When selecting the greatest pet insurance coverage to your furry pal, two distinguished names usually come up are Figo and Nationwide Pet Insurance. Both firms provide complete protection choices designed to offer peace of thoughts in case of surprising veterinary prices. Still, they differ in a number of key areas, comparable to coverage choices, protection and exclusions, and total worth. Figo, identified for its aggressive charges, gives extra complete dental protection and customizable plans, whereas Nationwide, a longstanding supplier within the insurance coverage world, provides a singular profit schedule type plan and protection for birds, rabbits, and reptiles. In this comparability, we’ll discover the strengths and weaknesses of every supplier that will help you decide which one most closely fits your pet’s wants.
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| Star Rating | 4.9/5.0 | 3.9/5.0 |
| Best | Value | Exotic Pets |
| Year Founded | 2013 | 1982 (as VPI); 2015 (as Nationwide) |
| Customer Support | Text, Phone, Email, Fax, Live Chat | Phone, Live Chat, Email |
| Underwriters | Independence American Insurance Company, Markel American Insurance Company, Markel Insurance Company | National Casualty Company Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in CA |
| A.M. Best Rating* | A-, A, A | A+ |
| Demotech Rating* | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Claim Processing Average | 3 Days | 10-14 Days |
| Reimburse Vets Directly | No | No |
| Payout Limits | $5,000 to Unlimited | Limited Per Condition to $10,000 |
| Deductibles | $100 to $750 | $250 to $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Rates | 70% to 100% | 50% to 90% |
| One-Time Fees | $15 (not in all states) | No |
| Accident Waiting Period | 1 Day | 14 Days |
| Illness Waiting Period | 14 Days | 14 Days |
| Hip Dysplasia Waiting Period | 6 Months | 14 Days |
| Cruciate Ligament Waiting Period | 6 Months | 12 Months |
| Enrollment Ages | 8 Weeks & Older | 8 Weeks to 10 Years For Illness |
| Preventative Plan | Yes | Yes |
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Coverage Comparison
Figo provides one accident and sickness pet insurance coverage coverage, whereas Nationwide has two. Both insurance policies can be found in all 50 states.
Plans cowl new accidents and sicknesses, together with testing and therapy for the circumstances. Both firms cowl emergency care, surgical procedure and hospitalization, specialised exams and specialty care, X-rays, blood exams, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, most cancers, continual circumstances, hereditary circumstances, congenital circumstances, non-routine dental therapy, prescription drugs, and extra. Neither insurer covers pre-existing circumstances, being pregnant, breeding, or pointless beauty procedures (e.g., tail docking, dew claw removing, ear cropping).
Examples of coated circumstances from each suppliers’ base pet insurance coverage insurance policies embody most cancers, hip dysplasia, allergy symptoms, canine cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, continual circumstances, hereditary circumstances, and congenital circumstances. However, if signs for a situation have been current earlier than enrollment or through the insurer’s ready durations, the situation will not be coated and can be excluded from the coverage.
Figo has a 1-day ready interval for accidents, whereas Nationwide’s is 14 days. Both suppliers have a 14-day ready interval for sicknesses. Figo has a 6-month ready interval for hip dysplasia, cruciate ligaments, and different orthopedic circumstances. Nationwide extends its ready interval for cruciate ligaments to 1-year, and hip dysplasia falls underneath the sickness ready interval of 14 days.
Figo has two riders (add-ons) for an extra value referred to as Powerups, whereas Nationwide has one rider. Figo has a rider for examination charges referred to as Vet Exam Fees, which covers the price of examination charges for coated accidents and sicknesses. On common, pet house owners spend $93 per vet go to on examination charges. Each supplier has an non-obligatory routine care add-on; Figo’s Powerup known as Wellness, and Nationwide’s is Wellness. These riders embody routine care protection like dental cleanings, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgical procedure, heartworm prevention, and extra.
Base pet insurance coverage insurance policies from Figo and Nationwide cowl non-routine dental therapy and tooth extractions. Additionally, Figo covers gum and endodontic illness, whereas Nationwide provides no protection for these circumstances.
