The original US pet insurer since 1982. Covers dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and exotic pets in all 50 states. But a class action lawsuit over mass cancellations, a 30-day claims wait, and premium pricing are things every potential customer needs to know before they sign up.
Nationwide is America’s oldest pet insurer and still the only major carrier that covers birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, and other exotic pets — making it the default and often only viable choice for non-cat-and-dog owners. For dogs and cats, it’s a legitimate option with genuine strengths: 40+ years of operations, a Fortune 500 parent, a 24/7 vet helpline, and international coverage. But potential enrollees in 2026 need to know about a federal class action lawsuit over the cancellation of 100,000 to 300,000 Whole Pet policies — pets that were dropped mid-treatment after owners were explicitly told coverage would never end due to age. Nationwide’s claims processing can take up to 30 days, its maximum reimbursement is 80% (not 90% like many competitors), and its premiums rank among the highest in the market. It’s a solid insurer for the right pet and situation — but go in with eyes open.
These are the most-searched questions about Nationwide pet insurance — including the ones the company’s own website won’t answer plainly.
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Is Nationwide pet insurance no longer available? It is still available — but the Whole Pet with Wellness plan was discontinued for thousands of existing customers · New policies are still being written · Availability varies — check your zip code directly at petinsurance.comThis question is being searched so heavily because Nationwide sent cancellation notices in 2024 to somewhere between 100,000 and 300,000 existing Whole Pet with Wellness policyholders — many of whom were insuring senior pets or pets currently undergoing treatment. The plan is no longer offered to new customers in its original form. However, Nationwide still actively sells pet insurance and is still writing new policies for dogs, cats, and exotic animals across all 50 states. The current offerings for new customers are the Modular Plan, the Whole Pet plan (a restructured version), and the Major Medical plan, as well as employer group benefits plans. If you’re an existing customer who received a cancellation notice, the class action lawsuit (Case No. 1:25-cv-11619 in Massachusetts federal court) may be relevant to your situation. If you’re a new customer, Nationwide is still an active option — but read the terms carefully, particularly around what “renewal” protections actually mean in your state.
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Does Nationwide have dog insurance? Yes — dogs are Nationwide’s largest covered category · New dog policies available in all 50 states · Enrollment requires pets to be at least 8 weeks old and younger than 8 for Modular plans · No upper age limit on some Whole Pet plan renewalsDogs were the reason Nationwide’s predecessor company (Veterinary Pet Insurance) was founded in 1982, and they remain the foundation of the business. The Modular Plan for dogs allows you to choose between accident-only or accident-and-illness coverage, with optional add-ons for wellness, prescription food, and more. The Whole Pet plan is the more comprehensive option — it includes hereditary and congenital conditions, dental illness, behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments in the base plan. The Major Medical plan uses a per-condition benefit schedule rather than a percentage-of-bill approach, which typically produces a lower monthly premium but less predictable reimbursements. Dog premiums average around $94 per month nationally, though this varies widely by breed, age, and location — German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, which are prone to hip and orthopedic issues, typically cost more to insure than smaller breeds.
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Does any pet insurance cover hip dysplasia? Yes — Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan covers hereditary and congenital conditions including hip dysplasia · BUT: orthopedic conditions have a 365-day waiting period · Any signs of the condition before enrollment are treated as pre-existing and excludedHip dysplasia is one of the most expensive conditions a dog can develop, particularly in large breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Great Danes, where total treatment costs — from diagnosis through potential bilateral hip replacement — can exceed $10,000–$15,000. Nationwide’s Whole Pet plan is one of the few that explicitly covers hereditary and congenital conditions, which means hip dysplasia is covered if your dog has no history of symptoms or diagnosis before the policy takes effect. The critical caveat: orthopedic conditions in most states carry a full 365-day waiting period — one year of owning the policy before any hip dysplasia claim becomes eligible. Additionally, some states impose even stricter conditions. The takeaway: enroll a young dog before any signs of lameness, clicking, or limping appear in the vet’s records. Once documented, it becomes a pre-existing condition that no insurer will cover.
