Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Which Is Better? (2026)

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Key Takeaways

Trupanion is more affordable for pet insurance than Nationwide, offering savings from 8% to 50% for kittens, puppies, young cats and middle-aged pets.

Nationwide provides better customer service than Trupanion, holding a 4.4 out of 5.0 and A+ ratings from Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, respectively.

Trupanion offers more comprehensive coverage for dogs and cats, featuring direct vet payment, per-condition deductibles and unlimited payouts. It also covers hereditary conditions without charging extra, unlike Nationwide.

Is Trupanion or Nationwide Pet Insurance Better?

Trupanion offers better pet insurance than Nationwide, ranking fifth for cats and sixth for dogs in MoneyGeek's national ranking, while Nationwide earns 11th and 14th spots, respectively. However, your best choice between these two providers may change depending on what matters most to you:

Affordability: Trupanion beats Nationwide on price for both dogs and cats. Trupanion ranks sixth nationally for dog coverage affordability and fifth for cats, compared to Nationwide's 14th and 13th places.
Customer Experience: Nationwide provides better customer service and ranks fourth nationally for dogs and cats. Trupanion ranks fifth for both pets, though it still delivers solid support to policyholders.
Coverage: Trupanion wins on coverage breadth and ranks second nationally for dogs and cats. Nationwide ranks ninth for both, offering fewer coverage options and benefits.


Cat	Affordability	Trupanion	5	13
Dog	Affordability	Trupanion	6	14
Cat	Coverage	Trupanion	2	9
Dog	Coverage	Trupanion	2	9
Cat	Customer Experience	Nationwide	4	5
Dog	Customer Experience	Nationwide	4	5
Cat	Overall Score	Trupanion	5	11
Dog	Overall Score	Trupanion	6	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:

Best Multiple Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance for Accident-Only Coverage

Best Pet Insurance for Allergies

Best Pet Insurance for Cancer

Best Pet Insurance for Cats

Best Pet Insurance for Dental

Trupanion and Nationwide Comparison by State

According to our analysis, Trupanion wins against Nationwide as the best pet insurance company across every state for dog coverage and cat coverage.

Data filtered by:


Alabama	Cat	Trupanion
Alabama	Dog	Trupanion
Alaska	Cat	Trupanion
Alaska	Dog	Trupanion
Arizona	Cat	Trupanion
Arizona	Dog	Trupanion
Arkansas	Cat	Trupanion
Arkansas	Dog	Trupanion
California	Cat	Trupanion
California	Dog	Trupanion
Colorado	Cat	Trupanion
Colorado	Dog	Trupanion
Connecticut	Cat	Trupanion
Connecticut	Dog	Trupanion
Delaware	Cat	Trupanion
Delaware	Dog	Trupanion
Florida	Cat	Trupanion
Florida	Dog	Trupanion
Georgia	Cat	Trupanion
Georgia	Dog	Trupanion
Hawaii	Cat	Trupanion
Hawaii	Dog	Trupanion
Idaho	Cat	Trupanion
Idaho	Dog	Trupanion
Illinois	Cat	Trupanion
Illinois	Dog	Trupanion
Indiana	Cat	Trupanion
Indiana	Dog	Trupanion
Iowa	Cat	Trupanion
Iowa	Dog	Trupanion
Kansas	Cat	Trupanion
Kansas	Dog	Trupanion
Kentucky	Cat	Trupanion
Kentucky	Dog	Trupanion
Louisiana	Cat	Trupanion
Louisiana	Dog	Trupanion
Maine	Cat	Trupanion
Maine	Dog	Trupanion
Maryland	Cat	Trupanion
Maryland	Dog	Trupanion
Massachusetts	Cat	Trupanion
Massachusetts	Dog	Trupanion
Michigan	Cat	Trupanion
Michigan	Dog	Trupanion
Minnesota	Cat	Trupanion
Minnesota	Dog	Trupanion
Mississippi	Cat	Trupanion
Mississippi	Dog	Trupanion
Missouri	Cat	Trupanion
Missouri	Dog	Trupanion
Montana	Cat	Trupanion
Montana	Dog	Trupanion
Nebraska	Cat	Trupanion
Nebraska	Dog	Trupanion
Nevada	Cat	Trupanion
Nevada	Dog	Trupanion
New Hampshire	Cat	Trupanion
New Hampshire	Dog	Trupanion
New Jersey	Cat	Trupanion
New Jersey	Dog	Trupanion
New Mexico	Cat	Trupanion
New Mexico	Dog	Trupanion
New York	Cat	Trupanion
New York	Dog	Trupanion
North Carolina	Cat	Trupanion
North Carolina	Dog	Trupanion
North Dakota	Cat	Trupanion
North Dakota	Dog	Trupanion
Ohio	Cat	Trupanion
Ohio	Dog	Trupanion
Oklahoma	Cat	Trupanion
Oklahoma	Dog	Trupanion
Oregon	Cat	Trupanion
Oregon	Dog	Trupanion
Pennsylvania	Cat	Trupanion
Pennsylvania	Dog	Trupanion
Rhode Island	Cat	Trupanion
Rhode Island	Dog	Trupanion
South Carolina	Cat	Trupanion
South Carolina	Dog	Trupanion
South Dakota	Cat	Trupanion
South Dakota	Dog	Trupanion
Tennessee	Cat	Trupanion
Tennessee	Dog	Trupanion
Texas	Cat	Trupanion
Texas	Dog	Trupanion
Utah	Cat	Trupanion
Utah	Dog	Trupanion
Vermont	Cat	Trupanion
Vermont	Dog	Trupanion
Virginia	Cat	Trupanion
Virginia	Dog	Trupanion
Washington	Cat	Trupanion
Washington	Dog	Trupanion
West Virginia	Cat	Trupanion
West Virginia	Dog	Trupanion
Wisconsin	Cat	Trupanion
Wisconsin	Dog	Trupanion
Wyoming	Cat	Trupanion
Wyoming	Dog	Trupanion

