Paul Sanchez
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was the first company to offer pet insurance in the U.S. in 1980. In 2009, VPI was acquired by Nationwide, a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company, and the brand officially transitioned to Nationwide Pet Insurance in 2015. VPI offers a wellness plan that can be added to its Accident & Illness coverage or purchased separately. The cost of VPI starts at $25 per month, but your location, pet type, age, breed, and selected coverage will impact the price of your plan. VPI works by reimbursing 50% to 90% of your vet bill when a pet gets sick or injured unexpectedly. However, the highest reimbursement rate available to you may be 70% or 80%, which is lower than the 90% rate available from many other pet insurers. Customers appreciate its valuable perks and features, such as a 24/7 live advice app with veterinary experts and a prescription drug savings plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Starts at $25 per month, but varies based on location, pet type, age, breed, and selected coverage. |
| Reimbursement | 50-90% of vet bills for unexpected illness or injury, with a pre-defined benefit amount. |
| Coverage Options | Accident and illness insurance, with optional wellness add-ons. Coverage for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals. |
| Customer Service | Mostly positive reviews, with praise for low prices and level of service. Some complaints about rate increases and lack of clarity on exclusions. |
| Claims Process | Claims can be filed online or via email, mail, or fax. Claims are typically handled within 5 days but can take up to 30 days or more. |
| Perks | 24/7 live advice app, prescription drug savings plan, VetHelpline service, 5% multi-pet discount. |
| Availability | Sold in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but specific plan availability may vary by state. |
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What You'll Learn
VPI's pet insurance cost and value
VPI Pet Insurance, now known as Nationwide Pet Insurance, offers a range of pet insurance coverage options for cats, dogs, birds, and even some exotic animals. The cost of VPI/Nationwide pet insurance starts at $25 per month, but the final price will depend on factors such as your location, pet type, age, breed, and selected coverage.
Nationwide offers three main types of coverage: accident, illness, and wellness plans. Accident coverage is mandatory for all Nationwide pet insurance policies, while illness and wellness plans are optional add-ons. The illness coverage includes long-term care for many chronic conditions, provided they are not pre-existing or excluded based on your pet's breed. The wellness plan covers routine and preventive veterinary expenses, with two tiers of coverage: the first tier includes up to $450 in annual benefits, while the second tier increases the allowance to $800.
Nationwide's reimbursement rates for vet bills range from 50% to 90% of eligible veterinary costs, depending on the selected plan. The company offers a variety of deductible options, including $250, $500, or $1,000 annual deductibles. It's worth noting that an annual deductible can be more cost-effective than a per-incident deductible if you need to visit the vet multiple times in a year.
In terms of value, Nationwide Pet Insurance has received mixed reviews. Customers appreciate the low prices, excellent customer service, and valuable perks such as a 24/7 live advice app and a prescription drug savings plan. However, some complaints mention frequent rate increases and a lack of clarity on what is not covered by the insurance.
Overall, the value of VPI/Nationwide Pet Insurance depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While pet insurance can be expensive, it can provide peace of mind and financial assistance if your pet requires unexpected veterinary care.
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VPI's customer service
VPI Pet Insurance, now known as Nationwide Pet Insurance, has received mixed reviews for its customer service. Customers have praised the company for its low prices, valuable perks, and flexibility in coverage options. For instance, Nationwide offers a 24/7 live advice app with veterinary experts and a prescription drug savings plan. The company also provides a free-look period, ranging from 15 to 30 days, during which customers can cancel their policy and receive a full refund if they haven't filed a claim. Additionally, Nationwide explicitly outlines what specific illnesses are covered or excluded, which can be helpful for pets with chronic issues or breed-specific concerns.
However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Nationwide's customer service, citing unexpected rate increases and a lack of transparency about exclusions. For example, Nationwide has been criticised for not adequately disclosing that it does not cover certain expensive and common pet issues, such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. There have also been complaints about delayed reimbursements, with some customers reporting that it took over a month to receive their reimbursement cheque.
In terms of accessibility, Nationwide's call centre is open from 5 am to 7 pm Pacific Time on weekdays and 7 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays. The company's website is user-friendly, offering information, FAQs, and an online claim submission process. Customers can also download forms to submit claims by email, fax, or mail. According to the company, claims are typically handled within five days, but it may take up to 30 days or more in certain cases.
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VPI's coverage options
VPI Pet Insurance, now known as Nationwide Pet Insurance, offers a range of coverage options for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and even some exotic animals. The cost of VPI/Nationwide Pet Insurance starts at $25 per month, but the final price will depend on factors such as location, pet type, age, breed, and selected coverage.
