Beginning October 8th, GW introduced a new voluntary benefit to protect your four-legged family members. You can now enroll in pet insurance through Nationwide as a voluntary benefit. You can enroll or cancel at any time during the year. Questions about Pet Insurance? Here are some tips from Nationwide to help you get started.
How Does The Plan Work?
Similar to health insurance for the people in your family, the Pet Insurance Plan helps you meet the cost of caring for your pets. Coverage is also available for many exotic pets.
You have two options: My Pet Protection and My Pet Protection with Wellness. The wellness plan option includes spay/neuter, preventive dental cleaning and more. Both plans simply reimburse 90 percent of your vet bill, no need to refer to a complex benefit schedule. A $250 annual deductible and $7,500 maximum annual benefit apply to both plans.
In short, you can visit any vet, anywhere, and you can enroll multiple pets in individual plans at an additional discount. All members have access to a 24/7 Vet Helpline, which provides unlimited access to a veterinary professional via call, email or online chat.
Where to start
You can start by researching pet coverage and requesting a pet insurance quote online. (Receive a quote in October and you will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card.)
You may also want to speak to your veterinarian. Since they’re pet experts, they can talk about your animal, its condition, and any concerns that may be associated with its breed as well as any other potential problems. The discussion can help you look for a policy that best addresses those issues.
When Should I Buy a Plan for My Pet?
It’s recommended to purchase pet insurance when your pet is young, because it’s easier to insure and you’re less likely to deal with exclusions or riders for pre-existing conditions. A pre-existing condition is basically any illness or injury that your pet had before coverage started. The good news is, not all pre-existing conditions are excluded permanently. If you have medical records from your vet showing that your pet’s condition has been cured for at least six months, you may be able to obtain coverage.
OK, I’m Ready!
Once you’ve made the decision, enrollment is relatively easy with 4 quick steps*. All you have to do is (1) visit www.petinsurance.com/gw (2) select the species (dog or cat)** (3) provide your zip code (4) pick between two plans. You don’t even have to take your pet in for an exam.
*Coverage will being 14 days after enrollment. Payments for this voluntary program are made directly to Nationwide.
**To enroll your bird, rabbit, reptile or other exotic pet, please call 888-899-4874.
Already have Nationwide Pet Insurance?
Call (877)738-7874 and speak with a member of Nationwide’s care team. Let them know that you are a GW employee to take advantage of the discount pricing available!
*Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Such terms and availability may vary by state and exclusions may apply. Discounts may not be applied to all policy coverages.
