Discover the top 7 benefits of VPI pet insurance that can save you money and ensure quality care for your furry friend. Essential coverage details inside.

When it comes to protecting your furry family members, VPI pet insurance has been a trusted name in the industry for decades. As veterinary costs continue to rise, having reliable pet insurance can make the difference between affordable care and difficult financial decisions during emergencies. VPI pet insurance, now part of Nationwide, offers comprehensive coverage options that can help pet parents manage unexpected veterinary expenses while ensuring their pets receive the care they need. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore seven key benefits that make VPI pet insurance worth considering for your beloved companions.

The Evolution of VPI Pet Insurance

Before diving into the benefits, it’s important to understand that VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) was acquired by Nationwide in 2014, becoming Nationwide Pet Insurance. However, many long-time customers and industry professionals still refer to it as “VPI pet insurance” due to its pioneering role as the first pet insurance provider in the United States. Established in 1982, VPI created the pet insurance category in America and built a strong reputation before becoming part of the Nationwide family.

Benefit #1: Comprehensive Coverage Options

VPI pet insurance stands out in the market by offering multiple levels of coverage to accommodate different budgets and needs.

Whole Pet with Wellness

The premier plan offered under VPI pet insurance provides the most extensive coverage available. This comprehensive package includes:

• Coverage for accidents and injuries
• Treatment for illnesses including cancer
• Hereditary and congenital conditions
• Behavioral treatments
• Prescription medications
• Specialty care and surgeries
• Preventive care services
• Vaccinations and wellness exams
• Dental cleanings

The Whole Pet with Wellness plan reimburses up to 90% of eligible veterinary expenses after meeting the annual deductible, making it an excellent option for pet parents who want maximum protection and minimal out-of-pocket costs.

Major Medical

For those seeking more affordable options while maintaining substantial coverage for serious conditions, the Major Medical plan covers:

• Accidents and injuries
• Common illnesses
• Cancer treatments
• Chronic conditions
• Diagnostic testing
• Hospitalizations
• Surgeries

This mid-tier option typically reimburses 70% of eligible expenses after meeting the deductible, providing valuable protection for unexpected health issues without the premium cost of wellness coverage.

Pet Wellness

VPI pet insurance also offers standalone wellness plans that can be purchased separately or added to existing coverage. These plans focus exclusively on routine and preventive care, including:

• Annual wellness exams
• Vaccinations
• Flea and tick prevention
• Heartworm testing and prevention
• Dental cleanings
• Routine blood work

By offering these flexible options, VPI pet insurance allows pet parents to customize their coverage based on their pet’s specific needs and their financial situation.

Benefit #2: Multi-Pet Discounts and Savings

One significant advantage of VPI pet insurance is its recognition that many households include multiple furry family members.

Discount Structure

VPI pet insurance offers a multi-pet discount that can provide substantial savings for households with more than one insured pet:

• 5% discount when insuring a second pet
• Up to 10% discount for three or more pets

For a family with multiple pets, these discounts can translate to hundreds of dollars in annual savings while ensuring all pets receive the same high-quality coverage.

Consolidated Management

Beyond the financial benefits, having all your pets under the same insurance provider simplifies policy management:

• Single online account to manage all pet policies
• Coordinated renewal dates
• Consistent claim submission process
• Unified customer service experience

A 2023 pet ownership survey revealed that 58% of pet-owning households have multiple pets, making these multi-pet benefits relevant and valuable to a majority of potential customers.

Benefit #3: Specialized Coverage for Exotic Pets

While many pet insurance providers limit their coverage to dogs and cats, VPI pet insurance extends protection to a variety of exotic pets.

Covered Species

VPI’s exotic pet coverage includes:

• Birds
• Rabbits
• Reptiles
• Ferrets
• Guinea pigs
• Other small mammals

This specialized coverage addresses the unique health concerns and veterinary needs of exotic species, which often require specialized care from veterinarians with specific training.

Coverage Elements

Exotic pet plans typically include:

• Illness and injury coverage
• Diagnostic testing
• Hospitalizations
• Prescription medications
• Emergency care

For exotic pet owners, this specialized coverage fills an important gap in the pet insurance market. Veterinary care for exotic species can be particularly expensive due to the specialized knowledge required, making insurance coverage especially valuable.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 13% of U.S. households own pets other than dogs and cats, representing a significant population that benefits from this unique coverage option.

Benefit #4: Direct Veterinary Reimbursement System

VPI pet insurance has developed a streamlined reimbursement process that reduces financial strain and administrative burden for pet parents.

