NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
485BPOS, 1999-12-22
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<PAGE>   1
                                                      Registration No. 333-43639

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3
                                   TO FORM S-6


              FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF
         SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2


                          ----------------------------


                        NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                              (EXACT NAME OF TRUST)


                          ----------------------------

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                              ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA
                              COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
              (EXACT NAME AND ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR AND REGISTRANT)

                                 DENNIS W. CLICK
                                    SECRETARY
                              ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA
                              COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                     (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)


                          ----------------------------


================================================================================


This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect to
the Prospectus.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box).


[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[X] on December 30, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485


If appropriate check the following box:

[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
    previously filed post-effective amendment

Title of Securities being registered: Corporate Flexible Premium Variable
Universal Life Insurance Policies

Approximate date of proposed offering: Continuously on and after May 1, 1999

[ ] Check box if it is proposed that this filing will become effective on
    (date) at (time) pursuant to Rule 487.

================================================================================


                                    1 of 107
<PAGE>   2


                       CROSS REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED
                                 BY FORM N-8B-2

N-8B-2 ITEM                                CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS

 1.........................................Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
                                           Company
                                           The Variable Account
 2.........................................Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
                                           Company
 3.........................................Custodian of Assets
 4.........................................Distribution of The Policies
 5.........................................The Variable Account
 6.........................................Not Applicable
 7.........................................Not Applicable
 8.........................................Not Applicable
 9.........................................Legal Proceedings
10.........................................Information About The Policies; How
                                           The Cash Value Varies; Right to
                                           Exchange for a Fixed Benefit Policy;
                                           Reinstatement; Other Policy
11                                         Provisions Investments of The
                                           Variable Account
12.........................................The Variable Account
13.........................................Policy Charges
                                           Reinstatement
14.........................................Underwriting and Issuance -
                                           Premium Payments
                                           Minimum Requirements for
                                           Issuance of a Policy
15.........................................Investments of the Variable
                                           Account; Premium Payments
16.........................................Underwriting and Issuance -
                                           Allocation of Cash Value
17.........................................Surrendering The Policy for Cash
18.........................................Reinvestment
19.........................................Not Applicable
20.........................................Not Applicable
21.........................................Policy Loans
22.........................................Not Applicable
23.........................................Not Applicable
24.........................................Not Applicable
25.........................................Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
                                           Company
26.........................................Not Applicable
27.........................................Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
                                           Company
28.........................................Company Management
29.........................................Company Management



                                    2 of 107
<PAGE>   3


N-8B-2 ITEM................................CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS

30.........................................Not Applicable
31.........................................Not Applicable
32.........................................Not Applicable
33.........................................Not Applicable
34.........................................Not Applicable
35.........................................Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
                                           Company
36.........................................Not Applicable
37.........................................Not Applicable
38.........................................Distribution of The Policies
39.........................................Distribution of The Policies
40.........................................Not Applicable
41(a)......................................Distribution of The Policies
42.........................................Not Applicable
43.........................................Not Applicable
44.........................................How The Cash Value Varies
45.........................................Not Applicable
46.........................................How The Cash Value Varies
47.........................................Not Applicable
48.........................................Custodian of Assets
49.........................................Not Applicable
50.........................................Not Applicable
51.........................................Summary of The Policies;
                                           Information About The Policies
52.........................................Substitution of Securities
53.........................................Taxation of The Company
54.........................................Not Applicable
55.........................................Not Applicable
56.........................................Not Applicable
57.........................................Not Applicable
58.........................................Not Applicable
59.........................................Financial Statements



                                    3 of 107
<PAGE>   4



                      SUPPLEMENT DATED DECEMBER 30, 1999 TO

                        PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1999 FOR

                           CORPORATE FLEXIBLE PREMIUM
                   VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES

                                    ISSUED BY

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   THROUGH ITS

                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C

This supplement updates certain information contained in your prospectus. Please
read it and keep it with your prospectus for future reference.


1    PAGE 1 OF YOUR PROSPECTUS IS AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING MUTUAL
     FUNDS AS INVESTMENT OPTIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 27, 2000:

         Janus Aspen Series - Capital Appreciation Portfolio: Service Shares
         Janus Aspen Series - Global Technology Portfolio: Service Shares(1)
         Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio: Service Shares

2.   THE "UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES" TABLE IN YOUR PROSPECTUS IS
     AMENDED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:


                     UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES

  (as a percentage of underlying mutual fund average net assets, after expense
                                 reimbursement)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Total Underlying
                                                         Management       Other         12b-1        Mutual Fund
                                                            Fees         Expenses       Fees           Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Janus Aspen Series - Capital Appreciation Portfolio:       0.66%          0.04%          0.25%           0.95%
Service Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series - Global Technology Portfolio:          0.73%          0.30%          0.25%           1.28%
Service Shares(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio:       0.66%          0.09%          0.25%           1.00%
Service Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The expenses shown above are deducted by the underlying mutual fund before it
provides Nationwide with the daily net asset value. Nationwide then deducts
applicable variable account charges from the net asset value to calculate the
unit value of the corresponding sub-account. The management fees and other
expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each underlying mutual
fund. Information relating to the underlying mutual funds was provided by the
underlying mutual funds and not independently verified by Nationwide.

(1) UNITS IN THE JANUS ASPEN SERIES GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO: SERVICE SHARES
CANNOT BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT UNTIL THE LATER OF JANUARY 27, 2000 OR
UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE JANUS ASPEN SERIES GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY
PORTFOLIO: SERVICE SHARES IS DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.


<PAGE>   5


Some underlying mutual funds are subject to fee waivers and expense
reimbursements. The following chart shows what the expenses would have been for
such funds without fee waivers and expense reimbursements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Total Underlying
                                                         Management       Other         12b-1         Mutual Fund
                                                            Fees         Expenses       Fees           Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Janus Aspen Series - Capital Appreciation Portfolio:       0.73%          0.04%          0.25%           1.02%
Service Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series - Global Technology Portfolio:          0.75%          0.30%          0.25%           1.30%
Service Shares(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series - International Growth Portfolio:       0.72%          0.09%          0.25%           1.06%
Service Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


3. "APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS" IN YOUR PROSPECTUS IS
AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

THE FOLLOWING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL POLICIES EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 27, 2000:

JANUS ASPEN SERIES

The Janus Aspen Series is an open-end management investment company whose shares
are offered in connection with investment in and payments under variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as certain qualified
retirement plans. Janus Capital Corporation serves as investment adviser to each
Portfolio.

CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO:  SERVICE SHARES

Investment Objective: Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily
in common stocks selected for their growth potential. The Portfolio may invest
in companies of any size, from larger, well-established companies to smaller,
emerging growth companies.

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO:  SERVICE SHARES(1)

Investment Objective: Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily
in equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies selected for their growth
potential. Under normal circumstances, the portfolio invests at least 65% of its
total assets in securities of companies that the portfolio manager believes will
benefit significantly from advances or improvements in technology.

INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PORTFOLIO:  SERVICE SHARES

Investment Objective: Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing at least
65% of its total assets in securities of issuers from at least five different
countries, excluding the United States. Although the Portfolio intends to invest
substantially all of its assets in issuers located outside the United States, it
may invest in U.S. issuers and it may at times invest all of its assets in fewer
than five countries, or even a single country.


(1)UNITS IN THE JANUS ASPEN SERIES GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO: SERVICE SHARES
CANNOT BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENT UNTIL THE LATER OF JANUARY 27, 2000 OR
UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE JANUS ASPEN SERIES GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY
PORTFOLIO: SERVICE SHARES IS DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.


<PAGE>   6


                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

      Corporate Flexible Premium Variable Universal Life Insurance Policies
             Issued by Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
                  through its Nationwide VL Separate Account-C

                   The date of this prospectus is May 1, 1999


This prospectus contains basic information you should know about the policies
before investing. Please read it and keep it for future reference

The following underlying mutual funds are available under the policies:

AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC. A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURYSM
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS

- -        American Century VP Income & Growth
- -        American Century VP International
- -        American Century VP Value

DREYFUS
- -        The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.
- -        Dreyfus Stock Index Fund
- -        Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Capital Appreciation Portfolio

FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
- -        Federated Quality Bond Fund II

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
- -        VIP Equity-Income Portfolio: Service Class
- -        VIP Growth Portfolio: Service Class
- -        VIP High Income Portfolio: Service Class*
- -        VIP Overseas Portfolio: Service Class

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
- -        VIP II Contrafund Portfolio: Service Class

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III
- -        VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio: Service Class

MORGAN STANLEY
- -        Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc. - Emerging Markets
         Debt Portfolio
- -        Van Kampen Life Investment Trust - Morgan Stanley Real Estate
         Securities Portfolio

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
- -        Capital Appreciation Fund
- -        Total Return Fund
- -        Government Bond Fund
- -        Money Market Fund
- -        Nationwide Balanced Fund* (subadviser: Salomon Brothers Asset
         Management, Inc.)
- -        Nationwide Equity Income Fund (subadviser: Federated Investment
         Counseling)
- -        Nationwide Global Equities Fund (subadviser: J.P. Morgan Investment
         Management Inc.)
- -        Nationwide High Income Bond Fund* (subadviser: Federated Investment
         Counseling)
- -        Nationwide Multi Sector Bond Fund* (subadviser: Salomon Brothers Asset
         Management, Inc. with Salomon Brothers Asset Management Limited)
- -        Nationwide Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund (subadvisers: First Pacific
         Advisors, Inc., Pilgrim Baxter & Associates, Ltd., and Rice, Hall,
         James & Associates)
- -        Nationwide Select Advisers Small Cap Growth Fund (subadviser: Franklin
         Advisers, Inc., Miller Anderson & Sherrerd, LLP, Neuberger
         Berman, LLC.)
- -        Nationwide Small Cap Value Fund (subadviser: The Dreyfus Corporation)
- -        Nationwide Small Company Fund (subadviser: The Dreyfus Corporation,
         Neuberger Berman, LLC, Lazard Asset Management, Strong Capital
         Management, Inc. and Warburg Pincus Asset Management, Inc.)
- -        Nationwide Strategic Growth Fund (subadviser: Strong Capital Management
         Inc.)


                                       1
<PAGE>   7


- -        Nationwide Strategic Value Fund (subadviser: Strong Capital Management
         Inc./Schafer Capital Management Inc.)

NEUBERGER BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
- -        AMT Guardian Portfolio*
- -        AMT Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio
- -        AMT Partners Portfolio

OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS
- -        Oppenheimer Aggressive Growth Fund/VA (formerly "Oppenheimer Capital
         Appreciation Fund")
- -        Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund/VA (formerly "Oppenheimer Growth
         Fund")
- -        Oppenheimer Main Street Growth & Income Fund/VA (formerly "Oppenheimer
         Growth & Income Fund")

VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
- -        Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund
- -        Worldwide Hard Assets Fund

WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
- -        Growth & Income Portfolio
- -        International Equity Portfolio
- -        Post-Venture Capital Portfolio
*Invest in lower quality debt securities commonly referred to as junk bonds.

To obtain copies of any underlying mutual fund prospectus, please call:
                  1-800-547-7548
     TDD          1-800-238-3035

or write:
     NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY
     INSURANCE COMPANY
     P.O. BOX 182150
     COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2150

Material incorporated by reference to this prospectus can be found on the SEC
website at:
                                   www.sec.gov

Information about this and other Best of America Products can be found on the
world-wide web at:

                              www.bestofamerica.com

This policy is NOT:
- -        a bank deposit;
- -        endorsed by a bank or government agency;
- -        federally insured; or
- -        available in every state.

The life insurance policies offered by this prospectus are corporate flexible
premium variable universal life insurance policies. They are designed for use by
corporations and employers, to provide flexibility to vary the amount and
frequency of premium payments. A cash surrender value may be offered if the
policy is terminated during the lifetime of the insured.

The purpose of this policy is to provide life insurance protection for the
beneficiary named in the policy. No claim is made that the policy is in any way
similar or comparable to a systematic investment plan of a mutual fund.

The death benefit and cash value of this policy may vary to reflect the
experience of the Nationwide VL Separate Account -C (the "variable account") or
the fixed account, depending on how premium payments are invested.

Investors assume certain risks when investing in the policies, including the
risk of losing money.

Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("Nationwide") guarantees the
death benefit for as long as the policy is in force. The cash surrender value is
not guaranteed. The policy will lapse if the cash surrender value is
insufficient to cover policy charges.

Nationwide guarantees to keep the policy in force so long as minimum premium
requirements have been met.

Benefits described in this prospectus may not be available in every jurisdiction
- - refer to your policy for specific benefit information.

THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFERING MAY
NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.


                                       2
<PAGE>   8

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC NOR HAS THE
SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.


                                       3
<PAGE>   9


GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

ATTAINED AGE- The insured's age on the policy date, plus the number of full
years since the policy date.

ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the cash
value of the variable account.

FIXED ACCOUNT- An investment option which is funded by the general account of
Nationwide.

GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of Nationwide other than those of the variable
account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
Nationwide.

GUIDELINE LEVEL PREMIUM- The level annual premiums required to mature the policy
under guaranteed mortality and current expense charges with an annual effective
interest rate of 4%.

MATURITY DATE- The policy anniversary on or next following the insured's 100th
birthday.

NATIONWIDE - Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

NET AMOUNT AT RISK- Net amount at risk is the death benefit minus the cash
value. On a monthly anniversary day, the net amount at risk is the death benefit
minus the cash value prior to subtraction of the base policy cost of insurance
charge.

NET PREMIUMS- Net premiums are equal to the actual premiums minus the percent of
premium charges. The percent of premium charges are shown on the policy data
page.

SUB-ACCOUNTS- Divisions of the variable account to which underlying mutual fund
shares are allocated and for which accumulation units are separately maintained.

TARGET PREMIUM- The level annual premium at which the sales load is reduced on a
current basis.

VALUATION PERIOD- Each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT- Nationwide VL Separate Account -C, a separate account of
Nationwide that contains variable account allocations. The variable account is
divided into sub-accounts, each of which invests in shares of a separate
underlying mutual fund.



                                       4
<PAGE>   10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.........................4

SUMMARY OF POLICY EXPENSES........................7

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL
      EXPENSES....................................7

SYNOPSIS OF THE POLICIES.........................10

NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY....10

NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC................10

INVESTING IN THE POLICY..........................10
     The Variable Account and Underlying
     Mutual Funds
     The Fixed Account

INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES...................13
     Minimum Requirements for Policy Issuance
     Premium Payments
     Pricing

POLICY CHARGES...................................13
     Sales Load
     Premium Expense Charge
     Monthly Cost of Insurance
     Monthly Administrative Charge
     Mortality and Expense Risk Charge
     Income Tax
     Reduction of Charges

SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH.................15
     Surrender (Redemption)
     Cash Surrender Value
     Partial Surrenders
     Income Tax Withholding

VARIATION IN CASH VALUE..........................17

POLICY PROVISIONS................................17
     Policy Owner
     Beneficiary
     Changes in Existing Insurance Coverage

OPERATION OF THE POLICY..........................18
     Allocation of Net Premium and Cash Value
     How the Investment Experience is Determined
     Net Investment Factor
     Determining the Cash Value
     Transfers

RIGHT TO REVOKE..................................20

POLICY LOANS.....................................20
     Taking a Policy Loan
     Effect on Investment Performance
     Interest
     Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value
     Repayment

ASSIGNMENT.......................................22

POLICY OWNER SERVICES............................22
     Dollar Cost Averaging

DEATH BENEFIT INFORMATION........................22
     Calculation of the Death Benefit
     Changes in the Death Benefit Option
     Proceeds Payable on Death
     Incontestability
     Error in Age
     Suicide
     Maturity Proceeds

RIGHT OF CONVERSION..............................25

GRACE PERIOD.....................................26
     Reinstatement

TAX MATTERS......................................26
     Policy Proceeds
     Withholding
     Federal Estate and Generation-Skipping
         Transfers Taxes
     Non-Resident Aliens
     Taxation of Nationwide
     Tax Changes

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS.............................29

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES......................30

STATE REGULATION.................................30

REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS.........................31

ADVERTISING......................................31

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS................................31

EXPERTS..........................................32

REGISTRATION STATEMENT...........................32

LEGAL OPINIONS...................................32

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES.....................32


                                       5
<PAGE>   11


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT
     NATIONWIDE..................................35

APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING
     MUTUAL FUNDS................................43

APPENDIX B: ILLUSTRATIONS OF CASH VALUES,
CASH SURRENDER VALUES, AND DEATH BENEFITS........53



                                       6
<PAGE>   12


SUMMARY OF POLICY EXPENSES

Nationwide deducts certain charges from the policy. Charges are made for
administrative and sales expenses, providing life insurance protection and
assuming the mortality and expense risks.

Nationwide deducts a sales load and a premium expense charge from premium
payments. The sales load is guaranteed never to exceed 5.5% of each premium
payment during the first 7 policy years and 2% thereafter. On a current basis,
the sales load is 3.0% of premium payment plus 2.5% of premiums up to the target
premium during the first 7 policy years, and 0% on all premiums thereafter (see
"Sales Load").

The premium expense charge is approximately 3.5% of premiums for all states (see
"Premium Expense Charge").

Nationwide deducts the following charges from the cash value of the policy:

- -        monthly cost of insurance
- -        monthly cost of any additional benefits provided by riders to the
         policy
- -        administrative expense charge1
- -        mortality and expense risk charge2.

(1)  Currently, the administrative expense charge is $5 per month. It is
     guaranteed not to exceed $10 per month.

(2)  The mortality and expense risk charge is guaranteed not to exceed an annual
     effective rate of 0.75% of the daily net assets of the variable account.
     On a current basis, the annual effective rate will be 0.40% in policy years
     1-4, 0.25% in policy years 5-20, and 0.10% thereafter.

Nationwide does not deduct a surrender charge from the polices.

