Choosing the right pet insurance is key to keeping your pet healthy without breaking the bank. You should compare different options to find one that matches your pet’s needs and your budget. Nationwide Pet Insurance is a top choice, becoming the largest pet insurance provider in the United States after merging with Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). This makes Nationwide a reliable option for many pet owners.
Key Takeaways
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Nationwide Pet Insurance covers accidents, illnesses, and check-ups. It’s great for pet owners wanting full protection.
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Nationwide is special because it covers exotic pets like birds and reptiles. This helps owners of unusual pets get the right insurance.
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Claims take 14-30 days with Nationwide. Other companies, like Pets Best and ASPCA, process claims faster, often in a week.
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Think about your pet’s needs and your budget. Nationwide gives discounts for many pets, while Pets Best lets you pick plan options.
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Customer reviews differ. Nationwide has lower Trustpilot scores than Pets Best and ASPCA. This might affect your choice if service matters to you.
Overview of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Key Features of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance offers a range of features designed to meet the diverse needs of pet owners. Its Whole Pet with Wellness plan is one of the most complete policies in the market. This plan covers accidents, illnesses, and preventive care, giving you peace of mind whether your pet faces an emergency or needs routine checkups.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features you can expect:
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Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
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Accident Coverage |
Covers injuries from accidents, ensuring pets receive necessary care. |
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Illness Coverage |
Provides coverage for various illnesses, including chronic conditions. |
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Hereditary Conditions |
Covers hereditary health issues, which can be common in certain breeds. |
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Behavioral Issues |
Offers coverage for behavioral treatments, addressing mental health needs of pets. |
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Alternative Therapies |
Includes coverage for alternative treatments, expanding care options for pets. |
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Prescription Coverage |
Covers medications prescribed by veterinarians, reducing out-of-pocket costs for pet owners. |
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Diagnostic Tests |
Includes coverage for necessary diagnostic tests to identify health issues. |
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Specialist Visits |
Covers visits to veterinary specialists for advanced care. |
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Optional Wellness Plan |
Provides routine preventive care coverage, helping maintain pet health proactively. |
Nationwide is one of the few pet insurance providers that cover exotic pets. They offer coverage for pets like rabbits, birds, and mini pigs. This makes Nationwide a great choice for pet owners with unique needs.
Nationwide’s Reputation and Market Presence
Nationwide Pet Insurance is well-known in the industry. It became the largest pet insurance provider in the U.S. after buying Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). This history gives them a strong reputation among pet owners.
Compared to competitors like Embrace Pet Insurance and ASPCA, Nationwide stands out. They offer broad coverage, including for exotic pets. But, customer satisfaction ratings on Trustpilot need work. Nationwide scores 3.0 out of 5, while Pets Best and ASPCA score higher. Despite this, Nationwide is a trusted name due to their wide range of policies.
Types of Plans Offered by Nationwide
Nationwide offers various plans to fit different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick overview:
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Plan Type |
Coverage Description |
|---|---|
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My Pet Protection |
Comprehensive coverage for accidents and illnesses, including optional wellness care. |
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Modular Pet Insurance Plan |
Flexible coverage options that can be tailored to the pet’s needs. |
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Major Medical® |
Covers major illnesses and accidents, with specific limits on coverage. |
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Whole Pet |
All-inclusive plan covering a wide range of health issues, including preventive care. |
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Accident-only |
Covers only injuries and emergencies, with annual limits of $5,000 or unlimited. |
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Accident and Illness |
Covers both accidents and illnesses, with similar annual limits as accident coverage. |
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Wellness |
Optional add-on for preventive care, covering routine exams, vaccinations, and more. |
These plans let you pick the coverage that fits your pet best. For example, the Whole Pet plan offers full coverage, while the Major Medical policy focuses on big health issues. Nationwide also offers discounts for households with multiple pets, making it a cost-effective choice.
Coverage Comparison
Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage
Nationwide pet insurance has plans for all your pet’s health needs. Their accident and illness policy covers emergencies like injuries and sicknesses, even chronic conditions. But, pre-existing conditions and some hereditary disorders are not covered unless specified. You can also add a wellness plan for routine care like vaccinations and exams.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what Nationwide covers:
Understanding Pet Insurance Coverage
Pet insurance helps cover vet bills for accidents and illnesses. It’s not the same as health insurance for humans. It’s designed for pets and has its own rules and benefits.
Nationwide Pet Insurance and Other Competitor Coverage
Nationwide is known for its unique pet insurance. It covers exotic pets like birds and reptiles. This is something many other companies don’t offer.
Pets Best Insurance and Other Competitor Coverage
Pets Best Insurance lets you customize your pet’s coverage. It has a shorter waiting period for accidents than Nationwide. You can also reduce the waiting time for orthopedic issues with a vet’s waiver.
