The Canine Review® released an article stating that Nationwide has begun issuing non-renewal letters to policyholders of its pet insurance policies around the country. These notices state that Nationwide is discontinuing certain plans, including Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness, for policy holders in specific states.1
An article posted on Nationwide’s website Jun 14, 2024, states, “As pet lovers ourselves, we understand the emotions connected to the protection of our family pets. Inflation in the cost of veterinary care and other factors have led to recent underwriting changes and the withdrawal of some products in some states- difficult actions that are necessary to ensure a financially sustainable future for our pet insurance line of business.”
While the exact number of affected policyholders is not yet known, it’s estimated that this decision could impact around 100,000 individuals and their beloved pets. Policy holders dropped by Nationwide are now scrambling to find coverage for their pets, especially if their pets have pre-existing conditions that are now considered uninsurable by other insurance carriers.
How Nationwide’s Decision to Not Renew Policies Might Impact Pre-Existing Conditions
If you’ve received a non-renewal notice and are being dropped by Nationwide, your previous coverage may not carry over if you enroll in a new policy with them. A condition that was previously covered under the Whole Pet with Wellness plan could now be classified as a pre-existing condition. This situation may not pose significant issues for pet owners with young or healthy pets, however, it could have a substantial impact on those caring for vulnerable pets, such as older animals or pets with existing health issues.
In light of these changes, many pet owners may find it necessary to consider their insurance choices. One promising alternative is to consider enrolling in a Pin Paws Pet Care insurance plan that includes an optional Routine Wellness add-on. Underwritten by MetLife, Pin Paws Pet Care offers many additional benefits with its insurance plans and will cover future accidents and illnesses.
Alternatively, if MetLife pet insurance is offered by your employer, you may be able to switch to a new plan with pre-existing coverage.
With our Routine Wellness add-on, pet owners can save on out-of-pocket costs associated with vaccines, teeth cleanings, flea and tick prevention and other routine wellness costs.
Pin Paws Pet Care with Routine Wellness vs. the Discounted Nationwide Whole Pet with Wellness Plan
Concerned about losing the coverage you enjoyed under Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness plan? You can secure comparable coverage through a Pin Paws Pet Care plan by adding our Routine Wellness option for preventative care. We provide a detailed comparison between our current plan with Routine Wellness and the previous Nationwide plan, empowering you to make a well-informed choice regarding your pet’s insurance needs.2
| What Nationwide Whole Pet With Wellness Used To Cover |
Pin Paws Pet Care with Routine Wellness |
|---|---|
| Injuries and illnesses | Yes (This is included in our standard pian) |
| Dental cleaning and care | Yes |
| Spaying/neutering | Yes |
| Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention | Yes |
| Vaccines | Yes |
| Supplements and vitamins | Yes4 |
| Anal gland expression | Yes4 |
| Behavior training | Yes (if recommended by a vet for anxiety or aggression) |
| Gastropexy | Yes4 |
Like all insurance policies, coverage may vary, and exclusions may apply. Visit our Coverage and Exclusions page for further information.
Additional Coverage for Routine Wellness Expenses with Pin Paws Pet Care
Our Routine Wellness add-on may be able to help with expenses related to:
- Nail trimming
- Genetic testing3 (only if purchased through a vet)
- Dew Claw removal3
- Radiographic screenings3
- Tail docking3
- EKG3
Our policies potentially include boarding coverage should you become hospitalized and are unable to care for your beloved pet.
Other Reasons to Switch from Nationwide to Pin Paws Pet Care
Here are several ways we distinguish ourselves from Nationwide and other competitors:
- Reducing Waiting Periods: Unlike Nationwide, we offer immediate coverage with a 0-day waiting period for accidents and Preventative Care. For cruciate ligament problems, our waiting period is only 6 months, whereas Nationwide imposes a 12-month waiting period.
- Additional Membership Benefits:
- Pin Paws – Enjoy a dedicated PetCloud Profile and the PawPinner Location Finder via a Smart GPS dynamic tag, with free tag replacements if they get lost or damaged.
- 24/7 Televet – Access veterinary advice anytime.
- Pet Rx Savings – Save on pet medications and supplies.
- Wigglepon.com Shopping Perks – Get discounts on products and services
from pet-focused merchants.
- Variety of Policy Discounts: We offer a range of discounts for eligible policyholders, including savings on deductibles, discounts for online purchases, animal care discounts, and special rates for military personnel and healthcare workers.
- Holistic Coverage: Our insurance extends coverage to alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy, ensuring comprehensive care options for your pets.
Have you been dropped by Nationwide and are looking for a new insurance provider that will cover future accident and illnesses while providing an option for routine-care assistance? Take the next step in securing your pet’s continued coverage with Pin Paws Pet Care. Click here to get your Free Quote today.
1 ”Nationwide Now Axing Pet Insurance Policyholders Everywhere,” The Canine Review
2 Based on information found across the Nationwide Pet Insurance website
3 Covered only if recommended by a vet for illness, injury or prevention
4 Covered only if related to an illness, injury, or medically necessary
