Lemonade offers better pet insurance than Nationwide for dogs and cats, ranking first nationally in MoneyGeek's analysis compared to Nationwide's 14th place for dogs and 11th place for cats. Lemonade consistently outperforms Nationwide across our core categories, making it the ideal choice whether you need budget-friendly premiums, comprehensive financial protection or excellent service.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance
Updated: January 16, 2026
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Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Key Takeaways
Lemonade has more affordable pet insurance than Nationwide, with monthly premiums of $22 for middle-aged cats and $45 for middle-aged dogs, while Nationwide charges $52 and $101 respectively.
Lemonade wins against Nationwide for customer service, earning 72% positive sentiment among Reddit users for its fast claim approvals, instant reimbursements and user-friendly mobile app.
Lemonade's pet insurance coverage is more comprehensive than Nationwide's, with Lemonade offering up to $100,000 in annual limits and including hereditary and congenital conditions in its base policy.
Is Lemonade or Nationwide Pet Insurance Better?
| Cat | Affordability | Lemonade | 3 | 13 |
| Dog | Affordability | Lemonade | 1 | 14 |
| Cat | Coverage | Lemonade | 6 | 9 |
| Dog | Coverage | Lemonade | 6 | 9 |
| Cat | Customer Experience | Lemonade | 3 | 4 |
| Dog | Customer Experience | Lemonade | 3 | 4 |
| Cat | Overall Score | Lemonade | 1 | 11 |
| Dog | Overall Score | Lemonade | 1 | 14 |
How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider
All scores presented here were based on averages for experiences and pricing for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and 7-year-old Ragdoll, with a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement rate.
Learn more about the best pet insurance options for your pet across different situations:
Lemonade and Nationwide Comparison by State
Lemonade ranks as the best pet insurance company in all 50 states for dogs and cats, consistently winning against Nationwide across the country.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Alabama | Cat | Lemonade |
| Alabama | Dog | Lemonade |
| Alaska | Cat | Lemonade |
| Alaska | Dog | Lemonade |
| Arizona | Cat | Lemonade |
| Arizona | Dog | Lemonade |
| Arkansas | Cat | Lemonade |
| Arkansas | Dog | Lemonade |
| California | Cat | Lemonade |
| California | Dog | Lemonade |
| Colorado | Cat | Lemonade |
| Colorado | Dog | Lemonade |
| Connecticut | Cat | Lemonade |
| Connecticut | Dog | Lemonade |
| Delaware | Cat | Lemonade |
| Delaware | Dog | Lemonade |
| Florida | Cat | Lemonade |
| Florida | Dog | Lemonade |
| Georgia | Cat | Lemonade |
| Georgia | Dog | Lemonade |
| Hawaii | Cat | Lemonade |
| Hawaii | Dog | Lemonade |
| Idaho | Cat | Lemonade |
| Idaho | Dog | Lemonade |
| Illinois | Cat | Lemonade |
| Illinois | Dog | Lemonade |
| Indiana | Cat | Lemonade |
| Indiana | Dog | Lemonade |
| Iowa | Cat | Lemonade |
| Iowa | Dog | Lemonade |
| Kansas | Cat | Lemonade |
| Kansas | Dog | Lemonade |
| Kentucky | Cat | Lemonade |
| Kentucky | Dog | Lemonade |
| Louisiana | Cat | Lemonade |
| Louisiana | Dog | Lemonade |
| Maine | Cat | Lemonade |
| Maine | Dog | Lemonade |
| Maryland | Cat | Lemonade |
| Maryland | Dog | Lemonade |
| Massachusetts | Cat | Lemonade |
| Massachusetts | Dog | Lemonade |
| Michigan | Cat | Lemonade |
| Michigan | Dog | Lemonade |
| Minnesota | Cat | Lemonade |
| Minnesota | Dog | Lemonade |
| Mississippi | Cat | Lemonade |
| Mississippi | Dog | Lemonade |
| Missouri | Cat | Lemonade |
| Missouri | Dog | Lemonade |
| Montana | Cat | Lemonade |
| Montana | Dog | Lemonade |
| Nebraska | Cat | Lemonade |
| Nebraska | Dog | Lemonade |
| Nevada | Cat | Lemonade |
| Nevada | Dog | Lemonade |
| New Hampshire | Cat | Lemonade |
| New Hampshire | Dog | Lemonade |
| New Jersey | Cat | Lemonade |
| New Jersey | Dog | Lemonade |
