Walmart partners with nation’s largest pet insurer

The nation's largest retailer and the nation's largest pet insure are joining forces to launch a pet prescription program.

Walmart and Nationwide have partnered to offer  Nationwide Pet Rx Express, which gives Nationwide's pet insurance members access to affordable pet prescription medicines and  a new, expedited, in-store claims experience.  

As a result of a new collaboration between Walmart and Nationwide, Pet Rx Express members can log into my.petinsurance.com to sign up for the program and access their digital ID card to present at any of Walmart’s more than 4,700 U.S. in-store pharmacies. Members will have access to Walmart’s most commonly prescribed pet-specific medications for chronic disease and flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

Through the partnership, Pet Rx Express members will also receive preferred pricing and the opportunity to have claims for covered drugs processed at the Walmart pharmacy counter. According to Nationwide and Walmart, having these benefits available at a major retail pharmacy is a first for the pet health insurance industry.

Walmart has been expanding its pet business to tap as the market for pet supplies and pet care continues to grow. In November, the retail giant launched Walmart Pet Care, a full-service offering on its website that provides a central station where customers can sign up for services such as pet insurance (offered by Walmart in collaboration with Petplan) and dog walking, and find a wide range of pet products.

“Whether our customers are buying prescription pet medicine or an insurance policy, we want to provide an effortless experience and unmatched value,” said Nationwide chief strategy and corporate development officer Mike Mahaffey. “Partnering with Walmart to both lower costs and streamline the claims process at the pharmacy counter is a terrific example of innovating to meet our members’ needs, and we’re excited about providing them this convenient, new option when managing their pets’ care.”

“Affordable health & wellness offerings for families is important for the whole family, including family pets,” said Luke Kleyn, VP, health & wellness, Walmart. “We are proud to partner with Nationwide to further support our commitment of helping people save money and live better, and healthier, in a way that is convenient and accessible.”