Pet insurance: Nationwide Pet Insurance vs. Figo Pet Insurance
Quick Verdict
Both Nationwide and Figo offer comprehensive pet insurance options, but they cater to slightly different needs. Nationwide provides a wider range of coverage options, including accident-only and wellness plans, and covers exotic pets. Figo focuses on accident and illness coverage with customizable add-ons and boasts faster claim processing times and digital convenience through its Pet Cloud app. The best choice depends on the pet owner's priorities, such as coverage breadth, claim speed, or digital accessibility.
- Nationwide offers accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans, while Figo focuses on accident and illness coverage with optional add-ons.
- Figo boasts faster average claim processing times (2.6 working days) compared to Nationwide (typically within 30 days).
- Nationwide provides 24/7 access to veterinary experts, while Figo offers 24/7 live vet chat via their app.
- Nationwide has age restrictions for new policies (up to age 10 for certain plans), while Figo has no upper age limit for enrollment.
- Both companies generally do not cover pre-existing conditions, but may review cured conditions after a waiting period.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Nationwide Pet Insurance | Figo Pet Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Options | Accident-only, accident and illness, and wellness plans. "Nose-to-tail" coverage. Optional wellness coverage. | Accident and illness coverage. Optional add-ons for wellness/preventive care and veterinary exam fee coverage. Extra Care Pack add-on. Doesn't offer accident-only plans. |
| Annual Deductible Options | $100, $250, $500, and $1,000, depending on the policy. | Typically range from $100 to $1,500. Offers a diminishing deductible, reducing it by $50 each claim-free year. |
| Reimbursement Percentage Options | 50%, 70%, or 80%. | 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. The 100% reimbursement option may have restrictions. |
| Annual Coverage Limit Options | $2,500 to $5,000 for accident coverage and $5,000 to $10,000 for illness coverage. Some plans offer unlimited annual coverage. | $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited. |
| Waiting Periods | 14 days for accident and illness. 12-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries (ACL) and hip dysplasia (may vary by state). Shorter waiting period for wellness plans. | 1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses. A 6-month waiting period applies to orthopedic injuries, but it may be waived. Waiting periods may vary by state. |
| Age Restrictions | Pets as young as 6 weeks old are eligible. To buy a new policy for Major Medical, Medical, or Feline Select plans, your dog or cat must be age 10 or younger. Coverage will typically continue as long as you keep paying the premiums. | Pets older than 8 weeks. No upper age limit for enrollment. |
| Breed-Specific Exclusions/Limitations | Nationwide doesn't generally have breed-specific exclusions. | Covers breed-specific conditions as long as they are not pre-existing. |
| Pre-Existing Conditions | Generally not covered. May allow reviews of cured pre-existing conditions if treatment-free for at least six months. Chronic conditions that cannot be cured are not eligible for review. | Does not cover pre-existing conditions, but may cover "curable" pre-existing conditions if symptom-free for 12 months. Determines pre-existing conditions based on the pet's medical history of the previous 12 months. |
| Prescription Medication Coverage | Prescription medications are generally covered. Customers can use PetRxExpress for preferred pricing at Sam's Club and Walmart pharmacies. | Covered under Figo's plans. |
| Hereditary and Congenital Conditions | Hereditary and congenital conditions are covered as long as there were no signs or symptoms prior to the policy's effective date. | Covers hereditary and congenital conditions if the condition is not pre-existing. |
| Customer Service Channels | Phone at 800-540-2016 (member care) and 800-872-7387 (new enrollments). Call center hours are Monday to Friday, 5 am to 7 pm (Pacific time), and Saturday, 7 am to 3:30 pm (Pacific time). 24/7 access to veterinary experts via phone, chat, and email. | 24/7 live vet chat via the Pet Cloud app. Customer service can be reached via chat, text, email, or phone. Pet Cloud app offers appointment calendars and a social networking tool for pet parents. |
| Claim Processing Speed and Methods | Online at my.petinsurance.com, or by email, mail, or fax. Typically processed within 30 days. Electronic claim payments are recommended. | Through the Pet Cloud app or online. Claims may also be submitted by phone, fax, or email. Aims to process claims within 7-10 business days, with an average turnaround time of 2.6 working days. Reimbursement via direct deposit or mailed check. |
| Starting Price | Plans for dogs start as low as $13/month and for cats as low as $9/month. Exotic pet insurance starts around $20/month. | Not available |
Overall Comparison
Nationwide: Starting price from $9/month, claims processed within 30 days. Figo: Aims to process claims within 7-10 business days, average turnaround time of 2.6 working days.
Pros and Cons
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Pros:
- Wide range of coverage options
- Coverage for exotic pets
- Multi-pet discount
- Multiple customer service channels, including 24/7 access to veterinary experts
- Electronic claim payments for faster reimbursement
Cons:
- Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered
- Premiums may increase at renewal
- Claims may take longer than 30 days based on complexity
Figo Pet Insurance
Pros:
- Customizable plans
- High reimbursement levels
- Digital convenience
Cons:
- Strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Premiums can increase at renewal, regardless of claim activity
- Prices for accident and illness plans are slightly above average compared to competitors
User Experiences and Feedback
Nationwide Pet Insurance
What Users Love
- Quick claim processing (around 2-3 days reported by some reviewers)
- Multiple customer service channels
- Easy claim submission and tracking online
Common Complaints
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered
- Premiums may increase at renewal
- Claims may take longer if medical records are needed
Value Perception
- Premiums depend on coverage, reimbursement percentage, deductible, pet's age and breed, and location.
- Plans for dogs start as low as $13/month and for cats as low as $9/month.
- Exotic pet insurance starts around $20/month.
User Recommendations
- Claims are typically completed within 5 days of receiving all necessary information
- Claims are generally processed within 30 days.
Figo Pet Insurance
What Users Love
- Many customers report quick reimbursement, sometimes within a few days.
- Claims can be easily submitted via the Pet Cloud app.
- The app allows you to track the claim status.
Common Complaints
- Figo has strict exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Premiums can increase at renewal, regardless of claim activity.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.