In its base coverage, Figo covers curable pre-existing circumstances if there have been no indicators or signs inside the final 12 months. Nationwide doesn’t provide protection for curable pre-existing circumstances.
Premiums & Pricing
Insurers decide premiums primarily based on the plan protection degree you choose and your pet’s particulars (age, breed, and site). Nationwide was sometimes costlier than Nationwide within the lots of of quotes I ran. Additionally, Figo’s base coverage is extra complete than Nationwide’s.
Figo and Nationwide have annual deductibles. An annual deductible is useful in case your pet encounters a number of accidents or sicknesses through the coverage interval (one 12 months) since you’re liable for paying the deductible as soon as per coverage time period.
Figo requires a one-time payment of $15 in some states and a $2 month-to-month transaction payment. Meanwhile, Nationwide has no one-time charges and the highest month-to-month transaction payment that I’ve seen within the business, $3.25. The transaction payment could be waived from each insurers in case you choose to pay for all the 12 months without delay.
The desk under shows the month-to-month premiums for Figo and Nationwide primarily based on pattern quotes with totally different reimbursement charges and deductibles. I supplied a number of examples for every pet from every supplier for instance how pricing can differ relying on the chosen plan protection. Comparing firm premiums could be difficult as a result of Nationwide has extra restrictions on its plan choices and solely provides its Major Medical plan (profit schedule) in some states.
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| French Bulldog | $98.51* | $156.50* | $55.46** | $120.03** |
| Labrador Retriever | $44.89† | $105.40† | $33.27‡ | $56.99¶ |
| Golden Retriever | $70.48* | $63.32¶ | $31.36‡ | $63.32¶ |
| Ragdoll Cat | $21.76* | $19.14¶ | $12.41** | $19.14¶ |
French Bulldog quotes are for a 6-month-old feminine within the 92121 zip code (San Diego, CA).
Labrador Retriever quotes are for a 2-year-old feminine within the 14211 zip code (Buffalo, NY).
Golden Retriever quotes are for a 4-year-old male within the 33604 zip code (Tampa, FL).
Ragdoll Cat quotes are for a 5-year-old feminine within the 78040 zip code (Laredo, TX).
* 80% reimbursement and $250 deductible
** 70% reimbursement and $500 deductible
†70% reimbursement and $250 deductible
‡70% reimbursement, $750 deductible, and limitless annual payouts
¶ $250 deductible and per situation limits
It’s greatest to acquire quotes to your canine to match pet insurance coverage prices. You can use our pet insurance coverage quote type under to request quotes from a number of firms.
Discounts
Pet insurance coverage suppliers typically provide reductions to pet house owners who insure multiple pet, bundle different insurance coverage insurance policies, are navy or veterans, work as a veterinarian, work at an animal shelter, pay yearly, and extra. Figo provides Canine Journal readers 5% off their coverage and 5% off for a number of pets. And for annually you don’t obtain a declare cost, your deductible mechanically goes down $50. On the opposite hand, Nationwide provides 5% off for 2-3 pets and 10% off for 4 or extra pets.
Customer Service & Reputation
It’s straightforward to miss customer support and status when a beautiful insurance coverage quote catches your eye, however these are two of an important features to recollect. While I sincerely hope you by no means have to file a declare, if the state of affairs arises, I need to be certain that the method is as seamless and worry-free as doable for you and your expensive pet.
It doesn’t matter how a lot you pay; in case you name an organization and by no means get your questions answered or issues solved, you’re feeling such as you’ve wasted your cash. Both firms provide a number of help choices, together with telephone, electronic mail, and stay chat. Figo additionally has textual content and fax. A 30-day money-back assure is on the market via each insurers. So, in case you discover that the plan you selected isn’t working for you, you possibly can cancel and get your a refund, so long as you don’t have any reported or paid claims or advantages used.
I seemed via lots of of Figo and Nationwide buyer opinions from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot. Overall, the variety of buyer opinions and scores was larger for Figo than for Nationwide. It’s additionally value noting that the pages visited for Nationwide have been concerning all of its departments, not simply pet insurance coverage. Figo has a greater historical past of responding to prospects and aiding when wanted.
