Nationwide Expanded Pet Virtual Care Services

The insurer now allows licensed veterinarians to provide diagnoses and prescriptions via its virtual platform.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Pet Health

Gouache-painted illustration of a pet collar with a medical tag on a rug, representing remote veterinary care. — Nationwide has expanded its VetHelpline service, allowing licensed veterinarians to provide virtual diagnoses and prescribe medications to eligible pet insurance policyholders. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nationwide has upgraded its VetHelpline service to enable virtual diagnoses and medication prescriptions for pet owners. Nearly half of the company's insurance policyholders are now eligible for this expanded remote care.

Why it matters

The expansion offers pet owners more convenient access to professional veterinary guidance and treatment. By incorporating direct care, the service aims to streamline the process of addressing health concerns for pets.

The expanded service is currently available in 11 states, including Arizona, California, and New York, alongside Washington, D.C. Nearly 50% of Nationwide pet insurance policyholders are eligible to use the new diagnostic and prescription tools.

The players

Nationwide

Nationwide is a large insurance and financial services company that provides a variety of coverage options, including pet health insurance plans.

FirstVet

FirstVet is a digital veterinary service platform that partners with insurance providers to deliver remote pet health consultations.

The details

Eligible policyholders can schedule virtual appointments through the VetHelpline app, which has been powered by FirstVet since 2024. During these sessions, licensed veterinarians are authorized to diagnose pet conditions and provide necessary prescriptions directly to the owners.

Nationwide began offering teletriage services in 2015.
FirstVet began powering the VetHelpline app in 2024.
Nationwide announced the service expansion on September 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

This move reflects the ongoing integration of digital health tools into standard pet ownership routines, mirroring the rise of veterinary telehealth adoption in the U.S. It highlights a departure from traditional clinic-only models toward hybrid care solutions.

Policyholders in the 11 active states can now save time by receiving prescriptions directly through virtual visits instead of visiting a clinic. This change effectively reduces the need for in-person travel for routine diagnoses and medication requests.

The takeaway

Pet owners should confirm if their specific insurance plan qualifies them for the new diagnostic services. Utilizing virtual appointments for non-emergency conditions can significantly simplify the process of obtaining professional care for pets.