How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider by State

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost

Trupanion has lower pet insurance costs than Nationwide for kittens, puppies, young cats and middle-aged pets, with kitten coverage providing the largest savings at 50%. Nationwide beats Trupanion on cost for senior pets, with rates 58% to 61% cheaper.

Data filtered by:


Kittens	Trupanion	$16	50%
Young Cats	Trupanion	$25	32%
Middle Aged Cats	Trupanion	$48	8%
Puppies	Trupanion	$52	14%
Senior Cats	Nationwide	$57	58%
Young Dogs	Nationwide	$69	0%
Middle Aged Dogs	Trupanion	$88	13%
Senior Dogs	Nationwide	$99	61%

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.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Cost by State

Trupanion offers the cheapest pet insurance for dogs and cats in most age groups across the country. Nationwide only offers cheaper rates than Trupanion for senior dogs and cats in all 50 states.

Data filtered by:


Alabama	Trupanion	$64	13%
Alaska	Trupanion	$85	13%
Arizona	Trupanion	$108	12%
Arkansas	Trupanion	$59	13%
California	Trupanion	$112	12%
Colorado	Trupanion	$111	12%
Connecticut	Trupanion	$101	12%
Delaware	Trupanion	$88	13%
Florida	Trupanion	$100	13%
Georgia	Trupanion	$79	13%
Hawaii	Trupanion	$89	13%
Idaho	Trupanion	$88	13%
Illinois	Trupanion	$110	12%
Indiana	Trupanion	$80	12%
Iowa	Trupanion	$74	13%
Kansas	Trupanion	$80	13%
Kentucky	Trupanion	$69	13%
Louisiana	Trupanion	$71	13%
Maine	Trupanion	$106	13%
Maryland	Trupanion	$86	13%
Massachusetts	Trupanion	$114	12%
Michigan	Trupanion	$88	12%
Minnesota	Trupanion	$92	12%
Mississippi	Trupanion	$74	13%
Missouri	Trupanion	$69	13%
Montana	Trupanion	$73	13%
Nebraska	Trupanion	$79	13%
Nevada	Trupanion	$92	12%
New Hampshire	Trupanion	$102	12%
New Jersey	Trupanion	$99	12%
New Mexico	Trupanion	$77	13%
New York	Trupanion	$96	12%
North Carolina	Trupanion	$78	13%
North Dakota	Trupanion	$67	13%
Ohio	Trupanion	$81	12%
Oklahoma	Trupanion	$74	13%
Oregon	Trupanion	$110	12%
Pennsylvania	Trupanion	$92	13%
Rhode Island	Trupanion	$77	13%
South Carolina	Trupanion	$83	13%
South Dakota	Trupanion	$77	13%
Tennessee	Trupanion	$81	13%
Texas	Trupanion	$94	12%
Utah	Trupanion	$84	13%
Vermont	Trupanion	$82	13%
Virginia	Trupanion	$94	12%
Washington	Trupanion	$101	14%
West Virginia	Trupanion	$76	13%
Wisconsin	Trupanion	$94	13%
Wyoming	Trupanion	$81	13%