The most typical grievance I examine Figo was concerning unsubstantiated reasoning for denied claims. As for Nationwide, policyholders complain in regards to the Major Medical profit plan not having excessive sufficient limits for every vet value, excessive premium will increase, and denying claims stating pre-existing circumstances when they don’t seem to be associated. Additionally, Nationwide introduced in 2024 that it wasn’t renewing about 100,000 insurance policies, leaving many pet house owners stranded with out protection. This has understandably ruffled many feathers.
Claim Processing
The time it takes for an insurer to reimburse claims can impression some pet house owners’ choices. Some can’t wait weeks for reimbursement, whereas others are advantageous with ready a bit longer. Figo has one of many quickest declare reimbursement occasions, averaging three days. Nationwide averages 10-14 days for declare processing, which is longer than most opponents.
There is not any time restrict for declare submissions via Nationwide. Figo requires claims to be submitted inside 180 days of the accident, sickness, or wellness go to. Both firms allow you to submit claims by way of electronic mail and fax. Additionally, Nationwide has a Pet Account Access web page and mail, and Figo has the Pet Cloud app. Reimbursement could be made by way of direct deposit or verify via each insurers.
Plan Coverage Options
Figo has many deductible, payout, and reimbursement choices to get your required protection inside your finances. Deductibles vary from $100 to $750, annual payout choices are $5,000 to limitless, and reimbursement charges are 70% to 100%. Figo is without doubt one of the solely insurance coverage firms to supply 100% reimbursement as an choice. Nationwide has fewer plan customizable choices. Deductible choices begin at $250 and go as much as $1,000, with 50% to 90% reimbursement percentages. Its annual payouts rely in your plan however could be restricted per situation or separated to accidents at $2,500 or $5,000 and sicknesses at $5,000 or $10,000.
Nationwide additionally provides an accident-only pet insurance coverage plan, overlaying circumstances related to a sudden bodily harm. Nationwide’s accident insurance coverage covers circumstances like damaged bones, overseas physique ingestion, poisoning, and different accidents. Accident-only plans are sometimes extra inexpensive than accident and sickness insurance policies.
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| Deductibles | $100, $250, $500, $750 | $250, $500, $1,000 |
| Annual Payouts | $5,000, $10,000, Unlimited | Limited Per Condition, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 |
| Reimbursement Rates | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Accident-Only Plan | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
This Figo and Nationwide FAQ is designed to handle widespread questions. If you don’t discover your query, please attain out within the feedback.
Is Figo Accepted Everywhere?
Figo is on the market in all 50 states and is ready to reimburse you while you take your insured pet to any licensed veterinarian inside the U.S.
Is Nationwide Getting Rid Of Pet Insurance?
In 2024, Nationwide introduced it will not renew round 100,000 pet insurance coverage insurance policies beginning within the spring of 2025. This represents a greater than 8% discount in its policyholder base, a choice anticipated to have an effect on the pet-owning neighborhood considerably.
So, why is Nationwide making this transfer? The firm cites inflation as a significant factor, particularly the rising value of veterinary care, which has contributed to its declining earnings. While most insurers depend on exterior underwriters to push for coverage modifications, Nationwide’s personal underwriter is driving these choices. The firm explains that these tough decisions are mandatory for long-term monetary stability.
Nationwide has emphasised that cancellations will not be primarily based on elements like a pet’s age, breed, or claims historical past. However, the truth is that many affected pets are prone to have pre-existing circumstances, making it tough for house owners to safe protection elsewhere. With cancellations anticipated to proceed via the summer season of 2025, many pet house owners will discover themselves in a difficult place.
How Much Is Figo Pet Insurance Per Month?
Like most pet insurers, Figo’s premiums rely on elements such because the protection you select, alongside together with your pet’s kind, breed, gender, age, and site. Based on hundreds of quotes I’ve run over the previous decade, Figo’s costs have constantly been among the many most inexpensive. I in contrast quotes from Pets Best, Fetch, Healthy Paws, Embrace, Figo, Lemonade, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Spot, and Nationwide for my 10-year-old Coonhound combine. Figo got here out as probably the most cost-effective choice, with no age-based protection restrictions, whereas Nationwide refused sickness protection attributable to my canine’s age. After reviewing all 10 insurers, I finally selected Figo, with a month-to-month premium of $59.68.
