Imagine paying into an insurance policy for your pet, year after year, trusting that coverage will be there when you need it most only to have it dropped when your pet gets older or sick. That’s exactly what some pet owners claim happened with Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness insurance and now they’re suing.
At Ted Law Firm, we believe in helping consumers understand their rights, especially when it comes to misleading insurance practices. Let’s break down what’s happening with this lawsuit and why it matters especially if you or someone you know had a pet policy canceled by Nationwide.
Quick Case Snapshot
- Who’s Suing?
Don Silberman, Karen Silberman, and Netti Sternklar all pet parents from Massachusetts. - Who Are They Suing?
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Nationwide Veterinary Pet Insurance Company, and National Casualty Company. - Why?
They claim Nationwide promised lifelong coverage, but then canceled policies when pets aged or needed treatment the most. - Where?
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Massachusetts on June 4, 2025.
What Did Nationwide Promise?
Nationwide didn’t just sell pet insurance. It marketed “Whole Pet with Wellness” as a lifetime protection plan. The message was clear: enroll before your pet turns 8, and you’ll never lose coverage even as your pet ages or develops chronic conditions.
That promise was a huge reason pet parents chose Nationwide in the first place. After all, medical needs for older pets are some of the most expensive, and having that peace of mind meant everything to families.
What Actually Happened?
Fast-forward to mid-2024, and Nationwide began sending out letters saying it would no longer offer the Whole Pet plan. Thousands of policyholders many with senior pets or pets with chronic illnesses were notified that their coverage would be canceled.
Nationwide claimed it was due to rising veterinary costs, but many pet owners weren’t buying it. They felt blindsided. Worse, when they tried to find alternative coverage, other insurers either rejected their pets due to age or refused to cover existing health issues.
Let’s be real: what’s the point of paying premiums for years if your pet isn’t covered when it matters most?
Meet the Plaintiffs
These three pet parents aren’t just numbers. Here’s a closer look at their stories:
Don and Karen Silberman
Covered their mini Labradoodle, Lucy, since 2016. When Lucy was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, their vet bills piled up right around the time Nationwide canceled their policy.
Netti Sternklar
Insured her dog, Zoe, for 14 years. When Zoe developed serious kidney, gallbladder, and heart conditions, Netti was shocked to find her policy had been canceled. Zoe passed away in April 2025, and Netti was left covering the costly treatments on her own.
They’re now seeking class action status, representing other pet owners affected by these cancellations.
Legal Claims: What Are They Suing For?
The plaintiffs (and their attorneys at Justice Law Collaborative) are pursuing legal action on multiple grounds:
- Violation of Consumer Protection Laws
Nationwide’s promises about lifetime coverage are now under scrutiny as potentially false and deceptive advertising. - Negligent Misrepresentation
The lawsuit claims Nationwide misled pet owners into thinking their pets would always be covered. - Fraud
At its core, the case alleges that Nationwide knowingly made false promises, a serious legal offense if proven true.
How Many People Could Be Affected?
Estimates suggest that over 100,000 pet owners may have received these cancellation notices. That’s a massive number of families suddenly left without the coverage they relied on often with no real backup plan.
And remember: when pet insurance is canceled after your pet is already sick or old, your options are extremely limited. Other companies usually deny coverage based on age or pre-existing conditions.
Nationwide’s Response
Nationwide hasn’t said much about the lawsuit publicly, but they did release a statement suggesting they’re offering new insurance options. However, pet owners say those options don’t come close to the original plan and don’t cover pets with current health conditions.
So the big question remains: Did Nationwide break a promise? Or just make a business decision at the worst possible time for its customers?
Why This Case Matters to You
Even if you weren’t directly affected, this case highlights an important issue: can insurance companies cancel policies when it’s no longer convenient for them?
At Ted Law Firm, we see these kinds of cases far too often. Companies use complex legal language and vague marketing to make promises they later try to walk back. This lawsuit is about holding them accountable.
If Nationwide gets away with canceling “lifetime” coverage, what’s stopping other insurers from doing the same?
What Should Pet Owners Do Now?
If you had a policy with Nationwide or know someone who did here’s what we recommend:
- Review Your Policy Terms
Check the language around cancellation, renewal, and coverage for chronic conditions. - Save All Correspondence
Keep emails, letters, or screenshots of your policy details. These documents are key if you decide to join the class action. - Look Into Alternatives
Some pet insurance companies may still offer coverage, depending on your pet’s condition but read the fine print. - Consider Legal Guidance
If you believe you were misled or suffered financial harm because of this, a consumer protection attorney can help you understand your options.
A Note from Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, we’ve built our reputation on fighting for real people, not big corporations. Whether it’s deceptive marketing, denied insurance claims, or sudden policy cancellations, we believe consumers deserve honesty and accountability.
If you’re facing a situation like this or want to explore your rights as part of the potential class we’re here to help.
Final Thoughts: Is This Just the Beginning?
This case could reshape how pet insurance and even insurance advertising overall is regulated. If companies can make promises they don’t plan to keep, we all lose.
The lawsuit is still in early stages, but its outcome could set a powerful legal precedent. And at Ted Law, we’ll be watching closely and standing up for the people who need it.
Need Help? Contact Us Today
Were you affected by the Nationwide pet insurance cancellation? You may have a legal claim. Ted Law Firm stands for results. Located in South Carolina, we represent motorcycle and auto accident victims with precision, care, and relentless focus. We proudly represent injured moped riders and their families in Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, Hilton and Orangeburg advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