How We Decided the Winning Pet Insurance Provider by State

All rates presented here were based on average pricing for Labrador Retrievers and Ragdolls from the age of less than 1 years old up to 20 years of age.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Discounts

Nationwide offers more pet insurance discounts than Trupanion, with three ways to save compared to Trupanion's zero discount options. Nationwide provides a 5% discount for multiple pets and existing policyholders buying pet insurance, as well as 10% for those joining employer group plans.


Multiple pets	None.	Save 5% when you insure two or more pets with Nationwide.
Existing customer	None.	Existing Nationwide policyholders receive 5% off when they buy a new pet policy.
Employer group plan	None.	Access 10% discount when coverage is purchased through a participating employer's group plan.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Customer Experience

Nationwide wins on customer experience for both dogs and cats, leading ahead of Trupanion by one spot in our national ranking. Both providers share identical ratings from Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau, though Trupanion earns slightly stronger positive sentiment among Reddit users.

Trupanion vs Nationwide Trustpilot Ratings

Nationwide holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5.0, which is similar to Trupanion's 4.4 out of 5.0. Nationwide customers appreciate the company's helpful service representatives and clear policies, though some report slow reimbursement times and frustration with age-related coverage restrictions. Trupanion users praise its fast claims processing and direct vet payment but criticize high premiums and coverage denials for pre-existing conditions.

Trupanion vs Nationwide BBB Ratings

Nationwide maintains an A+ rating, the highest possible score from the BBB. Trupanion also earns an A+ BBB rating, showing that both companies meet BBB Standards for Trust, handle customer complaints professionally and maintain transparent business operations.

Trupanion vs Nationwide Pet Insurance Reddit Sentiment

We analyzed Reddit discussions and found that Trupanion garners 44% positive feedback from 16 total comments, while Nationwide receives 43% positive sentiment from 14 comments. Trupanion users praise the per-condition deductible and direct vet payment system but criticize claim denials and high premiums for chronic conditions. Nationwide receives recognition for helpful customer service representatives, though users complain about major rate increases over time and coverage being dropped or discontinued.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage

Trupanion provides superior pet insurance coverage compared to Nationwide, earning second place in our national ranking. Trupanion outperforms Nationwide by paying licensed veterinarians directly for covered claims. It also offers per-condition deductibles that don't reset annually, unlimited payouts and coverage for hereditary conditions in its base policy.


Diagnostics	✓	✓
Procedures	✓	✓
Medications	✓	✓
Fractures and broken bones	✓	✓
Lacerations and bite wounds	✓	✓
Parasite treatment	X	Only covers prevention through an optional add-on
Cancer treatment	✓	✓
Digestive illnesses	✓	✓
Hereditary conditions	✓	Only provides coverage through an optional add-on
Congenital conditions	✓	Only provides coverage through an optional add-on
Chronic conditions	✓	✓
Hip dysplasia	✓	Only provides coverage through an optional add-on
Deductibles	$0 to $1,000; deductible applies per condition for the lifetime of the pet	$250, $500, $1,000
Annual limits	Unlimited	$2,500, $5,000, $10,000
Reimbursement rates	90%	50%, 70%, 80%
Waiting periods	5 days for accidents, 30 days for illnesses in most states. These waiting periods change for the following states: CA and NH: 30 days for illnesses, no waiting period for accidents ME: No waiting period for accidents and illnesses DE, LA, MD, MS, MT, NE, OH, PA, VT and WA: 12-day delayed effective date for new accidents and illnesses	2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament conditions
Age restrictions	Only insures pets below 14 years old	Cats aged 8 years old and above are not eligible for hereditary coverage
Pre-existing conditions	Conditions that occurred 18 months prior to your policy’s effective date or during waiting periods are permanently excluded	Curable pre-existing conditions may be covered if cured and symptom-free for six months
Direct vet payment	Offers to pay licensed veterinarians right at checkout, provided the vet has Trupanion's software installed	Doesn't have direct vet payment feature

Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions and limitations.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Add-ons

Trupanion offers more optional add-ons to supplement your base policy, covering breeding, pet owner benefits and recovery care. Nationwide's add-ons, meanwhile, focus on routine care and hereditary conditions.

Trupanion Pet Insurance Add-ons

Breeding: Covers complications related to breeding, whelping or queening.
Pet owner assistance package: Provides reimbursement for costs related to lost pet ads, boarding fees during owner hospitalization, vacation cancellation, liability for third-party property damage and cremation or burial assistance.
Recovery and complementary care: Reimburses physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments following accidents or illnesses.

Nationwide Pet Insurance Add-ons

Wellness coverage: Cover exams, vaccines, heartworm or FeLV/FIV tests, deworming, microchipping and health certificates, with annual benefit limits of either $450 or $800.
Hereditary and Congenital Condition coverage: Extends coverage to include inherited and congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, collapsed trachea and Wobblers syndrome.

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance: Bottom Line

Trupanion beats Nationwide for pet insurance overall, offering more affordable rates and more comprehensive coverage. Trupanion has unique features, such as direct vet payment, per-condition deductibles and an optional add-on for breeding. However, Nationwide delivers better customer service, earning a 4.4 out of 5.0 Trustpilot score and an A+ BBB rating.

Compare other major pet insurance companies to determine the best choice for your pet:

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Spot vs. Fetch Pet Insurance

Spot vs. Figo Pet Insurance

Spot vs. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

Spot vs. Lemonade Pet Insurance

Trupanion vs. Nationwide Pet Insurance Comparison: FAQ

Compare Trupanion and Nationwide pet insurance through these common questions:

What is the difference between Trupanion and Nationwide pet Insurance?

Trupanion offers a single plan with direct vet payments, unlimited coverage and 90% reimbursement, while Nationwide provides multiple customizable plans with coverage limits up to $10,000 and reimbursement rates from 70% to 90%. Trupanion uses per-condition deductibles that never reset, whereas Nationwide applies annual deductibles of $250, $500 or $1,000.

Is Trupanion or Nationwide cheaper for pet insurance?

Trupanion costs less than Nationwide across most age groups for both dogs and cats, providing savings from 8% to 50%. Nationwide only beats Trupanion on cost for senior pets, where rates are about 60% lower.

Which pet insurance covers more conditions: Trupanion or Nationwide pet Insurance?

Trupanion provides more comprehensive coverage and ranks second nationally for dogs and cats, while Nationwide ranks ninth for both. Trupanion includes hereditary and congenital conditions in its base policy, whereas Nationwide requires you to purchase an optional add-on for coverage.

How do reimbursements work with Trupanion vs. Nationwide pet Insurance?

Trupanion reimburses 90% of covered costs and pays veterinarians directly through its VetDirect Pay system, so you don't pay out of pocket at checkout. Nationwide reimburses 70% to 90% depending on your plan and requires you to pay the vet upfront, then submit claims for reimbursement.

Which is better for dogs and cats: Trupanion or Nationwide Pet Insurance?

Trupanion ranks better overall for both dogs and cats, placing sixth nationally for dogs and fifth for cats compared to Nationwide's 14th and 11th rankings. Trupanion wins on coverage quality and affordability, while Nationwide ranks fourth for customer experience compared to Trupanion's fifth place. Consider Trupanion if you're looking for better coverage and lower costs, or Nationwide if you value quality service.

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.

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