Pre-existing conditions
We’re here for your pet’s health journey. It's important to note that coverage under your pet insurance policy does not start immediately upon enrollment. There is a waiting period before your pet's coverage becomes effective. Additionally, any conditions that already exist prior to enrollment will be considered to be pre-existing and not eligible for coverage. Exclusion of pre-existing conditions is crucial to consider when signing up for a new pet insurance plan to ensure that you understand your coverage.
Protect your pet with Nationwide
Get your pet insured today and secure their long-term health with preventive coverage from Nationwide. Help keep them happy and healthy for years to come!
What you need to know: Fleas & ticks
Preventive care is the best way to protect your pet from fleas & ticks. Without proper prevention, your pet can be exposed to serious health risks like Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis.
Common areas with flea & tick risks
Fleas and ticks thrive in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, commonly found in:
- Northeastern region: New York, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Hampshire
- Southeastern region: Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and North & South Carolina
- Northwestern region: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
- Southwestern region: Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of California, Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas, Nevada
- Midwestern region: Missouri, Kansas, Minnesota, Indiana
Signs your pet might have fleas & ticks
While preventive care helps reduce risk, watch for these signs that could indicate a potential issue:
- Visible fleas and ticks
- Excessive scratching and biting
- Small black specks on your pet’s skin
- Red bumps or scabs
- Fur loss
- Lethargy
Preventable flea & tick illnesses
Preventive treatments help guard against conditions caused by parasites, including:
Fleas
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Tapeworms
- Bartonellosis
Ticks
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Average cost of flea & tick preventives
Preventive treatments such as topical solutions or oral medications can range from $10 to $25 per month.* These options help protect your pet and avoid costly treatments associated with illnesses caused by parasites.
Nationwide pet insurance preventive coverage
Nationwide offers pet insurance with coverage for flea and tick preventives to keep your pet healthy and reduce the risk of parasite-related illnesses.
Nationwide's wellness insurance plan covers:
- Flea & tick prevention (topical solutions, oral medications, collars)
- Routine wellness exams
- Vaccinations or titer tests
What's not covered
Nationwide provides coverage for flea and tick preventives under our wellness options which are designed to be added to our accident and illness pet insurance plans.
Nationwide's wellness options offer coverage for specific routine care services and does not cover the following:
- Accidents and illnesses
- Pre-existing conditions
- Non-veterinary services (grooming and boarding)
- Specialized diets or dietary supplements
Please note - any condition that began or was contracted, manifested, or incurred before the effective date of this policy or during any waiting period, whether or not the condition was discovered, diagnosed, or treated is considered to be pre-existing and will not be covered.
We understand that these exclusions might raise concerns, especially for dedicated pet owners. For a detailed breakdown of exclusions and to ensure you have all the necessary information, please review your policy documents thoroughly and see our complete list of what is not covered.
Nationwide PetRxExpress®
Nationwide PetRxExpress® offers additional convenience and savings on flea & tick prevention medications:
- Enjoy 30-50% discounts on pet medications, including flea & tick treatments
- Participating pharmacies will automatically submit claims to Nationwide, reducing the hassle
- Access to thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies across the country
How preventive flea & tick coverage works
Nationwide makes it simple to get reimbursed for flea & tick prevention medications for your pets. Here’s how it works:
Visit any vet
Visit any licensed veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic in the United States or abroad for flea and tick prevention medications. You have the freedom to choose the best care for your pet without worrying about network restrictions.
Submit your claim
After your pet’s visit, pay the vet bill and then submit a claim to Nationwide. You can do this through Nationwide’s online portal or via email, mail, or fax.
Get reimbursed
Nationwide will review your claim and, once approved, reimburse you for eligible expenses according to your policy terms.
How preventive flea & tick coverage protects your pet
With over 40 years of experience and more than a million pets insured, Nationwide is America's favorite pet insurer and the #1 choice for pet parents. Join the Nationwide family today and secure your pet's well-being with complete confidence.
Frequently asked questions
You can add coverage for prevention medication for parasites by selecting one of the wellness add-ons during your policy enrollment or at the annual policy renewal.
Yes, flea and tick prevention medication coverage typically falls under wellness plans, which have annual reimbursement limits depending on your coverage.
Preventive care benefits typically begin as soon as your policy becomes active, though you should check your specific policy details for any waiting periods that might apply.