Nationwide Pet Insurance: "Lifetime" Coverage Disappearing?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Nationwide misled pet owners by canceling their "Whole Pet with Wellness" insurance policies for aging pets despite promises of lifelong coverage.

Consumers Affected: U.S. pet owners who had their Nationwide Whole Pet Plan canceled.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Nationwide misleads pet owners with promises of lifelong insurance coverage, only to cancel those policies when aging pets needed care the most, a new lawsuit claims

The lawsuit alleges the insurance giant lured consumers into buying its “Whole Pet with Wellness” plans with the assurance that pets would never be dropped due to age, then did just that, impacting over 100,000 animals.

Pet Owners Say Policies Canceled When Care Was Needed

The lawsuit was filed by Massachusetts pet owners Don Silberman, Karen Silberman, and Netti Sternklar, who all said they chose Nationwide based on its advertised commitment to long-term, nose-to-tail coverage. 

Sternklar said she paid premiums for 14 years to cover her dog Zoe, who was diagnosed with kidney, heart, and gallbladder issues in her later years. But just days after Zoe began a long-term medication plan, Nationwide canceled her policy. Left without coverage and with nowhere to turn, Sternklar says she was forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket until Zoe passed away in April 2025.

Don and Karen Silberman enrolled their dog Lucy as a puppy and paid premiums for eight years. When Lucy was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, Nationwide also canceled her coverage, leaving the Silbermans without financial support during her critical care.

"Bait, Switch, and Bottom Line" Alleged in Lawsuit

According to the complaint, Nationwide had promoted its Whole Pet plans as offering unmatched coverage, regardless of age or prior health conditions, encouraging pet owners to sign up early and stay on the plan. But when rising veterinary costs made the plan less profitable, the company pulled the plug, citing financial sustainability.

Pet owners, however, were left in a bind. Without the Whole Pet plan, any medical conditions previously covered were now considered “pre-existing”, making it nearly impossible to get replacement coverage from Nationwide or another insurer.

Pet Insurance Industry Faces Mounting Consumer Concerns

Nationwide’s decision to cancel its Whole Pet with Wellness Plan isn’t the only time the insurance giant has come under legal scrutiny. In a separate case, a Texas-based quartz distributor is suing a Nationwide unit over its refusal to cover legal defense costs in dozens of lawsuits tied to silica exposure. 

Meanwhile, the broader insurance and pet care industries are also facing mounting legal pressure. Lemonade Insurance Company is under fire in a new lawsuit that claims the company violated civil rights laws by using digital ad targeting tools to exclude older adults and women from seeing its insurance advertisements. 

Pet owners, too, have been filing lawsuits demanding accountability. In Pennsylvania, a funeral director stands accused of a disturbing scheme in which he allegedly took over $600,000 from grieving pet owners for cremation services—only to dispose of the animals in a landfill and return the wrong ashes.

And in the pet food aisle, Mars, Inc.—maker of Pedigree brand dog food—is being sued over claims that its “Complete & Balanced” dry kibble contains unsafe levels of vitamin D.

In their lawsuit against Nationwide, the pet owners want to represent anyone who had their Whole Pet Plan cancelled by Nationwide. They are suing for violations of Massachusetts’ consumer and trade laws, negligent misrepresentation, and fraud, and they’re seeking injunctive relief, damages, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Silberman, et al. v. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, et al.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-11619 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Paula S. Bliss and Kelly Guagenty (Justice Law Collaborative, LLC)

Did Nationwide cancel your pet's 'Whole Pet with Wellness' plan? Share your experience below.