For more information about any policy charge, see "Policy Charges" in this
prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                 UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
            (as a percentage of underlying mutual fund net assets, after expense reimbursement)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Management       Other                     Total Underlying
                                                      Fees        Expenses     12b-1 Fees   Mutual Fund Expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. -          0.70%         0.00%         0.00%             0.70%
American Century VP Income & Growth
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. -          1.47%         0.00%         0.00%             1.47%
American Century VP International
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. -          1.00%         0.00%         0.00%             1.00%
American Century VP Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund,         0.75%         0.05%         0.00%             0.80%
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc.                        0.25%         0.01%         0.00%             0.26%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund - Capital            0.75%         0.05%         0.00%             0.80%
Appreciation Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federated Insurance Series - Federated Quality        0.23%         0.47%         0.00%             0.70%
Bond Fund II
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio:  Service        0.49%         0.08%         0.10%             0.67%
Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio:  Service Class         0.59%         0.06%         0.10%             0.75%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio:  Service          0.58%         0.14%         0.10%             0.82%
Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio:  Service Class       0.74%         0.13%         0.10%             0.97%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio:  Service        0.59%         0.06%         0.10%             0.75%
Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>   13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                   Management       Other                     Total Underlying
                                                      Fees        Expenses     12b-1 Fees   Mutual Fund Expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>
Fidelity VIP III Growth Opportunities                 0.59%         0.10%         0.10%             0.79%
Portfolio:  Service Class
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc.      0.27%         1.25%         0.00%             1.52%
- - Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund                        0.60%         0.07%         0.00%             0.67%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                             0.50%         0.07%         0.00%             0.57%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                                0.40%         0.06%         0.00%             0.46%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                                0.59%         0.06%         0.00%             0.65%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Balanced Fund                         0.75%         0.15%         0.00%             0.90%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Equity Income Fund                    0.80%         0.15%         0.00%             0.95%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Global Equity Fund                    1.00%         0.20%         0.00%             1.20%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide High Income Bond Fund                 0.80%         0.15%         0.00%             0.95%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Multi-Sector Bond Fund                0.75%         0.15%         0.00%             0.90%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund          1.05%         0.15%         0.00%             1.20%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Select Advisers Small Cap Growth      1.10%         0.20%         0.00%             1.30%
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Small Cap Value Fund                  0.90%         0.15%         0.00%             1.05%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Small Company Fund                    1.00%         0.07%         0.00%             1.07%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Strategic Growth Fund                 0.90%         0.10%         0.00%             1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Strategic Value Fund                  0.90%         0.10%         0.00%             1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger Berman AMT - Guardian Portfolio             0.85%         0.15%         0.00%             1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger Berman AMT - Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio       0.85%         0.15%         0.00%             1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio             0.78%         0.06%         0.00%             0.84%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds - Oppenheimer      0.69%         0.02%         0.00%             0.71%
Aggressive Growth Fund/VA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds - Oppenheimer      0.72%         0.03%         0.00%             0.75%
Capital Appreciation Fund/VA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds - Oppenheimer      0.74%         0.05%         0.00%             0.79%
Main Street Growth & Income Fund/VA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust - Worldwide         1.00%         0.50%         0.00%             1.50%
Emerging Markets Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust - Worldwide         1.00%         0.16%         0.00%             1.16%
Hard Assets Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen Life Investment Trust - Morgan             1.20%         0.00%         0.00%             1.20%
Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust - Growth & Income Portfolio      0.51%         0.49%         0.00%             1.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust - International Equity           1.00%         0.33%         0.00%             1.33%
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust - Post-Venture Capital           1.08%         0.32%         0.00%             1.40%
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Federated Insurance Series - Federated Quality Bond Fund II has a voluntary
expense cap of 0.70%.

The expenses shown above are deducted by the underlying mutual fund before it
provides Nationwide with the daily net asset value. Nationwide then deducts
applicable variable account charges from the net asset value to calculate the
unit value of the corresponding sub-account. The management fees and other
expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each underlying mutual
fund. Information


                                       8
<PAGE>   14

relating to the underlying mutual funds was provided by the underlying mutual
funds and not independently verified by Nationwide.

Some underlying mutual funds are subject to fee waivers and expense
reimbursements. The following chart shows what the expenses would have been for
such funds without fee waivers and expense reimbursements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Management      Other                       Total Underlying
                                                       Fees        Expenses     12b-1 Fees    Mutual Fund Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>           <C>            <C>                <C>
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio: Service         0.49%         0.09%          0.10%              0.68%
Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio: Service Class          0.59%         0.11%          0.10%              0.80%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Overseas Portfolio: Service Class        0.74%         0.17%          0.10%              1.01%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP II Contrafund Portfolio: Service         0.59%         0.11%          0.10%              0.80%
Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP III Growth Opportunities Portfolio:      0.59%         0.11%          0.10%              0.80%
Service Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc.      0.80%         1.25%          0.00%              2.05%
- - Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Balanced Fund                         0.75%         0.21%          0.00%              0.96%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Equity Income Fund                    0.80%         0.35%          0.00%              1.15%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Global Equity Fund                    1.00%         0.46%          0.00%              1.46%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide High Income Bond Fund                 0.80%         0.32%          0.00%              1.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Multi-Sector Bond Fund                0.75%         0.21%          0.00%              0.96%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund          1.05%         0.49%          0.00%              1.54%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Select Advisers Small Cap Growth      1.10%         0.58%          0.00%              1.68%
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Small Cap Value Fund                  0.90%         0.43%          0.00%              1.33%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Strategic Growth Fund                 0.90%         0.65%          0.00%              1.55%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Nationwide Strategic Value Fund                  0.90%         0.33%          0.00%              1.23%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust - Worldwide         1.00%         0.61%          0.00%              1.61%
Emerging Markets Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust - Worldwide         1.00%         0.20%          0.00%              1.20%
Hard Assets Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       9
<PAGE>   15

SYNOPSIS OF THE POLICIES

The policy offered by this prospectus provides for life insurance coverage on
the insured. The death benefit and cash value of the policy may increase or
decrease to reflect the performance of the investment options chosen by the
policy owner (see "Death Benefit Information").

CASH SURRENDER VALUE

If the policy is terminated during the insured's lifetime, a cash surrender
value may be payable under the policy. However, there is no guaranteed cash
surrender value (see "Variation in Cash Value "). The policy will lapse without
value if the cash surrender value falls below what is needed to cover policy
charges.

PREMIUMS

The minimum initial premium for which a policy may be issued is equal to three
times the initial minimum monthly premium. The initial premium is shown on the
policy data page. Each premium payment must be at least $50.

Additional premium payments may be made at any time while the policy is in force
(see "Premium Payments").

TAXATION

The policies described in this prospectus meet the definition of "life
insurance" under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code. Nationwide will
monitor compliance with the tests provided by Section 7702 to insure the
policies continue to receive this favored tax treatment (see "Tax Matters").

NONPARTICIPATING POLICIES

The policies are nonparticipating policies on which no dividends are payable.
The policies do not share in the profits or surplus earnings of Nationwide.

RIDERS

A rider may be added to the policy (availability varies by state).

Riders currently include:
- -      Additional Protection Rider; and
- -      Change of Insured Rider.

POLICY CANCELLATION

Policy owners may return the policy for any reason within certain time periods
and Nationwide will refund the policy value or the amount required by law (see
"Right to Revoke").

NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

Nationwide is a stock life insurance company organized under Ohio law in
February 1981. It is a member of the Nationwide group with its home office at
One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Nationwide is a provider of life
insurance, annuities and retirement products.

CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS

Nationwide serves as the custodian of the assets of the variable account.

OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE

Nationwide does presently and will, from time to time, offer variable contracts
and policies with benefits which vary in accordance with the investment
experience of a separate account of Nationwide.

NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.

The policies are distributed by Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"),
Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

INVESTING IN THE POLICY

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

Nationwide VL Separate Account-C is a separate account that invests in the
underlying mutual fund options listed in Appendix A. Nationwide established the
separate account on July 22,1997, pursuant to Ohio law. Although


                                       10
<PAGE>   16


the separate account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust
pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), the SEC does not
supervise the management of Nationwide or the variable account.

Income, gains, and losses credited to, or charged against the variable account
reflect the variable account's own investment experience and not the investment
experience of Nationwide's other assets. The variable account's assets are held
separately from Nationwide's assets and in general are not chargeable with
liabilities incurred in any other business of Nationwide. Nationwide is
obligated to pay all amounts promised to policy owners under the policies.

The variable account is divided into sub-accounts. Policy owners elect to have
net premiums allocated among the sub-accounts and the fixed account at the time
of application.

Nationwide uses the assets of each sub-account to buy shares of the underlying
mutual funds based on policy owner instructions. A policy's investment
performance depends upon the performance of the underlying mutual fund options
chosen by the policy owner.

Each underlying mutual fund's prospectus contains more detailed information
about that fund. Prospectuses for the underlying mutual funds should be read in
conjunction with this prospectus.

Underlying mutual funds in the variable account are NOT publicly traded mutual
funds. The underlying mutual fund options are available as investment options in
variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life
insurance companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain
qualified pension or retirement plans.

However the underlying mutual funds are NOT directly related to any publicly
traded mutual fund. Policy owners should not compare the performance of a
publicly traded fund with the performance of underlying mutual funds
participating in the variable account. The performance of the underlying mutual
funds could differ substantially from that of any publicly traded funds.

Changes of Investment Policy

Nationwide may materially change the investment policy of the variable account.
Nationwide must inform policy owners and obtain all necessary regulatory
approvals. Any change must be submitted to the various state insurance
departments which may disapprove it if deemed detrimental to the interests of
the policy owners or if it renders Nationwide's operations hazardous to the
public. If a policy owner objects, the policy owner may elect to transfer all
sub-account cash value to the fixed account. No transfer charges will be
assessed. The policy owner has the later of 60 days (6 months in Pennsylvania)
from the date of the investment policy change or 60 days (6 months in
Pennsylvania) from being informed of the change to make the transfer.

Voting Rights

Policy owners who have allocated assets to the underlying mutual funds are
entitled to certain voting rights. Nationwide will vote policy owner shares at
special shareholder meetings based on policy owner instructions. However, if the
law changes allowing Nationwide to vote in its own right, it may elect to do so.

Policy owners with voting interests in an underlying mutual fund will be
notified of issues requiring the shareholder's vote as soon as possible prior to
the shareholder meeting. Notification will contain proxy materials, and a form
to return to Nationwide with voting instructions. Nationwide will vote shares
for which no instructions are received in the same proportion as those that are
received.

The number of shares which a policy owner may vote is determined by dividing the
cash value of the amount they have allocated to an underlying mutual fund by the
net asset value of that underlying mutual fund. Nationwide will designate a date
for this determination not more than 90 days before the shareholder meeting.


                                       11
<PAGE>   17


Substitution of Securities

Nationwide may substitute, eliminate and/or combine shares of another underlying
mutual fund for shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future if
either of the following occur:

1)     shares of a current underlying mutual fund option are no longer
       available for investment; or
2)     further investment in an underlying mutual fund option is inappropriate.

No substitution, elimination, and/or combination of shares may take place
without the prior approval of the SEC and state insurance departments.

Material Conflicts

The underlying mutual funds may be offered through separate accounts of other
insurance companies, as well as through other separate accounts of Nationwide.
Nationwide does not anticipate any disadvantages to this. However, it is
possible that a conflict may arise between the interests of the variable account
and one or more of the other separate accounts in which these underlying mutual
funds participate.

Material conflicts may occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts, or differences
in the voting instructions of the contract owners and those of other companies.
If a material conflict occurs, Nationwide will take whatever steps are necessary
to protect contract owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of
the variable account from participation in the underlying mutual fund(s)
involved in the conflict.

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The fixed account is an investment option that is funded by assets of
Nationwide's general account. The general account contains all of Nationwide's
assets other than those in other Nationwide separate accounts. It is used to
support Nationwide's annuity and insurance obligations and may contain
compensation for mortality and expense risks. Premium payments will be allocated
to the fixed account by election of the policy owner.

Under exemptive and exclusionary provisions, Nationwide's general account has
not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and has not been registered
as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly,
neither the general account nor any interest therein is subject to the
provisions of these Acts. Nationwide has been advised that the staff of the SEC
has not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus relating to the fixed
account. Disclosures regarding the general account may, however, be subject to
certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws
concerning the accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.

The investment income earned by the fixed account will be allocated to the
policies at varying rate(s) set by Nationwide. The guaranteed rate for any
premium payment will be effective for not less than twelve months. Nationwide
guarantees that the rate will not be less than an annual effective rate of 3.0%
per year.

Any interest in excess of 3.0% will be credited to fixed account allocations at
Nationwide's sole discretion. The policy owner assumes the risk that interest
credited to fixed account allocations may not exceed the minimum guarantee of an
annual effective rate of 3.0% for any given year.

New premium payments deposited to the contract which are allocated to the fixed
account may receive a different rate of interest than amounts transferred from
the sub-accounts to the fixed account and amounts maturing in the fixed account.

The fixed account is not available for policies issued in the State of Texas.



                                       12
<PAGE>   18


INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICY ISSUANCE

This policy provides life insurance coverage with the flexibility to vary the
amount and frequency of premium payments. Minimum requirements for policy
issuance include:
- -   the insured must be 80 or younger;
- -   Nationwide may require satisfactory evidence of insurability (including a
    medical exam);
- -   a minimum specified amount of $50,000 ($100,000 in Pennsylvania and
    New Jersey).

PREMIUM PAYMENTS

Each premium payment must be at least $50. The initial premium is payable in
full at Nationwide's home office or to an authorized agent of Nationwide.

Upon payment of the initial premium, temporary insurance may be provided.
Issuance of the continuing insurance coverage is dependent upon completion of
all underwriting requirements, payment of initial premium, and delivery of the
policy while the insured is still living.

Additional premium payments may be made at any time while the policy is in
force, subject to the following conditions:

- -   Nationwide may require satisfactory evidence of insurability before
    accepting any additional premium payment which results in an increase in the
    net amount at risk.

- -   Premium payments in excess of the premium limit established by the IRS to
    qualify the policy as a contract for life insurance will be refunded.

- -   Nationwide may require policy indebtedness be repaid prior to accepting any
    additional premium payments.

Additional premium payments or other changes to the policy may jeopardize the
policy's non-modified endowment status. Nationwide will monitor premiums paid
and other policy transactions and will notify the policy owner when non-modified
endowment contract status is in jeopardy.

PRICING

Premiums payments will not be priced, when the New York Stock Exchange is closed
or on the following nationally recognized holidays:

- -        New Year's Day                    -        Independence Day
- -        Martin Luther King, Jr. Day       -        Labor Day
- -        Presidents' Day                   -        Thanksgiving
- -        Good Friday                       -        Christmas
- -        Memorial Day

Nationwide also will not price premium payments if:
(1)      trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;
(2)      an emergency exists making disposal or valuation of securities held in
         the variable account impracticable; or
(3)      the SEC, by order, permits a suspension or postponement for the
         protection of security holders.

Rules and regulations of the SEC will govern as to when the conditions described
in (2) and (3) exist. If Nationwide is closed on days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, policy value may be affected since the policy owner would not
have access to their account.

POLICY CHARGES

SALES LOAD

Nationwide deducts a sales load from each premium payment received. It is
guaranteed never to exceed 5.5% of each premium payment during the first 7
policy years and 2% thereafter. Currently, the sales load is 3% of the premium
payment plus 2.5% of premiums up to the target premium during the first 7 policy
years, and 0% of all premiums thereafter. The target premium is a premium level
based upon a percentage of the guideline level premium. It is the level annual
premium amount at which the sales load


                                       13
<PAGE>   19

is reduced on a current basis. The target premium amount is located on the
policy data page.

PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE

Nationwide deducts a premium expense charge equal to 3.50% from all premium
payments. This charge reimburses Nationwide for administrative expenses on an
aggregate basis, including premium taxes imposed by various state and local
jurisdictions and for federal taxes imposed under Section 848 of the Internal
Revenue Code. Generally, these tax expenses consist of two components:

  (1) a state premium tax rate of 2.25%; and

  (2) a federal tax rate of 1.25%.

Nationwide expects to pay an average state premium tax rate of approximately
2.25% of premiums for all states. State tax rates can range from 0% to 4%. This
charge may be more or less than the amount actually assessed by the state in
which a particular policy owner lives.

The 1.25% federal tax component is designed to reimburse Nationwide for expenses
incurred from federal taxes imposed under Section 848 of the Internal Revenue
Code.

Nationwide does not expect to make a profit from these charges.

MONTHLY COST OF INSURANCE

The monthly cost of insurance charge for each policy month is determined by
multiplying the monthly cost of insurance rate by the net amount at risk. This
deduction is charged proportionately to the cash value in each sub-account and
the fixed account.

If death benefit Option 1 is in effect and there have been increases in the
specified amount, then the cash value will first be considered a part of the
initial specified amount. If the cash value exceeds the initial specified
amount, it will then be considered a part of the additional increases in
specified amount resulting from the increases in the order of the increases.

Monthly cost of insurance rates will be unisex and will not exceed those
guaranteed in the policy. Guaranteed cost of insurance rates are based on the
1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Male Mortality Table, Age Last Birthday,
aggregate as to tobacco status (1980 CSO). Guaranteed cost of insurance rates
for policies issued on a substandard basis are based on appropriate percentage
multiples of the 1980 CSO.

The rate class of an insured may affect the cost of insurance rate. Nationwide
currently places insureds into both standard rate classes and substandard rate
classes that involve a higher mortality risk. In an otherwise identical policy,
an insured in the standard rate class will have a lower cost of insurance than
an insured in a rate class with higher mortality risks. Nationwide may also
issue certain policies on a "non-medical," guaranteed issue, or simplified issue
basis to certain categories of individuals. Due to the underwriting criteria
established for policies issued on a non-medical basis, actual rates will be
higher than the current cost of insurance rates being charged under policies
that are medically underwritten.

MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE

Nationwide deducts an administrative expense charge proportionately from the
cash value in each sub-account and the fixed account on a monthly basis. This
charge reimburses Nationwide for certain actual administrative expenses related
to maintenance of the policies including accounting and record keeping, and
periodic reporting to policy owners. Nationwide does not expect to recover any
amount in excess of aggregate maintenance expenses from this charge. Currently,
this charge is $5 per month in all policy years. On a guaranteed basis, this
charge is $10 per month in all policy years.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

Nationwide assumes certain risks for guaranteeing the mortality and expense
charges.

The mortality risk assumed under the policies is that the insured may not live
as long as expected. The expense risk assumed is that the actual expenses
incurred in issuing and


                                       14
<PAGE>   20


administering the policies may be greater than expected. In addition, Nationwide
assumes risks associated with the non-recovery of policy issue, underwriting and
other administrative expenses due to policies that lapse or are surrendered in
the early policy years.

Nationwide deducts the mortality and expense risk charge from the variable
account on a monthly basis. Mortality and expense risk deductions may vary from
policy to policy because they are charged proportionally to the cash value in
each sub-account. The mortality and expense risk charge compensates Nationwide
for assuming risks associated with mortality and administrative costs. This
charge is guaranteed not to exceed an annual effective rate of 0.75% of the
daily net assets of the variable account. On a current basis this rate will be
0.40% during policy years 1-4, 0.25% during policy years 5-20, and 0.10%
thereafter. Policy owners receive quarterly and annual statements, advising
policy owners of the cancellation of accumulation units for mortality and
expense risk charges.