| New Mexico | Cat | Lemonade |
| New Mexico | Dog | Lemonade |
| New York | Cat | Lemonade |
| New York | Dog | Lemonade |
| North Carolina | Cat | Lemonade |
| North Carolina | Dog | Lemonade |
| North Dakota | Cat | Lemonade |
| North Dakota | Dog | Lemonade |
| Ohio | Cat | Lemonade |
| Ohio | Dog | Lemonade |
| Oklahoma | Cat | Lemonade |
| Oklahoma | Dog | Lemonade |
| Oregon | Cat | Lemonade |
| Oregon | Dog | Lemonade |
| Pennsylvania | Cat | Lemonade |
| Pennsylvania | Dog | Lemonade |
| Rhode Island | Cat | Lemonade |
| Rhode Island | Dog | Lemonade |
| South Carolina | Cat | Lemonade |
| South Carolina | Dog | Lemonade |
| South Dakota | Cat | Lemonade |
| South Dakota | Dog | Lemonade |
| Tennessee | Cat | Lemonade |
| Tennessee | Dog | Lemonade |
| Texas | Cat | Lemonade |
| Texas | Dog | Lemonade |
| Utah | Cat | Lemonade |
| Utah | Dog | Lemonade |
| Vermont | Cat | Lemonade |
| Vermont | Dog | Lemonade |
| Virginia | Cat | Lemonade |
| Virginia | Dog | Lemonade |
| Washington | Cat | Lemonade |
| Washington | Dog | Lemonade |
| West Virginia | Cat | Lemonade |
| West Virginia | Dog | Lemonade |
| Wisconsin | Cat | Lemonade |
| Wisconsin | Dog | Lemonade |
| Wyoming | Cat | Lemonade |
| Wyoming | Dog | Lemonade |
How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider by State
All scores presented here were based on averages for experiences and pricing for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and 7-year-old Ragdoll, with a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement rate.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost
Lemonade costs less than Nationwide across all age groups for dogs and cats, with kittens seeing the biggest savings at 70% cheaper. Puppies offer the second-highest discount at 69% less, while senior dogs show the smallest savings at 41% cheaper than Nationwide.
Learn how much pet insurance costs vary across different age categories.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Kittens | Lemonade | $10 | 70% |
| Young Cats | Lemonade | $13 | 65% |
| Puppies | Lemonade | $19 | 69% |
| Middle Aged Cats | Lemonade | $22 | 57% |
| Young Dogs | Lemonade | $25 | 63% |
| Senior Cats | Lemonade | $32 | 44% |
| Middle Aged Dogs | Lemonade | $45 | 56% |
| Senior Dogs | Lemonade | $58 | 41% |
How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider
All rates presented here were based on averages for pricing for Labrador Retrievers and Ragdolls from the age of less than 1 years old up to 20 years of age across 50 states.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost by State
Lemonade offers the cheapest pet insurance rates in every state compared to Nationwide, consistently providing 70% savings for kittens and puppies, around 58% savings for middle-aged pets and 41% to 45% savings for senior animals. Here's how the two providers compare across different age groups:
- Kittens: Arkansas offers the lowest rates at $6 monthly with Lemonade versus $22 with Nationwide — you'll save 71% by choosing Lemonade.
- Puppies: In Arkansas, puppy coverage costs just $12 monthly through Lemonade compared to $41 with Nationwide, cutting your costs by 69%.
- Young Cats: Arkansas gives you the cheapest rates at $9 monthly with Lemonade instead of $26 with Nationwide for 66% savings.
- Young Dogs: Arkansas delivers young dog coverage for $17 monthly with Lemonade versus $47 with Nationwide — that's 64% less.
- Middle-Aged Cats: In Arkansas, middle-aged cat owners pay only $15 monthly with Lemonade compared to $36 with Nationwide, saving you 58%.
- Middle-Aged Dogs: Arkansas provides the lowest middle-aged dog rates at $30 monthly through Lemonade instead of $68 with Nationwide for 56% savings.
- Senior Cats: Arkansas offers senior cat coverage at $21 monthly with Lemonade versus $39 with Nationwide — you'll save 45%.
- Senior Dogs: In Arkansas, senior dog owners pay $39 monthly with Lemonade compared to $67 with Nationwide for 42% savings.
