Navigating the myriad choices available to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets can be challenging. As a pet owner, you've likely come across various insurance options and financial safety nets. You may be looking at the Petcube Emergency Fund and Nationwide Pet Insurance.
If you're wondering which one is right for your pet, let us break it down so you can make the best-informed decision.
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Content:
- What Is Covered By the Insurance
- What Is NOT Covered By The Insurance
- How Many Pets Can Be Insured
- What Is the Waiting Period For Pet Insurance
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost
- How to Cancel Your Pet Insurance
What Is Covered By the Insurance
The primary difference between Nationwide and Petcube medical insurance is that Petcube offers a more cost-effective emergency fund, while Nationwide has several options for more comprehensive medical coverage. But let's look at what they cover.
Petcube Emergency Fund
Petcube's Emergency Fund is a safety net for those unexpected situations your pet might find itself in. This fund, aimed at providing peace of mind to pet owners, covers a range of emergencies, including:
- Bite wounds, ensuring that any attack or altercation your pet might face is promptly addressed;
- Emergency surgeries to deal with life-threatening situations, such as bloat;
- Choking and breathing difficulties;
- Insect stings and bites protect against the likes of bees, wasps, snakes, and spiders;
- Stomach problems, whether it's from poisoning, swallowing foreign objects, or other extreme internal injuries;
- Any unforeseen vet emergency bills, ensuring that a sudden illness or injury won't break the bank.
Read more: Petcube Emergency Fund vs. Embrace Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance
When it comes to Nationwide Pet Insurance, they offer several different dog and cat insurance pet plans that each cover a certain percentage of conditions that fall into the categories of accident, illness, and wellness.
The most basic plan will reimburse you for between 50% and 70% of accidents or illnesses. It does not cover wellness or preexisting conditions. The modular pet plan offers cover for between 50 and 90% of accidents and diseases, with an added amount allowed for "wellness."
Accidental coverage refers to poisoning, cuts, broken bones, lacerations, and car accidents.
Illnesses range from minor infections to serious diseases like hip dysplasia or diabetes, and Nationwide coverage does include several hereditary illnesses (but you will need to check your policy).
Wellness coverage includes preventative care such as veterinary checkups, bloodwork, parasite control, and urinalysis.
What Is NOT Covered By The Insurance
Every insurance or financial safety net has limitations, and it's essential to know what is not included in their packages. Knowing these exclusions can prevent misunderstandings and help you plan better for your pet's healthcare.
Petcube Emergency Fund Exclusions
Petcube's Emergency Fund aims to address sudden and unforeseen situations, which means there are specific instances it won't cover. These include:
- Non-emergencies: Anything that doesn't require immediate attention or isn't life-threatening;
- Pregnancy-related emergencies: Any complications or issues arising due to pregnancy;
- Parvovirus: A highly contagious viral illness;
- Non-emergency health problems: Conditions or health issues that are routine or can be scheduled;
- Vaccinations and preventative care: Regular checkups, shots, or any other form of preventive measures;
- Follow-ups following emergencies: Any appointments or treatments required post the initial emergency.
Read more: Petcube Emergency Fund vs. Trupanion Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance Exclusions
While Nationwide provides extensive coverage, like all insurance plans, it does have specific exclusions. Typically, insurance plans might not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions that the pet had before the policy's effective date;
- Breeding or conditions related to breeding;
- Cosmetic procedures, unless medically necessary:
- Certain hereditary conditions, depending on the policy;
- Costs associated with the disposal of waste;
- Fees related to housing or grooming pets;
- Any form of taxation.
Furthermore, the coverage provided by Nationwide can be limited based on the chosen plan. It's essential to note that while some plans include wellness add-ons, others might not. This means routine care and preventative measures could either be covered or excluded based on your specific plan.
(Note: It's always a good idea to review the complete policy details or contact Nationwide Pet Insurance's customer service for any clarifications on coverage and exclusions.)
How Many Pets Can Be Insured
Pet ownership often doesn't stop at just one. As many households adopt multiple pets, the need for accommodating insurance becomes evident. So let's look at how Petcube and Nationwide approach multi-pet households.
Petcube Emergency Fund
Petcube's comprehensive plan is designed with multi-pet households in mind:
- A single monthly premium provides coverage for as many as six domestic pets;
- Each of your pets, up to six, falls under the protective cover of this policy;
- The Emergency Fund allows for one claim annually, up to a substantial amount of $3,000;
- A crucial stipulation is that if you claim for one pet in a given year, you will have to wait until your next annual subscription starts to claim for another pet.