To the extent that future levels of mortality and expenses are less than or
equal to those expected, Nationwide may realize a profit from this charge.
Unrecovered expenses are borne by Nationwide's general assets which may include
profits, if any, from mortality and expense risk charges.

INCOME TAX

No charge is assessed to policy owners for income taxes incurred by Nationwide
as a result of the operations of the sub-accounts. However, Nationwide reserves
the right to assess a charge for income taxes against the variable account if
income taxes are incurred.

REDUCTION OF CHARGES

The policy is available for purchase by individuals, corporations and other
groups. Nationwide may reduce or eliminate certain charges (sales load,
surrender charge, monthly administrative charge, monthly cost of insurance
charge, or other charges), where the size or nature of the group results in
savings in sales, underwriting, administrative or other costs, to Nationwide.
These charges may be reduced in certain group, sponsored arrangements or special
exchange programs made available by Nationwide, (including employees of
Nationwide and their families). Eligibility for reduction in charges and the
amount of any reduction is determined by a number of factors, including:

- - the number of insureds;

- - the total premium expected to be paid;

- - total assets under management for the policy owner;

- - the nature of the relationship among individual insureds;

- - the purpose for which the policies are being purchased;

- - the expected persistency of individual policies; and

- - any other circumstances which are rationally related to the expected reduction
  in expenses.

The extent and nature of reductions may change from time to time. The charge
structure may vary. Variations are determined in a manner not unfairly
discriminatory to policy owners which reflects differences in costs of services.

SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH

SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

Policies may be surrendered for the cash surrender value any time while the
insured is living. The cancellation will be effective as of the date Nationwide
receives the policy accompanied by a signed, written request for cancellation.
Nationwide may require the policy owner's signature to be guaranteed by a member
firm of the New York, American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or Pacific Stock
Exchanges, or by a commercial bank or a savings and loan, which is a member of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In some cases, Nationwide may require
additional documentation of a customary nature.



                                       15
<PAGE>   21

CASH SURRENDER VALUE

The cash surrender value increases or decreases daily to reflect the investment
experience of the variable account and the daily crediting of interest in the
fixed account and the policy loan account.

The cash surrender value equals the policy's cash value, next computed after the
date Nationwide receives a proper written request for surrender and the policy,
minus any charges, indebtedness or other deductions due on that date, plus 3.5%,
5.5%, or 4.0% of the current premium if that date occurs during policy years
one, two or three, respectively.

PARTIAL SURRENDERS

After the policy has been in force for one year, the policy owner may request a
partial surrender.

Partial surrenders are permitted if they satisfy the following requirements:

1)   the minimum partial surrender is $500;
2)   partial surrenders may not reduce the  specified amount to less than
     $50,000;
3)   after the partial surrender, the cash surrender value is greater than $500
     or an amount equal to three times the current monthly deduction, if higher;
     and
4)   after the partial surrender, the policy continues to qualify as life
     insurance.

When a partial surrender is made, the cash value will be reduced by the amount
of the partial surrender. Further, the specified amount will be reduced by the
amount necessary to prevent any increase to the net amount at risk, unless the
partial surrender is treated as a preferred partial surrender.

Preferred Partial Surrenders

A partial surrender is considered a preferred partial surrender if the following
conditions are met:

(1)   the surrender occurs before the 15th policy anniversary; and

(2)   the surrender amount plus the amount of any previous preferred policy
      surrenders in that same policy year does not exceed 10% of the cash
      surrender value as of the beginning of the policy year.

Reduction of the Specified Amount

When a partial surrender is made, in addition to the cash value being reduced by
the amount of the partial surrender, the specified amount may also be reduced,
(except in the case of a preferred partial surrender). The reduction to the
specified amount will be made in the following order:

(1) against the most  recent increase in the specified amount;
(2) against the next most recent increases in the specified amount in
    succession; and
(3) against the specified amount under the original application.

INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

Federal law requires Nationwide to withhold income tax from any portion of
surrender proceeds subject to tax. Nationwide will withhold income tax unless
the policy owner advises Nationwide, in writing, of his or her request not to
withhold. If a policy owner requests that taxes not be withheld, or if the taxes
withheld are insufficient, the policy owner may be liable for payment of an
estimated tax. Policy owners should consult a tax advisor. In certain
employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements, including equity split dollar
arrangements, participants may be required to report for income tax purposes,
one or more of the following:

(1)   the value each year of the life insurance protection provided;

(2)   an amount equal to any employer-paid premiums; or

(3)   some or all of the amount by which the current value exceeds the
      employer's interest in the policy.

Participants should consult with the sponsor or the administrator of the plan,
and/or with their


                                       16
<PAGE>   22

personal tax or legal advisor, to determine the tax consequences, if any, of
their employer-sponsored life insurance arrangements.

VARIATION IN CASH VALUE

On any date during the policy year, the cash value equals the cash value on the
preceding valuation date, plus any net premium applied since the previous
valuation date, minus any partial surrenders, plus or minus any investment
results, and less any policy charges.

There is no guaranteed cash value. The cash value will vary with the investment
experience of the variable account and/or the daily crediting of interest in the
fixed account and policy loan account depending on the allocation of cash value
by the policy owner.

POLICY PROVISIONS

POLICY OWNER

While the insured is living, all rights in this policy are vested in the policy
owner named in the application or as subsequently changed, subject to
assignment, if any.

The policy owner may name a contingent policy owner or a new policy owner while
the insured is living. Any change must be in a written form satisfactory to
Nationwide and recorded at Nationwide's home office. Once recorded, the change
will be effective when signed. The change will not affect any payment made or
action taken by Nationwide before it was recorded. Nationwide may require that
the policy be submitted for endorsement before making a change.

If the policy owner is other than the insured, names no contingent policy owner,
and dies before the insured, the policy owner's rights in this policy belong to
the policy owner's estate.

BENEFICIARY

The beneficiary(ies) will be as named in the application or as subsequently
changed, subject to assignment, if any.

The policy owner may name a new beneficiary while the insured is living. Any
change must be in a written form satisfactory to Nationwide and recorded at
Nationwide's home office. Once recorded, the change will be effective when
signed. The change will not affect any payment made or action taken by
Nationwide before it was recorded.

If any beneficiary predeceases the insured, that beneficiary's interest passes
to any surviving beneficiary(ies), unless otherwise provided. Multiple
beneficiaries will be paid in equal shares, unless otherwise provided. If no
named beneficiary survives the insured, the death proceeds will be paid to the
policy owner or the policy owner's estate.

CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE

The policy owner may request certain changes in the insurance coverage under the
policy. Requests must be in writing and received by Nationwide. No change will
take effect unless the cash surrender value after the change is sufficient to
keep the policy in force for at least 3 months.

Specified Amount Increases

The policy owner may request an increase to the specified amount. Any increase
will be subject to the following conditions:

1.       the request must be applied for in writing;
2.       satisfactory evidence of insurability must be provided;
3.       the increase must be for a minimum of $10,000;
4.       the cash surrender value is sufficient to continue the policy in force
         for at least 3 months; and
5.       age limits are the same as for a new issue.

Any approved increase will have an effective date of the monthly anniversary day
on or next following the date Nationwide approves the supplemental application.
Nationwide reserves the right to limit the number of specified amount increases
to one each policy year.


                                       17
<PAGE>   23

Specified Amount Decreases

After the first policy year, the policy owner may also request a decrease to the
specified amount. Any approved decrease will be effective on the monthly
anniversary day on or next following the date Nationwide receives the request.
Any such decrease shall reduce insurance in the following order:

1.       against insurance provided by the most recent increase;
2.       against the next most recent increases successively; and
3.       against insurance provided under the original application.

Nationwide reserves the right to limit the number of specified amount decreases
to one each policy year. Nationwide will refuse a request for a decrease which
would:

1.       reduce the specified amount to less than $50,000 ($100,000 in New
         Jersey and Pennsylvania) or;
2.       disqualify the policy as a contract for life insurance.

OPERATION OF THE POLICY

ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE

Nationwide allocates premium payments to sub-accounts or the fixed account, as
instructed by policy owners. All percentage allocations must be in whole
numbers, and must be at least 1%. The sum of allocations must equal 100%. Future
premium allocations may be changed by giving written notice to Nationwide.

Premiums allocated to a sub-account on the application are allocated to the NSAT
Money Market Fund during the period a policy owner can cancel the policy, unless
a specific state requires premiums to be allocated to the fixed account. At the
expiration of this period, these premiums are used to purchase shares of the
underlying mutual funds specified by the policy owner at net asset value for the
respective sub-account(s).

The policy owner may change the allocation of net premiums or may transfer cash
value from one sub-account to another. Changes are subject to the terms and
conditions imposed by each underlying mutual fund and those found in this
prospectus.

HOW THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE IS DETERMINED

The accumulation unit value for a valuation period is determined by multiplying
the accumulation unit value of each sub-account for the immediately preceding
valuation period by the net investment factor of the sub-account for the
subsequent valuation period. Though the number of accumulation units will not
change as a result of investment experience, the value of an accumulation unit
may increase or decrease from valuation period to valuation period. The number
of accumulation units will not change as a result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The net investment factor for any valuation period is determined by dividing (a)
by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:

(a)    is:

       (1)    the net asset value per share of the underlying mutual fund held
              in the sub-account as of the end of the current valuation period;
              and

       (2)    the per share amount of any dividend or income distributions made
              by the underlying mutual fund (if the ex-dividend date occurs
              during the current valuation period).

(b)    is the net asset value per share of the underlying mutual fund determined
       as of the end of the immediately preceding valuation period.

(c)    is a factor representing the daily mortality and expense risk charge
       deducted from the variable account. Such factor is guaranteed not to
       exceed an annual effective rate of 0.75% of the daily net assets of the
       variable account. On a current basis, this annual effective rate


                                       18
<PAGE>   24

       will be 0.40% during policy years 1-4, 0.25% during policy years 5-20,
       and 0.10% thereafter.

The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value
of an accumulation unit may increase or decrease. Currently, Nationwide does not
maintain a tax reserve with respect to the policies since income with respect to
the underlying mutual funds is not taxable to Nationwide or the variable
account. Nationwide reserves the right to adjust the calculation of the net
investment factor to reflect a tax reserve should such income of other items
become taxable to Nationwide. It should be noted that changes in the net
investment factor may not be directly proportional to changes in the net asset
value of underlying mutual fund shares because of the deduction for mortality
and expense risk charge.

DETERMINING THE CASH VALUE

The cash value is the sum of the value of all variable account accumulation
units attributable to the policy plus amounts credited to the fixed account and
the policy loan account.

The number of accumulation units credited to each sub-account is determined by
dividing the net amount allocated to the sub-account by the accumulation unit
value for the sub-account for the valuation period during which the premium is
received by Nationwide. In the event part or all of the cash value is
surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the cash value, an
appropriate number of accumulation units from the variable account and an
appropriate amount from the fixed account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the policy owner's interest in the variable account and the
fixed account bears to the total cash value.

The cash value in the fixed account and the policy loan account is credited with
interest daily at an effective annual rate which Nationwide periodically
declares. The annual effective rate will never be less than 3%. (For a
description of the annual effective credited rates, see "The Fixed Account" and
"Policy Loans.") Upon request, Nationwide will inform the policy owner of the
then applicable rates for each account.

TRANSFERS

The policy owner may transfer amounts between the fixed account and the variable
account without penalty or adjustment, subject to the following requirements:

- -      Nationwide reserves the right to limit such transfers to one per policy
       year.

- -      Transfers from the fixed account must be made within 45 days after the
       end of an interest rate guarantee period (the period of time for which
       the current interest rate is guaranteed by Nationwide).

- -      Nationwide reserves the right to restrict the amount transferred from the
       fixed account to 20% of the portion of the cash value attributable to the
       fixed account as of the end of the prior policy year. However, if the
       policy owner elects in writing to Nationwide to transfer all of the cash
       value attributable to the fixed account, the restriction for five
       successive policy years shall be 20%, 25%, 33%, 50% and 100%,
       respectively.

- -      Transfers to the fixed account may not be made prior to the first policy
       anniversary or within 12 months subsequent to a prior transfer.

- -      Nationwide reserves the right to restrict the amount transferred to the
       fixed account to 20% of that portion of the cash value attributable to
       the variable account as of the close of business of the prior valuation
       period.

- -      Nationwide reserves the right to refuse a transfer to the fixed account
       if the cash value attributable to the fixed account is greater than or
       equal to 30% of the cash value.

Transfer Requests

Nationwide will accept transfer requests in writing or over the telephone.
Nationwide will use reasonable procedures to confirm that


                                       19
<PAGE>   25

telephone instructions are genuine and will not be liable for following
instructions it reasonably determined to be genuine. Nationwide may withdraw the
telephone exchange privilege upon 30 days written notice to policy owners.

Market-Timing Firms

Some policy owners may use market-timing firms or other third parties to make
transfers on their behalf. Generally, in order to take advantage of perceived
market trends, market- timing firms will submit transfer requests on behalf of
multiple policy owners at the same time. Sometimes this can result in unusually
large transfers of funds. These large transfers might interfere with the ability
of Nationwide or the underlying mutual fund to process transactions. This can
potentially disadvantage policy owners not using market-timing firms. To avoid
this, Nationwide may modify the transfer rights of policy owners who use
market-timing firms (or other third parties) to initiate transfers on their
behalf.

The transfer rights of individual policy owners will not be modified in any way
when instructions are submitted directly by the policy owner, or by the policy
owner's representative (as authorized by the execution of a valid Nationwide
Limited Power of Attorney Form).

To protect policy owners, Nationwide may refuse transfer requests:

- -   submitted by any agent acting under a power of attorney on behalf of more
    than one policy owner; or

- -   submitted on behalf of individual policy owners who have executed
    pre-authorized exchange forms which are submitted by market-timing firms
    (or other third parties) on behalf of more than one policy owner at the
    same time.

Nationwide will not restrict transfer rights unless Nationwide believes it to be
necessary for the protection of all policy owners.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

A policy owner may cancel the policy by returning it by the latest of:

- -   10 days after receiving the policy;

- -   45 days after signing the application; or

- -   10 days after Nationwide delivers a Notice of Right to Withdrawal.

The policy can be mailed to the registered representative who sold it, or
directly to Nationwide.

Returned policies are deemed void from the beginning. Nationwide will refund the
amount prescribed by the state in which the policy was issued within seven days
after it receives the policy. The refunded policy value will reflect the
deduction of any policy charges, unless otherwise required by law. This right
varies by state.

POLICY LOANS

TAKING A POLICY LOAN

The policy owner may take a policy loan at any time using the policy as
security. Maximum policy indebtedness is limited to 90% of the cash value of the
sub-accounts, plus 100% of the cash value in the fixed account, plus 100% of the
cash value in the policy loan account. Nationwide will not grant a loan for an
amount less than $500 (unless otherwise required by state law). Policy
indebtedness will be deducted from the death benefit, cash surrender value upon
surrender, or the maturity proceeds.

Any request for a policy loan must be in written form. The request must be
signed and, where permitted, the signature guaranteed by a member firm of the
New York, American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchanges, or
by a commercial bank or a savings and loan which is a member of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation. Certain policy loans may result in currently
taxable income and tax penalties.

A policy owner considering the use of policy loans in connection with his or her
retirement


                                       20
<PAGE>   26

income plan should consult his or her personal tax adviser regarding potential
tax consequences that may arise if necessary payments are not made to keep the
policy from lapsing. The amount of the payments necessary to prevent the policy
from lapsing will increase with age.

EFFECT ON INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

When a loan is made, an amount equal to the amount of the loan is transferred
from the variable account to the policy loan account. If the assets relating to
a policy are held in more than one sub-account, withdrawals from sub-accounts
will be made in proportion to the assets in each sub-account at the time of the
loan. Policy loans will be transferred from the fixed account only when
sufficient amounts are not available in the sub-accounts.

The amount taken out of the variable account will not be affected by the
variable account's investment experience while the loan is outstanding.

INTEREST

The annual effective loan interest rate is guaranteed not to exceed 3.75%. On a
current basis, the loan interest rate is 3.4% in policy years 1-4, 3.25% in
policy years 5-20, and 3.10% thereafter.

On a current and guaranteed basis, the cash value in the policy loan account is
credited with an annual effective rate of 3% during policy years 2 and
thereafter. Nationwide may change the current interest crediting rate on the
policy loans at any time at its sole discretion. However, the crediting rate is
guaranteed never to be lower than 3% during policy years 1 through 10 and 3.65%
during the 11th and subsequent policy years.

If it is determined that such loans will be treated, as a result of the
differential between the interest crediting rate and the loan interest rate, as
taxable distributions under any applicable ruling, regulation, or court
decision, Nationwide retains the right to increase the net cost (by decreasing
the interest crediting rate) on all subsequent policy loans to an amount that
would result in the transaction being treated as a loan under federal tax law.
If this amount is not prescribed by such ruling, regulation, or court decision,
the amount will be that which Nationwide considers to be more likely to result
in the transaction being treated as a loan under federal tax law.

Amounts transferred to the policy loan account will earn interest daily from the
date of transfer. The earned interest is transferred from the policy loan
account to a variable account or the fixed account on each policy anniversary,
at the time a new loan is requested, or at the time of loan repayment. It will
be allocated according to the fund allocation factors in effect at the time of
the transfer.

Interest is charged daily and is payable at the end of each policy year or at
the time of loan repayment. Unpaid interest will be added to the existing policy
indebtedness as of the due date and will be charged interest at the same rate as
the rest of the indebtedness.

Whenever the total policy indebtedness exceeds the cash value, Nationwide will
send a notice to the policy owner and the assignee, if any. The policy will
terminate without value 61 days after the mailing of the notice unless a
sufficient repayment is made during that period. A repayment is sufficient if it
is large enough to reduce the total policy indebtedness to an amount equal to
the total cash value plus an amount sufficient to continue the policy in force
for 3 months.

EFFECT ON DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE

A policy loan, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the death
benefit and cash value because the investment results of the variable account or
the fixed account will apply only to the non-loaned portion of the cash value.
The longer the loan is outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to be.
Depending on the investment results of the variable account or the fixed account
while the loan is outstanding, the effect could be favorable or unfavorable.



                                       21
<PAGE>   27

REPAYMENT

All or part of the indebtedness may be repaid at any time while the policy is in
force during the insured's lifetime. Any payment intended as a premium payment,
rather than a loan repayment, must be identified as such. Loan repayments will
be credited to the sub-accounts and the fixed account in proportion to the
policy owner's underlying mutual fund allocation factors in effect at the time
of the repayment. Each repayment may not be less than $50. Nationwide reserves
the right to require that any loan repayments resulting from policy loans
transferred from the fixed account must be first allocated to the fixed account.