But, Pets Best doesn’t cover exotic pets. ASPCA focuses on dogs and cats but doesn’t cover exotic pets either. ASPCA has no waiting period for wellness add-ons, making it great for routine care.
Key Differences in Coverage
Pre-existing Conditions and Limitations
Nationwide and Pets Best don’t cover pre-existing conditions. But, Pets Best lets you reduce waiting periods for some conditions. Nationwide also doesn’t cover some hereditary disorders without specific plans.
Wellness and Preventative Care Options
Nationwide offers a wellness plan for routine care like vaccinations. Pets Best has similar options but with no waiting period. ASPCA covers all preventative care, making it a top choice for routine care.
Exotic Pet Coverage
Nationwide is the leader in exotic pet coverage. It insures animals like birds, rabbits, and reptiles. Pets Best and ASPCA don’t cover exotic pets, making Nationwide the best choice for unique animals.
Pricing Comparison
Nationwide Pet Insurance Pricing Structure
Nationwide offers different pricing for different plans. For dogs, the average monthly premium is between $16 and $46. For cats, it’s between $5 and $46. Exotic pet insurance starts at $16 per month, with costs varying by species.
Comprehensive plans like the Whole Pet with Wellness plan cost more. Nationwide has a fixed $250 annual deductible. Reimbursement rates are 70% to 90%, helping you manage costs. But, some plans have payout caps, which might limit coverage for certain conditions.
Pets Best Insurance and Competitor Pricing Models
Pets Best Insurance is known for its flexible pricing. It lets you add coverage as needed, unlike Nationwide’s bundled plans. This can lower your costs, depending on your pet’s age and health.
Pets Best offers deductibles from $50 to $1,000. Nationwide’s range is $100 to $1,000. Both allow you to adjust how much you get back for vet bills. Pets Best is often seen as the more affordable choice.
ASPCA also offers good prices, focusing on accident and illness plans for dogs and cats. But, it doesn’t cover exotic pets. This gives Nationwide an advantage for owners of unusual pets.
Affordability and Value for Pet Owners
Premium Costs and Flexibility
Nationwide’s premiums are often higher than Pets Best’s. For example, a 2-year-old mixed-breed dog costs $32 a month with Nationwide. A 2-year-old American shorthair cat costs about $18 a month.
Pets Best makes coverage more affordable by considering your pet’s age and breed.
Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates
Nationwide has a fixed $250 deductible, making budgeting easier. But, Pets Best offers deductibles as low as $50. Both let you choose how much you want back from vet bills, between 70% and 90%.
ASPCA also offers similar options, ensuring you’re covered for all care needs.
Discounts and Promotions
Nationwide has a discount for multiple pets, making it cheaper for families. Pets Best also offers customizable premiums for those on a budget. ASPCA is competitive with its clear pricing and accident and illness plans.
Claims Processing
Nationwide Pet Insurance Claims Process
Nationwide’s claims process is easy and fast. You can file claims online, by email, or by mail. They review and process claims in 14 to 30 days. This is typical for the industry.
Nationwide pays back through check or direct deposit. This gives you options on how to get your money.
Pets Best Insurance and Competitor Claims Processes
Pets Best makes filing claims easy with several options, including a mobile app and online portal. They process claims faster than Nationwide, usually in 5 to 7 days. They pay back through direct deposit, so you get your money quickly.
The table below shows the main differences in claims processes between Nationwide and Pets Best:
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Feature |
Pets Best |
Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
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Claim Submission |
Mobile app, online, email |
Online, email, mail |
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Processing Time |
5-7 days |
14-30 days |
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Reimbursement Method |
Direct deposit |
Check or direct deposit |
ASPCA makes filing claims easy. You can do it online or through their app. They process claims as fast as Pets Best, which is great for pet owners.
Speed and Ease of Filing Claims
Online vs. Offline Claims Options
Nationwide lets you file claims online, by email, or by mail. But, filing online is the quickest way. Pets Best and ASPCA have apps for claims, which is super convenient. If you like digital tools, these might be better for you.
Average Processing Times
Nationwide takes 14 to 30 days to process claims. Pets Best is much faster, taking 5 to 7 days. ASPCA is also quick, usually within a week. This means you get your money back sooner, which helps a lot.
Customer Feedback on Claims Processing
Reviews show mixed feelings about Nationwide’s claims process. Some like the wide coverage but get upset about the wait. Pets Best and ASPCA get more praise for being fast and easy. People love the apps and quick refunds.
Customer Service
Nationwide Pet Insurance Customer Support
Nationwide offers several ways to help with your pet insurance needs. You can use a 24/7 live vet advice app, call their customer service, or use a prescription drug savings plan. But, some customers have mixed feelings about these services.
