Nationwide Pet Insurance Review 2026

Yes — Nationwide is the only major US pet insurer offering health insurance for exotic animals, including birds (avian), reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, and select other small mammals. Standard dog and cat insurers do not cover exotic species. Nationwide's exotic pet plans are available in most states; coverage terms and eligible species vary by state and policy. Verify current exotic pet plan availability and covered species at nationwide.com/personal/insurance/pet/ before enrolling. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) at naphia.org publishes industry data relevant to all pet insurance buyers.

Nationwide has offered pet health insurance since 1982 — making it the longest-running US pet insurer. Over 40 years of claims experience provides a more robust actuarial basis for underwriting than newer entrants. For buyers who weigh carrier longevity in a product category highly, this is a meaningful differentiator. Source: Nationwide public disclosures at nationwide.com.

Nationwide's Whole Pet plan is an accident-and-illness policy with no per-incident sub-limits on covered conditions, and it includes hereditary and congenital conditions — a category many carriers exclude. Covered categories typically include accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, diagnostic testing, surgeries, and hospital stays. The plan does not cover routine or preventive care (vaccines, wellness exams) — those are covered by the separate Wellness plan. Pre-existing conditions are excluded. Enrolling pets while young ensures hereditary condition eligibility before a condition develops. Verify current covered conditions, sub-limits, and exclusions at nationwide.com/personal/insurance/pet before enrolling. Source: Nationwide at nationwide.com; NAPHIA at naphia.org.

A pre-existing condition in pet insurance is any illness, injury, or symptom that existed before the policy effective date or during a waiting period. Most pet insurers — including Nationwide — exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage. This is why enrolling pets early (before health issues develop) maximizes coverage. Some carriers distinguish between curable pre-existing conditions (which may be covered after a symptom-free period) and incurable or chronic conditions (permanently excluded). Hereditary and congenital conditions that have NOT yet manifested at enrollment ARE eligible under Nationwide's Whole Pet plan — a meaningful advantage over carriers that categorically exclude hereditary conditions. Verify the specific exclusion language at nationwide.com before enrolling. Source: NAPHIA at naphia.org; Nationwide at nationwide.com.

Yes. Nationwide offers a multi-pet discount for households insuring more than one pet. Additionally, existing Nationwide auto, home, or renters policyholders may be eligible for a bundling discount on pet insurance. The specific discount amounts and eligibility conditions vary and are subject to change — verify current multi-pet and bundling discount terms at nationwide.com/personal/insurance/pet or by requesting a quote for multiple pets. Source: Nationwide at nationwide.com.

No. ClearValue Lending is not a licensed insurance broker or agent. This review presents publicly available editorial information about Nationwide's pet insurance product. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability vary by species, pet age, state, and individual underwriting. Obtain official quotes and policy details directly from Nationwide at nationwide.com/personal/insurance/pet.