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Does pet insurance cover pancreatitis? Yes — pancreatitis is covered as an illness under Nationwide’s accident-and-illness plans if it is a new diagnosis · Covered costs include diagnostics, hospitalization, IV fluids, medications · Chronic pancreatitis with a documented history before enrollment is excluded as pre-existingPancreatitis is one of the most common serious conditions in both dogs and cats, and it can be expensive: a single acute episode requiring hospitalization, IV fluid therapy, pain management, and monitoring can run $1,500–$4,000 at a specialist or emergency clinic. Nationwide’s Whole Pet and Modular accident-and-illness plans cover pancreatitis treatment — diagnostics (blood panels, ultrasound), hospitalization, medications, and the prescription food required during recovery (with specific plan terms; check whether prescription diet is covered under your specific tier). The pre-existing condition exclusion is the key variable: if your pet’s records show any prior episode of vomiting, elevated lipase, or a pancreatitis diagnosis before enrollment, those incidents — and potentially related future episodes — will be excluded. Some breeds, including Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels, are statistically prone to pancreatitis, which makes early enrollment before any episode is documented especially important.
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What’s the phone number and how do I contact Nationwide pet insurance? Customer service: 1-800-540-2016 · Claims: 1-888-899-4874 · Sign in / portal: my.petinsurance.com · New policies and quotes: petinsurance.comNationwide operates a separate pet insurance division from its auto, home, and life insurance lines — so if you call Nationwide’s main general number you’ll be transferred. The dedicated pet insurance customer service line is 1-800-540-2016. For existing policyholders managing a claim or accessing their account, the portal is my.petinsurance.com. The 24/7 VetHelpline is a separate service included with all plans — it provides unlimited access to licensed veterinary professionals by phone or video chat around the clock, at no extra charge. This is a genuinely useful benefit for non-emergency situations where you want a professional opinion before deciding whether an ER visit is necessary at 2 AM.
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How do I file a claim with Nationwide pet insurance? Submit through my.petinsurance.com or the Nationwide Pet mobile app · You pay the vet first, then submit the claim with your invoice · Processing takes up to 30 days · Direct deposit is faster than a checkNationwide operates on a reimbursement model — you pay your vet upfront and Nationwide pays you back. Claims are submitted through the online portal at my.petinsurance.com or through the mobile app. You’ll upload your itemized invoice and veterinary records. Claims typically take up to 30 days to process, which is longer than some competitors. Complex claims or claims involving ongoing treatment may take additional time. Setting up direct deposit when you open your account speeds up reimbursement significantly compared to waiting for a check. One practical tip: submit claims promptly — most policies have a submission window of 90 days from the date of service. Missing that window means you absorb the cost regardless of whether the treatment was covered.
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How do I cancel Nationwide pet insurance? Call 1-800-540-2016 to cancel · 30-day free look period for a full refund if no claim has been filed · After 30 days: pro-rated refund on unused premium · Cancellation takes effect at your policy’s next renewal or upon requestCancellation can be initiated by calling Nationwide’s pet insurance line. Within the first 30 days of a new policy — and provided you have not filed a claim — you can cancel for a full premium refund. After 30 days, cancellation produces a pro-rated refund of any unused portion of the policy term. There is no cancellation penalty. If your pet passes away, the policy is automatically canceled and you receive a pro-rated refund, plus a death benefit (burial or cremation reimbursement and up to $1,000 for the pet’s original purchase price, provided conditions are met). If you’re canceling because you received a non-renewal notice or plan discontinuation letter, document everything in writing before your cancellation becomes effective — this documentation is relevant if you choose to participate in the class action lawsuit or file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner.
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How do I dispute a denied claim? Request a written explanation of denial first · Submit an appeal with supporting documentation through my.petinsurance.com · Escalate to your state’s Department of Insurance if the appeal fails · The NAIC Consumer Complaint Center handles escalations nationwideEvery denied claim triggers a written explanation from Nationwide. Read it carefully before responding — denials often cite a specific policy provision, and knowing which one gives you a target for your appeal. An effective appeal includes: a letter from your veterinarian explaining that the treated condition is distinct from any pre-existing history, all relevant medical records, and a clear written argument addressing the specific denial reason. Submit through my.petinsurance.com or by certified mail. If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, you have the right to file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance — state regulators take these complaints seriously, and Nationwide is required to respond. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint center at naic.org allows you to file across state lines. For Whole Pet cancellations specifically, contact Justice Law Collaborative about the ongoing class action at justicelawcollaborative.com.
