Pet Insurance vs Telehealth • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Nationwide Pet Insurance vs RexVet
Nationwide is the oldest pet insurance provider in the U.S. — and one of the few that covers EXOTIC pets like birds, reptiles, and small mammals in addition to dogs and cats.
Quick verdict
RexVet focuses on dogs and cats (the species most pet parents have). Nationwide is the only practical choice for exotic pets. For dog/cat households, RexVet's Family Plan is more economical for routine care; Nationwide for catastrophic.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Nationwide Pet Insurance | RexVet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wellness Add-on Available insurance | 501(c)(3) non-profit telehealth |
| Monthly cost (dog) | $35–$130/mo | $10/mo flat (Family Plan) |
| Monthly cost (cat) | $20–$65/mo | $10/mo flat (Family Plan) |
| Deductible | $100–$500 | $0 |
| Reimbursement | 50-90% (varies by plan) | N/A — direct service, no claim process |
| Waiting period (accidents) | 14 days | None — same-day visits |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days | None — same-day visits |
| Pre-existing conditions | Excluded | Covered (no exclusions) |
| Routine consultations | Wellness add-on only (extra cost) | Unlimited included (Family Plan) |
| Surgery / ER / Hospitalization | Covered (% after deductible) | Not covered (telehealth limit) |
| Prescription refills | Only if tied to covered condition | Same-day RexVetRx delivery |
Nationwide Pet Insurance strengths
- ✓ Longest U.S. track record (since 1982)
- ✓ Only major insurer covering EXOTIC pets
- ✓ Wellness Plus and Wellness Basic add-ons available
- ✓ Multi-pet discount
- ✓ Strong financial backing (Nationwide parent company)
Nationwide Pet Insurance limitations
- ! Older claim model (some plans reimburse from benefit schedule, not actual cost)
- ! Whole pet wellness plan has variable customer reviews
- ! Doesn't enroll pets over 10 years old in some plans
What each does best
Where Nationwide Pet Insurance wins
- → Covers exotic pets that RexVet does not see
- → Catastrophic and surgical coverage
- → Long-established claims processing
- → Wellness add-on available
Where RexVet wins
- ✓ Unlimited routine consultations for dogs and cats
- ✓ Predictable flat pricing ($64.99 or $120/yr)
- ✓ Same-day prescription delivery
- ✓ No 'benefit schedule' caps — flat coverage
The smart combo
How to use Nationwide Pet Insurance AND RexVet together
For dog/cat households: Nationwide base + RexVet Family Plan = catastrophic + unlimited routine. For exotic pet households: Nationwide solo (RexVet doesn't currently serve exotics).
Nationwide Pet Insurance vs RexVet
Frequently asked questions
Does Nationwide cover exotic pets?
Yes — Nationwide is one of the only major pet insurers that covers birds, reptiles, ferrets, rabbits, and other exotic pets. For exotic pet households, it's often the only practical option.
Is Nationwide pet insurance worth it?
For exotic pets: yes, often the only option. For dogs/cats: depends on your pet's risk profile. Established competitors like Healthy Paws or Lemonade may offer better value for routine dog/cat coverage.
Nationwide vs Trupanion?
Trupanion has higher premiums but no annual caps. Nationwide has annual caps and uses a benefit schedule (you may not get 90% back — it depends on the schedule). For comprehensive catastrophic coverage on a single dog/cat, Trupanion often pays more per claim.
Does RexVet cover exotic pets?
Not currently. RexVet's licensed veterinarians focus on dogs and cats. For exotic pets, an in-person exotic vet is needed and Nationwide is one of the few insurance options.
Can I cancel Nationwide if I have RexVet?
Only if RexVet meets your pet's needs (dogs/cats only) AND you're comfortable self-paying for catastrophic care. Most pet parents keep insurance for catastrophic protection.
Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Last fact-checked: 2026-05-19
Pricing ranges sourced from Nationwide Pet Insurance's public materials and industry references (Pawlicy Advisor, NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor). Actual rates vary by zip code, pet age, and breed — always get a personal quote from the insurer before deciding. This page is editorial commentary, not insurance advice.