Nationwide Pet Insurance Review (Formerly VPI Pet Insurance)

Nationwide Pet Insurance, formerly known as Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), is one of the most established providers in the pet insurance industry. With decades of experience and a wide range of coverage options for dogs, cats, and even exotic pets, Nationwide offers a pet insurance plan that can be customized to suit various needs and budgets.

 

As America's favorite pet insurer, it allows members to visit any licensed veterinarian and receive reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. This review explores the company’s policies, pricing, pros and cons, and how it compares to other pet insurers, helping pet owners determine if Nationwide is the right choice for pet parents seeking protection for their furriest family members.

 

Company Background

Founded in 1982 as Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), Nationwide Pet Insurance was the first veterinarian in the United States to offer a pet insurance policy. In 2009, VPI was acquired by Nationwide, a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company. The brand officially transitioned to Nationwide Pet Insurance in 2015.

 

With decades of industry experience and the backing of a well-established parent company, Nationwide continues to provide pet insurance plans for a wide range of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals, allowing members to receive reimbursements for eligible vet costs covered.

 

Coverage Options Available

 

 

Accident and Illness Coverage Details

Nationwide offers accident and illness insurance that allows pet owners to tailor their pet insurance plan by choosing from various deductible, reimbursement, and annual limit options—making it easier to match both coverage needs and budget for illnesses, injuries, or emergency care.

 

 

Deductible Options

Choose from $250, $500, or $1,000 annual deductibles.

 

 

Reimbursement Options

Select reimbursement rates of 50%, 60%, or 70% of eligible veterinary costs.

 

 

Annual Limit Options

Enjoy the flexibility of an unlimited annual benefit limit.

 

Inclusions in the Standard Coverage

• Coverage for Accidents
  
• Alternative and Holistic Therapies
  
• Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
  
• Management of Chronic Conditions
  
• Coverage for Congenital Disorders
  
• Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation
  
• Emergency Veterinary Services
  
• Hereditary Condition Coverage
  
• Inpatient Hospitalization
  
• Illness Coverage
  
• Prescription Drug Reimbursement
  
• Access to Specialty Veterinary Care
  
• Surgical Procedures
  
• Imaging and Lab Work (X-rays, Blood Tests, Ultrasounds)

 

Optional Wellness Plan Add-Ons

Nationwide offers two tiers of optional wellness coverage designed to help manage routine and preventive veterinary expenses from eligible veterinary services. The first tier includes up to $450 in annual benefits, while the second tier increases the allowance to $800. Both options allow you to easily submit claims online and receive reimbursements for eligible vet costs covered. Below is a breakdown of what each level includes.

 

 

Wellness Plan Level 1 – $450 Annual Benefit

• Two physical exams per policy term
  
• Vaccinations or titers
  
• Heartworm test or FeLV/FIV test
  
• Fecal examination
  
• Deworming treatment
  
• Microchipping
  
• Health certificate
  
• Choice of flea control or heartworm prevention

 

 

Wellness Plan Level 2 – $800 Annual Benefit

Includes everything from Level 1, plus:

 

• One additional diagnostic test
  
• Choice of health screening (blood test), radiograph (x-rays), or electrocardiogram (EKG)
  
• Coverage for spay/neuter or dental procedures**
  

 

Note: Spay/neuter or dental coverage becomes effective 90 days after the start of the original policy term.

 

Policy Exclusions and Limitations

Nationwide Pet Insurance does not cover costs related to the following categories and situations under its pet insurance policy, including services not performed by a licensed veterinarian or those unrelated to eligible veterinary expenses.