Read more: Petcube Emergency Fund vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Nationwide Pet Insurance
Nationwide's structure for multi-pet households offers thorough coverage but functions differently:
- Each pet needs their own unique insurance policy;
- Even though each policy is distinct, managing all your pet's insurance becomes hassle-free as they can all be put under one account;
- However, it's essential to note that Nationwide does not offer a multi-pet discount. Consequently, for every additional pet you insure, you'll be required to pay the total premium without any reductions.
What Is the Waiting Period For Pet Insurance
Waiting periods are a standard feature in many insurance policies, safeguarding against potential fraud. These periods serve as a brief interval during which policyholders cannot make claims, meaning there is no coverage for specific incidents during that time.
On a broader scale, Forbes has highlighted that, on average, the waiting period for illnesses in pet insurance stands at about 14 days. On the other hand, the waiting period for injuries ranges between 1 and 15 days.
Petcube Emergency Fund
Upon enrolling in the Petcube Emergency Fund, there is a 14-day waiting period. However, one of the convenient features of this service is its proactive approach toward informing clients.
Pet owners don't need to mark their calendars or set reminders. Petcube efficiently manages this for them. At the end of the waiting period, clients are promptly notified through email, signaling that they can now utilize their coverage.
Read more: The Lifesaving Role of Petcube’s Emergency Fund
Nationwide's Waiting Period Policy
Nationwide follows a slightly different protocol. While they too have a 14-day waiting period for most accidents and illnesses, they've incorporated an extended period for specific conditions. Specifically, for injuries related to the cruciate ligaments or the meniscus (essentially knee injuries), there's a substantial 12-month waiting period.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost
Talking about money can be daunting, especially when trying to understand insurance costs. But hang tight, because we're about to clear up the differences in costs between Petcube and Nationwide.
Petcube Emergency Fund Cost
Petcube's Emergency Fund has a mantra: Keep it simple. Why? Because who needs added confusion when your furbaby isn't feeling their best? Their policy is a one-stop-shop kind of deal, without the fuss of extra fees or multiple packages.
Here's how it goes:
Petcube Emergency Fund Monthly Cost: $29 (That's $348 for the year. Yup, just simple multiplication.)
What's more, you won't find any pesky sign-up fees, admin charges, or deductibles lurking around. But here's a tiny twist. If you make a claim, any remaining yearly payments will be deducted from the amount Petcube reimburses you.
Let's paint a picture: Say you've been part of the Emergency Fund family for three months. So, you've already paid 3 x $29, which equals $87.
You still owe Petcube $261 for the year (because $348 minus $87 = $261).
Now imagine you're faced with a vet bill of $1,500. Petcube will help you out with $1,500 minus the $261 you owe them. So, they'll chip in $1,239, and you'll cover the remaining $261. Not too shabby, right?
Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost
Nationwide offers a broader range of options. For our canine buddies, monthly rates can range between $16 and $47. And for our feline friends? A modest range of $5 to $22 each month.
But here's the catch: the cost isn't one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence the rate:
- Breed: A Dachshund might not cost the same to insure as a Saint Bernard.
- Age: Puppies and kittens might have different rates compared to their senior counterparts.
- Location: Living in downtown NYC? It could be different from a cozy country town.
- Coverage Amount: More coverage might mean a few extra bucks.
How to Cancel Your Pet Insurance
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes we change our minds. If you ever feel like your pet insurance policy isn't quite the fit you hoped for, it's essential to know how to say goodbye. Here's a simple guide on how to do just that.
Canceling Petcube's Emergency Fund
Realized Petcube isn't your cup of tea? No worries! Bidding farewell is as easy as a few taps. Dive into the Petcube app on your smartphone or head to their website. And the best part? There's no need for long phone calls or drafting emails. It's a straightforward matter of a few clicks, and you're done.
Parting Ways with Nationwide
If you're thinking of parting ways with Nationwide, they've made the process straightforward. To cancel, all you have to do is head over to my.petinsurance.com.
But wait, there's more! Depending on where you live, you might have a "Free Look Period" (sometimes referred to as the Right to Examine and Return a Policy). What does this mean? Well, it grants you a short window of time to rethink your decision and even get a refund. However, there's a catch: you must not have filed any claims during this period.
Remember, each state might have its own set of rules regarding the Free Look option. Ensure you skim through your policy or consult the fine print to understand the specific terms and duration for your state.
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