Nationwide's Cremation Coverage Depends on Your Plan

Nationwide pet insurance does not cover cremation as a standard benefit across all plans. Whether cremation is covered depends entirely on which Nationwide plan you have and what optional add-ons you've purchased. Most Nationwide policies focus on veterinary treatment for illness and injury, not end-of-life services.

The company offers several plan tiers—Nationwide Whole Pet, Nationwide Whole Pet Plus, and Nationwide Whole Pet Wellness—and each has different coverage rules. Cremation falls outside the core medical coverage that these plans provide. However, Nationwide does offer a separate optional rider called Nationwide Pet Wellness Rewards that may include cremation benefits depending on how you've customized it.

To know whether your specific Nationwide policy covers cremation, you need to review your policy documents or contact Nationwide directly. The coverage varies based on what you selected when you enrolled, so two Nationwide customers may have completely different answers to this question.

Key Takeaways

  • Nationwide's standard pet insurance plans do not automatically cover cremation; it is not part of their core medical coverage.
  • Cremation coverage may be available through optional add-ons or wellness riders, but only if you selected those when you enrolled.
  • Your policy documents or a call to Nationwide customer service will show whether your specific plan includes cremation benefits.
  • If your plan does not cover cremation, you will pay the full cost out of pocket, which typically ranges from $150 to $500 depending on your pet's size and the crematory.
  • Some Nationwide plans cover emergency euthanasia at a veterinary clinic, but this is different from the cremation service that follows.

What Nationwide Plans Actually Cover for End-of-Life Care

Nationwide's core plans—Whole Pet, Whole Pet Plus, and Whole Pet Wellness—cover veterinary treatment for accidents, illnesses, and injuries. They reimburse you for surgery, medication, diagnostic tests, and hospital stays. None of these plans list cremation or burial services in their standard coverage.

What Nationwide does cover is the veterinary cost of euthanasia itself—the injection and procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian. This is treated as a medical service, not as a memorial service. The reimbursement applies to the vet's fee for performing euthanasia, which typically costs $75 to $300 depending on your location and clinic.

After your pet is euthanized, what happens to the body is your choice and your expense. The veterinary clinic may offer cremation services directly, or you can arrange cremation through a separate pet crematory. Nationwide does not reimburse either option unless you have specifically added a rider that includes it.

Optional Riders and Wellness Add-Ons That Might Include Cremation

Nationwide offers optional add-ons beyond the base plan, and some customers report that wellness riders or premium packages include cremation benefits. However, these are not standard across all Nationwide policies, and the details vary by state and by when you enrolled.

The Nationwide Pet Wellness Rewards program is a separate optional benefit that covers preventive care like vaccinations, dental cleanings, and routine exams. Some versions of this add-on have included cremation or end-of-life services, but this is not may provide on every plan. You would have had to select this rider when you first enrolled or during an annual renewal.

If you enrolled in Nationwide years ago, your plan may have different terms than what Nationwide offers to new customers today. Coverage options change over time, and older policies sometimes included benefits that are no longer offered, or vice versa.

How to Find Out What Your Nationwide Plan Covers

The fastest way to know whether your Nationwide policy covers cremation is to read your policy documents. These are usually available online through your Nationwide account portal or were sent to you by email when you enrolled. Search the document for the words "cremation," "burial," "end-of-life," or "aftercare."

If you cannot find the answer in your documents, call Nationwide's customer service line. Have your policy number ready. Tell the representative you want to know whether cremation services are covered under your plan and, if so, what the reimbursement amount or percentage is. Ask them to confirm the answer in writing or note it in your account so you have a record.

You can also ask your veterinarian whether they have worked with Nationwide on cremation claims. Some vets have seen which Nationwide plans cover cremation and which do not, based on claims they have submitted. This is not a substitute for checking your own policy, but it may give you a quick answer while you wait to review your documents.

