BY: SAMANTHA BARTLETT, DVM

Nationwide Insurance announced it will not renew about 100,000 pet policies over the next year. The company states the non-renewals will occur between now and the summer of 2025 and there is no association with age, breed or prior claims. 

The company states it will notify clients whose policies will not renew in writing well in advance of the cancellation. Nationwide cites the rising cost of veterinary care and underwriting changes as its reason for dropping the in some states. The company plans to focus more on expanding partnerships with companies like Petco, Walmart and Unum. 

Many clients with older pets that have pre-existing conditions will not longer be covered for their pet’s routine monitoring and medication. Few insurance companies will take on new policies for such animals. Clients whose policies have been dropped have been encouraged to shop around for new insurance providers or start a savings account for their pet’s veterinary bills. A private Facebook group, named Dropped by Nationwide Pet Insurance WholeWellness?, has been created to provide support for former clients.