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Customer Support Options |
Effectiveness |
|---|---|
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24/7 live vet advice app |
Mixed reviews; some customers express dissatisfaction regarding rate increases and claims processing times. |
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Dedicated customer service call center |
Complaints about poor customer satisfaction and long claims processing times. |
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Prescription drug savings plan |
Customers appreciate valuable perks, but there are concerns about coverage exclusions. |
Nationwide is quick to respond on social media, like Twitter. They usually answer in under 10 minutes. But, phone and email support can be slow and hit-or-miss.
Pets Best Insurance and Competitor Customer Support
Pets Best is known for putting customers first. They have a 24/7 Vet Helpline that many find very helpful. Their mobile app makes filing claims easy and fast. People often say Pets Best is quick to process claims, usually in 5 to 7 days.
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Feature |
Pets Best |
Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
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Customer Support |
24/7 Vet Helpline |
Traditional methods |
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Claim Submission |
Mobile app for easy access |
Standard submission process |
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Claim Processing Speed |
Fast, usually within 5-7 days |
Slower response times |
ASPCA also offers good customer support, focusing on accident and illness policies for dogs and cats. It doesn’t cover exotic pets, but its plans are clear and its service is quick.
Availability and Responsiveness
Phone and Email Support Options
Nationwide has phone and email support, but it can take a while to get a response. Pets Best and ASPCA are faster and more reliable. Pets Best’s 24/7 Vet Helpline is a big plus, giving you help anytime you need it.
Online Chat and Self-Service Tools
Nationwide doesn’t have online chat support, which can slow down solving problems. Pets Best and ASPCA do better with mobile apps and online portals. These tools let you manage your claims and policy details without waiting for someone to call you.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Customer satisfaction ratings show big differences between providers. Nationwide gets 3.0 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with mixed reviews. Pets Best scores higher at 3.9, praised for quick claims and support. ASPCA tops with a 4.0 rating, a leader in pet insurance trust.
Unique Features
Nationwide’s Standout Features
Nationwide stands out with unique features. It covers exotic pets like birds, rabbits, and reptiles. This is great for owners of unusual pets.
Its Whole Pet with Wellness plan combines accident, illness, and preventive care. This makes it easy to choose a plan that covers all your pet’s needs.
Nationwide also offers discounts for multiple pets. Its fixed $250 deductible helps you budget for vet bills. These features make Nationwide a strong choice in pet insurance.
Unique Offerings from Pets Best Insurance and Competitors
Pets Best Insurance and ASPCA have their own special features. Pets Best lets you adjust deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits to fit your budget. It also processes claims fast, usually in 5-7 days.
Its 24/7 Vet Helpline gives you quick access to vet advice. This can save you money and time by avoiding unnecessary vet visits.
ASPCA offers simple accident and illness plans for dogs and cats. It doesn’t cover exotic pets but has wellness add-ons with no wait. ASPCA is known for its reliability and high customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Unique Features for Pet Owners
Modular Pet Insurance Plans
Customizable plans, like Pets Best’s, let you tailor coverage to your pet’s needs. You can adjust deductibles and reimbursement rates to control costs. This flexibility ensures you only pay for what you need.
Wellness Plans and Preventative Care
Nationwide and ASPCA offer wellness plans for routine care like vaccinations and checkups. These plans help keep your pet healthy. Preventive care can also prevent costly medical issues later.
Additional Perks and Benefits
Nationwide’s exotic pet coverage and multi-pet discounts offer extra value. Pets Best’s 24/7 Vet Helpline gives you immediate access to expert advice. These perks make being a pet owner better.
Pros and Cons of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pros of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide offers several advantages that make it a strong contender in the pet insurance market.
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Exotic Pet Coverage: Nationwide stands out as one of the few providers that insures exotic pets, such as birds, rabbits, and reptiles. This feature appeals to owners of non-traditional animals.
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Comprehensive Wellness Plans: The Whole Pet with Wellness plan combines accident, illness, and preventive care into one package. This ensures your pet receives well-rounded protection.
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Flat-Rate Pricing: Nationwide uses flat-rate pricing for certain conditions. This benefits owners of higher-risk breeds by providing predictable costs.
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Established Reputation: With decades of experience, Nationwide has built a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
These features make Nationwide a versatile option for pet owners seeking broad coverage and peace of mind.
Cons of Nationwide Pet Insurance
Despite its strengths, Nationwide has some drawbacks that you should consider.
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Many customers report poor satisfaction due to slow claims processing times, which can take 14 to 30 days.
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Significant rate increases at policy renewal frustrate many pet owners.