Nationwide offers three main types of coverage: accident, illness, and wellness plans. Accident coverage is mandatory for all Nationwide pet insurance policies, while illness and wellness plans are optional add-ons. The accident coverage helps pay for non-illness and emergency care, with a maximum annual coverage limit of $5,000 or an unlimited amount. Illness coverage includes long-term care for many chronic conditions, excluding pre-existing conditions and breed-specific exclusions. Wellness plans can be added to accident and illness coverage or purchased separately, covering routine and preventive veterinary expenses.
The Whole Pet With Wellness plan is one of Nationwide's most notable offerings, providing comprehensive coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, chronic conditions, and zero age restrictions. This plan has no waiting period and covers a wide range of pet health needs.
In terms of reimbursement, VPI/Nationwide offers a range of options. Policyholders can choose from different reimbursement rates, typically ranging from 50% to 90% of eligible veterinary costs, depending on the selected plan. The reimbursement rate is the percentage of veterinary expenses that will be covered by the insurance after the deductible has been paid.
Nationwide also provides additional perks, such as a 24/7 live pet health advice app, a prescription drug savings plan, and free access to the VetHelpline service for veterinary advice and consultations.
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VPI's claims process
VPI Pet Insurance, now known as Nationwide Pet Insurance, offers a comprehensive claims process for its customers. Here is a step-by-step guide to the VPI claims process:
- Choosing a Veterinarian: With VPI Pet Insurance, you have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency hospital of your choice. There are no network restrictions, so you can select the best care option for your pet without worrying about coverage limitations.
- Paying for Veterinary Services: At the time of your appointment, you will need to pay for the veterinary services provided upfront. This includes any treatments, tests, medications, or other procedures performed during the visit. Keep all itemized invoices and detailed records of the visit for the next step.
- Filing a Claim: After receiving veterinary care, you can initiate the reimbursement process by filing a pet insurance claim with VPI. You can submit your claim conveniently through your online account or via email, mail, or fax. Make sure to include all the necessary documentation, such as itemized invoices and details about the veterinary visit.
- Reimbursement: Once your claim is approved, VPI will reimburse you for a percentage of the eligible veterinary expenses, as outlined in your selected coverage plan. The reimbursement rate can vary, typically ranging from 50% to 90% of the total bill, depending on your policy's pre-set reimbursement rate and predefined benefit amount.
- Timing and Processing: VPI recommends filing your claim within 90 days of the treatment date, although you have up to 365 days to submit it. The company aims to handle claims within five days, but some cases may take longer, and you should allow for a processing time of up to 30 days or more in certain situations.
- Understanding Coverage: It's important to carefully review your policy to understand what specific illnesses, treatments, and conditions are covered by your VPI plan. Certain exclusions may apply, and not all services performed by unlicensed veterinarians or unrelated to eligible veterinary expenses may be covered.
Overall, the VPI claims process allows pet owners to seek the best veterinary care for their pets without worrying about upfront costs. By reimbursing a significant portion of eligible expenses, VPI helps alleviate the financial burden associated with unexpected illnesses or injuries.
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VPI's wellness plans
VPI Pet Insurance, now known as Nationwide Pet Insurance, offers a wellness plan that can be added to its Accident and Illness coverage or purchased separately. The wellness plan is designed to help manage routine and preventive veterinary expenses from eligible veterinary services.
The wellness plan covers the following:
- Up to $450 in annual benefits, with the second tier increasing the allowance to $800
- Easy online claims submission and reimbursement for eligible vet costs covered
- Spay/neuter or dental coverage, which becomes effective 90 days after the start of the original policy term
- Alternative therapies (e.g. acupuncture, chiropractic, holistic care) if prescribed for a covered condition
The cost of VPI Pet Insurance starts at $25 per month, but the final price will depend on your location, pet type, pet age, breed, and selected coverage. It is recommended to get a quote to know the exact cost of insuring your specific pet.
VPI Pet Insurance works by reimbursing 50% to 90% of your vet bill when your pet gets sick or injured unexpectedly. Once your deductible is met, VPI will pay your insurance claim at the policy's pre-set reimbursement rate up to the pre-defined benefit amount.
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Frequently asked questions
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was the first company to offer pet insurance in the U.S. in 1982. It was acquired by Nationwide in 2009 and the brand officially transitioned to Nationwide Pet Insurance in 2015.
VPI Pet Insurance covers 50% to 90% of your vet bill when a pet gets sick or injured unexpectedly. The reimbursement rate depends on the plan you choose. They also offer wellness plans that cover routine and preventive veterinary expenses.
The cost of VPI Pet Insurance starts at $25 per month, but the price varies depending on your location, pet type, age, breed, and selected coverage.
VPI Pet Insurance, now Nationwide Pet Insurance, has generally positive reviews. Customers appreciate its low prices, level of customer service, and extra perks like a 24/7 live advice app and prescription drug savings plan. However, some customers have complained about frequent rate increases and a lack of clarity on what is not covered. Ultimately, whether it is worth it depends on your specific needs and your pet's situation.