 

 

Veterinary Services and Expenses

• Treatment or services for pre-existing conditions
  
• Care provided before the policy’s effective date
  
• Diagnosis or treatment of complications from excluded conditions or intentionally inflicted issues
  
• Behavioral or obedience training unless deemed medically necessary
  
• Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, chiropractic, holistic care) unless prescribed for a covered condition
  
• Prescription expenses beyond medically necessary amounts, and non-prescription diets or treats—even if veterinarian-recommended
  

 

 

Pet Care Items and Services

• Boarding, grooming, housing, transportation, and pet accessories (e.g., bedding, toys, bowls, crates)
  
• Any non-prescribed pet-related services or supplies
  
• Fees not directly associated with veterinary care

 

 

Financial and Membership Exclusions

• Wellness or preventive care plans, memberships, clubs, or cashback programs
  
• Administrative charges such as waste disposal, licensing, recordkeeping, taxes, or bank fees
  

 

 

Specific Health Conditions

• Dental or oral health issues present before the policy start date
  
• Injuries to the cruciate ligament or menisci occurring during the first policy term
  
• Experimental, investigational, or illegal procedures
  
• Illnesses or injuries related to war, insurrection, or radiation exposure
  

 

 

Coverage-Specific Exclusions

• Cosmetic surgeries not covered under the selected plan
  
• Veterinary costs related to breeding or reproduction
  
• Procedures unrelated to eligible medical conditions
  
• Treatment provided by the policyholder or their immediate family members
  
• Services rendered at veterinary businesses owned or operated by the policyholder
  
• Anal gland expression services exceeding $80 per term unless linked to an active medical condition
  

 

 

Age-Related Exclusions

• For first-time enrollees over 8 years old, certain conditions may be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage.

 

 

Policyholder Responsibilities

Pets can be enrolled to Nationwide pet insurance premiums starting at 8 weeks old, with a maximum enrollment age limit of 20 years for eligible veterinary expenses.

 

Claims Process

Nationwide Pet Insurance allows you to easily submit claims online through their portal, or by fax, mail, or email—just include the relevant invoice(s). You can choose reimbursement via direct deposit for faster processing and track your claim status anytime using the online portal.

 

Customer Support

 

 

Customer Service Hours

• Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM PT
  
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM PT
  

 

 

Contact Information

• Phone: 844-244-3649
  
• Email: Contact via online form submission
  

 

 

Veterinary Professional Support

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT
  
• Phone: 866-VET-4874
  

 

 

How to Cancel Nationwide Pet Insurance

To cancel your policy, reach out to Nationwide’s customer service team or emergency providers by phone or submit a request through their online form.

 

 

Money-Back Guarantee

If no claims have been filed, you are eligible for a full refund when you cancel within the first 30 days of your policy.

 

Customer Feedback

“I have had Nationwide Pet Insurance for my two beagles for 8+ years. Nationwide reimbursed the majority of expenses associated with my Charlie’s splenectomy, cancer, and associated treatments.”

— A., Houston, TX

 

“Nationwide Pet Insurance has probably been the ONLY Insurance that has been a pleasant experience for me. We’ve utilized them for 5 years for both my cat and dog and I’ve never had any major concerns. I’d honestly say they continue to improve.”

— Customer review

 

“I adopted a kitten in June of 2017 and purchased the Whole Pet with Wellness plan for him. It turned out my cat was cryptorchid and had to undergo surgery. I spent almost $1,500, and Nationwide reimbursed me over $1,200.”

— Charlene, Orlando, FL

 

“I have been with Nationwide for over 10 years. They have always been fair with reimbursements and quick to process claims. Their customer service is excellent.”

— Customer review

 

Final Thoughts

Overall, Nationwide Pet Insurance provides extensive coverage options for dogs, cats, birds, and even exotic pets, with flexible pet insurance plans that can be tailored to fit different budgets and care needs. Their policies cover illnesses, injuries, or emergency care, along with optional wellness coverage for preventive pet products and services.

 

The standard 14-day waiting period for accident and illness coverage aligns with industry norms. Furthermore, Nationwide supports its members with a dedicated Veterinary Professionals line, offering convenient access to veterinary advice for Nationwide Pet Insurance members.