Nationwide members paid $119 million to treat their dogs and catsMarch 21, 2019Nationwide members spent $119 million in 2018 to treat their dogs and cats. The pet health insurance company analyzed its database of more than 725,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most common conditions that prompted veterinary visits. "Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common, yet problematic medical conditions," says Nationwide vice president and chief veterinary officer, Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA. "Early detection can be key. The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian." The following conditions affect dogs and cats the most, according to Nationwide: Dogs 1) skin allergies 2) ear infection 3) noncancerous skin mass 4) diarrhea/intestinal upset 5) skin infection 6) vomiting/upset stomach 7) arthritis 8) dental disease 9) anal gland inflammation 10) bladder urinary tract disease Cats 1) bladder/urinary tract disease 2) dental disease 3) chronic kidney disease 4) vomiting/upset stomach 5) diarrhea/intestinal upset 6) excessive thyroid hormone 7) upper respiratory infection 8) skin allergies 9) diabetes 10) heart valve malfunction
SPONSORED CONTENTThe Case for Year-Round Heartworm Prevention and Affordable OptionsVeterinarians are often more than just clinicians - they’re advisors, educators, and, increasingly, financial counselors. In today’s economy, pet owners may hesitate to invest in year-round prevention due to budget constraints; but, skipping even a few months of heartworm protection can have serious consequences. + Learn More
Midmark to offer employee pet care coverage programJanuary 4, 2019Nationwide Insurance and health product manufacturer Midmark are making a commitment to ensure pets receive the care they need.
Nationwide pet insurance opens 2018 Hambone Award voting September 26, 2018After reviewing nearly 1.5 million pet insurance claims received over the past year, Nationwide has nominated 12 candidates for the 2018 Hambone Award. Each year, the pet health insurer scours its database of 700,000-plus insured pets to honor the most unusual pet insurance claim of the year. The winner will be decided by a public vote, open now through Oct. 8, at HamboneAward.com. In addition, the veterinary practice that treated this year's Hambone Award winner will receive a $10,000 Nationwide-funded award through the Veterinary Care Foundation to treat pets whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment. From a pair of German shepherds who were found after 21 days trapped in an abandoned missile silo to a cat who went through a dryer's fluff cycle, all 12 nominees have uniquely harrowing tales. All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received Nationwide insurance reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. The 2018 Hambone Award nominees Howard the golden retriever (San Diego). This tech-hungry hound swallowed an electronics charger. Veterinary practice that treated Howard: Bodhi Animal Hospital (San Diego) Maddy the Labrador (Charlotte, N.C). Water-loving Maddy found herself playing on the shores of danger when she was suddenly …
Pet insurer Nationwide reveals annual cost of common health conditionsMarch 15, 2018Nationwide members spent more than $96 million in veterinary care last year to treat the top 10 most common medical conditions affecting their dogs and cats, according to the pet health insurer. Based on more than 1.4 million pet insurance claims submitted to the company last year for more than 650,000 insured pets, Nationwide has identified the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats (and their associated costs). Top 10 most common medical conditions for dogs Atopic or allergic dermatitis – average cost to treat: $255 Otitis externa – average cost to treat: $172 Benign skin neoplasia – average cost to treat: $377 Pyoderma – average cost to treat: $128 Enteropathy – average cost to treat: $175 Gastropathy Degenerative arthritis Periodontitis/Tooth infection – average cost to treat: $400 Cystitis or urinary tract infection Anal gland sacculitis/Expression Top 10 most common medical conditions for cats Cystitis or urinary tract disease – average cost to treat: $495 Periodontitis/Tooth infection – average cost to treat: $434 Gastropathy – average cost to treat: $334 Renal disease or failure – average cost to treat: $649 Enteropathy – average cost to treat: $221 Hyperthyroidism Feline upper respiratory infection Diabetes mellitus …
Nationwide annual 2017 Hambone Award voting underwaySeptember 21, 2017After reviewing nearly 1.5 million pet insurance claims received over the past year, Nationwide has nominated 12 candidates for the 2017 Hambone Award. Each year, the pet health insurer combs its database of more than 600,000 insured pets to honor the most "Unusual Pet Insurance Claim of the Year." The winner will be decided after a public voting period of Sept. 21 – Oct. 4. Originally named after a dog who ate an entire Thanksgiving ham while stuck in a refrigerator, the annual Hambone Award has since been given to the most bizarre medical claim each year since 2009. In addition, the veterinary practice that treated this year's Hambone Award winner will receive a $10,000 Nationwide-funded award through the Veterinary Care Foundation to treat pets whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment. From the dog who was impaled by a tree branch to the cat who fell down an abandoned well, each of the 12 nominees have uniquely harrowing tales. All nominated pets have made full recoveries and received Nationwide insurance reimbursements for eligible veterinary expenses. Below are brief summaries of the 12 unusual claims nominated for the 2017 Hambone Award. For a more detailed account of each story, photos of the …
