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COMPARISONS

MetLife Pet Insurance vs. Nationwide

Q: Why Choose MetLife Pet Insurance?

Our pet insurance plans are customizable to your needs, ensuring your furry family member is covered from nose to tail. We’re also the only pet insurance company that offers family plans, so you can cover up to three of your pets under one policy and deductible.

Three Minutes

Feb 19, 2024

A pet owner who’s browsing online lounges with their corgi.

With so many options and reputable providers in the market, choosing the right pet insurance can be overwhelming. But it shouldn’t have to be! At MetLife Pet, we put in the work to show how we compare to other popular pet insurance providers. See how we hold up compared to pet insurance from Nationwide as we take a look at two example policies.

Compare Nationwide vs. MetLife Pet Insurance**

Here’s a quick glance at how some of the MetLife Pet Insurance policy provisions compare with those of Nationwide’s Major Medical℠ plan.¹

MetLife Pet's Plan vs. Nationwide's Plan

Download the excel sheet

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide Pet Insurance
Wellness and Preventative Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)²	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Prescriptions	Yes	Yes
Holistic/Alternative Therapy	Yes	Yes
24/7 Telehealth Access	Yes³	Yes
Cancer Coverage	Yes	Yes
Euthanasia/Cremation	Yes	Yes
Grief Counseling	Yes⁴	Check with provider
Spaying and Neutering	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Dental Cleaning and Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (limitations apply)
Includes All Ages and Breeds	Yes	No
No Per-Incident Limits	Yes	No
Reimbursement	Flexible (50% – 90%)⁵	Based on benefit schedule
Average Deductible	Flexible ($0 – $2,500)⁶	$250
0-Day Accident Waiting Period	Yes⁷	No
Illness Waiting Period	14 days⁷	14 days
Deductible Savings	Yes⁸	No
Days to Reimburse	Up to 30 days (80% of claims reimbursed within 10 days)	Up to 30 days
Days to Submit Claim	90	90
NerdWallet Rating⁹	5 stars	4.5 stars
NerdWallet Callout⁹	"Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.”⁹	“Can cover a wide range of accidents and illnesses, but some plan options are available only by phone.”⁹

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide Pet Insurance
Wellness and Preventative Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)²	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Prescriptions	Yes	Yes
Holistic/Alternative Therapy	Yes	Yes
24/7 Telehealth Access	Yes³	Yes
Cancer Coverage	Yes	Yes
Euthanasia/Cremation	Yes	Yes
Grief Counseling	Yes⁴	Check with provider
Spaying and Neutering	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Dental Cleaning and Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (limitations apply)
Includes All Ages and Breeds	Yes	No
No Per-Incident Limits	Yes	No
Reimbursement	Flexible (50% – 90%)⁵	Based on benefit schedule
Average Deductible	Flexible ($0 – $2,500)⁶	$250
0-Day Accident Waiting Period	Yes⁷	No
Illness Waiting Period	14 days⁷	14 days
Deductible Savings	Yes⁸	No
Days to Reimburse	Up to 30 days (80% of claims reimbursed within 10 days)	Up to 30 days
Days to Submit Claim	90	90
NerdWallet Rating⁹	5 stars	4.5 stars
NerdWallet Callout⁹	"Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.”⁹	“Can cover a wide range of accidents and illnesses, but some plan options are available only by phone.”⁹

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide Pet Insurance
Wellness and Preventative Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)²	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Prescriptions	Yes	Yes
Holistic/Alternative Therapy	Yes	Yes
24/7 Telehealth Access	Yes³	Yes
Cancer Coverage	Yes	Yes
Euthanasia/Cremation	Yes	Yes
Grief Counseling	Yes⁴	Check with provider
Spaying and Neutering	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (optional add-on coverage)
Dental Cleaning and Care	Yes (optional add-on coverage)	Yes (limitations apply)
Includes All Ages and Breeds	Yes	No
No Per-Incident Limits	Yes	No
Reimbursement	Flexible (50% – 90%)⁵	Based on benefit schedule
Average Deductible	Flexible ($0 – $2,500)⁶	$250
0-Day Accident Waiting Period	Yes⁷	No
Illness Waiting Period	14 days⁷	14 days
Deductible Savings	Yes⁸	No
Days to Reimburse	Up to 30 days (80% of claims reimbursed within 10 days)	Up to 30 days
Days to Submit Claim	90	90
NerdWallet Rating⁹	5 stars	4.5 stars
NerdWallet Callout⁹	"Customizable plans for dogs, cats and even other animals in some states.”⁹	“Can cover a wide range of accidents and illnesses, but some plan options are available only by phone.”⁹

A “No” accompanied with a red “X” in the above table means this is not included or that exclusions may apply.

