- Nationwide has added telemedicine services to its VetHelpline app in partnership with FirstVet.
- Nearly half of Nationwide pet insurance policyholders are eligible for the expanded service.
- Licensed veterinarians can evaluate symptoms, diagnose certain conditions and prescribe medications when appropriate.
- The telemedicine program is available in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
- Nationwide’s existing teletriage service will remain available to all policyholders.
- The company says virtual veterinary services are intended to complement rather than replace ongoing care from a primary veterinarian.
Nationwide has expanded its veterinary telehealth program to include virtual diagnoses and prescription treatments for eligible pet insurance policyholders through its partnership with FirstVet.
The new telemedicine service is available through Nationwide’s VetHelpline app and allows eligible policyholders to schedule virtual consultations with licensed veterinarians.
During a consultation, veterinarians can evaluate a pet’s symptoms, diagnose certain conditions and prescribe medication when appropriate. Veterinarians can also help owners determine whether their pet needs an in-person examination.
Nearly half of Nationwide’s pet insurance policyholders are eligible for the expanded service, according to the company.
Building on existing teletriage services
Nationwide has offered complimentary veterinary teletriage to members since 2015 and relaunched the service through the VetHelpline app with FirstVet in 2024.
Teletriage will continue to be available to all Nationwide policyholders. The service helps owners assess symptoms and determine whether home monitoring, primary veterinary care or emergency care may be appropriate.
The addition of telemedicine expands that model by allowing veterinarians to provide diagnoses and, when appropriate, prescription treatment during a virtual consultation.
“Telemedicine gives families another way to connect with a veterinarian, determine the next step in their pet’s care and, when appropriate, receive prescription treatment without waiting for an in-person appointment,” said Emily Tincher, DVM, chief veterinary officer for Nationwide.
Tincher said concerns including skin allergies, minor digestive upset and behavioral issues may be appropriate for virtual consultation. She emphasized that telehealth is intended to complement, rather than replace, ongoing care from a pet’s primary veterinarian.
Available in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
The telemedicine program is available to eligible Nationwide policyholders in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, as well as Washington, D.C.
FirstVet provides the veterinary consultation service behind the VetHelpline app.
Nationwide said owners who believe their pet may be experiencing an emergency should seek an in-person veterinary evaluation immediately.
Information sourced from Nationwide’s announcement.