Data filtered by:
Middle Aged Dogs
| Alabama | Lemonade | $33 | 56% |
| Arizona | Lemonade | $54 | 56% |
| Arkansas | Lemonade | $30 | 56% |
| California | Lemonade | $56 | 56% |
| Colorado | Lemonade | $56 | 56% |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $51 | 56% |
| Delaware | Lemonade | $45 | 56% |
| Florida | Lemonade | $50 | 56% |
| Georgia | Lemonade | $40 | 56% |
| Hawaii | Lemonade | $45 | 56% |
| Illinois | Lemonade | $55 | 56% |
| Indiana | Lemonade | $40 | 56% |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $37 | 56% |
| Louisiana | Lemonade | $36 | 56% |
| Maryland | Lemonade | $43 | 56% |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $57 | 56% |
| Michigan | Lemonade | $44 | 56% |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $46 | 56% |
| Mississippi | Lemonade | $38 | 56% |
| Missouri | Lemonade | $35 | 56% |
| Montana | Lemonade | $37 | 56% |
| Nebraska | Lemonade | $40 | 56% |
| Nevada | Lemonade | $46 | 56% |
| New Hampshire | Lemonade | $51 | 56% |
| New Jersey | Lemonade | $50 | 56% |
| New Mexico | Lemonade | $39 | 56% |
| New York | Lemonade | $48 | 56% |
| North Carolina | Lemonade | $39 | 56% |
| North Dakota | Lemonade | $34 | 56% |
| Ohio | Lemonade | $41 | 56% |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $37 | 56% |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $55 | 56% |
| Pennsylvania | Lemonade | $46 | 56% |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $39 | 56% |
| South Carolina | Lemonade | $42 | 56% |
| Tennessee | Lemonade | $41 | 56% |
| Texas | Lemonade | $47 | 56% |
| Utah | Lemonade | $42 | 56% |
| Virginia | Lemonade | $47 | 56% |
| Washington | Lemonade | $51 | 56% |
| Wisconsin | Lemonade | $47 | 56% |
How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider by State
All rates presented here were based on average pricing for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and a 7-year-old Ragdoll.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Discounts
Lemonade and Nationwide each offer three pet insurance discounts, making them equally matched for savings opportunities. Both providers offer a 5% multi-pet discount, though Lemonade is ideal for bundling discounts, while Nationwide is suitable for those joining employer group plans and existing customers.
Multiple pets | Save 5% when you insure two or more pets. | Save 5% when you enroll an additional pet. |
Bundling | Receive 10% off when you bundle pet insurance with homeowners, renters, car or life insurance. | None. |
Annual payment | Save 5% when you pay the premium annually instead of monthly. | None. |
Existing customer | None. | Existing Nationwide insurance customers get 5% off when they buy pet insurance. |
Employer group plan | None. | Get savings when coverage is purchased through a participating employer's group plan. |
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Customer Experience
Lemonade provides better customer experience for pet insurance, ranking third nationally and outperforming Nationwide by one spot in our analysis. While Nationwide holds higher ratings from Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, Lemonade still wins by receiving stronger positive sentiment on Reddit for its fast claims approval and user-friendly app.
Lemonade vs Nationwide Trustpilot Ratings
Nationwide edges out Lemonade on Trustpilot with a 4.4 out of 5.0 rating compared to Lemonade's 3.9 out of 5.0. Lemonade customers highlight fast claim approvals and an easy-to-use app, though some report frustrations with delayed responses and policy cancellations. Nationwide reviewers appreciate knowledgeable agents who explain coverage clearly, while complaints center on claim processing times and policy changes for older pets.
Lemonade vs Nationwide BBB Ratings
Nationwide holds an A+ BBB rating compared to Lemonade's B- rating, indicating stronger complaint resolution and adherence to BBB standards. Nationwide earned BBB accreditation and maintains its high rating despite receiving more complaints due to its size, while Lemonade's lower rating stems from 601 complaints filed with two remaining unresolved.
Lemonade vs Nationwide Pet Insurance Reddit Sentiment
Our Reddit study found that Lemonade performs better with 72% positive sentiment from 32 total comments (23 positive, nine negative), while Nationwide shows 43% positive sentiment from 14 comments (six positive, eight negative). Reddit users praise Lemonade for instant claim approvals through its mobile app and fast reimbursements, while Nationwide receives mixed feedback with users appreciating responsive customer service but criticizing slow claim processing and coverage restrictions. Both companies face criticism for claim denials and pre-existing condition exclusions, though Lemonade's tech-forward approach resonates better with Reddit's younger demographic.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage
Lemonade offers better pet insurance coverage for both pets than Nationwide, ranking sixth nationally while Nationwide ranks ninth. Lemonade offers more options for customizing your coverage levels, plus it includes hereditary and congenital conditions in its base policy, whereas Nationwide requires you to purchase an add-on.