Starting in mid-2024, Nationwide sent letters to between 100,000 and 300,000 Whole Pet with Wellness policyholders notifying them that their plan would be discontinued. Many of these were owners of senior pets, pets with chronic illnesses, or pets currently undergoing cancer treatment and other long-term care. Nationwide’s stated reason: unsustainable veterinary cost inflation that made continuing the plan financially unviable. The problem — and the core of the lawsuit — is that Nationwide’s marketing had explicitly and repeatedly promised that pets enrolled in the Whole Pet plan would “never” be dropped due to age. One plaintiff, Netti Sternklar, paid premiums for her dog Zoe for 14 years. When Zoe developed serious kidney, gallbladder, and heart conditions, she received a cancellation notice. Zoe passed away in April 2025, and her owner was left covering costly end-of-life treatments without insurance. For pets with documented pre-existing conditions from their Nationwide policy, finding replacement coverage elsewhere is functionally impossible — no other insurer will cover those conditions.
On June 4, 2025, Justice Law Collaborative filed a federal class action lawsuit (Silberman et al. v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Case No. 1:25-cv-11619) in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The three named plaintiffs represent the broader class of affected policyholders. The suit alleges unfair and deceptive business practices, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation — specifically that Nationwide knowingly made promises about lifetime coverage it had no intention of honoring indefinitely. As of mid-2025, a jury trial has been formally requested. The case has not yet been resolved.
- If you received a Whole Pet cancellation notice: Document everything — your policy terms, the cancellation letter, and any prior correspondence from Nationwide about coverage continuity. Contact Justice Law Collaborative at justicelawcollaborative.com.
- If your pet is mid-treatment: Check whether your state’s Department of Insurance can require Nationwide to continue coverage through the treatment course — some states have protections for this scenario.
- If you’re a new customer: Ask Nationwide in writing what “renewal” means in your specific state and under your specific plan. Get the answer documented.
The cancellation crisis doesn’t mean you should automatically rule out Nationwide — the company is still writing policies, still financially sound, and still the only option for exotic pet owners. What it means is that any claim that Nationwide will “always” cover your pet is a promise you should scrutinize carefully. Review your state-specific policy language around renewal guarantees, understand what “Whole Pet” actually means in the current plan structure versus what it meant before 2024, and keep copies of all marketing materials and policy documents from the day you enroll. If what’s represented to you is what ultimately ends up in your policy contract, you have recourse. If it’s only in marketing language and not in the contract, you may not. This is not a reason to panic — it is a reason to read carefully.
The Whole Pet plan is Nationwide’s most complete offering and the one most comparable to what competitors like Trupanion provide. Annual deductible is fixed at $250. Reimbursement is 50% or 70%, or 90% on older plan versions. Annual benefit limit is $10,000. What it covers that other plans don’t: hereditary and congenital conditions (including hip dysplasia, heart disease, and breed-specific conditions), dental illness, behavioral therapy, prescription drug coverage, and alternative/holistic therapies like acupuncture. No network restrictions — any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency clinic in the US qualifies. International coverage included. 24/7 VetHelpline access at no extra charge. This is the plan to choose if your dog is a breed with known genetic risk factors or if you want the most comprehensive protection without managing multiple add-ons.
The Modular plan is what new enrollees will encounter most often. You can build it to be accident-only or accident-and-illness, with optional add-ons for wellness, prescription food, and more. The deductible is $250 standard, with some options available by phone. Annual limits range from $2,500 to $10,000 per year. Reimbursement tops out at 80%, not 90% — meaning for a $5,000 surgery, you pay $250 deductible plus 20% of the remainder ($950 after deductible), for a total out-of-pocket of $1,200. That’s a meaningful cost compared to a competitor offering 90% reimbursement on the same bill. Enrollment age is 8 weeks to under 8 years old for illness coverage. The Modular plan is available for dogs, cats, birds, and exotics.