ASSIGNMENT

While the insured is living, the policy owner may assign his or her rights in
the policy. The assignment must be in writing, signed by the policy owner and
recorded at Nationwide's home office. Prior to being recorded, assignments will
not affect any payments made or actions taken by Nationwide. Nationwide is not
responsible for any assignment not submitted for recording, nor is Nationwide
responsible for the sufficiency or validity of any assignment. Assignments are
subject to any indebtedness owed to Nationwide before being recorded.

POLICY OWNER SERVICES

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term transfer program that allows you to make
regular, level investments over time. It involves the automatic transfer of a
specified amount from the fixed account and/or certain sub-accounts into other
sub-accounts. Policy owners may participate in this program if their policy
value is at least $15,000. Nationwide does not guarantee that this program will
result in profit or protect policy owners from loss.

Policy owners direct Nationwide to automatically transfer specified amounts from
the fixed account and the following underlying mutual fund options: Federated
Insurance Series - Federated Quality Bond Fund II, Fidelity VIP High Income
Portfolio; NSAT Government Bond Fund; NSAT Nationwide High Income Bond Fund; and
the NSAT Money Market Fund.

The minimum monthly transfer is $100. Transfers from the fixed account must be
equal to or less than 1/30th of the fixed account value at the time the program
is requested.

Transfers occur monthly or on another frequency if permitted by Nationwide.
Nationwide will process transfers until either the value in the originating
investment option is exhausted, or the policy owner instructs Nationwide in
writing to stop the transfers.

Nationwide reserves the right to stop establishing new Dollar Cost Averaging
programs. Nationwide reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this
service.

DEATH BENEFIT INFORMATION

CALCULATION OF THE DEATH BENEFIT

At issue, the policy owner selects the specified amount and the death benefit
option. At issue, the policy owner also irrevocably elects either of the
following tests qualifying the policy as life insurance under Section 7702 of
the Internal Revenue Code: (1) guideline premium/cash value corridor test; or
(2) the cash value accumulation test.

While the policy is in force, the death benefit will never be less than the
specified amount. The death benefit may vary with the cash value of the policy,
which depends on investment performance.

The policy owner may choose one of three death benefit options.

OPTION 1: the death benefit will be the greater of the specified amount or the
applicable percentage of cash value. Under Option 1, the amount of the death
benefit will ordinarily not change for several years to reflect the investment
performance and may not change at


                                       22
<PAGE>   28


all. If investment performance is favorable, the amount of death benefit may
increase. To see how and when investment performance will begin to affect death
benefits, see the illustrations in Appendix B.

OPTION 2: the death benefit will be the greater of the specified amount plus the
cash value as of the date of death, or the applicable percentage of cash value
and will vary directly with the investment performance.

OPTION 3: the death benefit is the greater of: the applicable percentage of the
cash value as of the date of death; or the sum of the specified amount and the
lesser of: (i) the maximum increase amount shown on the policy, or (ii) the
amount of all premium payments and interest accrued at the Option 3 interest
rate as shown in the policy, accumulated up to the date of death, less any
partial surrenders and applicable interest accrued at the Option 3 interest rate
as shown in the policy. Once elected, Option 3 is irrevocable.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                        APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF CASH VALUE
                                    GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Attained         Percentage         Attained        Percentage         Attained        Percentage
       Age           of Cash Value         Age          of Cash Value         Age          of Cash Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>                <C>                <C>             <C>                <C>             <C>
      0-40               250%               60              130%               80              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        41               243%               61              128%               81              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        42               236%               62              126%               82              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        43               229%               63              124%               83              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        44               222%               64              122%               84              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        45               215%               65              120%               85              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        46               209%               66              119%               86              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        47               203%               67              118%               87              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        48               197%               68              117%               88              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        49               191%               69              116%               89              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        50               185%               70              115%               90              105%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        51               178%               71              113%               91              104%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        52               171%               72              111%               92              103%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        53               164%               73              109%               93              102%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        54               157%               74              107%               94              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        55               150%               75              105%               95              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        56               146%               76              105%               96              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        57               142%               77              105%               97              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        58               138%               78              105%               98              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        59               134%               79              105%               99              101%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

In the event the policy owner has a substandard rating, the above percentages
will differ.


                                       23
<PAGE>   29
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                        APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE OF CASH VALUE
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Attained         Percentage         Attained        Percentage         Attained        Percentage
       Age           of Cash Value         Age          of Cash Value         Age          of Cash Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>             <C>                 <C>            <C>                 <C>            <C>
        16              708.43%             44             292.29%             72             141.69%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        17              687.69%             45             283.37%             73             139.10%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        18              667.85%             46             274.79%             74             136.66%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        19              648.73%             47             266.55%             75             134.38%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        20              630.14%             48             258.61%             76             133.56%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        21              611.94%             49             250.98%             77             132.83%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        22              594.06%             50             243.65%             78             132.18%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        23              576.45%             51             236.59%             79             131.58%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        24              559.07%             52             229.82%             80             131.04%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        25              541.95%             53             223.34%             81             130.55%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        26              525.08%             54             217.13%             82             130.12%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        27              508.52%             55             211.19%             83             127.37%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        28              492.32%             56             205.51%             84             124.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        29              476.49%             57             200.06%             85             122.27%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        30              461.08%             58             194.84%             86             119.90%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        31              446.10%             59             189.84%             87             117.63%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        32              431.57%             60             185.03%             88             115.44%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        33              417.50%             61             180.43%             89             113.31%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        34              403.89%             62             176.02%             90             112.35%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        35              390.73%             63             171.81%             91             111.38%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        36              378.03%             64             167.80%             92             110.38%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        37              365.79%             65             163.98%             93             109.32%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        38              354.01%             66             160.34%             94             108.18%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        39              342.67%             67             156.86%             95             106.94%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        40              331.77%             68             153.54%             96             105.62%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        41              321.30%             69             150.37%             97             104.27%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        42              311.24%             70             147.33%             98             102.99%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        43              301.57%             71             144.44%             99             100.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

In the event the policy owner has a substandard rating, the above percentages
will differ.



                                       24
<PAGE>   30

CHANGES IN THE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION

After the first policy year, the policy owner may elect to change the death
benefit option under the policy from either Option 1 to Option 2, or from Option
2 to Option 1. Initial elections to Option 3 are irrevocable and may not be
changed.

Only one change of death benefit option is permitted per policy year. The
effective date of a change will be the monthly anniversary day following the
date the change is approved by Nationwide.

In order for any change in the death benefit option to become effective, the
cash surrender value after a change must be sufficient to keep the policy in
force for at least three months.

Nationwide will adjust the specified amount so that the net amount at risk
remains constant before and after the death benefit option change. A change in
death benefit option will not be permitted if it results in the specified amount
being reduced to an amount in which the total premiums paid exceed the premium
limit required by state law to qualify the policy as a contract for life
insurance.

PROCEEDS PAYABLE ON DEATH

The actual death proceeds payable on the insured's death will be the death
benefit as described above, less any policy indebtedness and less any unpaid
policy charges. Under certain circumstances, the death proceeds may be adjusted
(see "Incontestability," "Error in Age," and "Suicide").

INCONTESTABILITY

Nationwide will not contest payment of the death proceeds based on the initial
specified amount after the policy has been in force during the insured's
lifetime for 2 years from the policy date. For any increase in specified amount
requiring evidence of insurability, Nationwide will not contest payment of the
death proceeds based on such an increase after it has been in force during the
insured's lifetime for 2 years from its effective date.

ERROR IN AGE

If the age of the insured has been misstated, the affected benefits will be
adjusted. The amount of the death benefit will be (1) multiplied by (2) and then
the result added to (3), where:

1)    is the amount of the death benefit at the time of the insured's death
      reduced by the amount of the cash value at the time of the insured's
      death;

2)    is the ratio of the monthly cost of insurance applied in the policy month
      of death and the monthly cost of insurance that should have been applied
      at the true age in the policy month of death; and

3)    is the cash value at the time of the insured's death.

SUICIDE

If the insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the
policy date, Nationwide will pay no more than the sum of the premiums paid, less
any indebtedness. If the insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within
two years from the date an application is accepted for an increase in the
specified amount, Nationwide will pay no more than the amount paid for the
additional benefit.

MATURITY PROCEEDS

The maturity date is the policy anniversary on or next following the insured's
100th birthday. If the policy is still in force, maturity proceeds are payable
to the policy owner on the maturity date. Maturity proceeds are equal to the
amount of the policy's cash value, less any indebtedness.

RIGHT OF CONVERSION

The policy owner may at any time, upon written request to Nationwide within 24
months of the policy date, make an irrevocable, one-time election to transfer
all sub-account cash value to the fixed account. The right of conversion is
subject to state availability.


                                       25
<PAGE>   31


GRACE PERIOD

If the cash surrender value on a monthly anniversary day is not sufficient to
cover the current policy charges, a grace period of 61 days from the monthly
anniversary day will be allowed for the payment of a premium of at least three
times the current monthly deduction. Nationwide will send the policy owner a
notice at the start of the grace period, at the address in the application or
another address specified by the policy owner, stating the amount of premium
required. If sufficient premium is not received by Nationwide by the end of the
grace period, the policy will lapse without value. If death proceeds become
payable during the grace period, Nationwide will pay the death proceeds.

REINSTATEMENT

If the grace period ends and the policy owner has neither paid the required
premium nor surrendered the policy for its cash surrender value, the policy
owner may reinstate the policy by:

   1.  submitting a written request at any time within 3 years after the end of
       the grace period and prior to the maturity date;

   2.  providing evidence of insurability satisfactory to Nationwide;

   3.  paying sufficient premium to cover all policy charges that were due and
       unpaid during the grace period;

   4.  paying sufficient premium to keep the policy in force for 3 months from
       the date of reinstatement; and

   5.  paying or reinstating any indebtedness against the policy which existed
       at the end of the grace period.

The effective date of a reinstated policy will be the monthly anniversary day on
or next following the date the application for reinstatement is approved by
Nationwide. If the policy is reinstated, the cash value on the date of
reinstatement, but prior to applying any premiums or loan repayments received,
will be set equal to the cash value at the end of the grace period.

Amounts will be allocated based on the fund allocation factors in effect at the
start of the grace period, unless the policy owner provides otherwise.

TAX MATTERS

POLICY PROCEEDS

Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that if certain tests are
met, a policy will be treated as a life insurance policy for federal tax
purposes. Nationwide will monitor compliance with these tests. The policy should
thus receive the same federal income tax treatment as fixed benefit life
insurance. As a result, the death proceeds payable under a policy are excludable
from gross income of the beneficiary under Section 101 of the Internal Revenue
Code.

Section 7702A of the Internal Revenue Code defines modified endowment contracts
as those policies issued or materially changed on or after June 21, 1988 on
which the total premiums paid during the first seven years exceed the amount
that would have been paid if the policy provided for paid up benefits after
seven level annual premiums (see "Information about the Policies"). The Internal
Revenue Code states that taxation of surrenders, partial surrenders, loans,
collateral assignments and other pre-death distributions from modified endowment
contracts (other than certain distributions to terminally ill individuals) are
subject to federal income taxes in a manner similar to the way annuities are
taxed. Modified endowment contract distributions are defined by the Internal
Revenue Code as amounts not received as an annuity and are taxable to the extent
the cash value of the policy exceeds, at the time of distribution, the premiums
paid into the policy. A 10% tax penalty generally applies to the taxable portion
of such distributions unless the policy owner is over age 59 1/2 or disabled or
the distribution is part of an annuity to the policy owner as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code. Under certain circumstances, certain


                                       26
<PAGE>   32

distributions made under a policy on the life of a "terminally ill individual",
as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code, are excludable from gross
income.

The policies offered by this prospectus may or may not be issued as modified
endowment contracts. Nationwide will monitor premiums paid and will notify the
policy owner when the policy's non-modified endowment status is in jeopardy. If
a policy is not a modified endowment contract, a cash distribution during the
first 15 years after a policy is issued which causes a reduction in death
benefits may still become fully or partially taxable to the policy owner
pursuant to Section 7702(f)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. The policy owner
should carefully consider this potential effect and seek further information
before initiating any changes in the terms of the policy. Under certain
conditions, a policy may become a modified endowment as a result of a material
change or a reduction in benefits as defined by Section 7702A(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition to meeting the tests required under Section 7702,
Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code requires that the investments of
separate accounts such as the variable account be adequately diversified.
Regulations under 817(h) provide that a variable life policy that fails to
satisfy the diversification standards will not be treated as life insurance
unless such failure was inadvertent, is corrected, and the policy owner or
Nationwide pays an amount to the IRS. The amount will be based on the tax that
would have been paid by the policy owner if the income, for the period the
policy was not diversified, had been received by the policy owner.

If the failure to diversify is not corrected in this manner, the policy owner
will be deemed the owner of the underlying securities and taxed on the earnings
of his or her account.

Representatives of the IRS have suggested, from time to time, that the number of
underlying mutual funds available or the number of transfer opportunities
available under a variable product may be relevant in determining whether the
product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No formal guidance has been
issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the Treasury issue additional rules
or regulations limiting the number of underlying mutual funds, transfers between
underlying mutual funds, exchanges of underlying mutual funds or changes in
investment objectives of underlying mutual funds such that the policy would no
longer qualify as life insurance under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue
Code, Nationwide will take whatever steps are available to remain in compliance.

Nationwide will monitor compliance with these regulations and, to the extent
necessary, will change the objectives or assets of the sub-account investments
to remain in compliance.

A total surrender or cancellation of the policy by lapse or the maturity of the
policy on its maturity date may have adverse tax consequences. If the amount
received by the policy owner plus total policy Indebtedness exceeds the premiums
paid into the policy, the excess generally will be treated as taxable income,
regardless of whether or not the policy is a modified endowment contract.

WITHHOLDING

Distributions of income from a modified endowment contract are subject to
federal income tax withholding; however, the recipient may elect not to have the
withholding taken from the distribution. A distribution of income from a
modified endowment contract may be subject to mandatory back-up withholding
(which cannot be waived). The mandatory back-up withholding rate is 31% of the
income that is distributed and will arise of no taxpayer identification number
is provided to Nationwide, or if the IRS notifies Nationwide that back-up
withholding is required.

FEDERAL ESTATE AND GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES

The federal estate tax is integrated with the federal gift tax under a unified
tax rate schedule. In general, in 1999, an estate of less than $625,000
(inclusive of certain pre-death gifts)


                                       27
<PAGE>   33

will not incur a federal estate tax liability. In addition, an unlimited marital
deduction may be available for federal estate tax purposes, for certain amounts
that pass to the surviving spouse.

When the insured dies, the death benefit will generally be included in the
insured's federal gross estate if: (1) the proceeds were payable to or for the
benefit of the insured's estate; or (2) the insured held any "incident of
ownership" in the policy at death or at any time within three years of death. An
incident of ownership is, in general, any right that may be exercised by the
policy owner, such as the right to borrow on the policy, or the right to name a
new beneficiary.

If the policy owner (whether or not he or she is the insured) transfers
ownership of the policy to another person, such transfer may be subject to a
federal gift tax. In addition, if such policy owner transfers the policy to
someone two or more generations younger than the policy owner, the transfer may
be subject to the federal generation-skipping transfer tax ("GSTT"), the taxable
amount being the value of the policy.

Similarly, if the beneficiary is two or more generations younger than the
insured, the payment of the death proceeds at the death of the insured may be
subject to the GSTT. Pursuant to regulations recently promulgated by the U.S.
Secretary of the Treasury, Nationwide may be required to withhold a portion of
the death proceeds and pay them directly to the IRS as the GSTT liability.

The GSTT provisions generally apply to the same transfers that are subject to
estate or gift taxes.

The tax rate is a flat rate equal to the maximum estate tax rate (currently
55%), and there is a provision for an aggregate $1 million exemption. Due to the
complexity of these rules, the policy owner should consult with counsel and
other competent advisors regarding these taxes.

NON-RESIDENT ALIENS

Pre-death distributions from modified endowment contracts to nonresident aliens
("NRAs") are generally subject to federal income tax and tax withholding, at a
statutory rate of 30% of the amount of income that is distributed. Nationwide is
required to withhold such amount from the distribution and remit it to the IRS.
Distributions to certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in certain instances
zero, tax and withholding rates, if the United States has entered into an
applicable treaty. However, in order to obtain the benefits of such treaty
provisions, the NRA must give to Nationwide sufficient proof of his or her
residency and citizenship in the form and manner prescribed by the IRS. In
addition, the NRA must obtain an individual taxpayer identification number from
the IRS, and furnish that number to Nationwide prior to the distribution. If
Nationwide does not have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and a
proper individual taxpayer identification number prior to any distribution,
Nationwide will be required to withhold 30% of the income, regardless of any
treaty provision.

A pre-death distribution may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes to Nationwide that such payment is effectively
connected to the recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States
and that such payment is includible in the recipient's gross income for United
States federal income tax purposes, Any such distributions may be subject to
back-up withholding at the statutory rate (currently 31%) if no taxpayer
identification number, or an incorrect taxpayer identification number, is
provided.

State and local estate, inheritance, income and other tax consequences of
ownership or receipt of policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each
policy owner or beneficiary.

TAXATION OF NATIONWIDE

Nationwide is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal Revenue Code.
Since the variable account is not a separate entity from


                                       28
<PAGE>   34


Nationwide and its operations form a part of Nationwide, it will not be taxed
separately as a "regulated investment company" under Sub-chapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code. Investment income and realized capital gains on the
assets of the variable account are reinvested and taken into account in
determining the value of accumulation units. As a result, such investment income
and realized capital gains are automatically applied to increase reserves under
the policies.

Nationwide does not initially expect to incur any federal income tax liability
that would be chargeable to the variable account. Based upon these expectations,
no charge is currently being made against the variable account for federal
income taxes. If, however, Nationwide determines that on a separate company
basis such taxes may be incurred, it reserves the right to assess a charge for
such taxes against the variable account.

Nationwide may also incur state and local taxes (in addition to premium taxes)
in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant. If they
increase, however, charges for such taxes may be made.

TAX CHANGES

The foregoing discussion, which is based on Nationwide's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the IRS, is general and is
not intended as tax advice.

The Internal Revenue Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and changes,
and it is reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised. The United
States Congress has, in the past, considered numerous legislative proposals
that, if enacted, could change the tax treatment of the policies. It is
reasonable to believe that such proposals, and future proposals, may be enacted
into law. In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department may amend existing
regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new interpretations of existing law
that may be at variance with its current positions on these matters. In
addition, current state law (which is not discussed herein), and future
amendments to state law, may affect the tax consequences of the policy.

