Pets Best offers better pet insurance than Nationwide overall, ranking seventh for cats and third for dogs, while Nationwide places 11th for cats and 14th for dogs. Pets Best also wins on affordability and coverage, though Nationwide edges ahead in customer experience. If cost and comprehensive financial protection matter most, Pets Best is the better fit. If service quality is your top priority, Nationwide is worth the higher price.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance
Updated: March 16, 2026
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Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance: Key Takeaways
Pets Best's pet insurance is more affordable, charging $27 monthly for middle-aged cats and $53 monthly for dogs, while Nationwide's rates are higher at $52 for cats and $101 for dogs.
Nationwide provides better customer service than Pets Best, earning higher Trustpilot and BBB ratings for its helpful customer representatives and fast claim reimbursements.
Pets Best offers more comprehensive coverage for pet insurance, featuring unlimited payouts and direct vet payment, which Nationwide doesn't have.
Is Nationwide or Pets Best Pet Insurance Better?
| Cat | Affordability | Pets Best | 6 | 13 |
| Dog | Affordability | Pets Best | 4 | 14 |
| Cat | Coverage | Pets Best | 2 | 9 |
| Dog | Coverage | Pets Best | 2 | 9 |
| Cat | Customer Experience | Nationwide | 4 | 5 |
| Dog | Customer Experience | Nationwide | 4 | 5 |
| Cat | Overall Score | Pets Best | 7 | 11 |
| Dog | Overall Score | Pets Best | 3 | 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.
Explore top pet insurance plans based on your pet’s age, health needs and lifestyle:
Nationwide and Pets Best Comparison by State
According to our analysis, Pets Best ranks as the best pet insurance company across the country for dogs and cats, consistently outperforming Nationwide in all 50 states.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Alabama | Cat | Pets Best |
| Alabama | Dog | Pets Best |
| Alaska | Cat | Pets Best |
| Alaska | Dog | Pets Best |
| Arizona | Cat | Pets Best |
| Arizona | Dog | Pets Best |
| Arkansas | Cat | Pets Best |
| Arkansas | Dog | Pets Best |
| California | Cat | Pets Best |
| California | Dog | Pets Best |
| Colorado | Cat | Pets Best |
| Colorado | Dog | Pets Best |
| Connecticut | Cat | Pets Best |
| Connecticut | Dog | Pets Best |
| Delaware | Cat | Pets Best |
| Delaware | Dog | Pets Best |
| Florida | Cat | Pets Best |
| Florida | Dog | Pets Best |
| Georgia | Cat | Pets Best |
| Georgia | Dog | Pets Best |
| Hawaii | Cat | Pets Best |
| Hawaii | Dog | Pets Best |
| Idaho | Cat | Pets Best |
| Idaho | Dog | Pets Best |
| Illinois | Cat | Pets Best |
| Illinois | Dog | Pets Best |
| Indiana | Cat | Pets Best |
| Indiana | Dog | Pets Best |
| Iowa | Cat | Pets Best |
| Iowa | Dog | Pets Best |
| Kansas | Cat | Pets Best |
| Kansas | Dog | Pets Best |
| Kentucky | Cat | Pets Best |
| Kentucky | Dog | Pets Best |
| Louisiana | Cat | Pets Best |
| Louisiana | Dog | Pets Best |
| Maine | Cat | Pets Best |
| Maine | Dog | Pets Best |
| Maryland | Cat | Pets Best |
| Maryland | Dog | Pets Best |
| Massachusetts | Cat | Pets Best |
| Massachusetts | Dog | Pets Best |
| Michigan | Cat | Pets Best |
| Michigan | Dog | Pets Best |
| Minnesota | Cat | Pets Best |
| Minnesota | Dog | Pets Best |
| Mississippi | Cat | Pets Best |
| Mississippi | Dog | Pets Best |
| Missouri | Cat | Pets Best |
| Missouri | Dog | Pets Best |
