When choosing the best pet insurance for your furry friend, two prominent names often come up are Figo and Nationwide Pet Insurance. Both companies offer comprehensive coverage options designed to provide peace of mind in case of unexpected veterinary costs. Still, they differ in several key areas, such as policy offerings, coverage and exclusions, and overall value. Figo, known for its competitive rates, provides more comprehensive dental coverage and customizable plans, while Nationwide, a longstanding provider in the insurance world, offers a unique benefit schedule style plan and coverage for birds, rabbits, and reptiles. In this comparison, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each provider to help you determine which one best suits your pet’s needs.
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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
Contents
Figo offers one accident and illness pet insurance policy, while Nationwide has two. Both policies are available in all 50 states.
Plans cover new accidents and illnesses, including testing and treatment for the conditions. Both companies cover emergency care, surgery and hospitalization, specialized exams and specialty care, X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, rehabilitation, cancer, chronic conditions, hereditary conditions, congenital conditions, non-routine dental treatment, prescription medications, and more. Neither insurer covers pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, breeding, or unnecessary cosmetic procedures (e.g., tail docking, dew claw removal, ear cropping).
Examples of covered conditions from both providers’ base pet insurance policies include cancer, hip dysplasia, allergies, canine cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, chronic conditions, hereditary conditions, and congenital conditions. However, if symptoms for a condition were present before enrollment or during the insurer’s waiting periods, the condition is not covered and will be excluded from the policy.
Figo has a 1-day waiting period for accidents, while Nationwide’s is 14 days. Both providers have a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. Figo has a 6-month waiting period for hip dysplasia, cruciate ligaments, and other orthopedic conditions. Nationwide extends its waiting period for cruciate ligaments to 1-year, and hip dysplasia falls under the illness waiting period of 14 days.
Figo has two riders (add-ons) for an additional cost called Powerups, while Nationwide has one rider. Figo has a rider for exam fees called Vet Exam Fees, which covers the cost of exam fees for covered accidents and illnesses. On average, pet owners spend $93 per vet visit on exam fees. Each provider has an optional routine care add-on; Figo’s Powerup is called Wellness, and Nationwide’s is Wellness. These riders include routine care coverage like dental cleanings, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, heartworm prevention, and more.
Base pet insurance policies from Figo and Nationwide cover non-routine dental treatment and tooth extractions. Additionally, Figo covers gum and endodontic disease, while Nationwide offers no coverage for these conditions.
In its base policy, Figo covers curable pre-existing conditions if there have been no signs or symptoms within the last year. Nationwide doesn’t offer coverage for curable pre-existing conditions.
Premiums & Pricing
Insurers determine premiums based on the plan coverage level you select and your pet’s details (age, breed, and location). Nationwide was typically more expensive than Nationwide in the hundreds of quotes I ran. Additionally, Figo’s base policy is more comprehensive than Nationwide’s.
Figo and Nationwide have annual deductibles. An annual deductible is helpful if your pet encounters multiple accidents or illnesses during the policy period (one year) because you’re responsible for paying the deductible once per policy term.
Figo requires a one-time fee of $15 in some states and a $2 monthly transaction fee. Meanwhile, Nationwide has no one-time fees and the highest monthly transaction fee that I’ve seen in the industry, $3.25. The transaction fee can be waived from both insurers if you opt to pay for the entire year at once.
The table below displays the monthly premiums for Figo and Nationwide based on sample quotes with different reimbursement rates and deductibles. I provided several examples for each pet from each provider to illustrate how pricing can vary depending on the selected plan coverage. Comparing company premiums can be challenging because Nationwide has more restrictions on its plan options and only offers its Major Medical plan (benefit 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 female in the 92121 zip code (San Diego, CA).
Labrador Retriever quotes are for a 2-year-old female in the 14211 zip code (Buffalo, NY).
Golden Retriever quotes are for a 4-year-old male in the 33604 zip code (Tampa, FL).
Ragdoll Cat quotes are for a 5-year-old female in 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 unlimited annual payouts
¶ $250 deductible and per condition limits
It’s best to obtain quotes for your dog to compare pet insurance costs. You can use our pet insurance quote form below to request quotes from multiple companies.
