Pet insurance again

[Stacy]

So this was kind of unexpected, I just got on my work website to see what was happening, and as of today they are offering pet insurance through Nationwide with bulk pricing through payroll deduction. I haven't heard much about Nationwide. There is no age limit on the pet, but it says they don't cover pre-existing conditions unless your vet certifies that they are cured for 6 months first - so Ava's allergies and tumor would be out. But Katie doesn't have any pre-existing conditions. And Ava could have more health problems. So I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea if this sounds good/bad/not worth it? 

Plan choices
Three different plans will be available to you if you enroll in this new benefit:  

▪   My Pet Protection, covering treatment of illnesses and injuries for dogs and cats;

▪   My Pet Protection with Wellness, adding reimbursement for wellness exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter, flea/tick and other preventive services and treatments for dogs and cats in addition to illness and injury protection offered by My Pet Protection alone; and

▪   Avian and Exotic Pet Plan, covering both wellness and accident/illness treatment for most birds as well as goats, potbellied pigs, turtles, rabbits and an assortment of other less common creatures kept as pets. 

Each of the plans offers a 90-percent reimbursement of covered expenses from any veterinarian after a $250 annual deductible, up to a maximum of $7,500. All plans include access to a 24-hour vethelpline, where members can receive veterinary guidance at no charge, whether it is general guidance or help identifying urgent care needs.

 

How it works
“Getting as much as 90 percent of your veterinarian bill back is as easy as 1-2-3,” said Nationwide’s Kate Schoenman, National Accounts Executive.

“No. 1 – use any veterinarian, and pay for treatment at the time of service. No. 2 – mail or email the claim form available through Nationwide’s policyholder portal, along with the vet bill. And No. 3 – get reimbursed according to the plan you’ve chosen after meeting the $250 deductible.”

There are no age restrictions, although pre-existing conditions are not covered unless a veterinarian certifies your pet as cured for six months or more. Plans do not reimburse for taxes, waste disposal, grooming or routine boarding.

To use the free vethelpline, be ready to provide the insurance policy number as well as information about current medications, the package label of any ingested substance and any health problems your pet is experiencing.

 

 

 My Pet Protection Plan: 

▪   Accidents & illnesses

▪   Hereditary & congenital

▪   Cancer

▪   Dental diseases

▪   Behavioral treatments

▪   Rx therapeutic diets & supplements

▪   Use any vet

▪   Specialty & ER coverage included

$250 annual deductible    $7,500 max annual benefit

The website quoted me:

Premiums 856.95 for 2 dogs for 1 year

But it didn't ask any questions about the breed/age/health or anything about them. So... I'm not sure. I've definitely spent more than that at the vet this year! But since a lot of Ava's stuff wouldn't be covered I'm just not sure. 

Thanks! Stacy

[Stacy]

Thanks for that! It's good to hear from someone who has actually used Nationwide. There are so many choices, it's kind of overwhelming!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

We have the Core coverage, plus Major Medical -- or at least they're called something like that!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Nationwide (formerly VPI) is the company we use for Wally and Charlotte. We signed up both dogs when they were puppies, and the reimbursements have more than paid for the premiums. Because of our travelling, our dogs go to three different veterinarian offices, and all three submit the paperwork for us, so it's really easy.