Nationwide Pet Insurance (formally known as VPI)

Comparison Fact Sheet (Birds and Exotic Pets)

To get the most from these sheets, please read the Guide to Pet Insurance first.



Company Info
Company Name Nationwide (fka VPI or Veterinary Pet Insurance)
Also Known As  
Address P.O. Box 2344
Brea, CA 92822-2344
Phone 1-888-899-4874
Website www.petinsurance.com
Plan Name(s) Avian and Exotic Pet Plan
States Covered All 50 states, including DC
Underwriter and AM Best Financial Strength Rating Insurance underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (in California) and National Casualty Company (in all other states)

Veterinary Pet Insurance Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A+" and an Outlook of "Negative" as of 1/1/19.

National Casualty Company has an AM Best Financial Strength Rating of "A+" and an Outlook of "Negative" as of 1/1/19.

For the most recent ratings go to: AM Best and enter the name of the underwriter in the box labeled 'Text'.
Year Company Started 1982

 

Policy Basics
Policy Term 12 months
Effective Date The Effective Date will be listed on the Declarations Page of your policy after you apply and are accepted.
Enrollment Age Exotic pets and birds must be at least 3 months of age at the time of enrollment and be in the owner's possession for at least 60 days

There is no upper age limit.
Cancellation Policy Ask for a current copy of their insurance policy so that you may review their cancellation policy.
Waiting Period 14 days after the policy effective date for accidents and illness
Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury Not Applicable
Coverage When Travel Out of State or Country? Out of State Coverage - You WILL be covered while traveling to other states with your pet.

Out of Country Coverage - You WILL be covered when traveling to another country with your pet
Can the Price of the Policy Increase as my Pet Ages? Yes, the policy premium can increase as your pet ages. The premium may also increase due to inflation or other reasons.

Contact the company for more information on when and how your premium may increase.
Does Coverage Stop Due to Age? No
What Happens when the Policy Renews? Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.
Can the Price of the Policy Increase if a Claim is Filed? No
Choice of Vet? You can choose any licensed veterinarian worldwide, but you must live in the US permanently to purchase a policy
Money Back Guarantee? If you change your mind within 10 days they will refund your money in full as long as you have not filed a claim.
Surcharge for Visiting a Specialist or Emergency Clinic? No
Referral needed to Visit a Specialist? No
Pre-certification Required? No
Additional Requirements **See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for a complete list of the requirements you are expected to adhere to in order to maintain coverage.
Pet Insurance Policy Available for Pre-Purchase Review? Sample policy available online

 

What's Covered
Species Covered Birds and Select Exotic Pets
Accident/Injury -
Baseline Coverage		 Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication.
Illness -
Baseline Coverage		 Covers examinations, diagnostics and lab tests, surgery, treatments, hospitalization, prescription medication.
Behavioral Therapy Coverage Behavioral problems not listed on the benefit schedule are not covered.
Alternative Therapy Coverage [INCLUDED] Alternative Therapy is covered. It must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The medical condition the Alternative Therapy is used for must be listed in the benefit schedule.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for any additional limitations on Alternative Therapy Coverage.
Pre-existing Conditions Policy Pre-existing conditions are not covered unless the condition is temporary and has been cured for 6 months, then it might be covered. This is at Nationwide (fka VPI)'s discretion to determine.

According to Nationwide's (fka VPI) website, a pre-existing condition "...is an injury or illness that began or was contracted, manifested or incurred before the date the policy coverage began."

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of pre-existing conditions.
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage [NO] Hereditary & Congenital conditions are not covered.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of their Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Policy.
Continual Coverage for Chronic Conditions [INCLUDED] Continual coverage for chronic conditions is included in policy.

Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.
Chronic Conditions Policy Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.

They do not cover chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of their Chronic Conditions Policy.
Cancer Coverage [LIMITED COVERAGE] Cancers listed in the benefit schedule are covered up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. If the cancer is not on the schedule it is not covered.

They do not cover cancers that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period.

Cancers that are considered to be hereditary or genetic may not be covered.

For ferrets, diagnosis, medical management, or surgical correction of any endocrine tumors, both benign and malignant are not covered.

(See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above)
Cancer Coverage Limits Coverage for eligible cancers in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment as long as you have not gone over the maximum annual and per incident payout limits. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.
Prescription Drug Coverage [INCLUDED] Coverage for prescription drugs for covered medical conditions is included up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Pregnancy Coverage [NO]
Routine/Wellness Coverage [OPTIONAL] Nationwide (fka VPI) offers a Routine/Wellness addon for birds for an additional cost.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of their Wellness Coverage
Dental Care (Illness/Accident) [LIMITED COVERAGE] Only the dental conditions listed in their benefit schedules are covered.

**See benefit schedule, actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for full list of inclusions and exclusions.
Bilateral Conditions Policy ?
Coverage - Overview
(please read policy for full coverage details)		 Diagnostics and treatments of eligible illnesses and accidents. Diagnosis/treatment must be listed in the benefit schedule to be covered.

**See benefit schedule, actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for full list of inclusions, exclusions, limitations and conditions.
What's not Covered - Overview
(partial listing, please read policy for full details)
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Conditions that occur during the waiting period
  • Congenital & Hereditary Conditions
  • Conditions not listed in the benefit schedule
  • Breeding or conditions related to breeding
  • Special diets, pet foods, vitamins, mineral supplements, boarding or transporting expenses and grooming costs
  • Treatment for internal or external parasites
  • Orthodontics, teeth cleaning, polishing, endodontics and removal of deciduous teeth.
  • For ferrets, diagnosis, medical management, or surgical correction of any endocrine tumors, both benign and malignant, or endocrine hyperplasias of any kind, or associated splenectomy.
...See policy for a complete listing

 

How The Policy Works
Co-pay 10%
Deductible $50 per incident
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible Per Incident
How is Reimbursement Determined Nationwide (fka VPI) uses a benefit schedule to determine how much you will be reimbursed per diagnosis/treatment per policy year. The benefit schedule allowances are reset each year.
Max Payout Annually For Birds and Exotic Pets, Nationwide (fka VPI) has a maximum annual payout of $7,000
Max Lifetime Payout Nationwide (fka VPI) does not have a maximum lifetime payout
Max Payout per Incident The Bird and Exotic Plan has a per incident maximum of $2,000
Max Payout Based on Body System Nationwide (fka VPI) does not have a maximum payout based on body system
Client Reimbursed or Vet Paid Directly You pay the veterinarian and then you are reimbursed after you file the claim.

 

Pricing
Approximate Monthly Costs Approximately $12.00 - $20.00 depending on species, addons, etc

 

Additional Info
What are Customers Saying? PetInsuranceReview.com (Nationwide); PetInsuranceReview.com (VPI); Yelp.com (1) and Yelp.com (2)
Better Business Bureau bbb.org
Additional Info  

**Disclaimer: These charts are created based on my research. While I do my best to stay current, information can change quickly. Also, terms and conditions can vary from state to state. Before buying a pet insurance plan, confirm all information by calling the company or reading the most current policy. We will not be held liable for errors or omissions. If you see something that is incorrect or needs clarifying, please let me know.

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