As with any insurance policy, coverage may vary and exclusions apply. See our coverage and exclusions page for more details, and learn how our pet insurance works.

Still searching for pet insurance? See how we compare to other providers.

Reasons To Consider MetLife Pet Insurance Over Nationwide

When choosing the right pet insurance for you and your family, it may be helpful to consider which features and coverage options are must-haves for you. Take a look at a few ways we might stand out from Nationwide:

No per-incident limits: We know accidents happen, and we also know your pet can fall ill at any time. That’s why we don’t have a limit for the amount we’ll pay for each incident your pet faces.
Reimbursement options: MetLife Pet may have more suitable reimbursement options than other insurers.
Shorter waiting periods: Got a pup at risk for developing common cruciate ligament problems? Nationwide has a 12-month waiting period,¹ while ours is 14 days. Plus, we have a 0-day waiting period for accident coverage.⁷

Did you receive a non-renewal notice from Nationwide canceling your Whole Pet plan? See how a MetLife Pet policy with wellness compares to Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness plan.

Employee Benefits: MetLife Pet Insurance vs. Nationwide “My Pet Protection®”

Download the excel sheet

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide “My Pet Protection®” Plan
Employer Group Discounts	10%¹⁰	5%¹¹
Species Covered	Dogs, cats, avians and exotics¹²	Dogs, cats, avians, and exotics
Family Plan (Multiple Pets on a Single Policy)	Yes	No
Multi-Policy Discount	Yes¹³	Yes
Internet Purchase Discount	Yes¹⁴	No
Military, Veteran, & First Responder Discount	Yes¹⁵	No
Healthcare Workers Discount	undefined Yes¹⁵	undefined No
Animal Care Workers Discount	Yes¹⁶	No
Annual Limit	Flexible ($1,000 - Unlimited)¹⁷	$7,500

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide “My Pet Protection®” Plan
Employer Group Discounts	10%¹⁰	5%¹¹
Species Covered	Dogs, cats, avians and exotics¹²	Dogs, cats, avians, and exotics
Family Plan (Multiple Pets on a Single Policy)	Yes	No
Multi-Policy Discount	Yes¹³	Yes
Internet Purchase Discount	Yes¹⁴	No
Military, Veteran, & First Responder Discount	Yes¹⁵	No
Healthcare Workers Discount	undefined Yes¹⁵	undefined No
Animal Care Workers Discount	Yes¹⁶	No
Annual Limit	Flexible ($1,000 - Unlimited)¹⁷	$7,500

This table has 3 columns and 20 rows. 1st column represents the product 2nd & 3rd represent MetLife and its competitors. Each row indicates whether the product is covered by MetLife or its competitors
	MetLife Pet Insurance	Nationwide “My Pet Protection®” Plan
Employer Group Discounts	10%¹⁰	5%¹¹
Species Covered	Dogs, cats, avians and exotics¹²	Dogs, cats, avians, and exotics
Family Plan (Multiple Pets on a Single Policy)	Yes	No
Multi-Policy Discount	Yes¹³	Yes
Internet Purchase Discount	Yes¹⁴	No
Military, Veteran, & First Responder Discount	Yes¹⁵	No
Healthcare Workers Discount	undefined Yes¹⁵	undefined No
Animal Care Workers Discount	Yes¹⁶	No
Annual Limit	Flexible ($1,000 - Unlimited)¹⁷	$7,500

A “No” accompanied with a red “X” in the above table means this is not included or that exclusions may apply.

As with any insurance policy, coverage may vary and exclusions apply. See our coverage and exclusions page for more details, and learn how our pet insurance works.

Why Choose MetLife Pet Insurance?