My Experience With Figo
In 2023, I got down to discover the perfect pet insurance coverage coverage for my 10-year-old Coonhound combine, Sally. I in contrast quotes from 10 totally different pet insurance coverage suppliers, specializing in probably the most aggressive pricing and complete protection. After cautious consideration, I made a decision to go along with Figo.
Within the primary 4 months of insuring Sally, I filed three claims and reached my annual deductible. The claims course of was simple, the advantages have been defined clearly, and reimbursements have been fast.
Which Is Better For Your Pet?
Figo’s base plan was extra inexpensive than choices supplied by Nationwide in many of the pattern pets we ran quotes for. Additionally, Nationwide’s current dropping of 100,000 pet insurance policies makes me pause to suggest them to anybody. What’s to say there gained’t be one other big Nationwide lower sooner or later? In my 10+ years of working within the pet insurance coverage business, I’ve by no means heard of an organization dropping insurance policies like this for pets. This is unprecedented, and I’d be extremely regretful if I beneficial Nationwide to you after which your protection was lower, particularly in case your canine had pre-existing circumstances that different suppliers would exclude.
I’ve gone much more in-depth with particular person opinions of Figo and Nationwide so you possibly can broaden your comparability. You can even learn in regards to the greatest pet insurance coverage, together with my high picks and particulars on the preferred pet insurance coverage firms. So, if you wish to understand how different suppliers evaluate in opposition to each other, you could discover this assessment useful in your pet insurance coverage search.
Methodology
My workforce and I conduct in depth analysis on probably the most respected pet insurance coverage firms, analyzing buyer suggestions, coverage modifications, and business traits. Our licensed insurance coverage agent fact-checks all the things, and we replace our opinions year-round as insurers alter premiums, protection, exclusions, and customer support.
We rank every U.S. pet insurance coverage supplier utilizing a 100-point scale, guaranteeing an unbiased breakdown of how firms carry out in real-world claims.
Our Ranking Criteria
- Coverage & Exclusions (30%) – We analyze insurance policies, exclusions, and age restrictions, rewarding firms with fewer protection limitations.
- Pricing (15%) – We run hundreds of pattern quotes and think about further charges, reductions, and add-ons.
- Customer Service & Reputation (12%) – We assessment lots of of buyer experiences, assess the sign-up course of, and consider declare help.
- Financial Strength (10%) – We study A.M. Best & Demotech scores to make sure firms will pay claims reliably.
- Customization Options (10%) – Providers with extra deductible, reimbursement, and payout flexibility rank larger.
- Waiting Periods (5%) – Shorter sickness & accident ready durations end in a greater rating.
- Claim Processing (5%) – Companies providing quick reimbursements and direct vet pay rating larger.
- Innovation (3%) – We acknowledge distinctive choices and superior know-how within the business.
Unbiased Pet Insurance Rankings: Putting Pets First
Unlike many assessment websites, we don’t promote rankings—each supplier earns its spot primarily based on actual efficiency. Our in-depth comparisons assist pet mother and father make knowledgeable choices, whereas insurers use our opinions to enhance their insurance policies. We solely suggest the perfect as a result of that’s what our readers deserve.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been overlaying pet insurance coverage since 2012, lengthy earlier than different main retailers acknowledged the rising demand for pet healthcare. Many of our writers, together with Kimberly Alt, convey private expertise with pet insurance coverage, and Kimberly has been our go-to knowledgeable on the subject for over a decade. She has written extensively on almost each side of pet insurance coverage, and her deep data permits her to reply a variety of questions with ease. On the uncommon event she doesn’t have a solution instantly, her huge community of assets lets her discover it inside minutes. Kimberly additionally collaborates with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance coverage agent, to make sure our content material is correct and dependable, offering authoritative steerage to readers as they navigate insurance coverage choices. Kimberly has devoted over 100 hours to researching Figo and Nationwide—rigorously reviewing their insurance policies, consulting with their groups, and accumulating quotes—to give you probably the most correct and up-to-date data doable.