Diagnostics | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ | ✓ | |
✓ | ✓ | |
Fractures and broken bones | ✓ | ✓ |
Lacerations and bite wounds | ✓ | ✓ |
Parasite treatment | ✓ | Only covers prevention through an optional add-on |
✓ | ✓ | |
Digestive illnesses | ✓ | ✓ |
Hereditary conditions | ✓ | Only provides coverage through an optional add-on |
Congenital conditions | ✓ | Only provides coverage through an optional add-on |
Chronic conditions | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ | Only provides coverage through an optional add-on | |
$100, $250, $500, $750 | $250, $500, $1,000 | |
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000 | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 | |
60%, 70%, 80%, 90% | 50%, 70%, 80% | |
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 30 days for orthopedic conditions and up to 6 months for cruciate ligament events | 2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament conditions | |
Age restrictions | Only insures pets up to 14 years old, depending on breed | Cats with age 8 years and above are not eligible for hereditary coverage |
Pre-existing conditions | Non-chronic pre-existing conditions may be eligible after 12 symptom-free months | Curable pre-existing conditions may be eligible for coverage if cured and symptom-free for six months |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Wellness Plans
Both Lemonade and Nationwide offer wellness plans as optional add-ons, though they differ in coverage tiers and benefit structures. Lemonade provides four packages with fixed items, while Nationwide offers two wellness tiers with total annual limits.
- Routine Vet Care: You'll get reimbursed for one annual wellness exam, three vaccines, heartworm or FeLV/FIV testing, fecal or internal parasite testing and bloodwork.
- Routine Vet Care Plus: Includes unlimited wellness exams and vaccines, plus Life Essentials coverage for spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, gastropexy, heartworm/flea/tick prevention medication, deworming, nail trimming, joint and organ screening, and more.
- Preventative+ Care Package: Features all benefits included in Routine Vet Care, plus routine dental cleanings and heartworm or flea/tick medication.
- Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care Package: Designed for 2-year-old pets and younger, it covers spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, flea/tick or heartworm medication, and up to six vaccines.
- $450 Tier: Covers physical exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, deworming, fecal testing and microchipping, with annual reimbursement capped at $450.
- $850 Tier: Expands coverage to include dental cleanings or spay/neuter procedures and advanced diagnostics like electrocardiogram, with annual reimbursement capped at $850.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Add-ons
Aside from wellness plans, Lemonade offers five other optional add-ons, while Nationwide provides one.
Lemonade Pet Insurance Add-ons
- Vet Visit Fees add-on: Provides coverage for vet exam fees related to covered accidents and illnesses.
- Behavioral Conditions add-on: Covers diagnostics, therapy and training for issues like separation anxiety or aggression.
- Physical Therapy add-on: Covers rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Dental Illness add-on: Covers dental services like tooth extractions, root canals and gum disease treatments.
- End-of-life and Remembrance add-on: Reimburses vet-recommended euthanasia and cremation costs.
Nationwide Pet Insurance Add-ons
- Hereditary and Congenital Condition coverage: Provides coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and more.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Bottom Line
Lemonade offers better pet insurance than Nationwide overall, delivering cheaper rates, broader coverage and superior customer service. Lemonade costs just $45 monthly for middle-aged dogs and $22 monthly for cats, compared to Nationwide's $101 and $52 respectively. Lemonade also earns 72% positive sentiment on Reddit for its fast claim approvals and instant reimbursements, along with more comprehensive coverage for its standard policy.
Compare other major pet insurance companies to determine the best choice for your pet:
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Comparison: FAQ
Compare Lemonade and Nationwide pet insurance through these common questions:
Is Lemonade or Nationwide Pet Insurance cheaper?
Lemonade is cheaper than Nationwide pet insurance for all age groups across the country. Middle-aged cats cost $22 per month with Lemonade versus Nationwide's $52 per month. Middle-aged dogs show even greater savings at $45 monthly with Lemonade compared to Nationwide's $101 monthly.
What are the main differences between Lemonade and Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Lemonade offers customizable coverage with annual limits up to $100,000 and reimbursement rates up to 90%, while Nationwide caps annual limits at $10,000 and reimbursement at 80%. Lemonade also processes claims faster through its app, with many claims reimbursed instantly, along with providing more affordable rates.
Which is better for older pets: Lemonade or Nationwide?
Lemonade is better for older pets than Nationwide, with Lemonade providing up to 44% savings for senior cats and 41% savings for senior dogs. Unlike Nationwide, Lemonade doesn't exclude older pets for hereditary coverage, though Lemonade only insures pets up to 14 years older, depending on the breed.
Does Lemonade or Nationwide cover routine wellness care?
Both companies offer optional wellness coverage that you can add to your base policy. Lemonade provides four preventative care packages with fixed items, while Nationwide offers two wellness tiers priced at $450 and $850 annually.
Which pet insurance company is better overall: Lemonade or Nationwide?
Overall, Lemonade is better for pet insurance than Nationwide, earning higher scores across affordability, customer experience and coverage. Whether you're looking for cost-savings, excellent customer service or more comprehensive financial protection, Lemonade is the ideal option.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.