Our pet insurance plans are customizable to your needs, ensuring your furry family member is covered from nose to tail. We’re also the only pet insurance company that offers family plans, so you can cover up to three of your pets under one policy and deductible.⁹

Below are just a few other reasons you might choose MetLife Pet Insurance.

Discounts

At MetLife Pet, we offer these discounts to eligible policyholders:

Deductible discount: Your pet's deductible automatically decreases by $25 (for IAIC underwritten policies) or $50 (for MetGen underwritten policies) each policy year you don't receive a reimbursement for a submitted claim.⁸

Animal care discount: This is a 10% discount for veterinarians, animal care facility workers, shelter personnel, etc.¹⁶

Employer benefit discount: This is offered to those who buy a policy through their workplace.¹⁰

Military discount: This is may be available to active or retired military members, veterans, and first responders.¹⁵

Internet purchase discount: This applies to the first year of premiums.¹⁴

Free mobile app

While other similar services often require additional subscription costs, the MetLife Pet mobile app is a service that’s included at no additional cost with a MetLife Pet policy.¹⁸ With our app, you can manage vet records, submit claims, receive artificial-intelligence-recommended articles tailored to your pet, and chat with a vet 24/7 if you have questions regarding your pet’s health.

MetLife Pet cares

About the community: In 2023, MetLife Pet donated more than $1.3 million to our animal shelter collaborations across the U.S. as part of our ongoing commitment to support shelters with operational and care costs. Plus, we announced our Golden Beagle Award, which awards $20,000 to an animal welfare organization helping find forever homes for large-breed dogs.

But we’re not just donating. MetLife Pet also strives to provide education to help pet parents care for their furry companions. And if you adopt from one of the shelters we collaborate with, you may be able to enroll in our pet insurance policies. That way, your pet and wallet can be covered from the start.

About our customers: We offer discounts to our customers who work in animal care and healthcare, as well as active military members, veterans, and first responders.^15,16 Our policies also include potential assistance with boarding fee coverage if you’re hospitalized and can’t care for your beloved companion(s).

Quick claims process and accident coverage

It’s typically fast and easy to submit a claim and get reimbursed. Send us your vet documents and invoices via the Metlife Pet app, online portal, email, snail mail, or fax number. Claims are usually processed within 10 days. Then, you’ll receive reimbursement for covered and approved claims by check or direct deposit or through quick-pay options like Zelle and Apple Pay.

MetLife Pet Insurance also has among the shortest waiting periods for accident coverage. We have a 0-day waiting period, while you may have to wait 2 – 15 days for coverage to start with other pet insurance providers.⁷

Preventive Care plan

If you’re looking for additional coverage on routine and wellness expenses, MetLife Pet’s optional Preventive Care plan can help. Add this coverage on top of your standard injury and illness plan for reimbursements on approved vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures, and routine vet visits, as well as parasite prevention and treatment.²

Holistic coverage

Interested in exploring options like CBD, acupuncture, or aromatherapy for your pet? MetLife Pet Insurance can offer additional coverage for holistic and alternative therapies.

Success stories

With over 15 years of serving pet parents, MetLife Pet Insurance may be the right choice for you. Our coverage has already made a big difference in the lives of many pets and their parents.

Take Bella, a 14-year-old cavalier King Charles spaniel in Scottsdale, Arizona, for example. She had to undergo a costly exam to diagnose a bad case of pancreatitis. Luckily, Bella’s owners were reimbursed more than $1,700 after submitting a claim of just over $1,900 to MetLife Pet. Now, Bella is back to smelling her favorite succulents during her leisurely walks!¹⁹

Learn if pet insurance is worth it for your family. Then, get a free quote from MetLife Pet Insurance, winner of the “2024 Pet Insurance of the Year” Award.²⁰

Take the Next Step in Your Research

See Personalized Rates

Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. This comparison or description of Nationwide policy(ies) was not furnished by Nationwide. It was prepared solely by MetLife Pet Insurance based on publicly available summary information about competitors' offerings and highlights selected coverages of the policies referenced as of January 2024 and is subject to change without notice. It may not be completely accurate and should not be the sole source of information relied upon in deciding which insurance coverage to purchase. To receive the latest information about other providers' available plans, please visit their website. If you have questions regarding the illustration or about a particular competitor’s policy or coverage, please contact a representative of Nationwide. Referenced publicly-available material for Nationwide sample plan. Retrieved from petinsurance.com/forms. For completely reliable benefit comparisons, insurance departments (including North Dakota’s) advise that you obtain the benefit schedules directly from each applicable insurance company.