Vet Direct Pay Option

One standout feature is the Vet Direct Pay option, which allows for:

• Direct payment to participating veterinarians
• Elimination of the need to pay large bills upfront
• Reduced out-of-pocket expenses
• Faster claim resolution

For emergency situations that might involve thousands of dollars in treatment costs, this direct payment option can be particularly valuable, allowing pet parents to focus on their pet’s recovery rather than financial concerns.

Digital Claims Process

The modern claims system includes:

• Mobile app submission capabilities
• Photo-based claim documentation
• Electronic medical record integration with participating clinics
• Real-time claim status tracking
• Average claim processing time of under 5 business days

A 2023 customer satisfaction survey showed that 87% of VPI pet insurance policyholders rated the claims process as “easy” or “very easy,” highlighting the effectiveness of these streamlined systems.

Benefit #5: Customizable Deductibles and Reimbursement Options

VPI pet insurance recognizes that financial flexibility is important to pet parents and offers customizable policy elements to match different budgets and preferences.

Deductible Options

Policyholders can choose from several annual deductible options:

• $100
• $250
• $500
• $750
• $1,000

Selecting a higher deductible typically results in lower monthly premiums, allowing pet parents to balance upfront costs against monthly expenses.

Reimbursement Percentage Choices

VPI pet insurance also offers multiple reimbursement percentage options:

• 50%
• 70%
• 90%

This flexibility allows policyholders to select a reimbursement level that aligns with their financial comfort zone and risk tolerance.

Annual Maximum Options

Additionally, pet parents can select from different annual maximum benefit levels:

• $5,000
• $10,000
• Unlimited

This customization creates numerous possible combinations, enabling pet parents to design a policy that fits their specific needs and budget constraints.

For example, a pet parent might choose a higher deductible ($500) with a higher reimbursement percentage (90%) to minimize monthly costs while maintaining strong coverage for major incidents. Another might prefer a lower deductible ($250) with a moderate reimbursement rate (70%) for more predictable out-of-pocket costs across all veterinary visits.

Benefit #6: Coverage for Chronic and Hereditary Conditions

A significant advantage of VPI pet insurance is its comprehensive approach to chronic and hereditary conditions, which are often excluded or limited by other providers.

Broad Condition Coverage

VPI pet insurance’s comprehensive plans include coverage for:

• Hip dysplasia
• Heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Cancer treatments
• Cruciate ligament issues
• Skin conditions

No Condition-Based Exclusions

What sets VPI pet insurance apart is that, unlike some competitors:

• There are no breed-specific exclusions
• Coverage includes congenital conditions (those present at birth)
• Pre-existing conditions may become eligible for coverage if symptom-free for 6-12 months (policy dependent)
• No lifetime condition caps or reduced coverage after initial diagnosis

For breeds prone to specific health issues, this comprehensive coverage can be particularly valuable. For example, large dog breeds with higher risks of hip dysplasia, or brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Persian cats) with respiratory concerns can receive ongoing coverage for these conditions.

A veterinary cost analysis shows that treating chronic conditions like diabetes can cost $1,500-$3,000 annually, while managing hip dysplasia may exceed $7,000 over a pet’s lifetime. Having insurance coverage for these ongoing conditions provides significant financial protection while ensuring pets receive needed care throughout their lives.

Benefit #7: Additional Value-Added Services

Beyond traditional insurance coverage, VPI pet insurance provides several complementary services that enhance the overall value of their policies.

24/7 Veterinary Helpline

All policyholders gain access to:

• Round-the-clock veterinary consultation services
• Guidance on whether symptoms require immediate attention
• Basic pet health and behavior advice
• Medication information
• General pet care questions

This service helps pet parents make informed decisions about their pet’s health at any hour, potentially avoiding unnecessary emergency visits while ensuring serious concerns receive prompt attention.

Lost Pet Recovery Assistance

VPI pet insurance also provides:

• Partnership with pet recovery services
• Assistance with creating and distributing lost pet notifications
• Guidance on local shelter contact procedures
• Coordination with microchip registries

Online Pet Health Resources

Policyholders receive access to:

• Comprehensive pet health library
• Breed-specific health information
• Nutritional guidelines
• Training resources
• Preventive care recommendations

These additional services complement the core insurance offering, providing holistic support for pet parents beyond financial protection for veterinary expenses.

Understanding Policy Limitations

While VPI pet insurance offers comprehensive coverage, potential customers should be aware of certain limitations and exclusions:

Standard Exclusions

Most VPI pet insurance policies do not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions (with some exceptions noted earlier)
• Elective procedures (like tail docking or ear cropping)
• Breeding or pregnancy-related expenses
• Experimental treatments
• Some preventive treatments (unless wellness coverage is included)

Waiting Periods

New policies typically include waiting periods before coverage begins:

• 14 days for illnesses
• 24-48 hours for accidents
• 6-12 months for certain orthopedic conditions

Age Considerations

While VPI pet insurance does not have maximum age limits for enrollment, considerations for older pets include:

• Higher premiums for senior pets
• Possible limitations on new condition coverage
• More stringent pre-existing condition evaluations

Understanding these limitations helps pet parents make informed decisions about their insurance needs and avoid surprises when filing claims.

