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
Lemonade is the best pet insurance company when compared to Nationwide. Lemonade offers lower rates, better customer service and broader coverage.
Explore top providers like Lemonade and Nationwide with our partners.

Updated: May 29, 2026
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Lemonade has more affordable pet insurance than Nationwide. Middle-aged cat owners pay $22 per month with Lemonade versus $52 with Nationwide, and middle-aged dog owners pay $45 versus $101.
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.
| 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.
| 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 shown here reflect average pricing for Labrador Retrievers and Ragdolls, ranging in age from under 1 year old to 20 years old, across all 50 states.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost by State
Lemonade offers the cheapest pet insurance rates in every state compared to Nationwide, and the gap is wide. Kittens and puppies see around 70% in savings, middle-aged pets average 58% less, and even senior animals pay 41% to 45% less with Lemonade. Arkansas has the lowest rates across the board. Here's what that looks like by age group:
- Kittens: Lemonade charges $6 per month in Arkansas versus $22 with Nationwide, a 71% difference.
- Puppies: Arkansas puppy coverage runs $12 per month through Lemonade, compared to $41 with Nationwide (69% less).
- Young Cats: Lemonade's Arkansas rate is $9 per month versus $26 with Nationwide, putting 66% back in your pocket.
- Young Dogs: Lemonade covers young dogs in Arkansas for $17 per month. Nationwide charges $47, which is 64% more.
- Middle-Aged Cats: Arkansas cat owners pay $15 per month with Lemonade versus $36 with Nationwide, a 58% difference.
- Middle-Aged Dogs: Lemonade's Arkansas rate is $30 per month compared to Nationwide's $68, saving middle-aged dog owners 56%.
- Senior Cats: At $21 per month in Arkansas, Lemonade undercuts Nationwide's $39 rate by 45%.
- Senior Dogs: Arkansas senior dog owners pay $39 per month with Lemonade versus $67 with Nationwide, 42% less.
| 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 are 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 have three pet insurance discounts, including a 5% multi-pet discount. Lemonade is the stronger pick for bundling discounts. Nationwide fits better for employer group plan members 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 ranks third nationally in MoneyGeek's customer experience analysis for both dogs and cats. Nationwide scores higher on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau. Lemonade scores better on Reddit, where users cite fast claims approval and an easy-to-use app as the main reasons.
- Lemonade vs Nationwide Trustpilot Ratings
Nationwide edges out Lemonade on Trustpilot with a 4.4 out of 5 rating compared to Lemonade's 4 out of 5. 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 draw 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 ranks sixth nationally for pet insurance coverage; Nationwide ranks ninth. Lemonade has more customization options for coverage levels and includes hereditary and congenital conditions in its base policy. Nationwide requires an add-on for the same coverage.
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. Review your policy documents for exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Wellness Plans
Both carriers have wellness plans as optional add-ons. Lemonade has four packages with fixed benefit items. Nationwide has two tiers with total annual reimbursement limits.
- Routine Vet Care: Covers one annual wellness exam, three vaccines, heartworm or FeLV/FIV testing, fecal or internal parasite testing and bloodwork.
- Routine Vet Care Plus: Covers unlimited wellness exams and vaccines, plus spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, gastropexy, heartworm/flea/tick prevention, deworming, nail trimming, and joint and organ screening.
- Preventative+ Care Package: Covers everything in Routine Vet Care plus routine dental cleanings and heartworm or flea/tick medication.
- Puppy/Kitten Preventative Care Package: For pets two years old and younger. 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. Annual reimbursement is capped at $450.
- $850 Tier: Adds dental cleanings or spay/neuter procedures and advanced diagnostics including electrocardiogram. Annual reimbursement is capped at $850.
Lemonade vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Add-ons
Beyond wellness plans, Lemonade has five optional add-ons. Nationwide has 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, with cheaper rates, broader coverage and stronger customer service. Lemonade costs $45 monthly for middle-aged dogs and $22 monthly for cats. Nationwide charges $101 and $52 for the same. 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 has annual limits up to $100,000 and reimbursement rates up to 90%. Nationwide caps annual limits at $10,000 and reimbursement at 80%. Lemonade processes claims faster through its app, with many reimbursed instantly, and its rates are lower overall.
Which is better for older pets: Lemonade or Nationwide?
Lemonade is the stronger option for older pets, with up to 44% savings for senior cats and 41% for senior dogs. Lemonade doesn't exclude older pets from hereditary coverage, but it only insures pets up to age 14, 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 Connor Bolton

Connor Bolton is Senior SEO and Content Manager at MoneyGeek, where he leads the business and pet insurance editorial teams. He sets the research framework, data standards and content structure for his team. All content goes through his accuracy review before publication. Connor also writes in-depth guides and has spent more than four years covering insurance products across personal, commercial and specialty lines.
The research infrastructure Connor built covers auto, home, renters, life, health, business and pet insurance across pricing analysis, carrier research, customer experience and coverage evaluation. It includes over 6 million data points for business insurance across 408 industry areas, all 50 states and 16 vehicle types. The pet insurance side covers over 5 million profiles across 18 major providers, 100+ breeds and ages up to 20 years. Connor’s insurance research and his team's work has been cited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, CBS News, Forbes and LegalZoom.
Connor also talks with underwriters and carrier liaisons at Ethos, The Hartford, ERGO NEXT, Nationwide and State Farm, and monitors business and pet owner communities on Reddit. Those sources shape how his team evaluates carriers, structures rate analysis and writes for human buyers rather than search engines.
For questions about MoneyGeek's business and pet insurance content, contact him at connor@moneygeek.com or on LinkedIn.
Sources
- Trustpilot. "Nationwide Pet Insurance." Accessed June 23, 2026.
- Trustpilot. "Lemonade." Accessed June 23, 2026.
- Better Business Bureau. "Nationwide." Accessed June 23, 2026.
- Better Business Bureau. "Lemonade Insurance Company." Accessed June 23, 2026.