| Montana | Cat | Pets Best |
| Montana | Dog | Pets Best |
| Nebraska | Cat | Pets Best |
| Nebraska | Dog | Pets Best |
| Nevada | Cat | Pets Best |
| Nevada | Dog | Pets Best |
| New Hampshire | Cat | Pets Best |
| New Hampshire | Dog | Pets Best |
| New Jersey | Cat | Pets Best |
| New Jersey | Dog | Pets Best |
| New Mexico | Cat | Pets Best |
| New Mexico | Dog | Pets Best |
| New York | Cat | Pets Best |
| New York | Dog | Pets Best |
| North Carolina | Cat | Pets Best |
| North Carolina | Dog | Pets Best |
| North Dakota | Cat | Pets Best |
| North Dakota | Dog | Pets Best |
| Ohio | Cat | Pets Best |
| Ohio | Dog | Pets Best |
| Oklahoma | Cat | Pets Best |
| Oklahoma | Dog | Pets Best |
| Oregon | Cat | Pets Best |
| Oregon | Dog | Pets Best |
| Pennsylvania | Cat | Pets Best |
| Pennsylvania | Dog | Pets Best |
| Rhode Island | Cat | Pets Best |
| Rhode Island | Dog | Pets Best |
| South Carolina | Cat | Pets Best |
| South Carolina | Dog | Pets Best |
| South Dakota | Cat | Pets Best |
| South Dakota | Dog | Pets Best |
| Tennessee | Cat | Pets Best |
| Tennessee | Dog | Pets Best |
| Texas | Cat | Pets Best |
| Texas | Dog | Pets Best |
| Utah | Cat | Pets Best |
| Utah | Dog | Pets Best |
| Vermont | Cat | Pets Best |
| Vermont | Dog | Pets Best |
| Virginia | Cat | Pets Best |
| Virginia | Dog | Pets Best |
| Washington | Cat | Pets Best |
| Washington | Dog | Pets Best |
| West Virginia | Cat | Pets Best |
| West Virginia | Dog | Pets Best |
| Wisconsin | Cat | Pets Best |
| Wisconsin | Dog | Pets Best |
| Wyoming | Cat | Pets Best |
| Wyoming | Dog | Pets Best |
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.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Cost
Pets Best is the more affordable choice for younger animals, but Nationwide has lower rates once pets reach their senior years. The gap in pet insurance costs between these two providers narrows as pets age and then flips entirely:
- Kittens: Pets Best charges $13 per month, while Nationwide charges $33, a 60% lower rate.
- Puppies: Pets Best charges $27 monthly compared to Nationwide’s $60, which equals about 55% in savings.
- Young Cats: Pets Best lists coverage at $17 per month, while Nationwide lists $37, a 55% difference.
- Young Dogs: Pets Best sets premiums at $33 monthly, while Nationwide sets $69, a 52% gap.
- Middle-Aged Cats: Pets Best prices plans at $27 per month, while Nationwide prices them at $52, nearly 49% more.
- Middle-Aged Dogs: Pets Best charges $53 monthly compared to Nationwide’s $101, a 47% spread.
- Senior Cats: Nationwide charges $57 per month, while Pets Best charges $67, about 15% higher.
- Senior Dogs: Nationwide charges $99 monthly versus $133 from Pets Best, a 26% difference.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Kittens | Pets Best | $13 | 60% |
| Young Cats | Pets Best | $17 | 55% |
| Puppies | Pets Best | $27 | 55% |
| Middle Aged Cats | Pets Best | $27 | 49% |
| Young Dogs | Pets Best | $33 | 52% |
| Middle Aged Dogs | Pets Best | $53 | 47% |
| Senior Cats | Nationwide | $57 | 15% |
| Senior Dogs | Nationwide | $99 | 26% |
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.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Cost by State
Pets Best wins against Nationwide as the cheapest pet insurance company in all 50 states for kittens, puppies, and young and middle-aged pets. Nationwide takes the lead for senior cats and senior dogs, outperforming Pets Best across the country.
