When selecting the greatest pet insurance coverage to your furry buddy, two outstanding names typically come up are Figo and Nationwide Pet Insurance coverage. Each firms supply complete protection choices designed to supply peace of thoughts in case of surprising veterinary prices. Nonetheless, they differ in a number of key areas, akin to coverage choices, protection and exclusions, and general worth. Figo, identified for its aggressive charges, offers extra complete dental protection and customizable plans, whereas Nationwide, a longstanding supplier within the insurance coverage world, provides a novel profit schedule model plan and protection for birds, rabbits, and reptiles. On this comparability, we’ll discover the strengths and weaknesses of every supplier that can assist you decide which one most closely fits your pet’s wants.
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| Star Score | 4.9/5.0 | 3.9/5.0 |
| Finest | Worth | Unique Pets |
| Yr Based | 2013 | 1982 (as VPI); 2015 (as Nationwide) |
| Buyer Help | Textual content, Cellphone, Electronic mail, Fax, Dwell Chat | Cellphone, Dwell Chat, Electronic mail |
| Underwriters | Independence American Insurance coverage Firm, Markel American Insurance coverage Firm, Markel Insurance coverage Firm | Nationwide Casualty Firm Veterinary Pet Insurance coverage Firm in CA |
| A.M. Finest Score* | A-, A, A | A+ |
| Demotech Score* | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Declare Processing Common | 3 Days | 10-14 Days |
| Reimburse Vets Straight | No | No |
| Payout Limits | $5,000 to Limitless | Restricted Per Situation to $10,000 |
| Deductibles | $100 to $750 | $250 to $1,000 |
| Reimbursement Charges | 70% to 100% | 50% to 90% |
| One-Time Charges | $15 (not in all states) | No |
| Accident Ready Interval | 1 Day | 14 Days |
| Sickness Ready Interval | 14 Days | 14 Days |
| Hip Dysplasia Ready Interval | 6 Months | 14 Days |
| Cruciate Ligament Ready Interval | 6 Months | 12 Months |
| Enrollment Ages | 8 Weeks & Older | 8 Weeks to 10 Years For Sickness |
| Preventative Plan | Sure | Sure |
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Protection Comparability
Figo provides one accident and sickness pet insurance coverage coverage, whereas Nationwide has two. Each insurance policies can be found in all 50 states.
Plans cowl new accidents and diseases, together with testing and therapy for the circumstances. Each firms cowl emergency care, surgical procedure and hospitalization, specialised exams and specialty care, X-rays, blood checks, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, most cancers, continual circumstances, hereditary circumstances, congenital circumstances, non-routine dental therapy, prescription medicines, 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 embrace most cancers, hip dysplasia, allergy symptoms, canine cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, continual circumstances, hereditary circumstances, and congenital circumstances. Nonetheless, if signs for a situation had been current earlier than enrollment or through the insurer’s ready intervals, the situation isn’t coated and will likely be excluded from the coverage.
Figo has a 1-day ready interval for accidents, whereas Nationwide’s is 14 days. Each suppliers have a 14-day ready interval for diseases. 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 below the sickness ready interval of 14 days.
Figo has two riders (add-ons) for a further price known as Powerups, whereas Nationwide has one rider. Figo has a rider for examination charges known as Vet Examination Charges, which covers the price of examination charges for coated accidents and diseases. On common, pet homeowners spend $93 per vet go to on examination charges. Every supplier has an non-compulsory routine care add-on; Figo’s Powerup is known as Wellness, and Nationwide’s is Wellness. These riders embrace 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. Moreover, 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 yr. Nationwide doesn’t supply 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 usually costlier than Nationwide within the tons of of quotes I ran. Moreover, 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 diseases through the coverage interval (one yr) since you’re accountable for paying the deductible as soon as per coverage time period.
Figo requires a one-time charge of $15 in some states and a $2 month-to-month transaction charge. In the meantime, Nationwide has no one-time charges and the highest month-to-month transaction charge that I’ve seen within the trade, $3.25. The transaction charge may be waived from each insurers in case you decide to pay for all the yr directly.
