What is most likely to send your pet to the veterinarian?
For the 14th year, Nationwide shares its most common pet insurance claims
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visits to the veterinarian—whether planned or unplanned—are a part of caring for any four-legged family members. Nationwide® analyzed its database of more than one million insured pets to determine the top conditions affecting dogs and cats.
"From itchy skin to upset stomachs, the most common health issues affecting pets are the ones veterinarians see every day," said Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. "When a pet is diagnosed with a chronic condition, the financial impact can be just as worrying as the diagnosis itself. Many of these conditions require ongoing care, with costs increasing significantly over time. Understanding potential health risks and planning ahead can help pet parents navigate these challenges and ensure their pets receive the care they need."
Key takeaways for dogs:
Top Conditions for Nationwide-insured dogs | Cost within first 30 days of |
1. Skin allergies* | $265 |
$702 | |
$304 | |
4. Osteoarthritis* | $414 |
5. Trauma | $708 |
$1,284 | |
$533 | |
$553 | |
9. Liver disease* | $499 |
10. Kidney failure* | $575 |
Five of the top 10 conditions for dogs are chronic, meaning they require long-lasting care***.
- Skin allergies full year cost: $841
- Arthritis full year cost: $1,093
- Heart disease full year cost: $1,203
- Liver disease full year cost: $770
- Kidney failure full year cost: $992
Key takeaways for cats:
Top Conditions for Nationwide-insured cats | Costs within first 30 days of |
$802 | |
$943 | |
3. Kidney failure* | $655 |
$1,517 | |
5. Osteoarthritis* | $439 |
6. Hyperthyroid disease* | $511 |
$828 | |
8. Diabetes mellitus* | $850 |
$534 | |
10. Skin allergies* | $318 |
Six of the top 10 conditions for cats are chronic, leading to increased cost over time***.
- Kidney disease full year cost: $1,201
- Arthritis full year cost: $1,274
- Hyperthyroidism full year cost: $1,145
- Inflammatory bowel disease full year cost: $1,464
- Diabetes full year cost: $2,240
- Skin allergies full year cost: $592
While not all conditions – chronic or acute – can be prevented, pet parents should know their pets' risks and recognize the role they play in helping to reduce risk or catch signs and symptoms as early as possible. Pet parents can learn more about these and many other pet diseases and conditions by visiting the Nationwide Pet HealthZone®, a free website with over 100 dog breeds and 11 cat breeds that help pet families discover ways to help keep their pets healthy.
With Nationwide pet health insurance, many veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement based on the member's chosen coverage. To explore options visit petinsurance.com.
** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition.
*** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition.
About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Instagram. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
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SOURCE Nationwide