Discounts
Pet insurance providers sometimes offer discounts to pet owners who insure more than one pet, bundle other insurance policies, are military or veterans, work as a veterinarian, work at an animal shelter, pay yearly, and more. Figo offers Canine Journal readers 5% off their policy and 5% off for multiple pets. And for each year you don’t receive a claim payment, your deductible automatically goes down $50. On the other hand, Nationwide offers 5% off for 2-3 pets and 10% off for 4 or more pets.
Customer Service & Reputation
It’s easy to overlook customer service and reputation when an attractive insurance quote catches your eye, but these are two of the most important aspects to remember. While I sincerely hope you never need to file a claim, if the situation arises, I want to ensure that the process is as seamless and worry-free as possible for you and your dear pet.
It doesn’t matter how much you pay; if you call a company and never get your questions answered or problems solved, you feel like you’ve wasted your money. Both companies offer multiple support options, including phone, email, and live chat. Figo also has text and fax. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available through both insurers. So, if you find that the plan you chose isn’t working for you, you can cancel and get your money back, as long as you have no reported or paid claims or benefits used.
I looked through hundreds of Figo and Nationwide customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Trustpilot. Overall, the number of customer reviews and ratings was higher for Figo than for Nationwide. It’s also worth noting that the pages visited for Nationwide were regarding all of its departments, not just pet insurance. Figo has a better history of responding to customers and assisting when needed.
The most common complaint I read about Figo was regarding unsubstantiated reasoning for denied claims. As for Nationwide, policyholders complain about the Major Medical benefit plan not having high enough limits for each vet cost, high premium increases, and denying claims stating pre-existing conditions when they are not related. Additionally, Nationwide announced in 2024 that it wasn’t renewing about 100,000 policies, leaving many pet owners stranded without coverage. This has understandably ruffled many feathers.
Claim Processing
The time it takes for an insurer to reimburse claims can impact some pet owners’ decisions. Some cannot wait weeks for reimbursement, while others are fine with waiting a little longer. Figo has one of the fastest claim reimbursement times, averaging three days. Nationwide averages 10-14 days for claim processing, which is longer than most competitors.
There is no time limit for claim submissions through Nationwide. Figo requires claims to be submitted within 180 days of the accident, illness, or wellness visit. Both companies let you submit claims via email and fax. Additionally, Nationwide has a Pet Account Access page and mail, and Figo has the Pet Cloud app. Reimbursement can be made via direct deposit or check through both insurers.
Plan Coverage Options
Figo has many deductible, payout, and reimbursement options to get your desired coverage within your budget. Deductibles range from $100 to $750, annual payout options are $5,000 to unlimited, and reimbursement rates are 70% to 100%. Figo is one of the only insurance companies to offer 100% reimbursement as an option. Nationwide has fewer plan customizable options. Deductible options start at $250 and go up to $1,000, with 50% to 90% reimbursement percentages. Its annual payouts depend on your plan but can be limited per condition or separated to accidents at $2,500 or $5,000 and illnesses at $5,000 or $10,000.
Nationwide also offers an accident-only pet insurance plan, covering conditions associated with a sudden physical injury. Nationwide’s accident insurance covers conditions like broken bones, foreign body ingestion, poisoning, and other injuries. Accident-only plans are typically more affordable than accident and illness 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 address common questions. If you don’t find your question, please reach out in the comments.
Is Figo Accepted Everywhere?
Figo is available in all 50 states and is able to reimburse you when you take your insured pet to any licensed veterinarian within the U.S.
Is Nationwide Getting Rid Of Pet Insurance?
In 2024, Nationwide announced it would not renew around 100,000 pet insurance policies starting in the spring of 2025. This represents a more than 8% reduction in its policyholder base, a decision expected to affect the pet-owning community significantly.
So, why is Nationwide making this move? The company cites inflation as a major factor, specifically the rising cost of veterinary care, which has contributed to its declining profits. While most insurers rely on external underwriters to push for policy changes, Nationwide’s own underwriter is driving these decisions. The company explains that these difficult choices are necessary for long-term financial stability.
Nationwide has emphasized that cancellations are not based on factors like a pet’s age, breed, or claims history. However, the reality is that many affected pets are likely to have pre-existing conditions, making it difficult for owners to secure coverage elsewhere. With cancellations expected to continue through the summer of 2025, many pet owners will find themselves in a challenging position.