**As with any insurance policy, coverage may vary. Learn how MetLife Pet pet insurance works and review our coverage and exclusions.

¹ Based on Nationwide’s California Major Medical℠ sample plan. Retrieved from petinsurance.com/forms, and information found across the Nationwide website.

² For IAIC policies, optional Preventive Care coverage is based on a Schedule of Benefits. For MetGen policies, optional Preventive Care coverage is included in the annual limit. Not available for exotic pets.

³ Virtual veterinary services are available through the MetLife Pet App and are provided entirely by AskVet, a third-party partner; MetLife Pet is not responsible for any pet guidance or advice provided or taken. Veterinarians providing virtual veterinary services cannot prescribe medication or answer questions about the pet policy.

⁴ Grief Counseling services are provided through an agreement with TELUS Health, an unaffiliated third-party service provider. Grief counseling services provided by TELUS Health are separate and apart from the insurance provided by MetLife Pet. Not available to NY residents.

⁵ Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80% and 90% and a 50% option for MetGen policies and a 65% option for IAIC policies only. Exotic pet reimbursement options include: 50%, 70%, 80% and 90%. Pet age restrictions may apply.

⁶ Deductible options range include: $0 – $750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500. For exotic pets, deductible options are $0-$2,500.

⁷ Accident and optional Preventive Care coverage begins on midnight EST of the effective day of your policy is compared to a wait time of 2 to 15 days for many competitors; Illness coverage begins 14 days from the effective day of your policy compared to 14 to 30 days for many competitors. Based on a January 2024 review of publicly available summary information. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor's policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.

⁸ Your pet’s deductible automatically decreases by $25 (IAIC policies) or $50 (MetGen policies) each policy year that you don’t receive a claim reimbursement. May not be available in all states.

⁹ Based on a January 2024 review of publicly available summary information. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor's policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.

¹⁰ Discount is not available in MN or TN. This discount is only available to individuals who are eligible members or employees of an entity that has arranged for MetLife Pet to offer pet insurance. (IAIC policies, the discount is 10% for Groups > 1000 lives and 5% for Groups 51-999 lives. MetGen policies, this discount is 10% for Employer Groups and 5% for Associations).

¹¹ Nationwide discount is 5% for all employees on the products Nationwide sells in the group channel.

¹² Exotic pet coverage available for MetGen policies. May not be available in all states.

¹³Multi-policy discount is not available with Family Plans.

¹⁴ When coverage is purchased on-line, a premium discount will apply during the first year of the policy.

¹⁵ Discount may not be available in all states. A discount is available to Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and serving and retired members of the Armed Forces.

¹⁶ Discount may not be available in all states. A discount is applicable to staff/owners of animal care facilities. When using multiple discounts, discounts cannot exceed 30%. Each discount may not be available in all states. Please contact MetLife Pet for further details.

¹⁷ Annual limit options range from $1,000 - $25,000 in $1,000 increments. There is also a $500 annual limit option for MetGen policies. Unlimited benefit option subject to availability. Pet age restrictions may apply. Unlimited option not available for exotic pets. The maximum annual limit offered for exotic pet coverage is $10,000.

¹⁸ “The 8 best online veterinarians of 2023,” Business Insider

¹⁹ All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife Pet internal claims data from October 2022. Story altered for illustrative purposes.

²⁰ “2024 Pet Insurance of the Year Award” Winners, Pet Independent Innovation Awards

Coverage issued by Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, and Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85454. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations and application is subject to underwriting. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC (“MetLife Pet”) for details. MetLife Pet is the policy administrator. It may operate under an alternate or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota) and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).

“Average Cost Of Emergency Vet Visits,” Emergency Vets USA, https://emergencyvetsusa.com/average-cost-of-emergency-vet-visits

Family plan policies are limited to dogs age 12 and under and cats age 14 and under. Multi-policy discount is not available with Family Plans.

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