As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends, including their health and wellbeing. However, unforeseen illnesses or accidents can occur, resulting in expensive veterinary bills that can be difficult to afford. This is where pet insurance comes in, providing peace of mind and financial support when you need it the most. In this article, we\’ll take a closer look at how Nationwide pet insurance works, including coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, limits, and cost.
Coverage
Nationwide pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical expenses, including accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and more. Depending on your pet\’s needs and your budget, you can choose from various coverage options, such as:
-
Accident-only coverage: This covers any unexpected injuries resulting from accidents, such as broken bones, cuts, and bites.
-
Illness coverage: This covers the costs of diagnosing and treating illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and allergies.
-
Wellness coverage: This covers routine care, such as vaccinations, annual exams, and dental cleanings.
-
Hereditary coverage: This covers any medical conditions that are inherited genetically, such as hip dysplasia and heart disease.
Nationwide pet insurance also covers alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and hydrotherapy, as well as prescription medications and supplements.
It\’s important to note that there may be some exclusions and limitations to coverage, such as pre-existing conditions or certain breeds that are prone to specific health issues. Be sure to read the policy details carefully to understand what is and isn\’t covered.
Deductibles
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your pet insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your pet\’s medical bill is $1,000, you would pay $500, and your insurance would cover the remaining $500. Nationwide pet insurance offers two types of deductibles:
-
Annual deductibles: This is the amount you pay once per year, regardless of the number of claims you make. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium.
-
Per-incident deductibles: This is the amount you pay per illness or injury. For example, if your pet has two separate accidents in a year, you would pay two deductibles.
The deductible you choose will affect your monthly premium, so it\’s essential to weigh the cost-benefit ratio carefully. A higher deductible may result in lower premiums, but you\’ll need to pay more out of pocket in case of an emergency.
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is the amount you get back from your pet insurance provider after you\’ve paid the vet bill. Nationwide pet insurance offers three reimbursement options:
-
Actual cost: This option reimburses you for the actual amount you paid for the services, up to the policy\’s annual limit.
-
Benefit schedule: This option pays a set amount for each specific service, regardless of how much you paid.
-
Usual and customary: This option pays the average cost of a particular service in your geographical area, regardless of how much you paid.
To submit a claim, you need to provide your pet\’s medical records, the itemized bill, and proof of payment. You can submit a claim online, by mail, or through the Nationwide Pet Insurance mobile app. Claims are usually processed within two to four weeks, and reimbursement is sent directly to your bank account or as a check in the mail. It\’s essential to keep all receipts and documents related to your pet\’s medical care to make the claims process smoother.
Limits
Like most insurance policies, Nationwide pet insurance has coverage limits, which is the maximum amount that the policy will pay out for certain services. There are two types of limits:
-
Annual limit: This is the maximum amount that the policy will pay out for all covered services in a policy year. Nationwide offers annual limits ranging from $2,500 to unlimited.
-
Per-incident limit: This is the maximum amount that the policy will pay out for a specific illness or injury. Nationwide offers per-incident limits ranging from $250 to unlimited.
It\’s important to note that once you reach your coverage limit, you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance out of pocket. Additionally, some policies may have sub-limits for specific services or conditions, so be sure to read the policy details carefully.
The limits you choose will affect your premiums, with higher limits resulting in higher premiums. It\’s important to find a balance between coverage and affordability to ensure that you can provide the best care for your pet without breaking the bank.
Cost
The cost of Nationwide pet insurance will depend on various factors, including:
-
Coverage: The type and level of coverage you choose will affect your premiums. Generally, the more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the premiums.
-
Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower your premiums.
-
Reimbursement rate: The reimbursement rate is the percentage of the vet bill that the insurance will cover. Nationwide offers reimbursement rates of 90%, 80%, and 70%. The higher the reimbursement rate, the higher the premiums.
-
Pet\’s age, breed, and health: Older pets and certain breeds may have higher premiums due to their increased risk of health issues. Additionally, pets with pre-existing conditions may not be eligible for coverage.
Nationwide pet insurance offers competitive pricing, with premiums starting at around $30 per month. However, the cost will vary depending on your individual circumstances and the coverage options you choose.
In conclusion, Nationwide pet insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your furry friends, with various options to suit your needs and budget. By understanding how coverage, deductibles, reimbursement, limits, and cost work, you can make an informed decision about whether pet insurance is right for you and your pet. At timstonestore.com, we highly recommend considering pet insurance to protect your pet\’s health and your wallet.