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 as an instance how pricing can range relying on the chosen plan protection. Evaluating firm premiums may be difficult as a result of Nationwide has extra restrictions on its plan choices and solely provides its Main 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 should use our pet insurance coverage quote kind under to request quotes from a number of firms.
Reductions
Pet insurance coverage suppliers generally supply reductions to pet homeowners 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. However, Nationwide provides 5% off for 2-3 pets and 10% off for 4 or extra pets.
Buyer Service & Status
It’s simple to miss customer support and repute when a lovely insurance coverage quote catches your eye, however these are two of an important features to recollect. Whereas I sincerely hope you by no means must file a declare, if the state of affairs arises, I need to make sure that the method is as seamless and worry-free as potential 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. Each firms supply a number of assist choices, together with cellphone, e mail, and reside chat. Figo additionally has textual content and fax. A 30-day money-back assure is on the market by way of each insurers. So, in case you discover that the plan you selected isn’t working for you, you’ll be able to cancel and get your a refund, so long as you don’t have any reported or paid claims or advantages used.
I regarded by way of tons of of Figo and Nationwide buyer opinions from the Higher Enterprise Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot. Total, 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 had been relating to all of its departments, not simply pet insurance coverage. Figo has a greater historical past of responding to prospects and aiding when wanted.
The commonest criticism I examine Figo was relating to unsubstantiated reasoning for denied claims. As for Nationwide, policyholders complain in regards to the Main Medical profit plan not having excessive sufficient limits for every vet price, excessive premium will increase, and denying claims stating pre-existing circumstances when they aren’t associated. Moreover, Nationwide introduced in 2024 that it wasn’t renewing about 100,000 insurance policies, leaving many pet homeowners stranded with out protection. This has understandably ruffled many feathers.
Declare Processing
The time it takes for an insurer to reimburse claims can impression some pet homeowners’ choices. Some can’t wait weeks for reimbursement, whereas others are effective with ready slightly 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 rivals.
There is no such thing as a time restrict for declare submissions by way of Nationwide. Figo requires claims to be submitted inside 180 days of the accident, sickness, or wellness go to. Each firms allow you to submit claims by way of e mail and fax. Moreover, Nationwide has a Pet Account Entry web page and mail, and Figo has the Pet Cloud app. Reimbursement may be made by way of direct deposit or examine by way of each insurers.
Plan Protection Choices
Figo has many deductible, payout, and reimbursement choices to get your required protection inside your funds. Deductibles vary from $100 to $750, annual payout choices are $5,000 to limitless, and reimbursement charges are 70% to 100%. Figo is likely 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 may be restricted per situation or separated to accidents at $2,500 or $5,000 and diseases at $5,000 or $10,000.
Nationwide additionally provides an accident-only pet insurance coverage plan, overlaying circumstances related to a sudden bodily damage. Nationwide’s accident insurance coverage covers circumstances like damaged bones, international physique ingestion, poisoning, and different accidents. Accident-only plans are usually 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, Limitless | Restricted Per Situation, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 |
| Reimbursement Charges | 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% | 50%, 70%, 80%, 90% |
| Accident-Solely Plan | No | Sure |
Regularly Requested Questions
This Figo and Nationwide FAQ is designed to deal with frequent questions. Should you don’t discover your query, please attain out within the feedback.
Is Figo Accepted In every single place?
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 coverage?
In 2024, Nationwide introduced it might 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 call anticipated to have an effect on the pet-owning group considerably.
So, why is Nationwide making this transfer? The corporate cites inflation as a significant factor, particularly the rising price of veterinary care, which has contributed to its declining earnings. Whereas most insurers depend on exterior underwriters to push for coverage modifications, Nationwide’s personal underwriter is driving these choices. The corporate explains that these tough decisions are essential for long-term monetary stability.