Major Medical is Nationwide’s more budget-accessible option, but it works fundamentally differently from the other plans. Instead of paying a percentage of your actual vet bill, it reimburses up to a per-condition limit set by a benefit schedule. That means a dog hospitalized for pancreatitis might have a scheduled benefit of $800 for that condition — regardless of whether the actual bill was $2,200. This plan is cheaper monthly and works fine for owners whose pets are generally healthy and need coverage primarily for acute single incidents. For any pet with a recurring condition or complex health issue, the benefit schedule caps can produce significant gaps between what you spend and what Nationwide pays.
This is where Nationwide genuinely has no competition. If your pet is a parrot, cockatiel, bearded dragon, ball python, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, or other non-cat/dog animal — and you want real insurance coverage, not just a wellness plan — Nationwide is the only major US insurer writing these policies. Coverage for exotic pets requires a phone call rather than an online quote. The plans cover accidents and illnesses specific to each species, with vet care from an avian or exotic animal specialist qualifying for reimbursement. For bird owners especially, avian vet costs are notoriously high — a sick macaw can generate a $3,000–$8,000 vet bill — and Nationwide’s coverage makes a real financial difference. Call 844-397-8937 for exotic pet quotes.
| Feature | 🔵 Nationwide | Spot | Trupanion | Lemonade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded / History | 1982 — oldest US | Newer | 2000 | 2020 |
| Exotic / Bird coverage | ✅ Only major option | ❌ Dogs/cats only | ❌ Dogs/cats only | ❌ Dogs/cats only |
| Max reimbursement | 80% Modular / 90% Whole | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Unlimited annual coverage | ❌ Max $10K | ✅ Unlimited option | ✅ Unlimited | ❌ Max $100K |
| Hereditary conditions | ✅ Whole Pet plan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hip dysplasia covered | ✅ (365-day wait) | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Claims processing speed | Up to 30 days | ~5–10 days | ~5–7 days | ~50% instant |
| 24/7 Vet helpline | ✅ Included free | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Via Chewy |
| International coverage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No |
| Direct vet payment | ❌ Reimburse only | ❌ Reimburse | ✅ Direct pay | ❌ Reimburse |
| Average dog cost/month | ~$94 (high) | ~$67 | ~$60–$80 | ~$30–$50 |
| Active legal issues | ⚠️ Class action pending | None known | None known | None known |
Three situations where Nationwide is the clear answer. First: you own a bird, reptile, rabbit, ferret, or any non-cat/dog pet that needs real insurance coverage — Nationwide is the only serious option and the decision essentially makes itself. Second: you’re an existing Nationwide home, auto, or life customer who can stack a 5% multi-policy discount on top of any employer discount — in that case the value calculation improves meaningfully. Third: you want a financially rock-solid insurer behind your pet’s coverage — Nationwide Mutual is a Fortune 500 company that reported $68.5 billion in top-line revenue in 2024, and the pet insurance subsidiary is backed by that institutional weight. What it doesn’t solve: the premium pricing gap, the 30-day claims processing, or the ongoing litigation risk for current Whole Pet plan enrollees.
Major Medical pays up to a specific dollar amount per condition per year — think of it like a menu with fixed prices. Your dog’s hospitalization for pancreatitis might have a $800 benefit. If the actual bill is $2,200, you absorb the $1,400 gap. It’s cheaper monthly because Nationwide knows its maximum exposure upfront. Whole Pet pays a percentage of your actual eligible bill after your deductible — so if the pancreatitis bill is $2,200 and you’ve met your $250 deductible, Nationwide pays 70% or 90% of the remaining $1,950. The Whole Pet approach is more predictable for owners and more expensive to insure because Nationwide’s exposure scales with what vets actually charge. For healthy pets with simple histories and mostly acute-care needs, Major Medical is a reasonable budget option. For breeds with genetic risk factors, older pets, or anyone who wants to know what they’ll actually receive for a large claim, Whole Pet’s percentage-based structure is more transparent.