If the policy owner, insured, or beneficiary or other person receiving any
benefit or interest in or from the policy is not both a resident and citizen of
the United States, there may be a tax imposed by a foreign country, in addition
to any tax imposed by the United States. The foreign law (including regulations,
rulings, and case law) may change and impose additional taxes on the policy, the
death proceeds, or other distributions and/or ownership of the policy, or a
treaty may be amended and all or part of the favorable treatment may be
eliminated.

Any or all of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and
the tax consequences arising out of a policy may be changed retroactively. There
is no way of predicting if, when, or to what extent any such change may take
place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the continuation of
these current laws, interpretations, and policies.

The foregoing is a general explanation as to certain tax matters pertaining to
insurance policies. It is not intended to be legal or tax advice, and should not
take the place of your independent legal, tax and/or financial advisor.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

On July 6, 1983, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Arizona Governing Committee v.
Norris that certain annuity benefits provided by employers' retirement and
fringe benefit programs may not vary between men and women on the basis of sex.
This decision applies only to benefits derived from premiums made on or after
August 1, 1983. The policies offered by this prospectus are based upon actuarial
tables which distinguish between men and women. Thus the policies provide
different benefits to men and women of the same age. Accordingly, employers and
employee organizations should consider, in consultation with legal counsel, the
impact of Norris on any employment related insurance or benefit program before
purchasing this policy.


                                       29
<PAGE>   35

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

Nationwide has developed and implemented a plan to address issues related to the
Year 2000. The problem relates to may existing computer systems using only two
digits to identify a year in a date field. These systems were designed and
developed without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century.
If not corrected, many computer systems could fail or create erroneous results
when processing information dated after December 31, 1999. Like many
organizations, Nationwide is required to renovate or replace many computer
systems so that the systems will function properly after December 31, 1999.

Nationwide has completed an inventory and assessment of all computer systems and
has implemented a plan to renovate or replace all applications that were
identified as not Year 2000 compliant. Nationwide has renovated all applications
that required renovation. Testing of the renovated programs included running
each application in a Year 2000 environment and was completed as planned during
1998. For applications being replaced, Nationwide had all replacement systems in
place and functioning as planned by year-end 1998. Conversions of existing
traditional life policies will continue through second quarter, 1999. In
addition, the shareholder services system that support our mutual fund products
will be fully deployed in the first quarter of 1999.

Nationwide has completed an inventory and assessment of all vendor products and
has tested and certified that each vendor product is Year 2000 compliant. Any
vendor products that could not be certified as Year 2000 compliant were replaced
or eliminated in 1998.

Nationwide has also addressed issues associated with the exchange of electronic
data with external organizations. Nationwide has completed an inventory and
assessment of all business partners including electronic interfaces. Processes
have been put in place and programs initiated to process data irrespective of
the format by converting non-compliant data into a Year 2000 compliant format.

Systems supporting Nationwide's infrastructure such as telecommunications, voice
and networks will be compliant by March 1999. Nationwide's assessment of Year
2000 issues has also included non-information technology systems with embedded
computer chips. Nationwide's building systems such as fire, security, elevators
and escalators supporting facilities in Columbus, Ohio have been tested and are
Year 2000 compliant.

In addition to resolving internal Year 2000 readiness issues, Nationwide is
surveying significant external organizations (business partners) to assess if
they will be Year 2000 compliant and be in a position to do business in the Year
2000 and beyond. Specifically, Nationwide has contacted mutual fund
organizations that provide funds for our variable annuity and life products. The
same action will continue during the first quarter of 1999 with wholesale
producers. Nationwide continues its efforts to identify external risk factors
and is planning to develop contingency plans as part of its ongoing risk
management strategy.

Operating expenses for Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("NLIC") in 1998 and
1997 included approximately $44.7 million and $45.4 million, respectively, for
technology projects, including costs related to Year 2000. NLIC anticipates
spending approximately $5 million on Year 2000 activities in 1999. These
expenses do not have an effect on the assets of the variable account and are not
charged through to the contract owner.

Management does not anticipate that the completion of Year 2000 renovation and
replacement activities will result in a reduction in operating expenses. Rather,
personnel and resources currently allocated to Year 2000 issues will be assigned
to other technology-related projects.

STATE REGULATION

Nationwide is subject to the laws of Ohio governing insurance companies and to
regulation by the Ohio Insurance Department. An annual statement in a prescribed
form is


                                       30
<PAGE>   36

filed with the Insurance Department each year covering the operation of
Nationwide for the preceding year and its financial condition as of the end of
such year. Regulation by the Insurance Department includes periodic examination
to determine Nationwide's contract liabilities and reserves so that the
Insurance Department may certify the items are correct. Nationwide's books and
accounts are subject to review by the Insurance Department at all times and a
full examination of its operations is conducted periodically by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners. Such regulation does not, however,
involve any supervision of management or investment practices or policies. In
addition, Nationwide is subject to regulation under the insurance laws of other
jurisdictions in which it may operate.

REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS

Nationwide will mail to the policy owner at the last known address of record:

- -    an annual statement containing: the amount of the current death benefit,
     cash value, cash surrender value, premiums paid, monthly charges deducted,
     amounts invested in the fixed account and the sub-accounts, and policy
     indebtedness;

- -    annual and semi-annual reports containing all applicable information and
     financial statements or their equivalent, which must be sent to the
     underlying mutual fund beneficial shareholders as required by the rules
     under the Investment Company Act of 1940 for the variable account; and

- -    statements of significant transactions, such as changes in specified
     amount, changes in death benefit options, changes in future premium
     allocations, transfers among sub-accounts, premium payments, loans, loan
     repayments, reinstatement and termination.

ADVERTISING

Nationwide is ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
including Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The purpose of these
ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying ability of
Nationwide. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment experience or
financial strength of the variable account. Nationwide may advertise these
ratings from time to time. In addition, Nationwide may include in certain
advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals
or other parties which recommend Nationwide or the policies. Furthermore,
Nationwide may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently
taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Nationwide is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary
course of its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse
effect on Nationwide.

Nationwide is a party to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary
course of its business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse
effect on Nationwide.

The general distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. is not engaged in
any litigation of any material nature.

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance and
annuity pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
substantial jury awards or settlements.

On October 29, 1998, Nationwide and certain of its subsidiaries were named in a
lawsuit filed in Ohio state court related to the sale of deferred annuity
products for use as investments in tax-deferred contributory retirement plans
(Mercedes Castillo v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company). The
plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national class of Nationwide's
customers and seeks unspecified


                                       31
<PAGE>   37

compensatory and punitive damages. Nationwide currently is evaluating this
lawsuit, which has not been certified as a class. Nationwide intends to defend
this lawsuit vigorously.

There can be no assurance that any litigation relating to pricing or sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on Nationwide in the future.
EXPERTS

The audited financial statements have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG LLP, independent certified public accountants, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

A registration statement has been filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, with respect to the policies offered hereby. This prospectus
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and
amendments thereto and exhibits filed as a part thereof, to all of which
reference is hereby made for further information concerning the variable
account, Nationwide, and the policies offered hereby. Statements contained in
this prospectus as to the content of policies and other legal instruments are
summaries. For a complete statement of the terms thereof, reference is made to
such instruments as filed.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Legal matters in connection with the policies described herein are being passed
upon by Dietrich, Reynolds & Koogler, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio
43215. All the members of such firm are employed by the Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

The policies will be sold by licensed insurance agents in those states where the
policies may lawfully be sold. Agents are registered representatives of broker
dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are member
firms of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The
policies will be distributed by the general distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"). NAS was organized as an Ohio corporation on April 8,
1965. NAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide and a member of the NASD.

NAS acts as general distributor for the following separate accounts, all of
which are separate investment accounts of Nationwide or its affiliates:

- -        Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
- -        Nationwide Variable Account-II
- -        Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2
- -        Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3
- -        Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4
- -        Nationwide VLI Separate Account-5
- -        Nationwide Variable Account
- -        Nationwide Variable Account-5
- -        Nationwide Variable Account-6
- -        Nationwide Variable Account-9
- -        Nationwide Variable Account-10
- -        Nationwide VA Separate Account-A
- -        Nationwide VA Separate Account-B
- -        Nationwide VA Separate Account-C
- -        Nationwide VL Separate Account-A
- -        Nationwide VL Separate Account-B
- -        Nationwide VL Separate Account-C
- -        Nationwide VL Separate Account-D.

NAS also acts as principal underwriter for the following open-end management
investment companies:

- -        Nationwide Mutual Funds;
- -        Nationwide Separate Account Trust; and
- -        Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust.

Gross first year commissions plus any expense allowance payments made by
Nationwide on the sale of these policies distributed by NAS will not exceed 40%
of target premium plus 5% of any excess premium payments in year one and 25% of
target premium plus 5% on the excess premium in years two through four. Gross
renewal commissions paid at the beginning of


                                       32
<PAGE>   38


policy year five and beyond by Nationwide will not exceed greater of 5% of
target premium plus 5% on the excess premium or an annual effective rate of
0.20%, paid quarterly, of the cash value as of the end of the prior quarter. For
single premium modified endowment contracts issued on or after May 1, 1999,
gross renewal commissions paid at the beginning of policy year two and beyond
will not exceed an annual rate of 0.20%, paid quarterly, of the cash value as of
the end of the prior quarter.

No underwriting commissions have been paid by Nationwide to NAS.




                                       33
<PAGE>   39

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    POSITIONS AND OFFICES
      NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                    President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimon R. McFerson                            Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman and Chief Executive
One Nationwide Plaza                                                 Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Oakley                               Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan A. Wolken                                                            Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul J. Hondros                                                            Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                        Executive Vice President - Chief Investment Officer and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edwin P. McCausland, Jr.                                Senior Vice President-Fixed Income Securities
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles S. Bath                                                  Vice President - Investments
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan A. Todryk                                                    Vice President - Taxation
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dennis W. Click                                                  Vice President and Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William G. Goslee                                                       Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James F. Laird, Jr.                                           Vice President and General Manager
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph P. Rath                                                   Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christopher A. Cray                                                       Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth A. Davin                                                   Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       34
<PAGE>   40

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    POSITIONS AND OFFICES
      NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                 <C>
David E. Simaitis                                                    Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patricia J. Smith                                                    Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT NATIONWIDE

The life insurance business, including annuities, is the only business in which
Nationwide is engaged.

Nationwide markets its policies through independent insurance brokers, general
agents, and registered representatives of registered NASD broker/dealer firms.

Nationwide serves as depositor for the following separate investment accounts,
each of which is a registered investment company:

- - Nationwide VA Separate Account - A
- - Nationwide VA Separate Account - B
- - Nationwide VA Separate Account - C
- - Nationwide VL Separate Account - A
- - Nationwide VL Separate Account - B
- - Nationwide VL Separate Account - C
- - Nationwide VL Separate Account - D

Nationwide, in common with other insurance companies, is subject to regulation
and supervision by the regulatory authorities of the states in which it is
licensed to do business. A license from the state insurance department is a
prerequisite to the transaction of insurance business in that state. In general,
all states have statutory administrative powers. Such regulation relates, among
other things, to licensing of insurers and their agents, the approval of policy
forms, the methods of computing reserves, the form and content of statutory
financial statements, the amount of policyholders' and stockholders' dividends,
and the type of distribution of investments permitted.

Nationwide operates in the highly competitive field of life insurance. There are
approximately 2,300 stock, mutual and other types of insurers in the life
insurance business in the United States, and a large number of them compete with
the registrant in the sale of insurance policies.

As is customary in insurance company groups, employees are shared with the other
insurance companies in the group. In addition to its direct salaried employees,
Nationwide shares employees with Nationwide Life Insurance Company, Nationwide
Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

Nationwide does not presently own or lease any materially important physical
properties when its property holdings are viewed in relation to its total
assets. Nationwide shares Home Office, other facilities and equipment with
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Company Management

Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company, together with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company and
Nationwide General Insurance Company and their affiliated companies comprise the
Nationwide group. The companies listed above have substantially common boards of
directors and officers.

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS") is the sole shareholder of
Nationwide. NFS serves as a holding company for other financial institutions.
Nationwide Life Insurance


                                       35
<PAGE>   41

Company is the sole owner of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

Each of the directors and officers listed below is a director or officer
respectively of at least one or more of the other major insurance affiliates of
the Nationwide group. Messrs. McFerson, Gasper, Woodward and Ms. Thomas are also
trustees of one or more of the registered investment companies distributed by
Nationwide Advisory Services, a registered broker-dealer affiliated with the
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.


                                       36
<PAGE>   42
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


DIRECTORS OF NATIONWIDE

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS OF THE DEPOSITOR NAME AND
     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                                            WITH DEPOSITOR        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                    <C>
Lewis J. Alphin                                Director           Farm Owner and Operator (1)
519 Bethel Church Road
Mount Olive, NC 28365
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. I. Bell                                     Director           Farm Owner and Operator (1)
4121 North River Road West
Zanesville, OH 43701
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth D. Davis                               Director           Farm Owner and Operator (1)
7229 Woodmansee Road
Leesburg, OH 45135
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel                                 Director           Partner, Fred W. Eckel Sons; President, Eckel
1647 Falls Road                                                   Farms, Inc. (1)
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel                               Director           Retired General Manager, Lyon County Co-operative
301 East Marshall Street                                          Oil Company (1)
Marshall, MN 44691
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney                                 Director           Owner and Operator, Moreland Fruit Farm; Operator,
1558 West Moreland Road                                           Melrose Orchard (1)
Wooster, OH 44691
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper                      President and Chief         President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide
One Nationwide Plaza                  Operating Officer and       Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and
Columbus, OH 43215                    Director                    Annuity Insurance Company (2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dimon R. McFerson                     Chairman and Chief          Chairman and Chief Executive Officer- (2)
One Nationwide Plaza                  Executive Officer and
Columbus, OH 43215                    Director
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David O. Miller                       Chairman of the Board and   President, Owen Potato Farm, Inc.; Partner, M&M
115 Sprague Drive                     Director                    Enterprises (1)
Hebron, OH 43025
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yvonne L. Montgomery                           Director           Senior Vice President-General Manager Southern
Suite 1600                                                        Customer Operations for U.S. Customer Operations,
2859 Paces Ferry Road                                             Xerox Corporation (2)
Atlanta, GA 30339
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ralph M. Paige                                 Director           Executive Director Federation of Southern
2769 Church Street                                                Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund
East Point, GA 30344
- ------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

                                       37
<PAGE>   43
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS OF THE DEPOSITOR NAME AND
     PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS         POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                                            WITH DEPOSITOR        PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>
James F. Patterson                             Director           Vice President, Pattersons, Inc.; President,
8765 Mulberry Road                                                Patterson Farms, Inc. (1)
Chesterland, OH 44026
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler                               Director           President and Chief Executive Officer, K&B
1356 North Wenger Road                                            Transport, Inc. (1)
Dalton, OH 44618
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart                              Director           Owner and Operator Sunnydale Farms and Mining (1)
88740 Fairview Road
Jewett, OH 43986
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas                                Director           Farm Owner and Operator, Da-Ma-Lor Farms (1)
1733A Westwood Avenue
Alliance, OH 44601
- ------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


(1)     Principal occupation for last 5 years
(2)     Prior to assuming this current position, held other executive management
        positions with the same or affiliated companies.

Each of the directors is a director of the other major insurance affiliates of
the Nationwide group, except Mr. Gasper who is a director only of Nationwide
Life Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
Messrs. McFerson and Gasper are directors of Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.,
a registered broker-dealer.

Messrs. McFerson, Miller, Patterson, and Shisler are directors of Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc. Mr. McFerson and Ms. Thomas are trustees of Nationwide
Mutual Funds, a registered investment company. Messrs. McFerson, Gasper and
Woodward are trustees of Nationwide Separate Account Trust and Nationwide Asset
Allocation Trust, registered investment companies. Mr. McFerson is trustee of
Nationwide Mutual Funds, a registered investment company. Mr. Engel is a
director of Western Cooperative Transport.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF NATIONWIDE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR                         OFFICES OF THE DEPOSITOR
NAME AND PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ADDRESS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>
Dennis W. Click                                   Vice President - Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Oakley                                  Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                           Executive Vice President-Chief Investment Officer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James E. Brock                                    Senior Vice President - Corporate Development
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John R. Cook, Jr.                                 Senior Vice President - Chief Communications Officer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                       38
<PAGE>   44
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                               <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip C. Gath                                   Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard D. Headley                                Senior Vice President - Chief Information Technology Officer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donna A. James                                    Senior Vice President - Human Resources
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard A. Karas                                  Senior Vice President - Sales and Financial Services
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douglas C. Robinette                              Senior Vice President - Marketing and Product Management
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Susan A. Wolken                                   Senior Vice President - Life Company Operations
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce C. Barnes                                   Vice President - Technology Strategy and Planning
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David A. Diamond                                  Vice President - Enterprise Controller
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew S. Easley                                 Vice President - Investment Life Actuarial
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Dennis Noice                                   Vice President -  Systems
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph P. Rath                                    Vice President -Product and Market Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark R. Thresher                                  Vice President - Finance and Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

JOSEPH J. GASPER has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide
and Director since April 1996. Previously, he was Executive Vice President -
Property/Casualty Operations of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company from April
1995 to April 1996. He was Senior Vice President - Property/Casualty Operations
of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company from September 1993 to April 1995. Prior
to that time, Mr. Gasper held numerous positions within Nationwide. Mr. Gasper
has been with Nationwide for 32 years.

BRUCE C. BARNES has been Vice President - Technology Strategy and Planning since
May 1998. Previously, Mr. Barnes was Vice President - Information Systems from
February 1997 to May 1998. Mr. Barnes was Vice President - Life Systems from May
1996 to May 1998. Previously, he was Vice President - Investment Product Systems
from April 1995 to May 1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Barnes was Vice President -
Individual Investment Products/Common Systems from May 1994 to April 1995 and
Associate Vice President - Individual Investment Products/Common

                                       39
<PAGE>   45


Systems from May 1992 to May 1994. Mr. Barnes was Vice President - Information
Services of PHP Benefits Systems, Inc. from January 1987 to January 1992.
Mr. Barnes has been with Nationwide for 7 years.

A. I. BELL has been a Director of Nationwide since April, 1998. Mr. Bell has
served as a state trustee of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation from 1991 to 1998
and as president that last four years. He oversees the Bell family farm in
Zanesville, Ohio. The farm is the hub of a multi-family swine network, in
addition to grain and beef operations. Mr. Bell has represented the Ohio Farm
Bureau at state and national level activities, and has traveled internationally
representing Ohio agriculture. In 1995, he was introduced into The Ohio State
University Department of Animal Sciences Hall of Fame.

