Nationwide Pet Insurance at a Glance
Only major U.S. provider covering exotic pets alongside dogs and cats.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Whole Pet+Wellness | Major Medical | Avian & Exotic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidents & Illnesses | |||
| Wellness/Preventive | Included | ||
| Hereditary Conditions | Limited | ||
| Reimbursement | 50/70/90% | 50/70/90% | 50/70% |
| Exotic Pets | |||
| Monthly Cost (Dog) | ~$55–$95 | ~$30–$55 | ~$15–$30 |
Whole Pet with Wellness Pricing (Dog)
| Tier | Monthly | Reimb. | Deductible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% Reimb., $500 Ded. | $55–$65 | 50% | $500 |
| 70% Reimb., $250 Ded. | $65–$80 | 70% | $250 |
| 90% Reimb., $100 Ded. | $80–$95 | 90% | $100 |
Nationwide Plan Selection
Nationwide is the ONLY major U.S. pet insurer covering exotic pets — birds (parrots, cockatiels), reptiles (bearded dragons, ball pythons), and small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets). If you have a multi-species household, this is your best (and often only) option.
Nationwide faced significant backlash in 2024-2025 for non-renewing certain high-risk dog breeds. The company has since revised underwriting guidelines, but check your breed's eligibility before enrolling. Premiums run 15-25% above market average.
Nationwide Pet Insurance Review 2026: Best for Multi-Pet & Exotic Animals
Nationwide holds a unique position in the pet insurance market: it is the only major U.S. provider offering coverage for exotic pets, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Combined with its comprehensive Whole Pet with Wellness plan that bundles preventive care without requiring a separate add-on, Nationwide appeals to households with diverse animal families. In 2026, it earns a 4.0 out of 5 from NerdWallet and a 3.8 from U.S. News, placing it solidly in the upper tier of pet insurers despite higher-than-average premiums.
Key Features at a Glance
- Coverage types: Whole Pet with Wellness, Major Medical, Avian & Exotic
- Reimbursement levels: 50%, 70%, or 90% (Whole Pet); 50% or 70% (Avian & Exotic)
- Annual deductibles: $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
- Annual payout limits: $2,500 to unlimited depending on plan
- Eligible pets: Dogs, cats (8 weeks+), birds, reptiles, small mammals
- Wellness coverage: Included in Whole Pet with Wellness (no add-on needed)
- Multi-pet discount: 5% off each additional pet
- Waiting periods: 14 days for illness; no accident waiting period after first policy year
- Hereditary/congenital conditions: Covered under Whole Pet plan
- 24/7 VetHelpline: Included with all plans
Plan Comparison: Whole Pet vs. Major Medical vs. Avian & Exotic
| Feature | Whole Pet with Wellness | Major Medical | Avian & Exotic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accidents & Illnesses | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wellness/Preventive | Included | No | No |
| Hereditary Conditions | Yes | Limited | No |
| Reimbursement | 50/70/90% | 50/70/90% | 50/70% |
| Exotic Pets | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Cost (Dog) | ~$55-$95 | ~$30-$55 | ~$15-$30 |
Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
Nationwide's premiums run above the national average. According to Forbes Advisor and Pawlicy Advisor data, average monthly costs are:
- Dogs: ~$55-$95/month for Whole Pet with Wellness (national average is ~$62)
- Cats: ~$30-$50/month for Whole Pet with Wellness
- Exotic pets: ~$15-$30/month for Avian & Exotic plan
The 5% multi-pet discount helps offset costs for households with multiple animals. For a family with two dogs and a parrot, the discount applies to the second dog and the bird policy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Only major exotic pet insurer — birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and small mammals
- Wellness bundled — no separate add-on needed for preventive care
- Hereditary and congenital conditions covered under Whole Pet plan
- 24/7 VetHelpline included with all policies
- No accident waiting period after the first policy year
- Multi-pet discount of 5% per additional pet
Cons
- Higher-than-average premiums — roughly 15-25% above market average
- 14-day illness waiting period — longer than some competitors
- No unlimited payout option on all plan tiers
- Recent policy cancellation controversy — Nationwide faced backlash in 2024-2025 for non-renewing certain high-risk breeds, though the company has since revised its underwriting guidelines
- Exam fees not covered under Major Medical plan
Waiting Periods
- Accidents: No waiting period after first policy year; 14 days for new policies
- Illness: 14 days
- Cruciate ligament conditions: 12 months (can be waived with vet exam)
- Wellness: No waiting period once policy is active
Claims Process
Nationwide offers claims submission via its mobile app, online portal, or mail. Most claims are processed within 7-10 business days. The app allows you to upload vet invoices directly and track reimbursement status in real time. Direct deposit is available for faster payment.
Who Is Nationwide Best For?
- Multi-pet households — the 5% discount and bundled wellness make it cost-effective for families with 3+ pets
- Exotic pet owners — the only viable option for insuring birds, reptiles, and small mammals
- Owners wanting all-in-one coverage — Whole Pet with Wellness eliminates the need for separate preventive care riders
- Pets with hereditary conditions — breeds prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, or breed-specific conditions benefit from Whole Pet's comprehensive hereditary coverage
FAQ
Does Nationwide cover pre-existing conditions?
No. Like all pet insurers, Nationwide excludes pre-existing conditions. However, if your pet has been symptom-free and untreated for 12 months, some conditions may be reconsidered.
Can I use any vet?
Yes. Nationwide reimburses you after you pay the vet bill, so you can visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency hospital in the U.S. and Canada.
Does Nationwide cover dental?
Yes, under the Whole Pet with Wellness plan. Dental illness and injury are covered, and routine dental cleanings are included in the wellness component.
What exotic pets are eligible?
Nationwide's Avian & Exotic plan covers birds (parrots, cockatiels, conures), reptiles (bearded dragons, ball pythons, leopard geckos), and small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, hedgehogs). Coverage is limited to 50% or 70% reimbursement.
Is the 24/7 VetHelpline really included?
Yes, all Nationwide pet insurance members get access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline staffed by licensed veterinarians. This is useful for after-hours questions that don't warrant an emergency visit.
Sources: NerdWallet, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor, CNBC, Nationwide official policy documents, Pawlicy Advisor. Pricing data reflects Q2-Q3 2026 quotes and may vary by ZIP code, pet breed, age, and coverage options.