Nationwide Study Reveals Trends in Pet Insurance Claims
Nationwide has conducted an in-depth analysis of over 3.3 million pet insurance claims from 2025, covering more than one million insured dogs and cats. This study highlights a consistent trend where chronic illnesses are the leading cause of insurance claims for both species. Such persistent health issues result in repeated veterinary visits, various diagnostic procedures, and complex treatment strategies, significantly increasing costs over time.
Dr. Emily Tincher, Nationwide’s Chief Veterinary Officer, stressed the impact of these chronic conditions on pet health. She stated, "While not every illness can be prevented, early recognition and proactive management can improve outcomes." Nationwide aims to provide pet owners and veterinary teams with crucial insights to boost the quality of long-term pet care.
For dogs, allergies remain the most common issue, while cats primarily suffer from digestive problems. Chronic conditions regularly feature among the most frequent claims. To support veterinary practices, Nationwide offers the Pet HealthZone®, a complimentary platform that provides clinical insights and risk profiles tailored to specific dog and cat breeds. This tool aids in risk awareness and early detection.
Nationwide pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses related to diagnosing and treating these conditions, as long as coverage is in place before symptoms appear, to avoid exclusions for pre-existing conditions. Detailed data was collected by analyzing costs reported by policyholders within specific timeframes post-diagnosis.
Recognized as a major provider of pet insurance in the U.S., Nationwide offers coverage for a wide variety of pets. The company's pet insurance products are available across the nation, underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and National Casualty Company elsewhere, with DVM Insurance Agency serving as the agency of record.
Nationwide operates as a comprehensive financial services and insurance company, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Awarded an A+ rating by Standard & Poor’s, Nationwide provides a broad spectrum of insurance and financial products, including auto, business, home, farm, life, specialty, and pet insurance. Industry professionals and interested parties can find further information about Nationwide and its offerings on the company’s website.