Pre-existing conditions
We’re here for your pet’s health journey. It's important to note that coverage under your pet insurance policy does not start immediately upon enrollment. There is a waiting period before your pet's coverage becomes effective. Additionally, any conditions that already exist prior to enrollment will be considered to be pre-existing and not eligible for coverage. Exclusion of pre-existing conditions is crucial to consider when signing up for a new pet insurance plan to ensure that you understand your coverage.
Give your pet a long and happy life
With over four decades of expertise, we understand the complexities of pet healthcare and what it takes to give our pets long and happy lives. Explore our wellness coverage options tailored to meet the diverse needs of pet owners at an unmatched value.
Early detection through preventative care
Preventive care is essential in detecting and managing various health issues in pets before they become serious. Annual exams can help identify early signs of diseases and allow your veterinarian to help keep your pet at an appropriate weight. Vaccinations prevent common infectious diseases, while flea and tick preventives protect against parasitic infections. These regular check-ups can help detect issues with:
- Dental health: Regular dental care and check-ups help catch periodontal disease early, preventing tooth loss and systemic infections.
- Parasites: Flea, tick, and heartworm preventives keep these pests at bay, avoiding diseases like Lyme and heartworm disease.
- Dietary concerns: Weight checks and nutritional counseling can prevent obesity-related conditions like diabetes and joint stress.
- Skin and coat health: Early treatment of dermatological issues prevents chronic conditions and enhances comfort.
- Chronic illnesses: Screening for conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid issues allows for early management, which can significantly improve quality of life.
Preventative care not only extends the quality and longevity of your pet’s life but also reduces the potential for costly treatments down the line.
Routine pet care quickly adds up
The average cost of routine pet care can quickly add up. Your pet’s annual veterinary visits alone can cost several hundred dollars, not including additional expenses like blood tests and dental cleanings. Here are some average annual figures* to consider:
- Wellness veterinary exams average $90.
- Vaccinations typically cost between $110 and $164 for dogs and $96 and $119 for cats. If your pet is young, you may need to a series of vaccinations for your pet to build immunity.
- Dental cleanings average $600 for a simple, uncomplicated cleaning.
- Preventive medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms might run from $100 to $300 a year.
Adding optional wellness coverage to your pet insurance plan will help to manage the costs of routine vet visits and ensure your pets receive regular, necessary care without undue financial stress.
Preventative care pet insurance coverage
Nationwide’s routine care pet insurance is designed to provide coverage for a range of services aimed at keeping your pet healthy and averting potential health issues before they escalate. Our wellness coverage options are designed to be added to our accident and illness plans. Here's what's typically included in pet wellness options that cover preventive care:
Level 1
- Annual exam
- Heartworm or FeLV/FIV test
- Vaccination or titer
- Deworming
- Microchip
- Fecal tests
- Health certificate
- Flea/tick control or heartworm prevention
Level 2
- All services listed for Level 1
- Health screen (blood test or x-rays or EKG)
- Spay/neuter or dental cleaning**
*Based on Nationwide 2024 claims data
** Coverage for spay/neuter or dental cleaning starts 90 days after the original policy term effective date.
What's not covered
As fellow pet parents, we understand the frustration that comes with discovering not all veterinary needs are covered by insurance. At Nationwide, we aim to minimize exclusions while maintaining the affordability of our plans.
Nationwide’s preventative pet insurance plans offers coverage for specific routine care services and does not cover the following:
- Pre-existing Conditions
- Accidents and Illnesses
- Boarding and Grooming
Please note - any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of this policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated is considered to be pre-existing and will not be covered.
As fellow pet owners, we know how frustrating it can be to discover that not everything is covered. We strive to limit exclusions as much as possible while maintaining affordability in our plans.
See a full list of exclusions or refer to your policy for further information.
How routine care pet insurance works
Nationwide’s pet insurance for routine care makes it easier for pet owners to manage regular health care costs. Here’s how it works:
Visit your vet
Once your policy is active, take your pet for preventive care services at any licensed vet anywhere across the United States and the world.
Submit a claim
Pay for the services at the point of care, saving your itemized invoice. Submit the paid invoice to Nationwide through our online portal or app to file a claim.
Get reimbursed
Nationwide prioritizes speedy claim processing, ensuring you receive reimbursements quickly according to your plan's coverage.
Enhance the coverage of an accident and illness plan
While pet insurance that covers routine exams is essential, it must be added to an accident and illness plan to ensure comprehensive protection for your pet. This layered approach covers unexpected events such as injuries, sudden illnesses, and emergencies that are not included in routine care pet insurance. Enroll your pet in a full coverage plan and safeguard them against a wider range of unforeseen medical needs.
Frequently asked questions
Preventive and routine care in pet insurance typically includes services aimed at preventing diseases and maintaining your pet's health. Routine care allows your vet to monitor the health status of your pets, ensuring that any potential health issues can be addressed early and prevent more serious health problems down the line.
Nationwide allows you to visit any licensed veterinarian worldwide. Simply pay for your pet’s exam fees and any other routine care services and submit a claim for reimbursement.
The frequency of covered vet visits and other services depends on your specific plan details, typically allowing for annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and other specified routine services as recommended by a veterinarian.
No, Nationwide provides preventive care pet insurance options for all ages, from young puppies and kittens to older pets, ensuring that you can start and maintain coverage throughout your pet's life.
You can usually add or modify the preventative care coverage at the time of policy renewal or when enrolling in a new pet health insurance policy.
Preventive care benefits typically begin as soon as your policy becomes active, though you should check your specific policy details for any waiting periods that might apply.