wellness
Nationwide’s Pet Wellness plan reimburses you for vaccinations, heartworm tests, nail trimming and other basic services. However, it won’t pay for spay or neuter surgery. The Wellness Plus plan pays up to $500 per year and costs $17 to $22 a month. A less expensive, less inclusive Basic plan is available only by phone.

Wellness plans aren’t available in every state. Where available, you can buy a wellness plan in conjunction with a Major Medical or Modular plan or on its own. You can’t add wellness coverage to a Whole Pet plan.

» MORE: How much does pet insurance cost?

What Nationwide pet insurance covers
Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan covers:

Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses, including cancer.

Hereditary conditions.

Diagnostic tests.

Prescription medication.

Nutritional supplements or therapeutic diets that your vet prescribes.

Congenital conditions.

Dental diseases such as gingivitis.

Behavioral exams and therapies.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic.

Nationwide’s Major Medical plan covers:

Exams, treatment, hospitalization and surgery for injuries and illnesses listed in your benefit schedule, including cancer.

Diagnostic tests.

Prescription medication.

Some hereditary conditions after your policy has been in effect for at least a year.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic.

Some dental conditions, but not gingivitis.

What’s not covered
Nationwide’s pet insurance plans don’t cover:

Pre-existing conditions.

Grooming.

Cruciate ligament problems within the first 12 months of coverage.

Wellness and preventive care (unless you’ve purchased a wellness plan).

Experimental treatment.

Dental cleaning.

The Major Medical plan also excludes:

Congenital or developmental disorders.

Some hereditary conditions.

Various dental issues such as gingivitis or treatment of baby teeth.

Behavioral therapies.

Age-related changes to an animal’s eyes or ears.

Treatment for parasites such as heartworms.

Prescribed nutritional supplements or pet foods.

Expenses associated with breeding or pregnancy, such as cesarean sections.

Any conditions specifically excluded in your benefits schedule.

» MORE: What does pet insurance cover?

Nationwide coverage options
Deductibles: The default deductible is $250 for Whole Pet, Major Medical and Modular plans. For other deductible options, you’ll need to call the company.

Reimbursement amounts: For Whole Pet plans, you can opt to be reimbursed 50% or 70% of your vet expenses. Modular plans can pay 50% to 90% of expenses. Major Medical reimbursement is based on your schedule of benefits.

Coverage limits: There’s a $10,000 annual coverage limit for Whole Pet plans. With a Modular plan, you can choose a $5,000 annual limit or no limit. Wellness coverage maxes out at $500 per year. Maximum coverage for Major Medical plans is on a per-condition basis.

Restrictions and waiting periods
Age restrictions: Depending on the plan, your pet may need to be at least 8 weeks old to get coverage. A maximum age of 8 or 9 years may apply. Some plans have no minimum or maximum age.

Waiting periods: After you buy your Whole Pet, Modular or Major Medical policy (with or without a wellness plan), you’ll have to wait 14 days before coverage begins. On the Modular plan, coverage for spaying, neutering and dental cleaning starts 90 days after the policy takes effect. If you buy a stand-alone wellness plan, coverage takes effect the next day. A 12-month waiting period applies to cruciate ligament issues.

Discounts
You can save 5% on a new pet insurance plan if you currently have another Nationwide policy.

You may also be able to save 5% to 10% if you insure more than one pet with Nationwide.

» MORE: Is pet insurance worth it?

Consumer experience
Website: Nationwide’s website is relatively easy to use, with information and FAQs about its plans and an online claim submission process. You can also get a quote and buy a policy.

Nationwide pet insurance policyholders get free access to the company’s VetHelpline service, which connects you with veterinarians for advice and consultations.

App: Nationwide has a general app for all its insurance products, but it offers relatively little functionality for pet insurance customers. You can use the app to check claim status, view policy information and see perks and rewards.

Claims: You can file a claim online or download a form to send in by email, fax or physical mail. You can check your claim status through your online account. The company says it generally processes claims within five days. You can opt to be reimbursed electronically or by paper check.

Customer service: You can reach customer service by phone at 800-540-2016 Monday through Saturday or contact the company by email.

Nationwide vs. competitors
Here’s how Nationwide stacks up against a few other popular pet insurance companies.

Nationwide vs. Trupanion pet insurance
In most states, Trupanion has a single plan with unlimited coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate, while Nationwide has a variety of plans and options to choose from.

Each company handles deductibles differently. Nationwide has an annual deductible, while Trupanion offers lifetime deductibles per condition in most states. The latter could save you money if your pet develops a chronic condition that needs ongoing treatment every year.

For accidents and illnesses, Trupanion’s plan is similar to Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan. Both cover hereditary and congenital conditions, prescription medications and supplements, and diagnostic tests. However, certain treatments included in the Whole Pet plan cost extra with Trupanion, such as acupuncture, behavioral therapies and chiropractic.

If you’re looking for wellness coverage, Nationwide is a better bet; Trupanion doesn’t cover wellness expenses. Read our full Trupanion review.

Coverage options

Nationwide

Trupanion

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options available by phone.)

$0 to $1,000 per condition in most states (a handful of states have no deductible).

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

90% in most states.

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

Unlimited.

Nationwide vs. Healthy Paws pet insurance
Healthy Paws offers a single pet insurance plan with no annual or lifetime limits. It has higher reimbursement options than Nationwide’s plans — up to 90% for some pets. However, there’s no option to add wellness coverage.

Like Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan, the Healthy Paws plan covers hereditary and congenital conditions, prescription medications and alternative treatment such as acupuncture and chiropractic. However, it won’t pay for exam fees, some dental health care, behavioral therapies or prescription diets.

Healthy Paws says it processes most claims within two business days, while Nationwide generally takes about five days.

Coverage options

Nationwide

Healthy Paws

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options available by phone.)

$100 to $1,000 per year. (Not all options are available to all pets.)

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%. (Not all options are available to all pets.)

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

Unlimited.

Nationwide vs. ASPCA pet insurance
ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan is similar to Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan. Both cover hereditary and congenital conditions, exam fees for accidents and illnesses, alternative therapies, behavioral therapies and prescription food and supplements. But you can add wellness coverage to ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan, while you can’t for Nationwide’s Whole Pet.

ASPCA also offers an accident-only policy, which you can choose as a cheaper alternative to a full accident and injury plan.

ASPCA has higher reimbursement options than Nationwide — up to 90% — as well as more deductibles and annual limits to choose from. Its waiting period for cruciate ligament issues is also significantly shorter — just 14 days compared with 12 months. But its claim processing time may be longer — up to 30 days.

Read our full ASPCA pet insurance review.

Coverage options

Nationwide

ASPCA

Deductible

$250 per year. (Other options available by phone.)

$100, $250 or $500.

Reimbursement

50% to 90%, depending on the plan.

70%, 80% or 90%.

Annual limit

$5,000, $10,000 or unlimited, depending on the plan.

$2,500 to $10,000 per year. (An unlimited option may be available; call the company for details.)

» MORE: Nationwide auto insurance review

Frequently asked questions
Does Nationwide pet insurance cover spaying or neutering?

How do I cancel Nationwide pet insurance?

How much is Nationwide pet insurance?

Does Nationwide pet insurance cover cremation or other final expenses?

About the author: Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Her work has appeared in numerous outlets, including The Associated Press, MarketWatch and The Washington Post. Read more