Pet insurance is a thriving industry with several major players vying for the top position. Among these leaders are Trupanion and Nationwide, which offer a bundle of high-value solutions for pet owners.
This detailed review is going to analyze Trupanion and Nationwide to determine which one is a better fit.
Coverage Options: Is Trupanion or Nationwide Better?
1. Nationwide
Nationwide offers access to what is called the “Whole Pet with Wellness” plan and it’s comprehensive [1].
The plan offers a wonderful selection of coverage options ensuring pet owners receive complete protection when it comes to their pet’s well-being.
This is essential when it comes to working with different coverage options including exams, accidents, general wellness, and more.
Key Details:
- Works with All Qualified Vets
- Wellness Coverage
- Examination Coverage
- Chronic Conditions
- Accidents and Illnesses
- Cancer
- Prescription Medications
- Dental Surgeries
It’s important to note these coverage options are included for the set monthly premium.
Due to this premium, the additional coverage options are included in the final price making it easier to receive well-rounded access to a strong pet insurance policy.
Pet owners are recommended to sit down and speak to a qualified representative at the agency to determine what works and what doesn’t.
This can offer insight into the customization of a monthly plan to ensure the right features are included.
Nationwide is well-regarded for offering personalized plans and can work with pet owners to pinpoint what is required.
2. Trupanion
Trupanion is one of the heralded names in the world of pet insurance and has earned quite a reputation among pet owners [2].
It’s a seasoned, well-established name with a growing rapport among experts.
Its pet insurance policies are well-rounded, efficient, and offer a multitude of coverage options needed to keep pets safe.
Key Details
- Works with All Qualified Vets
- Chronic Conditions
- Accidents and Illnesses
- Cancer
- Prescription Medications
- Dental Surgeries (Limited)
While Trupanion offers a strong selection of coverage options, it does limit some of the positivity by restricting specific features.
For example, their coverage options do not include examination fees or general wellness coverage. This means in certain cases, a pet owner will have to pay out of pocket to cover these expenses before the pet insurance policy kicks into action.
To include some of these coverage options, it’s important to include specific details in the policy.
Trupanion isn’t as flexible when it comes to these features but can add them at an additional price per option.
Limits and Deductibles
Nationwide offers a straightforward deductible and has it set at an annual rate [3].
This means once the first $100 is paid during the year on pet-related medical expenses, the rest is going to be covered under the company’s plan.
Once the plan has been activated, it offers a 10% co-pay limit with the client.
1. Nationwide
- Deductible: $100/Annual
- Co-Pay: 10%
Nationwide does not have a set limit on its policy and ensures pet owners are covered as long as they meet established requirements. If the client has passed the initial waiting period and has been approved, they will be eligible for the no-limit policy.
This guarantees comprehensive coverage for all of the listed options under this pet insurance policy.
It’s important to sit down with a qualified representative to learn more about personalized plans and how they work with regards to potential waiting periods and/or limits. In general, the company’s main plan is set at a simple $100/annual rate.
2. Trupanion
Trupanion offers a unique approach to deductibles and has a “per lifetime condition” clause attached to the policy [4].
What does this mean for the average pet owner? In general, the idea behind a condition such as this is to focus on a $100 deductible for each condition. Once the $100 deductible has been paid, it is set at a 10% co-pay agreement.
Since Trupanion comes with a higher monthly premium under this particular plan, it’s important to consider the overall costs associated with something like this.
- Deductible: $100/Per Lifetime Condition
- Co-Pay: 10%
What about the limits associated with Trupanion’s main insurance policy?
With Trupanion, there are no limits as long as the pet qualifies for the pet insurance policy and has been diagnosed by a qualified vet.
This is an essential requirement when it comes to making claims on multiple conditions and ensuring the coverage is on par with the pet’s needs.
This is going to vary from situation to situation but Trupanion can assist with these particular fees.
Waiting Periods
The waiting period is an essential part of modern-day pet insurance policies and should be factored into any decision.
If the waiting period is extensive, it can leave the pet unprotected for long periods and become a major financial problem.
As a result, it’s important to analyze whether or not the waiting period is reasonable when it comes to Trupanion and/or Nationwide.
- Nationwide: 14-Day Waiting Period
- Trupanion: 5-Day Waiting Period (Injuries) or 30-Day Waiting Period (Illnesses)
Nationwide keeps things simple and has one set waiting period for all conditions. This waiting period is set at 14-days and will be required as soon as the pet has been signed up.
For Trupanion, the waiting period is set at 5 days for injuries and 30 days for illnesses. These details can be answered properly after speaking to a qualified representative at either agency. The waiting period is important and will be required after a qualified vet has taken a look at the pet.
Pricing: Which is Cheaper?
Paying the right price is important when it is time to look at how the policy works and how much it’s going to cost annually.
Both pet insurance companies are well-regarded for being affordable, however, one stands out in this regard.
- Trupanion Premium: $136.63
- Nationwide Premium: $81.65
Trupanion is far more expensive every month and can become increasingly unaffordable as more features are included. Remember, Trupanion doesn’t offer certain coverage options in the base plan.
These coverage options have to be included with a separate fee, which is then added on top of the base fee.
This is important for those looking to go with a set plan and want to make sure their pet is fully protected with Trupanion.
On the other hand, Nationwide doesn’t offer additional coverage options and has everything included in the main plan. The main plan is also more affordable every month when compared with Trupanion.
However, Nationwide does include a monthly transaction fee ($2), which is included in the $81.65.
Comparison Summary
While the two pet insurance companies are respected, efficient, and helpful, it’s important to compare the two using strict standards.
In this regard, Nationwide tends to stand out for all the right reasons and one-ups Trupanion on several different features. It starts with a comprehensive plan with a wonderful selection of coverage options include exam coverage and general wellness coverage.
This is where Trupanion doesn’t work well.
Nationwide is also noted for being more affordable on a per month basis and is an ideal option for those who want to keep things simple.
The waiting period is straightforward and there’s no limit to work with. This keeps things organized and allows pet owners to focus on their lovable pets rather than having to worry about working through contractual details.
In the end, Nationwide is the better pet insurance agency and offers a comprehensive plan that’s ideal for modern pet owners.
Take the time to compare both insurance agencies, speak to different representatives, and make an educated decision based on what works.
These are the two top pet insurance agencies but Nationwide does stand out.
Resources
- Nationwide® Announces Best Pet Insurance Plan Ever, Cision PR News Wire. Retrieved at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nationwide-announces-best-pet-insurance-plan-ever-300166587.html
- Trupanion Reviews, Trustpilot. Retrieved at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/trupanion.com
- Frequently Asked Questions About Nationwide Pet Insurance, PetInsurance.com. Retrieved at https://www.petinsurance.com/faq
- Trupanion offers a deductible that works for you, Trupanion. Retrieved at https://trupanion.com/pet-insurance/deductibles