What Cremation Costs If You Pay Out of Pocket

If your Nationwide plan does not cover cremation, you will pay the full cost yourself. Pet cremation prices vary widely based on your pet's weight, your location, and the type of cremation service you choose.

Individual cremation (your pet is cremated alone, and you receive the ashes) typically costs $150 to $400 for a small dog or cat, and $300 to $500 for a large dog. Communal cremation (your pet is cremated with other animals, and you do not receive ashes) costs $50 to $150 and is the least expensive option. Some crematories offer witnessed cremation, where you can observe the process, for an additional fee of $50 to $100.

Your veterinary clinic may offer cremation services directly, or they may refer you to a local pet crematory. Prices at a vet clinic are sometimes higher than at an independent crematory because the vet is arranging the service on your behalf. If cost is a concern, you can call local pet crematories directly and ask for their prices before deciding.

Comparing Nationwide to Other Pet Insurance Companies on Cremation

Most major pet insurance companies—Petplan, ASPCA Pet Insurance, Embrace, and Figo—also do not cover cremation as a standard benefit. Like Nationwide, they focus on veterinary medical treatment, not end-of-life services. Some companies offer optional wellness or preventive care riders that may include cremation, but this is not universal.

A few smaller or specialty pet insurance companies have begun offering cremation coverage as part of their plans, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. If cremation coverage is important to you, it is worth asking any insurance company you are considering whether they offer it as an optional add-on before you enroll.

The most reliable way to cover cremation costs is to set aside money in a savings account specifically for end-of-life pet care, or to ask your veterinarian about payment plans if you need to arrange cremation unexpectedly. Some vets will work with you on payment if you explain your situation.

What to Do If Your Nationwide Plan Does Not Cover Cremation

If you have reviewed your policy and confirmed that cremation is not covered, you have a few options. First, check whether your policy allows you to add a rider or upgrade during your next renewal period. Contact Nationwide and ask whether cremation coverage is available as an add-on to your current plan. Some companies allow mid-year changes if you request them.

Second, you can plan ahead by setting aside a small amount each month to cover cremation costs when the time comes. Even $10 or $15 per month adds up to $120 to $180 per year, which covers basic cremation services for most pets.

Third, ask your veterinarian about their cremation options and pricing now, while your pet is healthy. Some vets offer discounts if you pre-arrange cremation services, or they may have payment plans available. Knowing your options in advance makes the process less stressful if you need to make a decision quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nationwide cover the cost of euthanasia?

Nationwide covers the veterinary cost of performing euthanasia—the injection and procedure itself—as a medical service under most plans. The reimbursement applies to the vet's fee, which is typically $75 to $300. Cremation or burial after euthanasia is a separate service and is not covered unless you have a specific rider that includes it.

Can I add cremation coverage to my Nationwide plan now?

It depends on your plan and your state. Contact Nationwide customer service and ask whether cremation coverage is available as an add-on or rider to your current policy. Some plans allow you to add benefits during renewal, while others do not. You will need to ask directly to know whether it is an option for you.

What if my vet offers cremation and I want to use Nationwide to pay?

Ask your vet to submit the cremation charge to Nationwide as a claim. Include your policy number and a detailed receipt from the vet showing the cremation service. Nationwide will review the claim and either approve it (if your plan covers cremation) or deny it (if it does not). Having your policy documents reviewed beforehand will tell you whether this is likely to work.

Is cremation coverage worth paying extra for?

That depends on your budget and peace of mind. Cremation costs $150 to $500 for most pets, which is manageable for many people if they plan ahead. If you prefer not to worry about the cost when the time comes, adding a rider that covers cremation may be worth the extra premium. If you are comfortable setting aside money yourself, you may not need it.

What happens if I cannot afford cremation when my pet dies?

Talk to your veterinarian. Some vets offer payment plans or can refer you to low-cost cremation services in your area. You can also ask whether the vet can hold your pet's body for a few days while you arrange financing. Some pet crematories also offer payment plans if you call and explain your situation.