Recommended Pet Products on Amazon

To complement your pet insurance protection, here are four highly-rated pet products that can help maintain your pet’s health and well-being:

For Dogs

1. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Premium nutrition to support overall health and potentially reduce veterinary visits
2. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar – Reduces pulling and strain, preventing potential injuries during walks

For Cats

3. Catit Flower Fountain – Encourages hydration, which helps prevent urinary tract issues common in cats
4. PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge – Provides essential scratching surfaces while protecting furniture and reducing stress

These quality products align with preventive health practices that can complement your VPI pet insurance coverage by potentially reducing the frequency of claims and supporting your pet’s overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions About VPI Pet Insurance

Is VPI pet insurance the same as Nationwide pet insurance?

Yes. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was acquired by Nationwide in 2014. While many long-time customers still refer to it as VPI pet insurance, all policies are now officially under the Nationwide brand. The coverage options, benefits, and claims processes discussed in this article reflect Nationwide’s current pet insurance offerings.

What is the average cost of VPI pet insurance?

The cost of VPI pet insurance varies based on multiple factors including your pet’s species, breed, age, location, and the coverage level you select. On average, dog insurance ranges from $30-$100 per month, while cat insurance typically costs $15-$70 monthly. Exotic pet coverage generally falls in the $10-$40 monthly range. Using the customizable deductible and reimbursement options can help you find a price point that fits your budget.

Does VPI pet insurance cover preventive care?

Basic VPI pet insurance plans focus on accidents and illnesses and do not automatically include preventive care. However, the Whole Pet with Wellness plan and standalone wellness riders provide coverage for preventive services including vaccinations, annual exams, dental cleanings, and parasite prevention. These wellness options can be added to most policies for an additional premium.

How does VPI pet insurance handle pre-existing conditions?

Like most pet insurance providers, VPI pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions—defined as any illness or injury that occurred before coverage began or during waiting periods. However, VPI distinguishes between curable and incurable conditions. Some curable conditions may become eligible for coverage if your pet remains symptom-free for 6-12 months (depending on the specific condition). Chronic or incurable pre-existing conditions remain excluded from coverage.

Can I use any veterinarian with VPI pet insurance?

Yes, VPI pet insurance allows you to visit any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. There are no network restrictions, allowing you to seek care wherever you and your pet are comfortable or when traveling. Some veterinary practices even participate in the Vet Direct Pay program, which simplifies the claims process.

How long does it take to get reimbursed for a claim?

Once a complete claim is submitted with all required documentation, VPI pet insurance typically processes claims within 5-10 business days. With the mobile app and digital claims process, many straightforward claims are processed even faster. Direct deposit reimbursement is available, which can further reduce the time between submission and receiving your funds.

Does VPI pet insurance offer coverage for behavioral issues?

The Whole Pet with Wellness plan includes coverage for behavioral treatments, including consultations with veterinary behaviorists and prescribed treatments for issues like anxiety, aggression, and compulsive behaviors. Basic plans generally do not cover behavioral treatments unless they result from a covered medical condition.

Taking the Next Step With Pet Insurance

Choosing the right pet insurance requires careful consideration of your pet’s specific needs, your budget, and your comfort level with financial risk. VPI pet insurance offers the flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and reliable service that many pet parents value.

To determine if VPI pet insurance is right for your furry family members, consider:

• Your pet’s breed and associated health risks
• Your financial capacity to handle unexpected veterinary expenses
• The level of comprehensive coverage you desire
• Your preference for wellness and preventive care coverage

For more expert pet care tips, insurance comparisons, and in-depth guides on maintaining your pet’s health, explore the resources available at BlithePet. Their team of pet experts provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about all aspects of pet care.

Conclusion

VPI pet insurance stands as one of the most established and comprehensive pet insurance options available today. With its flexible coverage options, multi-pet discounts, exotic pet coverage, streamlined claims process, customizable policy elements, extensive condition coverage, and value-added services, it offers robust protection for pets and peace of mind for their owners.

As veterinary medicine continues to advance, offering increasingly sophisticated—and often expensive—treatment options, having reliable pet insurance becomes increasingly important. VPI pet insurance provides the financial protection that allows pet parents to say “yes” to recommended treatments without overwhelming financial strain.

Have you had experience with VPI pet insurance or other pet insurance providers? Share your experience in the comments to help other pet parents make informed decisions about protecting their beloved companions.