JAMES E. BROCK has been Senior Vice President - Corporate Development since July
1997. Previously, he was Senior Vice President - Company Operations from
December 1996 to July 1997 and was also Senior Vice President - Life Company
Operations from April 1996 to July 1997. Mr. Brock was Senior Vice President -
Investment Products Operations from November 1990 to April 1996. Prior to that
time, Mr. Brock held several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Brock has been
with Nationwide for 29 years.

DENNIS W. CLICK has been Vice President - Secretary since December 1997.
Previously, he was Vice President - Assistant Secretary from December 1996 to
December 1997. Mr. Click was Vice President - Assistant Secretary from August
1994 to December 1997. Mr. Click was Associate Vice President and Assistant
Secretary from August 1989 to August 1994. Prior to that time, he held several
positions within Nationwide. Mr. Click has been with Nationwide for 38 years.

JOHN R. COOK, JR. has been Senior Vice President - Chief Communications Officer
since May 1997. Previously, Mr. Cook was Senior Vice President - Chief
Communications Officer of USAA from July 1989 to May 1997.

KENNETH D. DAVIS has been a Director of Nationwide since April 1999. Mr. Davis
has been Chairman of the Board of South Central Power Company since August 1979,
and currently oversees the Davis family farm located in Leesburg, Ohio. Mr.
Davis served as Director of the Farm Bureau Bancorp from October 1998 to March
1998. In addition, Mr. Davis has served in various officer positions with the
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation since December 1989, with his most recent position
as Trustee and President, a position he held from March 1998 to March 1999. Mr.
Davis also held officer positions with the Highland County Farm Bureau from June
1997 to September 1997, including Trustee and President from September 1984 to
September 1997.

DAVID A. DIAMOND has been Vice President - Enterprise Controller since August
1996. Previously, he was Vice President - Controller from October 1993 to August
1996. Prior to that time, Mr. Diamond held several positions within Nationwide.
Mr. Diamond has been with Nationwide for 10 years.

MATTHEW S. EASLEY has been Vice President - Investment Life Actuarial since June
1998. Mr. Easley was Vice President - Marketing and Administrative Services from
December 1996 to June 1998. Mr. Easley was Vice President - Life Marketing and
Administrative Services from May 1996 to June 1998. Mr. Easley was Vice
President - Annuity and Pension Actuarial from August 1989 to May 1996. Prior to
that time, Mr. Easley held several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Easley has
been with Nationwide for 16 years.

KEITH W. ECKEL has been a Director of Nationwide since April 1996. Mr. Eckel is
a partner of Fred W. Eckel Sons and president of Eckel Farms, Inc., in northeast
Pennsylvania. He received the Master Farmer award from Penn State University in
1982. He is a former president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, a position he
held for 15 years, and the Lackawanna County Cooperative Extension Association.
Mr. Eckel has served as a board member and executive committee member of


                                       40
<PAGE>   46


the American Farm Bureau. He is a former vice president of the Pennsylvania
Council of Cooperative Extension Associations, and former board member of the
Pennsylvania Vegetable Grower's Association.

PHILIP C. GATH has been Senior Vice President - Chief Actuary since May 1998.
Previously, Mr. Gath was Vice President - Product Manager - Individual Variable
Annuity from July 1997 to May 1998. Mr. Gath was Vice President - Individual
Life Actuary from August 1989 to July 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Gath held
several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Gath has been with Nationwide for 30
years.

RICHARD D. HEADLEY has been Senior Vice President - Chief Information Technology
Officer since October 1997. Previously, Mr. Headley was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Banc One Services Corporation from 1992 to October 1997.
From January 1975 until 1992 Mr. Headley held several positions with Banc One
Corporation.

DONNA A. JAMES has been Senior Vice President - Human Resources since December
1997. Previously, she was Vice President - Human Resources from July 1996 to
December 1997. Prior to that time Ms. James was Vice President Assistant to the
CEO from March 1996 to July 1996. From May 1994 to March 1996 she was Associate
Vice President - Assistant to the CEO. Prior to that time Ms. James held several
positions within Nationwide. Ms. James has been with Nationwide for 17 years.

RICHARD A. KARAS has been Senior Vice President - Sales - Financial Services
since March 1993. Previously, he was Vice President - Sales - Financial Services
from February 1989 to March 1993. Prior to that time, Mr. Karas held several
positions within Nationwide. Mr. Karas has been with Nationwide for 34 years.

DAVID O. MILLER has been a Director of Nationwide since November 1996. Mr.
Miller has been a farm owner and land developer since 1962. He is the President
of the Owen Potato Farm Inc. and is a partner of M&M Enterprises in Licking
County, Ohio. He is Chairman of the Board of the Wausau Insurance Companies and
serves on the board of directors of several companies of the Nationwide group.
He is also a director of the National Cooperative Business Association.

YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY has been a Director since April, 1998. Ms. Montgomery is
senior vice president/general manager of southern customer operations for United
States Customer Operations for Xerox Corporation. A resident of Atlanta,
Georgia, Ms. Montgomery oversees eight customer business units across the
southern United States as well as all business and marketing functions in the
regions. Ms. Montgomery joined Xerox in 1976 as a sales representative and
progressed through management positions, including Vice President - Field
Operations, and Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO.

R. DENNIS NOICE has been Vice President - Systems since April 1998. Previously,
he was Vice President - Retail Operations from March 1997 to April 1998. Prior
to that time, Mr. Noice was Vice President - Individual Investment Products from
October 1989 to March 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Noice held several positions
within Nationwide. Mr. Noice has been with Nationwide for 27 years.

ROBERT A. OAKLEY has been Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer
since April 1995. Previously, he was Senior Vice President - Chief Financial
Officer from October 1993 to April 1995. Prior to that time, Mr. Oakley held
several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Oakley has been with Nationwide for 23
years.

RALPH M. PAIGE has been a Director of Nationwide since April 1999. Mr. Paige has
been the Executive Director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land
Assistance Fund since 1969. Mr. Paige also served as the National Field
Director/Georgia State Director from 1981 to 1984.

JOSEPH P. RATH has been Vice President - Product and Market Compliance since
April 1997. Previously, he was Vice President -


                                       41
<PAGE>   47


Associate General Counsel from October 1988 to April 1997. Prior to that time,
Mr. Rath held several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Rath has been with
Nationwide for 22 years.

DOUGLAS C. ROBINETTE has been Senior Vice President - Marketing and Product
Management since May 1998. Previously, Mr. Robinette was Executive Vice
President, Customer Services of Employers Insurance of Wausau (Wausau), a member
of the Nationwide group until December 1998, from September 1996 to May 1998.
Prior to that time he was Executive Vice President, Finance and Insurance
Services of Wausau from May 1995 to September 1996. From November 1994 to May
1995 Mr. Robinette was Senior Vice President, Finance and Insurance Services of
Wausau. From May 1993 to November 1994 he was Senior Vice President, Finance of
Wausau. Prior to that time, Mr. Robinette held several positions within the
Nationwide group. Mr. Robinette has been with the Nationwide group for 12 years.

MARK R. THRESHER has been Vice President - Controller since August 1996. He was
Vice President and Treasurer from November 1996 to February 1997. Previously, he
was Vice President and Treasurer from June 1996 to August 1996. Prior to joining
Nationwide, Mr. Thresher served as a partner with KPMG LLP.

SUSAN A. WOLKEN has been Senior Vice President - Life Company Operations since
June 1997. Previously, she was Senior Vice President - Enterprise Administration
from July 1996 to June 1997. Prior to that time, she was Senior Vice President -
Human Resources from April 1995 to July 1996. From September 1993 to April 1995,
Ms. Wolken was Vice President - Human Resources. From October 1989 to September
1993 she was Vice President - Individual Life and Health Operations. Ms. Wolken
has been with Nationwide for 24 years.

ROBERT J. WOODWARD, JR. has been Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
Officer since August 1995. Previously, he was Senior Vice President - Fixed
Income Investments from March 1991 to August 1995. Prior to that time, Mr.
Woodward held several positions within Nationwide. Mr. Woodward has been with
Nationwide for 34 years.


                                       42
<PAGE>   48


APPENDIX A: OBJECTIVES FOR UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS


The underlying mutual funds listed below are designed primarily as investment
vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies
issued by insurance companies.

There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be met.

AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC., MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURYSM
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS.
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation in 1987. It is a diversified, open-end investment management company
which offers its shares only as investment vehicles for variable annuity and
variable life insurance products of insurance companies. American Century
Variable Portfolios, Inc. is managed by American Century Investment Management,
Inc.

     AMERICAN CENTURY VP INCOME & GROWTH
     Investment Objective: Dividend growth, current income and capital
     appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by
     investing in common stocks. The investment manager constructs the portfolio
     to match the risk characteristics of the S&P 500 Stock Index and then
     optimizes each portfolio to achieve the desired balance of risk and return
     potential. This includes targeting a dividend yield that exceeds that of
     the S&P 500. Such a management technique known as "portfolio optimization"
     may cause the Fund to be more heavily invested in some industries than in
     others. However, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets
     in companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry.

     AMERICAN CENTURY VP INTERNATIONAL
     Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve
     its investment objective by investing primarily in securities of foreign
     companies that meet certain fundamental and technical standards of
     selection and, in the opinion of the investment manager, have potential for
     appreciation. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of
     its assets in common stocks or other equity securities of issuers from at
     least three countries outside the United States. While securities of United
     States issuers may be included in the portfolio from time to time, it is
     the primary intent of the manager to diversify investments across a broad
     range of foreign issuers. Although the primary investment of the Fund will
     be common stocks (defined to include depository receipts for common stock
     and other equity equivalents), the Fund may also invest in other types of
     securities consistent with the Fund's objective. When the manager believes
     that the total capital growth potential of other securities equals or
     exceeds the potential return of common stocks, the Fund may invest up to
     35% of its assets in such other securities. There can be no assurance that
     the Fund will achieve its objectives.

     AMERICAN CENTURY VP VALUE
     Investment Objective: The investment objective of the Fund is long-term
     capital growth; income is a secondary objective. The equity securities in
     which the Fund will invest will be primarily securities of well-established
     companies with intermediate-to-large market capitalizations that are
     believed by management to be undervalued at the time of purchase. Under
     normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest at least 80% of the
     value of its total asset in equity securities, including common and
     preferred stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible debt
     obligations.

DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.
The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. ("Fund") is an open-end, non-diversified,
management investment company incorporated under Maryland law on January 24,
1989 and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The Fund offers its shares
only as investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life


                                       43
<PAGE>   49

insurance products of insurance companies. The Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus")
serves as the Fund's manager, while Mellon Equity Associates, an affiliate of
Dreyfus, serves as the Fund's index manager. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon
Bank Corporation.
     Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to the
     price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
     aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
     Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with Standard
     & Poor's Corporation.

DREYFUS VARIABLE INVESTMENT FUND
Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund ("Fund") is an open-end, management investment
company. It was organized as an unincorporated business trust under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on October 29, 1986 and commenced operations
on August 31, 1990. The Fund offers its shares only as investment vehicles for
variable annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance companies.
Dreyfus serves as the Fund's manager. Fayez Sarofim & Company serves as the
sub-adviser and provides day-to-day management of the portfolio.

     CAPITAL APPRECIATION PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: The Portfolio's primary investment objective is to
     provide long-term capital growth consistent with the preservation of
     capital; current income is a secondary investment objective. This Portfolio
     invests primarily in the common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers.

THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company incorporated under Maryland law on July 20, 1992
and commenced operations on October 7, 1993. The Fund offers its share only as
investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance products of
insurance companies. Dreyfus serves as the Fund's investment adviser. NCM
Capital Management Group, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment adviser and
provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.
     Investment Objective: Capital growth through equity investment in companies
     that, in the opinion of the Fund's advisers, not only meet traditional
     investment standards, but which also show evidence that they conduct their
     business in a manner that contributes to the enhancement of the quality of
     life in America. Current income is secondary to the primary goal.

FEDERATED INSURANCE SERIES
Federated Insurance Series (the "Trust"), an Open-End Management Investment
Company, was established as a Massachusetts business trust, under a Declaration
of Trust dated September 15, 1993. The Trust offers its shares only as
investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance products of
insurance companies.
Federated Advisers serves as the investment adviser.

     FEDERATED QUALITY BOND FUND II
     Investment Objective: Current income by
     investing in investment grade fixed income securities.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (VIP) is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
November 13, 1981. Shares of VIP are purchased by insurance companies to fund
benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts.
Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") is the manager for VIP and its
portfolios.

     VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: Reasonable income by investing primarily in
     income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
     will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The


                                       44
<PAGE>   50

     Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on
     the securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
     Index.

     VIP GROWTH PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: Capital appreciation. This Portfolio will invest in
     the securities of both well-known and established companies, and smaller,
     less well-known companies which may have a narrow product line or whose
     securities are thinly traded. These latter securities will often involve
     greater risk than may be found in the ordinary investment security. FMR's
     analysis and expertise plays an integral role in the selection of
     securities and, therefore, the performance of the Portfolio. Many
     securities which FMR believes would have the greatest potential may be
     regarded as speculative, and investment in the Portfolio may involve
     greater risk than is inherent in other underlying mutual funds. It is also
     important to point out that this Portfolio makes sense for you if you can
     afford to ride out changes in the stock market because it invests primarily
     in common stocks. FMR can also make temporary investments in securities
     such as investment-grade bonds, high-quality preferred stocks and
     short-term notes, for defensive purposes when it believes market conditions
     warrant.

     VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: High level of current income by investing primarily
     in high-risk, lower-rated, high-yielding, fixed-income securities, while
     also considering growth of capital. FMR will seek high current income
     normally by investing the Portfolio's assets as follows:

       - at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred stocks,
         including convertible securities

       - up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when consistent
         with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as part of a unit
         combining fixed-income and equity securities

     Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower-rated or
     that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually defined as Ba or lower
     by Moody's Investor Service, Inc. ("Moody's"); BB or lower by Standard &
     Poor's and may be deemed to be of a speculative nature. The Portfolio may
     also purchase lower-quality bonds such as those rated Ca3 by Moody's or C-
     by Standard & Poor's which provide poor protection for payment of principal
     and interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). For a further
     discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks of Lower-Rated
     Debt Securities" section of the Portfolio's prospectus.

     VIP OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: Long-term capital growth primarily through
     investments in foreign securities. This Portfolio provides a means for
     investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating in companies
     and economies outside the United States.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II (VIP II) is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on March 21, 1988. VIP II's shares are purchased by insurance companies to
fund benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts. FMR is the manager of VIP II and its portfolios.

     VIP II CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation by investing primarily
     in companies that FMR believes to be undervalued due to an overly
     pessimistic appraisal by the public. This strategy can lead to investments
     in domestic or foreign companies, small and large, many of which may not be
     well known. The Portfolio primarily invests in common stock and securities
     convertible into common stock, but it has the flexibility to invest in any
     type


                                       45
<PAGE>   51

     of security that may produce capital appreciation.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND III
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III (VIP III) is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on July 14, 1994. VIP III's shares are purchased by insurance companies to
fund benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts. FMR is the manager of VIP III and it's portfolios.

     VIP III GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES PORTFOLIO: SERVICE CLASS
     Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing primarily in common
     stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. The Portfolio, under
     normal conditions, will invest at least 65% of its total assets in
     securities of companies that FMR believes have long-term growth potential.
     Although the Portfolio invests primarily in common stock and securities
     convertible into common stock, it has the ability to purchase other
     securities, such as preferred stock and bonds that may produce capital
     growth. The Portfolio may invest in foreign securities without limitation.

MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER UNIVERSAL FUNDS, INC.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Universal Funds, Inc. is a mutual fund designed to
provide investment vehicles for variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies and for certain tax-qualified investors. Its Emerging Markets
Debt Portfolio is managed by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management,
Inc.

     EMERGING MARKETS DEBT PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: High total return by investing primarily in dollar
     and non-dollar denominated fixed income securities of government and
     government-related issuers located in emerging market countries, which
     securities provide a high level of current income, while at the same time
     holding the potential for capital appreciation if the perceived
     creditworthiness of the issuer improves due to improving economic,
     financial, political, social or other conditions in the country in which
     the issuer is located.

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the mutual funds listed below, each with its own investment objectives.
Shares of NSAT will be sold primarily to separate accounts to fund the benefits
under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts issued by
life insurance companies. The assets of NSAT are managed by Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company.

     CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
     Investment Objective: Long-term capital appreciation.

     GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
     Investment Objective: As high a level of income as is consistent with the
     preservation of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
     securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
     instrumentalities.

     MONEY MARKET FUND
     Investment Objective: As high a level of current income as is considered
     consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity.

     TOTAL RETURN FUND
     Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable, long-term total return on
     invested capital.

     SUB-ADVISED NATIONWIDE FUNDS

       NATIONWIDE BALANCED FUND
       Subadviser:  Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc.
       Investment Objective: Primarily seeks above-average income compared to a


                                       46
<PAGE>   52

       portfolio entirely invested in equity securities. The Fund's secondary
       objective is to take advantage of opportunities for growth of capital and
       income. The Fund seeks its objective primarily through investments in a
       broad variety of securities, including equity securities, fixed-income
       securities and short term obligations. Under normal market conditions, it
       is anticipated that the Fund will invest at least 40% of the Fund's total
       assets in equity securities and at least 25% in fixed-income senior
       securities. The Fund's subadviser, Salomon Brothers Asset Management,
       Inc., will have discretion to invest in the full range of maturities of
       fixed-income securities. Generally, most of the Fund's long-term debt
       investments will consist of "investment grade" securities, but the Fund
       may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-convertible fixed-income
       securities rated below investment grade or determined by the subadviser
       to be of comparable quality. These securities are commonly known as junk
       bonds. In addition, the Fund may invest an unlimited amount in
       convertible securities rated below investment grade.

       NATIONWIDE EQUITY INCOME FUND
       Subadviser:  Federated Investment Counseling
       Investment Objective: Seeks above average income and capital appreciation
       by investing at least 65% of its assets in income-producing equity
       securities. Such equity securities include common stocks, preferred
       stocks, and securities (including debt securities) that are convertible
       into common stocks. The portion of the Fund's total assets invested in
       each type of equity security will vary according to the Fund's
       subadviser's assessment of market, economic conditions and outlook.

       NATIONWIDE GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
       Subadviser:  J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
       Investment Objective: To provide high total return from a globally
       diversified portfolio of equity securities. Total return will consist of
       income plus realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. The Fund
       seeks its investment objective through country allocation, stock
       selection and management of currency exposure. Under normal market
       conditions, J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., intends to keep the
       Fund essentially fully invested with at least 65% of the value of its
       total assets in equity securities consisting of common stocks and other
       securities with equity characteristics such as preferred stocks,
       warrants, rights, convertible securities, trust certificates, limited
       partnership interests and equity participations. The Fund's primary
       equity instruments are the common stock of companies based in the
       developed countries around the world. The assets of the Fund will
       ordinarily be invested in the securities of at least five different
       countries.