Nationwide has emphasised that cancellations should not primarily based on elements like a pet’s age, breed, or claims historical past. Nonetheless, the truth is that many affected pets are more likely to have pre-existing circumstances, making it tough for homeowners to safe protection elsewhere. With cancellations anticipated to proceed by way of the summer season of 2025, many pet homeowners will discover themselves in a difficult place.
How A lot Is Figo Pet Insurance coverage Per Month?
Like most pet insurers, Figo’s premiums depend upon elements such because the protection you select, alongside along with your pet’s sort, breed, gender, age, and site. Based mostly on hundreds of quotes I’ve run over the previous decade, Figo’s costs have persistently been among the many most inexpensive. I in contrast quotes from Pets Finest, Fetch, Wholesome Paws, Embrace, Figo, Lemonade, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Well being Insurance coverage, Spot, and Nationwide for my 10-year-old Coonhound combine. Figo got here out as essentially the most cost-effective choice, with no age-based protection restrictions, whereas Nationwide refused sickness protection resulting from my canine’s age. After reviewing all 10 insurers, I in the end selected Figo, with a month-to-month premium of $59.68.
My Expertise 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 essentially the most aggressive pricing and complete protection. After cautious consideration, I made a decision to go together with Figo.
Throughout the first 4 months of insuring Sally, I filed three claims and reached my annual deductible. The claims course of was simple, the advantages had been defined clearly, and reimbursements had been fast.
Which Is Higher For Your Pet?
Figo’s base plan was extra inexpensive than choices supplied by Nationwide in a lot of the pattern pets we ran quotes for. Moreover, Nationwide’s latest dropping of 100,000 pet insurance policies makes me pause to advocate them to anybody. What’s to say there received’t be one other enormous Nationwide minimize sooner or later? In my 10+ years of working within the pet insurance coverage trade, I’ve by no means heard of an organization dropping insurance policies like this for pets. That is unprecedented, and I might be extremely regretful if I really useful Nationwide to you after which your protection was minimize, 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’ll be able to broaden your comparability. You can too 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 know the way different suppliers evaluate in opposition to each other, chances are you’ll discover this overview useful in your pet insurance coverage search.
Methodology
My workforce and I conduct intensive analysis on essentially the most respected pet insurance coverage firms, analyzing buyer suggestions, coverage modifications, and trade traits. Our licensed insurance coverage agent fact-checks every little thing, and we replace our opinions year-round as insurers modify 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 Rating Standards
- Protection & 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 additional charges, reductions, and add-ons.
- Buyer Service & Status (12%) – We overview tons of of buyer experiences, assess the sign-up course of, and consider declare assist.
- Monetary Power (10%) – We study A.M. Finest & Demotech scores to make sure firms pays claims reliably.
- Customization Choices (10%) – Suppliers with extra deductible, reimbursement, and payout flexibility rank larger.
- Ready Intervals (5%) – Shorter sickness & accident ready intervals lead to a greater rating.
- Declare Processing (5%) – Firms providing quick reimbursements and direct vet pay rating larger.
- Innovation (3%) – We acknowledge distinctive choices and superior know-how within the trade.
Unbiased Pet Insurance coverage Rankings: Placing Pets First
In contrast to many overview websites, we don’t promote rankings—each supplier earns its spot primarily based on actual efficiency. Our in-depth comparisons assist pet dad and mom make knowledgeable choices, whereas insurers use our opinions to enhance their insurance policies. We solely advocate the perfect as a result of that’s what our readers deserve.
Why Belief 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. A lot of our writers, together with Kimberly Alt, carry private expertise with pet insurance coverage, and Kimberly has been our go-to professional on the subject for over a decade. She has written extensively on practically each side of pet insurance coverage, and her deep information 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 sources 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 steering to readers as they navigate insurance coverage choices. Kimberly has devoted over 100 hours to researching Figo and Nationwide—fastidiously reviewing their insurance policies, consulting with their groups, and accumulating quotes—to give you essentially the most correct and up-to-date data potential.