How Much Is Figo Pet Insurance Per Month?
Like most pet insurers, Figo’s premiums depend on factors such as the coverage you choose, along with your pet’s type, breed, gender, age, and location. Based on thousands of quotes I’ve run over the past decade, Figo’s prices have consistently been among the most affordable. I compared quotes from Pets Best, Fetch, Healthy Paws, Embrace, Figo, Lemonade, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, Spot, and Nationwide for my 10-year-old Coonhound mix. Figo came out as the most cost-effective option, with no age-based coverage restrictions, while Nationwide refused illness coverage due to my dog’s age. After reviewing all 10 insurers, I ultimately chose Figo, with a monthly premium of $59.68.
My Experience With Figo
In 2023, I set out to find the best pet insurance policy for my 10-year-old Coonhound mix, Sally. I compared quotes from 10 different pet insurance providers, focusing on the most competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage. After careful consideration, I decided to go with Figo.
Within the first four months of insuring Sally, I filed three claims and reached my annual deductible. The claims process was straightforward, the benefits were explained clearly, and reimbursements were quick.
Which Is Better For Your Pet?
Figo’s base plan was more affordable than options provided by Nationwide in most of the sample pets we ran quotes for. Additionally, Nationwide’s recent dropping of 100,000 pet policies makes me pause to recommend them to anyone. What’s to say there won’t be another huge Nationwide cut in the future? In my 10+ years of working in the pet insurance industry, I have never heard of a company dropping policies like this for pets. This is unprecedented, and I would be highly regretful if I recommended Nationwide to you and then your coverage was cut, especially if your dog had pre-existing conditions that other providers would exclude.
I’ve gone even more in-depth with individual reviews of Figo and Nationwide so you can expand your comparison. You can also read about the best pet insurance, including my top picks and details on the most popular pet insurance companies. So, if you want to know how other providers compare against one another, you may find this review helpful in your pet insurance search.
Methodology
My team and I conduct extensive research on the most reputable pet insurance companies, analyzing customer feedback, policy changes, and industry trends. Our licensed insurance agent fact-checks everything, and we update our reviews year-round as insurers adjust premiums, coverage, exclusions, and customer service.
We rank each U.S. pet insurance provider using a 100-point scale, ensuring an unbiased breakdown of how companies perform in real-world claims.
Our Ranking Criteria
- Coverage & Exclusions (30%) – We analyze policies, exclusions, and age restrictions, rewarding companies with fewer coverage limitations.
- Pricing (15%) – We run thousands of sample quotes and factor in extra fees, discounts, and add-ons.
- Customer Service & Reputation (12%) – We review hundreds of customer experiences, assess the sign-up process, and evaluate claim support.
- Financial Strength (10%) – We examine A.M. Best & Demotech ratings to ensure companies can pay claims reliably.
- Customization Options (10%) – Providers with more deductible, reimbursement, and payout flexibility rank higher.
- Waiting Periods (5%) – Shorter illness & accident waiting periods result in a better score.
- Claim Processing (5%) – Companies offering fast reimbursements and direct vet pay score higher.
- Innovation (3%) – We recognize unique offerings and advanced technology in the industry.
Unbiased Pet Insurance Rankings: Putting Pets First
Unlike many review sites, we don’t sell rankings—every provider earns its spot based on real performance. Our in-depth comparisons help pet parents make informed decisions, while insurers use our reviews to improve their policies. We only recommend the best because that’s what our readers deserve.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Canine Journal has been covering pet insurance since 2012, long before other major outlets recognized the growing demand for pet healthcare. Many of our writers, including Kimberly Alt, bring personal experience with pet insurance, and Kimberly has been our go-to expert on the topic for over a decade. She has written extensively on nearly every aspect of pet insurance, and her deep knowledge allows her to answer a wide range of questions with ease. On the rare occasion she doesn’t have an answer immediately, her vast network of resources lets her find it within minutes. Kimberly also collaborates with Michelle Schenker, Canine Journal’s in-house licensed insurance agent, to ensure our content is accurate and reliable, providing authoritative guidance to readers as they navigate insurance options. Kimberly has dedicated over 100 hours to researching Figo and Nationwide—carefully reviewing their policies, consulting with their teams, and collecting quotes—to offer you the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.