Data filtered by:
Middle Aged Dogs
| Alabama | Pets Best | $39 | 47% |
| Alaska | Pets Best | $52 | 47% |
| Arizona | Pets Best | $65 | 47% |
| Arkansas | Pets Best | $36 | 47% |
| California | Pets Best | $67 | 47% |
| Colorado | Pets Best | $67 | 47% |
| Connecticut | Pets Best | $61 | 47% |
| Delaware | Pets Best | $53 | 47% |
| Florida | Pets Best | $60 | 47% |
| Georgia | Pets Best | $48 | 47% |
| Hawaii | Pets Best | $54 | 47% |
| Idaho | Pets Best | $53 | 47% |
| Illinois | Pets Best | $66 | 47% |
| Indiana | Pets Best | $48 | 47% |
| Iowa | Pets Best | $45 | 47% |
| Kansas | Pets Best | $48 | 47% |
| Kentucky | Pets Best | $42 | 47% |
| Louisiana | Pets Best | $43 | 47% |
| Maine | Pets Best | $65 | 47% |
| Maryland | Pets Best | $52 | 47% |
| Massachusetts | Pets Best | $69 | 47% |
| Michigan | Pets Best | $53 | 47% |
| Minnesota | Pets Best | $55 | 47% |
| Mississippi | Pets Best | $45 | 47% |
| Missouri | Pets Best | $42 | 47% |
| Montana | Pets Best | $45 | 47% |
| Nebraska | Pets Best | $48 | 47% |
| Nevada | Pets Best | $55 | 47% |
| New Hampshire | Pets Best | $62 | 47% |
| New Jersey | Pets Best | $60 | 47% |
| New Mexico | Pets Best | $47 | 47% |
| New York | Pets Best | $58 | 47% |
| North Carolina | Pets Best | $47 | 47% |
| North Dakota | Pets Best | $41 | 47% |
| Ohio | Pets Best | $49 | 47% |
| Oklahoma | Pets Best | $45 | 47% |
| Oregon | Pets Best | $66 | 47% |
| Pennsylvania | Pets Best | $55 | 47% |
| Rhode Island | Pets Best | $46 | 47% |
| South Carolina | Pets Best | $50 | 47% |
| South Dakota | Pets Best | $47 | 47% |
| Tennessee | Pets Best | $49 | 47% |
| Texas | Pets Best | $56 | 47% |
| Utah | Pets Best | $51 | 47% |
| Vermont | Pets Best | $49 | 47% |
| Virginia | Pets Best | $57 | 47% |
| Washington | Pets Best | $61 | 48% |
| West Virginia | Pets Best | $46 | 47% |
| Wisconsin | Pets Best | $57 | 47% |
| Wyoming | Pets Best | $49 | 47% |
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.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Discounts
Pets Best offers more pet insurance discounts than Nationwide, with four savings opportunities compared to Nationwide's three. Both insurers offer 5% off for multiple pets, but Nationwide has the edge for employer group members with a 10% discount versus Pets Best's 5%. Nationwide also rewards existing customers adding a new pet policy. Pets Best, on the other hand, provides exclusive savings for military members and veterinary staff.
Multiple pets | Get 5% off per pet when you insure two to three pets with Nationwide. | Receive 5% discount for insuring more than one pet with Pets Best. |
Existing customer | Existing Nationwide insurance customers save 5% when they buy pet insurance. | None. |
Employer group plan | 10% off if you join a participating employer's group plan. | Save 5% for joining a participating employer's group plan. |
Military | None. | Active duty service members, veterans and military spouses or kids get 5% off on pet insurance. |
Veterinary staff | None. | Get 5% off on pet insurance if you work as a staff at a veterinary clinic. |
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Customer Experience
Nationwide is more ideal for pet owners who value reliable service and support, leading ahead of Pets Best in our national ranking by one spot. Nationwide earns higher ratings from Trustpilot (4.4 versus 3.6 out of 5) and the Better Business Bureau (A+ versus Not Rated), though Pets Best garners more positive feedback among Reddit users (70% versus 43% positive).
Nationwide vs Pets Best Trustpilot ratings
Nationwide earns a 4.4 out of 5 Trustpilot rating compared to Pets Best's 3.6 out of 5, with customers praising Nationwide's helpful agents and fast claim reimbursements but noting occasional communication delays. Pets Best users appreciate straightforward plans and coverage for major expenses, though many complain about slow claim processing times, website issues and denied claims.
Nationwide vs Pets Best BBB ratings
Nationwide maintains an A+ BBB rating while Pets Best holds a “Not Rated” status, giving Nationwide a clear advantage in verified business trustworthiness. The A+ rating means Nationwide meets BBB's highest standards for trust and has successfully resolved customer complaints. Pets Best's unrated status stems from the provider still responding to previously closed complaints.
Nationwide vs Pets Best Reddit sentiment
Reddit discussions show Nationwide has 43% positive sentiment from 14 total comments (six positive, eight negative), while Pets Best maintains 70% positive feedback from 10 comments (seven positive, three negative). Reddit users praise Pets Best for smooth claims processing, helpful customer service and comprehensive coverage for hereditary conditions, though some criticize reimbursement delays and coverage gaps. Nationwide receives mixed feedback, with users highlighting responsive service and clear policy terms but complaining about claim denials, slow processing and coverage restrictions.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Coverage
Pets Best offers better pet insurance coverage for dogs and cats than Nationwide, ranking second nationally, while Nationwide lags behind by seven spots. Pets Best outperforms its competitor by offering the option to pay licensed veterinarians directly. It also provides unlimited coverage and includes hereditary and congenital conditions in its standard policy, while Nationwide requires you to purchase an optional add-on.