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The exclusion of breed-specific hereditary conditions limits coverage for certain pets.
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Reimbursement caps and difficulty resolving issues through customer support add to the dissatisfaction.
These challenges may affect your experience, making it less appealing if you value quick claims processing or transparent pricing.
Comparison of Pros and Cons with Competitors
When compared to competitors like Pets Best and ASPCA, Nationwide’s pros and cons become clearer.
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Claim Processing Speed: Pets Best processes claims within 5-7 days, while Nationwide takes longer. ASPCA also offers faster processing times.
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Customer Satisfaction: Pets Best and ASPCA score higher on Trustpilot, with ratings of 3.9 and 4.0, compared to Nationwide’s 3.0.
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Coverage Options: Nationwide excels with exotic pet coverage, which neither Pets Best nor ASPCA provides.
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Flexibility: Pets Best allows customizable deductibles and reimbursement rates. Nationwide’s fixed deductible model lacks this flexibility.
If you prioritize exotic pet coverage or want a plan that includes wellness, Nationwide might be the best choice. But for faster claims or more flexibility, Pets Best or ASPCA could be better.
Verdict and Recommendation
Summary of Key Findings
Pet insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind when unexpected medical issues arise. Nationwide is great for exotic pets and has a Whole Pet with Wellness plan. But, it has slow claims and doesn’t cover all hereditary conditions. ASPCA and Pets Best are better for quick claims and strong policies for dogs and cats.
Best Fit for Different Types of Pet Owners
Nationwide is ideal for pet owners with exotic animals or multiple pets. Its unique coverage includes a wide range of exotic pets, such as:
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Type of Exotic Pet |
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Birds |
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Ferrets |
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Frogs |
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Goats |
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Guinea pigs |
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Mini goats |
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Mini pigs |
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Rabbits |
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Reptiles |
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Small mammals |
Nationwide offers a 5% discount for insuring more than one pet. This makes it a good choice for families with many pets. It also has plans for pets with hereditary conditions, but check the exclusions carefully.
ASPCA is great for those who want simple accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats. It has wellness add-ons and quick claims processing. This makes it a top choice among pet insurance companies.
Final Recommendation for Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance is best for exotic pets or those wanting all-in-one coverage. Its multi-pet discount is a big plus for families. But, if you want faster claims or higher customer satisfaction, ASPCA or Pets Best might be better.
Think about your pet’s needs and your budget before picking a provider. Look at coverage, claims times, and customer support to find the best fit.
Comparing pet insurance providers helps you make a choice that fits your pet and budget. Key things to consider include:
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Coverage options, exclusions, and waiting periods
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Claim process and customer service
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Customer reviews and reputation
Nationwide Pet Insurance has some unique strengths:
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Strengths of Nationwide Pet Insurance |
Description |
|---|---|
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Covers exotic animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. |
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Comprehensive Wellness Plans |
Combines accident, illness, and preventive care into one package. |
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Flat-Rate Pricing |
Provides predictable costs for higher-risk breeds. |
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Established Reputation |
Trusted provider with decades of experience. |
But, you should also consider its weaknesses:
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Weakness |
Description |
|---|---|
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Pets older than age 10 may not be eligible for new enrollment. |
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Exclusions |
Certain conditions and treatments are not covered. |
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Company changes |
Recent changes make it harder to know what coverage will be available. |
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Waiting periods |
Some conditions have waiting periods before coverage kicks in. |
Nationwide also has a long claims processing timeline. It excludes many breed-specific hereditary conditions.
Your choice should reflect your pet’s unique needs and your financial priorities. If you value faster claims processing and higher customer satisfaction, ASPCA might be a better fit.
FAQ
What makes Nationwide unique compared to other pet insurance providers?
Nationwide is unique because it covers exotic pets like birds, rabbits, and reptiles. Most competitors, including ASPCA, do not offer this. It’s a top choice for owners of non-traditional pets.
Does Nationwide cover pre-existing conditions?
No, Nationwide does not cover pre-existing conditions. Like ASPCA and others, it excludes any illness or injury before the policy starts. Always check the policy details to understand what counts as pre-existing.
How does Nationwide compare to ASPCA in terms of claims processing?
Nationwide takes 14-30 days to process claims. ASPCA is faster, often within a week. If you need quick reimbursements, ASPCA might be better.
Can you insure multiple pets with Nationwide?
Yes, Nationwide offers a multi-pet discount. This makes it cost-effective for households with several pets. ASPCA does not offer discounts for multiple pets, which may affect your decision.
Is Nationwide a good option for dogs and cats?
Nationwide provides good plans for dogs and cats. But ASPCA might offer better value for traditional pets. Its accident and illness policies include wellness add-ons with no waiting period, making it a strong competitor.