Nationwide and FirstVet Expand Telehealth Services in Pet Insurance
Nationwide has expanded its collaboration with FirstVet, incorporating telehealth services into its pet insurance offerings, allowing nearly half of its customers to access virtual veterinary consultations.
This strategic move by Nationwide aims to bridge the gap in veterinary care by offering virtual consultations through the VetHelpline® App. Available in select states, it mirrors the telehealth services offered in human healthcare, enabling pet owners to consult with licensed veterinarians remotely. Policyholders can discuss symptoms, receive diagnoses, obtain prescriptions, and determine the necessity of an in-person visit. The initiative highlights a shift toward more accessible and convenient care for pet families, aligning with broader telemedicine trends that have accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare delivery.
Enhancing Pet Health with Telehealth
Nationwide's partnership with FirstVet significantly bolsters the capabilities of its existing VetHelpline teletriage services, which have been operational since 2015. As part of this expanded effort, Chief Pet Officer Joel Carnes emphasizes the company's commitment to making veterinary care easily accessible: "This expansion offers a convenient option for policyholders to connect with qualified veterinarians." The addition of telemedicine capabilities offers timely intervention for common issues such as skin allergies and digestive concerns, as explained by Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer for Nationwide. Dr. Tincher notes that telemedicine allows for quicker response times and potential prescriptions without in-person delays.
Widespread Satisfaction and Access
The integration of FirstVet's capabilities has garnered substantial positive feedback, achieving a five-star rating on the Apple App Store from over 7,000 reviews—testimony to the app's efficacy and customer satisfaction. Caroline Caldemar from FirstVet adds, "Pet owners today expect convenient access to veterinary services. Our collaboration with Nationwide helps eligible policyholders connect with veterinarians from home." By providing telehealth services in states such as Arizona, California, and New York, Nationwide is positioned at the forefront of modern pet healthcare, offering innovative solutions to long-standing care accessibility issues.
Telehealth Program States
| State | Availability |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Telehealth and Teletriage |
| California | Telehealth and Teletriage |
| New York | Telehealth and Teletriage |
As Nationwide continues to advance its telemedicine offerings, insurance professionals and policyholders alike can expect ongoing improvements in veterinary care accessibility and efficiency, aligning with modern demands and technological advancements in the industry.