The Nationwide vs. Trupanion combat is one of the hottest topics regarding the pet insurance market, and we’re here today to discuss what truly sets them apart.
Both insurance companies offer super convenient plans for pet families. At first glance, there are similarities between the insurance companies that can lead to a tie; however, there are significant distinctions in the coverages and overall insurance plans that make all the difference
So, if you’re interested in getting a pet insurance policy or have second thoughts when scaling Trupanion Pet Insurance vs. Nationwide VPI – you came to the right place. In this text, we break into pieces the main highlights of both policies. So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Overview of Trupanion
Straight from the beginning, Trupanion joined the North American Pet Health Association. Being in the association made the company grow in popularity. However, Trupanion’s insurance benefits are the initial cause of their popularity, so let’s see what they have to offer.
Trupanion has a straightforward plan which applies to every pet regardless of age and breed. Also, for every next pet that clients take insurance for, Trupanion gives a 5% discount.
Trupanion also covers 90% of the vet expenses for qualified claims once the clients meet the deductibles.
Additionally, Trupanion has no payout limits. That means Trupanion has no caps, and pets under their wing get limitless lifetime insurance coverage.
Ultimately, Trupanion offers Vet Direct Pay. Once you finish at the vet, Trupanion directly pays the vet after you pay your portion. Vet Direct Pay is one of the best options because you forget about the bills as you walk through the door.
Overview of Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the more popular pet insurance policies with rich branches under its wing. In case you wondered, VPI is a shortcut for Veterinary Pet Insurance in the US. It was founded in the 80s by a group of vets across the states. However, in 2008, Nationwide acquired VPI and became a leading name on the pet insurance market with a long tradition.
While most pet insurance companies base their coverage on dogs and cats, Nationwide offers insurance for reptiles, birds, and exotic mammals. That’s one of the privileges Nationwide has over other insurance companies.
Also, Nationwide offers a 5% discount for every additional pet you enroll. Besides the incidents and unexpected accidents, Nationwide covers multiple diseases and regular vet checks that other insurance policies avoid including in the program.
Nationwide vs Trupanion: Coverage
Nationwide has a wide list of coverage. Besides the unexpected accidents and injuries they cover by default, Nationwide focuses on common, serious, and chronic conditions that affect older pets. The hereditary conditions come in this section, too.
To prove the willingness to help pets and clients at the same time, Nationwide covers testing and diagnostics costs that are way more expensive these days. Additionally, Nationwide includes Holistic and Alternative medicine.
On another note, Trupanion includes vets to tailor their coverage plan. They can predict the liabilities so that the insurance policies can know what to take care of. They sum up the liabilities and put them into the Sample Plan available for cats and dogs. The Sample Plan includes:
- Hereditary Conditions – Trupanion covers for conditions passed on to your dog through genetics. Here falls diabetes, upper respiratory diseases, elbow or hip dysplasia – to name a few.
- Unidentified Conditions – Trupanion covers illnesses that don’t have a diagnosis. That includes vomiting, flu, weight loss or gain, etc.
- Congenital Illnesses – Trupanion will cover you for illnesses your pet is born with. This is for pets with special needs that suffer from heart problems or liver diseases.
Nationwide vs. Trupanion: Limits and Deductibles
Features | Trupanion | Nationwide |
Deductible | $0 – $1,000 | $250 |
Waiting Period | 5-30 days | 14 days |
Plan Customization | Only a few options | None |
Regarding the Trupanion vs Nationwide pet insurance limits and deductibles, it’s safe to say that Trupanion scores a point. Most insurance policies offer yearly deductibles, but what’s innovative about Trupanion is that they offer a so-called per medical condition lifetime deductible.
This is convenient because, for every condition your pet develops, Trupanion will match that deductible once. Once you match the deductible for the condition, you get your pet’s lifetime.
For example, if your dog catches the flu, you’ll have a $100 deductible per se. So, once you meet the deductible, your pet gets covered for the rest of its life. It’s like unlocking levels instead of pre-paying for a deductible. Of course, Trupanion will also cover the costs and medication. If needed, Trupanion will cover further costs like hospitalization.
As for the duration of the coverage, you pay $100 for the deductible instead of $100 yearly.
The yearly deductible at Nationwide, on the other hand, offers $250 for the Whole Pet along with the Wellness Plan, the My Pet Protection Plans, Major and Medical Plans, and their injury plans. That’s their yearly costs deductible.
For example, since the yearly deductible is $250, you’ll have to pay the deductible plus your 10% co-pay before you get the cover for any preventative care treatments.
Nationwide vs. Trupanion: Waiting Periods
Both insurance companies have different waiting periods.
Nationwide has two insurance plans – Whole Pet Plan and Major Medical Plan. After you get approval for the application and receive payments, you must wait 14 days until the insurance becomes effective. Also, if you use the wellness program without insurance, the waiting period becomes 24 hours a day.
Trupanion, on the other hand, has a different type of waiting period. For any condition, hip dysplasia, or ACL surgery – the waiting period is 30 days. As for accidents, the waiting period is 5 days.
Nationwide vs. Trupanion: Pricing
The fight of Trupanion vs. Nationwide insurance policy comes to a tie regarding pricing because the costs are more or less similar.
Nationwide‘s basic plans begin with $16.51 monthly. You can add additional covers to this plan, but mind that each cover costs more money. Therefore, nationwide’s Sample Premium for dogs costs between $25 – $60. As for the cats’ offer, the premium varies between $15 – $35. The deductibles vary between $100 and $250 yearly.
Trupanion has a Sample Premium for Dogs that begins with $63.61 and $28.06. However, mind that these are the average prices for adult dogs and cats with average weights. You should know these facts, because when you start your claim, Trupanion will ask you to give out information about your pet. They have factors that determine the monthly insurance costs.
Conclusion
Both companies have an outstanding reputation and experience in the business. We have discussed the main differences and similarities between the companies, and the final words depend on you.
Otherwise, both insurance companies have splendid plans for your pet’s sake. The only difference is that if your dog or cat belongs to the special needs category, you must opt for insurance with a better financial plan. Trupanion pet medical condition lifetime deductible is a convenient option for your pocket.