The VetHelpline is a genuine benefit, not a chatbot. It connects you with licensed veterinary professionals — by phone or video — around the clock, at no additional cost, as a feature of every Nationwide pet policy. You can call at 3 AM when your dog has eaten something off the floor and you’re not sure whether it’s worth an ER trip. You can describe symptoms and get a professional assessment of urgency. You can ask whether a medication your vet prescribed is appropriate or whether a second opinion makes sense. The VetHelpline is not a substitute for veterinary care — it can’t examine your pet and can’t prescribe — but as a triage and information resource it’s genuinely useful, particularly for new pet owners who are still learning what’s normal and what’s a real emergency. Access is available through the my.petinsurance.com portal or by calling the number listed in your policy documents.
Yes — Nationwide has no in-network/out-of-network restrictions at all, domestically or internationally. Any licensed veterinarian, specialist, emergency clinic, or exotic animal vet in the United States is eligible for reimbursement under any Nationwide plan. If you travel internationally with your pet, veterinary care received abroad qualifies as well — you submit the invoice (with a translation if necessary) and are reimbursed at your plan’s terms. This no-restriction model is particularly valuable for owners in rural areas where there may be only one vet within 50 miles, or for exotic pet owners who need a board-certified avian or reptile specialist rather than a general practice.
This is the honest question most review sites dodge. The math depends almost entirely on what happens to your pet. For a dog that stays healthy for 12 years and needs only routine care, a self-funded savings account might come out ahead. For a dog diagnosed with cancer at age 4 — which happens with surprising frequency in Golden Retrievers — a single treatment course can exceed $20,000, and insurance that costs $80/month for 4 years ($3,840 total) would have paid for itself twenty times over. The asymmetry is the point: insurance isn’t a savings plan, it’s protection against the specific scenario where one illness or accident produces a bill that wipes out a savings account. The APPA reports that the average US pet owner now spends over $3,000 per year on their pet’s care, and emergency surgery at a veterinary specialist averages $3,000–$8,000. Whether Nationwide specifically is the right insurer is a separate question — but the case for insuring a pet at all is strong for most households.
- Collect your pet’s complete vet records for the last 12 months before requesting a quote. Every condition documented in those records is a potential pre-existing condition exclusion. Knowing your baseline before you enroll prevents unwelcome surprises when your first claim arrives.
- Choose Whole Pet over Major Medical if you have a breed with genetic risk factors. German Shepherds, Goldens, Labs, Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels all have documented elevated risk for orthopedic and cardiac conditions. The per-condition caps on Major Medical will produce significant gaps on exactly the large bills these breeds are likely to generate.
- Enroll your pet before any orthopedic symptoms appear. Hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues, and other orthopedic conditions have a 365-day waiting period — and they’re excluded entirely if there’s any prior documentation. Limp once in a vet record, and it’s on file forever.
- Set up direct deposit immediately after enrolling. It’s the single biggest factor in how quickly your reimbursements arrive. With up to 30 days of processing time, waiting for a check adds an additional week or more to an already lengthy process.
- Read your policy’s renewal language carefully — in the actual contract, not the marketing materials. The class action lawsuit hinged on a gap between what Nationwide’s marketing said and what the policy contracts actually guaranteed. Ask what your renewal rights are. Get the answer in writing from a Nationwide representative, and keep that email.
- If you own an exotic pet, bird, or rabbit — call 844-397-8937 for a personalized quote. Online quotes are only available for dogs and cats. Exotic pet coverage must be arranged by phone and is not available at petinsurance.com.
This guide is independently researched and written for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute insurance advice and does not represent an endorsement of or affiliation with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company or any of its subsidiaries. Coverage details, pricing, plan availability, and policy terms change frequently — always verify directly at petinsurance.com or by calling 1-800-540-2016 before purchasing. Information about the class action lawsuit (Case No. 1:25-cv-11619) is drawn from publicly available court filings and press releases as of mid-2026. If you are a former Whole Pet policyholder who received a cancellation notice, consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation. Nationwide® is a registered trademark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.