Diagnostics | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ | ✓ | |
✓ | ✓ | |
Fractures and broken bones | ✓ | ✓ |
Lacerations and bite wounds | ✓ | ✓ |
Parasite treatment | Only covers prevention through an optional add-on | 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 | ✓ | |
$250, $500, $1,000 | $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000 | |
$2,500, $5,000, $10,000 | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | |
50%, 70%, 80% | 70%, 80%, 90% | |
Two days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament conditions | Three days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, six months for cruciate ligament events and related conditions | |
Age restrictions | Cats aged 8 years old and above are not eligible for hereditary coverage | No upper age limit for enrollment |
Pre-existing conditions | Curable pre-existing conditions may be covered if cured and symptom-free for six months | Curable pre-existing conditions may be eligible for coverage if cured and no further treatment is needed |
Direct vet payment | Doesn't pay licensed veterinarians directly | Pays licensed vets directly if you submit a completed pet insurance claim along with a veterinarian reimbursement release form that both you and your vet have signed |
Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your policy documents to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Add-ons
Nationwide offers two optional add-ons that expand your base coverage to include routine care and hereditary and congenital conditions. In contrast, Pets Best has three add-ons focused on routine care, exam fees and physical therapy.
- Wellness coverage: Provides coverage for physical exams, vaccines, heartworm or FeLV/FIV tests, deworming, microchipping and health certificates, with annual benefit amounts of either $450 or $800.
- Hereditary and Congenital Condition coverage: Covers hereditary and congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, collapsed trachea and Wobblers syndrome.
- Wellness plans: Comes in two tiers (EssentialWellness and BestWellness) and covers bloodwork, fecal exams, urinalysis, spaying/neutering and teeth cleaning.
- Exam fees: Covers vet exam fees associated with eligible accidents and illnesses.
- Physical therapy: Reimburses the cost of rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic care related to a covered condition.
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance: Bottom Line
Pets Best comes out ahead overall, with lower rates and broader coverage than Nationwide. It charges $53 per month for middle-aged dogs and $27 per month for cats, and it also includes unlimited coverage and a direct vet payment option. Nationwide has the edge on customer experience, earning a 4.4 out of 5 Trustpilot score and an A+ BBB rating for responsive service and clear policy language.
Compare other major pet insurance companies to determine the best choice for your pet:
Nationwide vs. Pets Best Pet Insurance Comparison: FAQ
Compare Nationwide and Pets Best pet insurance through these common questions:
What is the difference between Nationwide and Pets Best pet insurance?
Nationwide has higher Trustpilot and BBB ratings than Pets Best, pointing to stronger customer service. Pets Best, on the other hand, is the more affordable option for puppies, kittens and young to middle-aged pets. It also pays vets directly for covered claims, so you're not covering costs out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement.
Is Nationwide or Pets Best cheaper for pet insurance?
Pets Best is cheaper across most age groups, with savings ranging from 47% to 60% for younger and middle-aged pets. Nationwide only comes out ahead for senior cats and senior dogs, where it runs 15% to 26% less than Pets Best.
Which has better coverage: Nationwide or Pets Best pet insurance?
Pets Best offers better coverage than Nationwide, ranking second nationally, while Nationwide ranks ninth for both cats and dogs. Pets Best offers unlimited coverage and requires a shorter waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions than Nationwide. Pets Best also has direct vet payment, which Nationwide lacks.
How do Nationwide and Pets Best compare for older pets?
Nationwide costs less for senior pets, charging $57 monthly for senior cats versus Pets Best's $67 (15% savings) and $99 monthly for senior dogs versus Pets Best's $133 (26% savings). However, Nationwide excludes hereditary coverage for 8-year-old cats and older at enrollment. Meanwhile, Pets Best offers more comprehensive financial protection with direct vet pay and no upper age limits.
Which is better overall: Nationwide or Pets Best pet insurance?
Pets Best ranks higher overall, winning on affordability and coverage. Nationwide excels in customer experience, backed by higher BBB and Trustpilot ratings. Choose Pets Best if you prioritize cost and comprehensive coverage for cats or dogs, or Nationwide if you value customer service quality.
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.
sources
- Trustpilot. "Nationwide Pet Insurance ." Accessed March 24, 2026.
- Trustpilot. "Pets Best Pet Health Insurance ." Accessed March 24, 2026.
- Better Business Bureau. "Nationwide." Accessed March 24, 2026.
- Better Business Bureau. "Pets Best Insurance Services." Accessed March 24, 2026.