       NATIONWIDE HIGH INCOME BOND FUND
       Subadviser:  Federated Investment Counseling
       Investment Objective: Seeks to provide high current income by investing
       primarily in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio of fixed
       income securities. To meet its objective, the Fund intends to invest at
       least 65% of its assets in lower-rated fixed income securities such as
       preferred stocks, bonds, debentures, notes, equipment lease certificates
       and equipment trust certificates which are rated BBB or lower by Standard
       & Poor's or Fitch Investors Service or Baa or lower by Moody's (or if not
       rated, are determined by the Fund's subadviser to be of a comparable
       quality). Such investments are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." For
       a further


                                       47
<PAGE>   53

       discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "High Yield
       Securities" section of the Fund's prospectus.

       NATIONWIDE MULTI SECTOR BOND FUND
       Subadviser: Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc. with Salomon Brothers
       Asset Management Limited Investment Objective: Primarily seeks a high
       level of current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective.
       The Fund seeks to achieve its objectives by investing in a globally
       diverse portfolio of fixed-income investments and by giving the
       subadviser, Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc. broad discretion to
       deploy the Fund's assets among certain segments of the fixed-income
       market that the subadviser believes will best contribute to achievement
       of the Fund's investment objectives. The Fund reserves the right to
       invest predominantly in securities rated in medium or lower categories,
       or as determined by the subadviser to be of comparable quality, commonly
       referred to as "junk bonds." Although the subadviser has the ability to
       invest up to 100% of the Fund's assets in lower-rated securities, the
       subadviser does not anticipate investing in excess of 75% of the Fund's
       assets in such securities. The subadviser has entered into a subadvisory
       agreement with its London based affiliate, Salomon Brothers Asset
       Management Limited, pursuant to which the subadviser has delegated to
       Salomon Brothers Asset Management Limited responsibility for management
       of the Fund's investments in non-dollar denominated debt securities and
       currency transactions.

       NATIONWIDE SELECT ADVISERS MID CAP FUND
       Subadvisers: First Pacific Advisors, Inc., Pilgrim Baxter & Associates,
       Ltd., and Rice, Hall, James & Associates Investment Objective: Capital
       appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of medium-sized
       companies (market capitalization between $500 million and $7 billion).
       Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest in equity securities
       consisting of common stock, preferred stock and securities convertible
       into common stocks, including convertible preferred stock and convertible
       bonds. NAS has chosen the Fund's subadvisers because they utilize a
       number of different investment styles. In utilizing these different
       styles, NAS hopes to increase prospects for investment return and to
       reduce market risk and volatility.

       NATIONWIDE SELECT ADVISERS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
       Subadvisers: Franklin Advisers, Inc., Miller Anderson & Sherrerd, LLP,
       Neuberger Berman, LLC. Investment Objective: Seeks capital growth by
       investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity securities issued
       by U.S. and foreign companies with market capitalizations in the range of
       companies represented by the Russell 2000, known as small cap companies.
       Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
       total assets in the equity securities of small cap companies. The balance
       of the Fund's assets may be invested in equity securities of larger cap
       companies. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities.

       NATIONWIDE SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
       Subadviser:  The Dreyfus Corporation
       Investment Objective: The Fund intends to pursue its investment objective
       by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 75% of the Fund's
       total assets in equity securities of companies whose equity market
       capitalizations at the time of investment are similar to the market
       capitalizations of companies in the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index.


                                       48
<PAGE>   54


       NATIONWIDE SMALL COMPANY FUND
       Subadvisers: The Dreyfus Corporation, Neuberger Berman, LLC, Lazard Asset
       Management, Strong Capital Management, Inc. and Warburg Pincus Asset
       Management, Inc. Investment Objective: Under normal market conditions,
       the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in equity
       securities of companies whose equity market capitalizations at the time
       of investment are similar to the market capitalizations of companies in
       the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index.

       NATIONWIDE STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND
       Subadviser:  Strong Capital Management Inc.
       Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing primarily in equity
       securities that the Fund's subadviser believes have above-average growth
       prospects. The Fund will generally invest in companies whose earnings are
       believed to be in a relatively strong growth trend, and to a lesser
       extent, in companies in which significant further growth is not
       anticipated but whose market value is thought to be undervalued. Under
       normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
       assets in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks,
       and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks, such as
       warrants and convertible bonds. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its
       total assets in debt obligations, including intermediate- to long-term
       corporate or U.S. Government debt securities.

       NATIONWIDE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND
       Subadviser: Strong Capital Management Inc./Schafer Capital Management
       Inc. Investment Objective: Primarily long-term capital appreciation;
       current income is a secondary objective. The Fund seeks to meet its
       objectives by investing in securities which are believed to offer the
       possibility of increase in value, primarily common stocks of established
       companies having a strong financial position and a low stock market
       valuation at the time of purchase in relation to investment value. Other
       than considered appropriate for cash reserves, the Fund will generally
       maintain a fully invested position in common stocks of publicly held
       companies, primarily in stocks of companies listed on a national
       securities exchange or other equity securities (common stock or
       securities convertible into common stock). Investments may also be made
       in debt securities which are convertible into common stocks and in
       warrants or other rights to purchase common stock, which in such case are
       considered equity securities by the Fund. Strong Capital Management, Inc.
       has subcontracted with Schafer Capital Management, Inc. to subadvise the
       Fund.

NEUBERGER BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust ("NB AMT") is an open-end,
diversified management investment company consisting of several series. Shares
of the series of NB AMT are offered in connection with certain variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through life insurance
company separate accounts and are also offered directly to qualified pension and
retirement plans outside of the separate account context.

The Guardian, Partners and Mid-Cap Growth Portfolios of NB AMT invest all of
their investable assets in a corresponding series of Advisers Managers Trust
managed by Neuberger Berman Management Incorporated ("NB Management"). Each
series then invests in securities in accordance with an investment objective,
policies and limitations identical to those of the Portfolio. This
"master/feeder fund" structure is different from that of many other investment
companies which directly acquire and manage their own portfolios of securities.
(For more information regarding "master/feeder fund" structure, see "Special


                                       49
<PAGE>   55

Information Regarding Organization, Capitalization, and Other Matters" in the
underlying mutual fund prospectus.) The investment advisor is NB Management.

     AMT GUARDIAN PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Capital appreciation and secondarily, current income.
     The Portfolio and its corresponding series seek to achieve these objectives
     by investing in common stocks of long-established, high-quality companies.
     NB Management uses a value-oriented investment approach in selecting
     securities, looking for low price-to-earnings ratios, strong balance
     sheets, solid management, and consistent earnings.

     AMT MID-CAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Capital appreciation by investing in equity
     securities of medium-sized companies that NB Management believes have the
     potential for long-term, above-average capital appreciation. Medium-sized
     companies have market capitalizations form $300 million to $10 billion at
     the time of investment. The Portfolio and its corresponding series may
     invest up to 10% of its net assets, measured at the time of investment, in
     corporate debt securities that are below investment grade or, if unrated,
     deemed by NB Management to be of comparable quality. Securities that are
     below investment grade, as well as unrated securities, are often considered
     to be speculative and usually entail greater risk. As a part of the
     Portfolio's investment strategy, the Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its
     net assets in securities of issuers organized and doing business
     principally outside the United States. This limitation does not apply with
     respect to foreign securities that are denominated in U.S. dollars.

     AMT PARTNERS PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing primarily in the common
     stock of established companies. Its investment program seeks securities
     believed to be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low
     price-to-earnings ratios, consistent cash flows, and the company's track
     record through all parts of the market cycle.

OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS
The Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds are an open-end, diversified management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1984. Shares
of the Funds are sold to provide benefits under variable life insurance policies
and variable annuity contracts. OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is the investment
adviser.

     OPPENHEIMER AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND/VA (FORMERLY "OPPENHEIMER CAPITAL
     APPRECIATION FUND")
     Investment Objective: Capital appreciation by investing in "growth type"
     companies. Such companies are believed to have relatively favorable
     long-term prospects for increasing demand for their goods or services, or
     to be developing new products, services or markets and normally retain a
     relatively larger portion of their earnings for research, development and
     investment in capital assets. The Fund may also invest in cyclical
     industries in "special situations" that OppenheimerFunds, Inc. believes
     present opportunities for capital growth.

     OPPENHEIMER CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND/VA (FORMERLY "OPPENHEIMER GROWTH
     FUND")
     Investment Objective: Capital appreciation by investing in securities of
     well-known established companies. Such securities generally have a history
     of earnings and dividends and are issued by seasoned companies (companies
     which have an operating history of at least five years including
     predecessors). Current income is a secondary consideration in the selection
     of the Fund's portfolio securities.

     OPPENHEIMER MAIN STREET GROWTH & INCOME FUND/VA (FORMERLY "OPPENHEIMER
     GROWTH & INCOME FUND")
     Investment Objective: High total return, which stocks, preferred stocks,
     convertible securities and warrants. Debt investments


                                       50
<PAGE>   56

     will include bonds, participation includes growth in the value of its
     shares as well as current income from quality and debt securities. In
     seeking its investment objectives, the Fund may invest in equity and debt
     securities. Equity investments will include common interests, asset-backed
     securities, private-label mortgage-backed securities and CMOs, zero coupon
     securities and U.S. debt obligations, and cash and cash equivalents. From
     time to time, the Fund may focus on small to medium capitalization issuers,
     the securities of which may be subject to greater price volatility than
     those of larger capitalized issuers.

VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust ("Van Eck Trust") is an open-end management
investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on January 7, 1987. Shares of Van Eck Trust are
offered only to separate accounts of insurance companies to fund the benefits of
variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. The investment
advisor and manager is Van Eck Associates Corporation.

     WORLDWIDE EMERGING MARKETS FUND
     Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing
     primarily in equity securities in emerging markets around the world. The
     Fund emphasizes investment in countries that, compared to the world's major
     economies, exhibit relatively low gross national product per capita, as
     well as the potential for rapid economic growth.

     WORLDWIDE HARD ASSETS FUND
     Investment Objective: Long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
     in "Hard Asset Securities." For the Fund's purpose, "Hard Assets" are real
     estate, energy, timber, and industrial and precious metals.
     Income is a secondary consideration.

VAN KAMPEN LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST
Van Kampen Life Investment Trust is an open-end diversified management
investment company organized as a Delaware business trust. Shares are offered in
separate portfolios which are sold only to insurance companies to provide
funding for variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. Van
Kampen Asset Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment adviser.

     MORGAN STANLEY REAL ESTATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Long-term capital growth by investing principally in
     a diversified portfolio of securities of companies operating in the real
     estate industry ("Real Estate Securities"). Current income is a secondary
     consideration. Real Estate Securities include equity securities, including
     common stocks and convertible securities, as well as non-convertible
     preferred stocks and debt securities of real estate industry companies. A
     "real estate industry company" is a company that derives at least 50% of
     its assets (marked to market), gross income or net profits from the
     ownership, construction, management or sale of residential, commercial or
     industrial real estate. Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
     Fund's total assets will be invested in Real Estate Securities, primarily
     equity securities of real estate investment trusts. The Portfolio may
     invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities issued by foreign
     issuers, some or all of which may also be Real Estate Securities.

WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
The Warburg Pincus Trust is an open-end management investment company organized
in March 1995 as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The Trust offers its shares to insurance companies for allocation
to separate accounts for the purpose of funding variable annuity and variable
life contracts. The Portfolios are managed by Warburg Pincus Asset Management,
Inc. ("Warburg").


                                       51
<PAGE>   57

     GROWTH & INCOME PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Long-term growth of capital and income by investing
     primarily in dividend-paying equity securities. Under normal market
     conditions, the Portfolio will invest substantially all of its asset in
     equity securities that Warburg considers to be relatively undervalued based
     upon research and analysis, taking into account factors such as price/book
     ratio, price/cash flow ratio, earnings growth, debt/capital ratio and
     multiples of earnings of comparable securities. Although the Portfolio may
     hold securities of any size, it currently expects to focus on companies
     with market capitalizations of $1 billion or greater at the time of initial
     purchase.

     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
     in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies,
     wherever organized, that in the judgment of Warburg have their principal
     business activities and interests outside the United States. The Portfolio
     will ordinarily invest substantially all of its assets, but no less than
     65% of its total assets, in common stocks, warrants and securities
     convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. The Portfolio intends
     to invest principally in the securities of financially strong companies
     with opportunities for growth within growing international economies and
     markets through increased earning power and improved utilization or
     recognition of assets.

     POST-VENTURE CAPITAL PORTFOLIO
     Investment Objective: Long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in
     equity securities of issuers in their post-venture capital stage of
     development and pursues an aggressive investment strategy. Under normal
     market conditions, the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its total
     assets in equity securities of "post-venture capital companies." A
     post-venture capital company is one that has received venture capital
     financing either: (a) during the early stages of the company's existence or
     the early stages of the development of a new product or service; or (b) as
     part of a restructuring or recapitalization of the company. The Portfolio
     may invest up to 10% of its assets in venture capital and other investment
     funds.


                                       52
<PAGE>   58


APPENDIX B: ILLUSTRATIONS OF CASH VALUES, CASH SURRENDER VALUES,
AND DEATH BENEFITS


The illustrations in this prospectus have been prepared to help show how values
under the policies change with investment performance. The illustrations
illustrate how cash values, cash surrender values and death benefits under a
policy would vary over time if the hypothetical gross investment rates of return
were a uniform annual effective rate of either 0%, 6% or 12%. If the
hypothetical gross investment rate of return averages 0%, 6% or 12% over a
period of years, but fluctuates above or below those averages for individual
years, the cash values, cash surrender values and death benefits may be
different. For hypothetical returns of 0% and 6%, the illustrations also
illustrate when the policies would go into default, at which time additional
premium payments would be required to continue the policy in force. The
illustrations also assume there is no policy indebtedness, no additional premium
payments are made, no cash values are allocated to the fixed account, and there
are no changes in the specified amount or death benefit option.

The amounts shown for the cash value, cash surrender value and death benefit as
of each policy anniversary reflect the fact that the net investment return on
the assets held in the sub-accounts is lower than the gross return. This is due
to the daily charges made against the assets of the sub-accounts for assuming
mortality and expense risks. Beginning in the fourth policy year, cash surrender
value equals cash value less indebtedness, or other deductions. In policy years
one, two and three only, cash surrender value equals cash value less
indebtedness or other deductions increased by 3.5%, 5.5% and 4.0%, respectively,
of the current premium. The guaranteed mortality and expense risk charges for
policy years one through four are equivalent to an annual effective rate of
0.75% of the daily net assets of the variable account. The current mortality and
expense risk charges for policy years one through four are equivalent to an
annual effective rate of 0.40% of the daily net assets of the variable account.
The current mortality and expense risk charges for policy years five through
twenty are equivalent to an annual effective rate of 0.25% of the daily net
assets of the variable account. The current mortality and expense risk charges
for policy years twenty-one and beyond are equivalent to an annual effective
rate of 0.10% of the daily net assets of the variable account. In addition, the
net investment returns also reflect the deduction of underlying mutual fund
investment advisory fees and other expenses which are equivalent to an annual
effective rate of 0.94% of the daily net assets of the variable account. This
effective rate is based on the average of the fund expenses, after expense
reimbursement, for all underlying mutual fund options available under the policy
as of April 13, 1999. Some underlying mutual funds are subject to expense
reimbursements and fee waivers. Absent expense reimbursements and fee waivers,
the annual effective rate would have been 1.02%. Nationwide anticipates that the
expense reimbursement and fee waiver arrangements will continue past the current
year. Should there be an increase or decrease in the expense reimbursements and
fee waivers of these underlying mutual funds, such change will be reflected in
the net asset value of the corresponding underlying mutual fund.

Considering current charges for mortality and expense risks and underlying
mutual fund expenses, gross annual rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond
to net investment experience at constant annual rates of -1.30%, 4.70% and
10.70% for policy years one through four, and rates of -1.15%, 4.85% and 10.85%
for policy years five through twenty, and rates of -1.00%, 5.00% and 11.00% for
policy years twenty-one and beyond. Considering guaranteed charges for mortality
and expense risks and underlying mutual fund expenses, gross annual rates of
return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to net investment experience at constant
annual rates of -1.65%, 4.35% and 10.35% for all policy years.


                                       53
<PAGE>   59

The illustrations also reflect the fact that Nationwide makes monthly charges
for providing insurance protection. Current values reflect current cost of
insurance charges and guaranteed values reflect the maximum cost of insurance
charges guaranteed in the policy. The values shown are for policies which are
issued as standard. Policies issued on a substandard basis would result in lower
cash values and death benefits than those illustrated.

The illustrations also reflect the fact that Nationwide deducts a sales load
from each premium payment received guaranteed not to exceed 5.5% of each premium
payment for the first seven policy years and 2% thereafter. On a current basis,
the sales load is 3.0% of premium payments plus 2.5% of premiums up to the
target premium during the first seven policy years, and 0% of all premiums
thereafter. Nationwide also deducts a tax expense charge of 3.5%, both current
and guaranteed, from all premium payments. The illustrations also reflect the
fact that Nationwide deducts a charge for state premium taxes at a rate of 2.25%
and for federal tax at a rate of 1.25% (imposed under Section 848 of the
Internal Revenue Code) of all premium payments.

In addition, the illustrations reflect the fact that Nationwide deducts a
monthly administrative charge at the beginning of each policy month. This
monthly administrative expense charge is currently $5.00 per month and
guaranteed not to exceed $10.00. The illustrations also reflect the fact that no
charges for federal or state income taxes are currently made against the
variable account. If such a charge is made in the future, it will require a
higher gross investment return than illustrated in order to produce the net
after-tax returns shown in the illustrations.

Upon request, Nationwide will furnish a comparable illustration based on the
proposed insured's age, smoking classification, rating classification and
premium payment requested.


