Nationwide Pet Insurance (formally known as VPI)

Comparison Fact Sheet (Dogs and Cats)

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
Plans That Provide Both Accident and Illness Coverage Whole Pet w/ Wellness; Major Medical 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 Whole Pet Plan
No age restrictions, according to the website.

Major Medical Plan
Pet must be at least 6 weeks of age and less than 10 years of age.
Cancellation Policy Ask for a current copy of their insurance policy so that you may review their cancellation policy
Waiting Period Both Plans
14 days after the policy effective date for accidents and illness

Major Medical Plan
12 months after the policy effective date for cruciate and meniscal damage or rupture
12 months after the policy effective date for "specified ineligible conditions"
Waiting Period for Cruciate Injury Whole Pet Plan
14 days after the policy effective date

Major Medical Plan
12 months after the policy effective date
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? Whole Pet Plan
Chronic conditions are covered in subsequent years.

Major Medical Plan
Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment. 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.

(Terms of this guarantee may vary by state)
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 Dogs and Cats
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 Whole Pet Plan
Behavioral training, therapy and treatment are covered and must be prescribed by a veterinarian. Pet obedience training is not covered.

Major Medical Plan
[NO]
Alternative Therapy Coverage Whole Pet Plan
[INCLUDED] Alternative therapy must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Major Medical Plan
[INCLUDED] Alternative therapy must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. The medical condition the Alternative Therapy is used for must be listed in the benefit schedule to be covered. Homeopathic remedies or medicines and nutritional supplements are not covered by the policy.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for any additional limitations on Alternative Therapy Coverage.
Pre-existing Conditions Policy Whole Pet Plan
According to the Whole Pet policy a "Pre-existing condition means any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred within twelve months of the effective date of this policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated. A chronic condition is a pre-existing condition unless it began after the effective date of this policy."

Major Medical Plan
According to the Major Medical policy a "Pre-existing condition means any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of your policy, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated. A condition is not pre-existing if it was cured before the effective date of your policy and there has not been a recurrence or manifestation of the condition for at least six (6) months, unless it is a chronic condition. A chronic condition contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of your policy is a pre-existing condition, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated."

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of pre-existing conditions.
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage Whole Pet Plan
Hereditary & Congenital Conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occured during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
[LIMITED COVERAGE] Congenital/developmental defects are not covered.

Certain hereditary conditions are excluded.

With the Nationwide (fka VPI) Major Medical Plan, coverage for "specified ineligible conditions" (many of which are hereditary conditions) becomes available after you've had the plan for one year. The monetary limits on this coverage are $275 per policy term toward diagnosis or medical treatment and $550 per policy term for surgical treatment.

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

Major Medical Plan
[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. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.
Chronic Conditions Policy Whole Pet Plan
Chronic Conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
Coverage for chronic conditions in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year. Chronic conditions that are pre-existing or that occur during the waiting period are not covered.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of their Chronic Conditions Policy.
Cancer Coverage Whole Pet Plan
Cancer conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
[LIMITED COVERAGE] Cancers listed in the benefit schedule are covered up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.

If the cancer is not on the schedule, consider 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.

(See 'Chronic Conditions Policy' section above)
Cancer Coverage Limits Whole Pet Plan
Cancer conditions are covered as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
Coverage for eligible cancers in subsequent years is available up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.
Hip Dysplasia Whole Pet Plan
Hip Dysplasia is covered as long as it is not pre-existing and has not occurred during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
[LIMITED] With the Nationwide (fka VPI) Major Medical Plan, coverage for hip dysplasia becomes available after you've had the plan for one year. The monetary limits on this coverage are $275 per policy period toward diagnosis or medical treatment and $550 per policy period for surgical treatment.

(See 'Hereditary & Congenital Conditions Coverage' section above)
Prescription Drug Coverage Whole Pet Plan
Coverage for prescription drugs for covered medical conditions is included.

Major Medical Plan
Coverage for prescription drugs for covered medical conditions is included up to the benefit allowance for the diagnosis/treatment. Benefit schedule allowances are reset every policy year.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Pregnancy Coverage Whole Pet Plan
According to Nationwide (fka VPI), diagnosis and treatment related to breeding/pregnancy are covered as long it is not pre-existing and did not occur during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
Not Covered
Routine/Wellness Coverage Whole Pet Plan
[INCLUDED] Wellness coverage is included with the base policy. Copay and deductible apply.

Major Medical Plan
[OPTIONAL] The Major Medical Plan offers Routine/Wellness at an additional cost. Each benefit has reimbursement limits. Deductible does not apply to Wellness Coverage.

**See actual policy or call Nationwide (fka VPI) for complete description of their Wellness Coverage
Vaccinations See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Spay/Neuter See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Routine) See Routine/Wellness Coverage above for details
Dental Care (Illness/Accident) Whole Pet Plan
Covers dental diseases as long as they are not pre-existing and have not occurred during the waiting period.

Major Medical Plan
[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 Call Nationwide (fka VPI) to get their current stance on bilateral conditions coverage.
Coverage - Overview
(please read policy for full coverage details)		 Whole Pet Plan
Diagnostics and treatments due to illness and accidents

Major Medical Plan
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)		 Whole Pet Plan
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Conditions that occur during the waiting period


Major Medical Plan
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Conditions that occur during the waiting period
  • Congenital Conditions
  • Certain Hereditary Conditions
  • Conditions not listed in the benefit schedule
  • Orthodontics, endodontics and removal of deciduous teeth
  • Behavioral problems
  • Breeding or conditions related to breeding
  • Expression or removal of anal glands or anal sacculitis
  • Special diets, pet foods, vitamins, mineral supplements, boarding or transporting expenses and grooming costs
...See policy for a complete listing

 

How The Policy Works
Co-pay Whole Pet Plan
10%

Major Medical Plan
No Co-pay
Deductible Whole Pet Plan
$250 annually

Major Medical Plan
$250 annually.
Flat Deductible vs % Deductible Flat
Deductible Per Incident vs Annual Deductible Annual deductible
How is Reimbursement Determined Whole Pet Plan
It is not clear whether it is based on the actual veterinary bill or based on UCR.

Major Medical Plan
Benefit Schedule - This plan 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 Whole Pet Plan
This plan has an unlimited annual maximum payout.

Major Medical Plan
This plan has an unlimited annual maximum payout.
Max Lifetime Payout Nationwide (fka VPI) does not have a maximum lifetime payout
Max Payout per Incident Whole Pet Plan
This plan does not have a maximum payout per incident.

Major Medical Plan
This plan does not have a maximum payout per incident, but there is a maximum payout based on a benefit schedule allowance. This allowance is reset every policy year.
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 $25 - $150 depending on plan, addons, species, etc.

 

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

*† The information in the above charts applies to Nationwide (fka VPI)'s Whole Pet and Major Medical plans only. For information on other plans, please contact Nationwide (fka VPI) .

**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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