                                       54
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$100,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 7 YEARS                                                     $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>      <C>  <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
         1    105,000     87,973     91,473  1,703,050     93,358     96,858   1,703,050     98,745    102,245    1,703,050
         2    215,250    174,541    180,041  1,703,050    190,783    196,283   1,703,050    207,670    213,170    1,703,050
         3    331,013    260,057    264,057  1,703,050    292,828    296,828   1,703,050    328,245    332,245    1,703,050
         4    452,563    344,488    344,488  1,703,050    399,678    399,678   1,703,050    461,696    461,696    1,703,050
         5    580,191    428,425    428,425  1,703,050    512,284    512,284   1,703,050    610,298    610,298    1,703,050

         6    714,201    511,353    511,353  1,703,050    630,358    630,358   1,703,050    774,770    774,770    1,887,649
         7    854,911    593,340    593,340  1,703,050    754,109    754,109   1,784,147    955,930    955,930    2,261,636
         8    897,656    582,320    582,320  1,703,050    786,308    786,308   1,807,093  1,053,187  1,053,187    2,420,434
         9    942,539    571,033    571,033  1,703,050    819,770    819,770   1,830,792  1,160,182  1,160,182    2,591,035
        10    989,666    559,430    559,430  1,703,050    854,523    854,523   1,855,341  1,277,853  1,277,853    2,774,475

        11  1,039,150    547,500    547,500  1,703,050    890,636    890,636   1,880,844  1,407,280  1,407,280    2,971,893
        12  1,091,107    535,197    535,197  1,703,050    928,148    928,148   1,907,343  1,549,606  1,549,606    3,184,440
        13  1,145,662    522,503    522,503  1,703,050    967,129    967,129   1,934,838  1,706,133  1,706,133    3,413,290
        14  1,202,945    509,372    509,372  1,703,050  1,007,632  1,007,632   1,963,270  1,878,257  1,878,257    3,659,597
        15  1,263,093    495,616    495,616  1,703,050  1,049,602  1,049,602   1,992,459  2,067,297  2,067,297    3,924,349

        16  1,326,247    481,136    481,136  1,703,050  1,093,062  1,093,062   2,022,493  2,274,827  2,274,827    4,209,112
        17  1,392,560    465,814    465,814  1,703,050  1,138,032  1,138,032   2,053,237  2,502,553  2,502,553    4,515,106
        18  1,462,188    449,480    449,480  1,703,050  1,184,501  1,184,501   2,084,840  2,752,261  2,752,261    4,844,255
        19  1,535,297    431,953    431,953  1,703,050  1,232,460  1,232,460   2,117,489  3,025,885  3,025,885    5,198,773
        20  1,612,062    413,057    413,057  1,703,050  1,281,920  1,281,920   2,150,933  3,325,569  3,325,569    5,579,972

        21  1,692,665    394,774    394,774  1,703,050  1,335,923  1,335,923   2,190,513  3,661,946  3,661,946    6,004,493
        22  1,777,298    376,474    376,474  1,703,050  1,392,759  1,392,759   2,233,011  4,033,961  4,033,961    6,467,649
        23  1,866,163    357,031    357,031  1,703,050  1,451,872  1,451,872   2,277,406  4,443,333  4,443,333    6,969,812
        24  1,959,471    335,925    335,925  1,703,050  1,513,115  1,513,115   2,323,237  4,893,023  4,893,023    7,512,748
        25  2,057,445    312,946    312,946  1,703,050  1,576,553  1,576,553   2,370,504  5,386,893  5,386,893    8,099,733

        26  2,160,317    287,835    287,835  1,703,050  1,642,238  1,642,238   2,419,509  5,929,122  5,929,122    8,735,375
        27  2,268,333    260,345    260,345  1,703,050  1,710,256  1,710,256   2,470,123  6,524,388  6,524,388    9,423,173
        28  2,381,750    230,158    230,158  1,703,050  1,780,670  1,780,670   2,523,032  7,177,712  7,177,712   10,170,100
        29  2,500,837    196,875    196,875  1,703,050  1,853,532  1,853,532   2,578,078  7,894,532  7,894,532   10,980,504
        30  2,625,879    160,022    160,022  1,703,050  1,928,876  1,928,876   2,636,002  8,680,686  8,680,686   11,863,025
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       55
<PAGE>   61

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$100,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 7 YEARS                                                     $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>      <C>  <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1     105,000     81,804      85,304   1,703,050     86,939      90,439  1,703,050     92,079      95,579  1,703,050
       2     215,250    162,060     167,560   1,703,050    177,411     182,911  1,703,050    193,381     198.881  1,703,050
       3     331,013    240,818     244,818   1,703,050    271,628     275,628  1,703,050    304,952     308,952  1,703,050
       4     452,563    318,117     318,117   1,703,050    369,810     369,810  1,703,050    427,954     427,954  1,703,050
       5     580,191    393,976     393,976   1,703,050    472,176     472,176  1,703,050    563,678     563,678  1,703,050

       6     714,201    468,422     468,422   1,703,050    578,979     578,979  1,703,050    713,577     713,577  1,738,559
       7     854,911    541,443     541,443   1,703,050    690,462     690,462  1,703,050    877,092     877,092  2,075,111
       8     897,656    522,801     522,801   1,703,050    711,259     711,259  1,703,050    955,774     955,774  2,196,559
       9     942,539    503,355     503,355   1,703,050    732,313     732,313  1,703,050  1,041,054   1,041,054  2,324,986
      10     989,666    482,981     482,981   1,703,050    753,591     753,591  1,703,050  1,133,421   1,133,421  2,460,884

      11   1,039,150    461,562     461,562   1,703,050    775,077     775,077  1,703,050  1,233,415   1,233,415  2,604,726
      12   1,091,107    438,986     438,986   1,703,050    796,765     796,765  1,703,050  1,341,636   1,341,636  2,757,063
      13   1,145,662    415,134     415,134   1,703,050    818,655     818,655  1,703,050  1,458,738   1,458,738  2,918,351
      14   1,202,945    389,865     389,865   1,703,050    840,742     840,742  1,703,050  1,585,421   1,585,421  3,089,034
      15   1,263,093    362,988     362,988   1,703,050    863,001     863,001  1,703,050  1,722,402   1,722,402  3,269,635

      16   1,326,247    334,244     334,244   1,703,050    885,376     885,376  1,703,050  1,870,394   1,870,394  3,460,790
      17   1,392,560    303,295     303,295   1,703,050    907,785     907,785  1,703,050  2,030,107   2,030,107  3,662,719
      18   1,462,188    269,748     269,748   1,703,050    930,136     930,136  1,703,050  2,202,267   2,202,267  3,876,209
      19   1,535,297    233,157     233,157   1,703,050    952,337     952,337  1,703,050  2,387,626   2,387,626  4,102,180
      20   1,612,062    193,032     193,032   1,703,050    974,303     974,303  1,703,050  2,587,009   2,587,009  4,340,743

      21   1,692,665    148,890     148,890   1,703,050    995,985     995,985  1,703,050  2,801,365   2,801,365  4,593,398
      22   1,777,298    100,208     100,208   1,703,050  1,017,350   1,017,350  1,703,050  3,031,751   3,031,751  4,860,806
      23   1,866,163     46,413      46,413   1,703,050  1,038,375   1,038,375  1,703,050  3,279,349   3,279,349  5,143,987
      24   1,959,471          0           0           0  1,059,009   1,059,009  1,703,050  3,545,373   3,545,373  5,443,566
      25   2,057,445          0           0           0  1,079,135   1,079,135  1,703,050  3,830,967   3,830,967  5,760,242

      26   2,160,317          0           0           0  1,098,577   1,098,577  1,703,050  4,137,162   4,137,162  6,095,281
      27   2,268,333          0           0           0  1,117,090   1,117,090  1,703,050  4,464,907   4,464,907  6,448,664
      28   2,381,750          0           0           0  1,134,370   1,134,370  1,703,050  4,814,977   4,814,977  6,822,341
      29   2,500,837          0           0           0  1,150,082   1,150,082  1,703,050  5,188,199   5,188,199  7,216,267
      30   2,625,879          0           0           0  1,163,924   1,163,924  1,703,050  5,585,598   5,585,598  7,633,278
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       56
<PAGE>   62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$100,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 7 YEARS                                                     $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1     105,000     87,773      91,273   1,790,823     93,146     96,646  1,796,196     98,521    102,021    1,801,571
       2     215,250    173,897     179,397   1,876,947    190,074    195,574  1,893,124    206,892    212,392    1,909,942
       3     331,013    258,730     262,730   1,961,780    291,307    295,307  1,994,357    326,512    330,512    2,029,562
       4     452,563    342,210     342,210   2,045,260    396,965    396,965  2,100,015    458,486    458,486    2,161,536
       5     580,191    424,873     424,873   2,127,923    507,889    507,889  2,210,939    604,896    604,896    2,307,946

       6     714,201    506,162     506,162   2,209,212    623,682    623,682  2,326,732    766,547    766,547    2,469,597
       7     854,911    586,114     586,114   2,289,164    744,602    744,602  2,447,652    945,099    945,099    2,648,149
       8     897,656    572,959     572,959   2,276,009    773,602    773,602  2,476,652  1,039,565  1,039,565    2,742,615
       9     942,539    559,424     559,424   2,262,474    803,445    803,445  2,506,495  1,143,598  1,143,598    2,846,648
      10     989,666    545,447     545,447   2,248,497    834,103    834,103  2,537,153  1,258,155  1,258,155    2,961,205

      11   1,039,150    531,026     531,026   2,234,076    865,608    865,608  2,568,658  1,384,356  1,384,356    3,087,406
      12   1,091,107    516,108     516,108   2,219,158    897,940    897,940  2,600,990  1,523,387  1,523,387    3,226,437
      13   1,145,662    500,683     500,683   2,203,733    931,123    931,123  2,634,173  1,676,609  1,676,609    3,379,659
      14   1,202,945    484,702     484,702   2,187,752    965,141    965,141  2,668,191  1,845,456  1,845,456    3,595,686
      15   1,263,093    467,918     467,918   2,170,968    999,772    999,772  2,702,822  2,031,131  2,031,131    3,855,697

      16   1,326,247    450,219     450,219   2,153,269  1,034,922  1,034,922  2,737,972  2,235,030  2,235,030    4,135,476
      17   1,392,560    431,476     431,476   2,134,526  1,070,470  1,070,470  2,773,520  2,458,771  2,458,771    4,436,115
      18   1,462,188    411,495     411,495   2,114,545  1,106,224  1,106,224  2,809,274  2,704,110  2,704,110    4,759,504
      19   1,535,297    390,081     390,081   2,093,131  1,141,977  1,141,977  2,845,027  2,972,945  2,972,945    5,107,817
      20   1,612,062    367,059     367,059   2,070,109  1,177,534  1,177,534  2,880,584  3,267,384  3,267,384    5,482,344

      21   1,692,665    344,829     344,829   2,047,879  1,216,627  1,216,627  2,919,677  3,597,875  3,597,875    5,899,436
      22   1,777,298    322,819     322,819   2,025,869  1,257,656  1,257,656  2,960,706  3,963,380  3,963,380    6,354,487
      23   1,866,163    299,600     299,600   2,002,650  1,299,242  1,299,242  3,002,292  4,365,588  4,365,588    6,847,862
      24   1,959,471    274,578     274,578   1,977,628  1,340,789  1,340,789  3,043,839  4,807,410  4,807,410    7,381,297
      25   2,057,445    247,580     247,580   1,950,630  1,382,096  1,382,096  3,085,146  5,292,637  5,292,637    7,958,010

      26   2,160,317    218,396     218,396   1,921,446  1,422,916  1,422,916  3,125,966  5,825,377  5,825,377    8,582,528
      27   2,268,333    186,857     186,857   1,889,907  1,463,027  1,463,027  3,166,077  6,410,226  6,410,226    9,258,290
      28   2,381,750    152,736     152,736   1,855,786  1,502,135  1,502,135  3,205,185  7,052,117  7,052,117    9,992,145
      29   2,500,837    115,752     115,752   1,818,802  1,539,875  1,539,875  3,242,925  7,756,394  7,756,394   10,788,368
      30   2,625,879     75,586      75,586   1,778,636  1,575,820  1,575,820  3,278,870  8,528,790  8,528,790   11,655,445
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       57
<PAGE>   63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$100,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 7 YEARS                                                     $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1     105,000     81,397      84,897    1,784,447    86,507      90,007  1,789,557     91,622      95,122  1,794,672
       2     215,250    160,805     166,305    1,863,855   176,027     181,527  1,879,077    191,863     197,363  1,894,913
       3     331,013    238,224     242,224    1,941,274   268,655     272,655  1,971,705    301,563     305,563  2,004,613
       4     452,563    313,634     313,634    2,016,684   364,469     364,469  2,067,519    421,632     421,632  2,124,682
       5     580,191    386,984     386,984    2,090,034   463,519     463,519  2,166,569    553,033     553,033  2,256,083

       6     714,201    458,221     458,221    2,161,271   565,854     565,854  2,268,904    696,829     696,829  2,399,879
       7     854,911    527,226     527,226    2,230,276   671,457     671,457  2,374,507    854,117     854,117  2,557,167
       8     897,656    504,400     504,400    2,207,450   685,455     685,455  2,388,505    925,885     925,885  2,628,935
       9     942,539    480,584     480,584    2,183,634   698,646     698,646  2,401,696  1,003,506   1,003,506  2,706,556
      10     989,666    455,657     455,657    2,158,707   710,854     710,854  2,413,904  1,087,432   1,087,432  2,790,482

      11   1,039,150    429,519     429,519    2,132,569   721,913     721,913  2,424,963  1,178,176   1,178,176  2,881,226
      12   1,091,107    402,083     402,083    2,105,133   731,666     731,666  2,434,716  1,276,319   1,276,319  2,979,369
      13   1,145,662    373,266     373,266    2,076,316   739,949     739,949  2,442,999  1,382,506   1,382,506  3,085,556
      14   1,202,945    342,971     342,971    2,046,021   746,576     746,576  2,449,626  1,497,424   1,497,424  3,200,474
      15   1,263,093    311,048     311,048    2,014,098   751,295     751,295  2,454,345  1,621,779   1,621,779  3,324,829

      16   1,326,247    277,281     277,281    1,980,331   753,776     753,776  2,456,826  1,756,271   1,756,271  3,459,321
      17   1,392,560    241,388     241,388    1,944,438   753,600     753,600  2,456,650  1,901,602   1,901,602  3,604,652
      18   1,462,188    203,055     203,055    1,906,105   750,295     750,295  2,453,345  2,058,504   2,058,504  3,761,554
      19   1,535,297    161,957     161,957    1,865,007   743,349     743,349  2,446,399  2,227,763   2,227,763  3,930,813
      20   1,612,062    117,768     117,768    1,820,818   732,226     732,226  2,435,276  2,410,246   2,410,246  4,113,296

      21   1,692,665     70,238      70,238    1,773,288   716,436     716,436  2,419,486  2,606,976   2,606,976  4,310,026
      22   1,777,298     19,135      19,135    1,722,185   695,483     695,483  2,398,533  2,819,099   2,819,099  4,522,149
      23   1,866,163          0           0            0   668,867     668,867  2,371,917  3,047,821   3,047,821  4,780,812
      24   1,959,471          0           0            0   635,975     635,975  2,339,025  3,294,192   3,294,192  5,057,903
      25   2,057,445          0           0            0   595,982     595,982  2,299,032  3,559,154   3,559,154  5,351,545

      26   2,160,317          0           0            0   547,845     547,845  2,250,895  3,843,516   3,843,516  5,662,652
      27   2,268,333          0           0            0   490,283     490,283  2,193,333  4,147,989   4,147,989  5,990,941
      28   2,381,750          0           0            0   421,790     421,790  2,124,840  4,473,203   4,473,203  6,338,081
      29   2,500,837          0           0            0   340,739     340,739  2,043,789  4,819,925   4,819,925  6,704,034
      30   2,625,879          0           0            0   245,623     245,623  1,948,673  5,189,106   5,189,106  7,091,432
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.

                                    58
<PAGE>   64




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$38,872.05 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 20 YEARS                                                  $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1      40,816     31,428      32,789   1,703,050     33,420      34,781  1,703,050     35,415      36,776  1,703,050
       2      83,672     62,020      64,158   1,703,050     67,952      70,090  1,703,050     74,126      76,264  1,703,050
       3     128,671     92,124      93,679   1,703,050    104,001     105,556  1,703,050    116,852     118,407  1,703,050
       4     175,921    121,675     121,675   1,703,050    141,572     141,572  1,703,050    163,963     163,963  1,703,050
       5     225,532    150,810     150,810   1,703,050    180,916     180,916  1,703,050    216,162     216,162  1,703,050

       6     277,625    179,312     179,312   1,703,050    221,880     221,880  1,703,050    273,744     273,744  1,703,050
       7     332,321    207,223     207,223   1,703,050    264,589     264,589  1,703,050    337,356     337,356  1,703,050
       8     389,753    236,376     236,376   1,703,050    311,084     311,084  1,703,050    409,744     409,744  1,703,050
       9     450,056    264,860     264,860   1,703,050    359,558     359,558  1,703,050    489,789     489,789  1,703,050
      10     513,375    292,643     292,643   1,703,050    410,093     410,093  1,703,050    578,354     578,354  1,703,050

      11     579,859    319,743     319,743   1,703,050    462,830     462,830  1,703,050    676,454     676,454  1,703,050
      12     649,668    346,137     346,137   1,703,050    517,881     517,881  1,703,050    785,201     785,201  1,703,050
      13     722,967    371,839     371,839   1,703,050    575,403     575,403  1,703,050    905,883     905,883  1,703,050
      14     799,931    396,832     396,832   1,703,050    635,540     635,540  1,703,050  1,039,929   1,039,929  1,703,050
      15     880,743    420,949     420,949   1,703,050    698,331     698,331  1,703,050  1,188,894   1,188,894  1,703,050

      16     965,596    444,136     444,136   1,703,050    763,927     763,927  1,703,050  1,354,585   1,354,585  1,760,960
      17   1,054,691    466,323     466,323   1,703,050    832,495     832,495  1,703,050  1,537,876   1,537,876  1,968,481
      18   1,148,242    487,403     487,403   1,703,050    904,205     904,205  1,703,050  1,740,261   1,740,261  2,192,728
      19   1,246,469    507,265     507,265   1,703,050    979,269     979,269  1,703,050  1,963,719   1,963,719  2,435,012
      20   1,349,608    525,822     525,822   1,703,050  1,057,955   1,057,955  1,703,050  2,210,463   2,210,463  2,696,764

      21   1,417,089    507,650     507,650   1,703,050  1,103,242   1,103,242  1,703,050  2,445,769   2,445,769  2,934,923
      22   1,487,943    489,460     489,460   1,703,050  1,151,293   1,151,293  1,703,050  2,706,428   2,706,428  3,220,649
      23   1,562,341    470,222     470,222   1,703,050  1,201,817   1,201,817  1,703,050  2,994,746   2,994,746  3,533,801
      24   1,640,458    449,459     449,459   1,703,050  1,254,878   1,254,878  1,703,050  3,313,501   3,313,501  3,876,796
      25   1,722,480    426,972     426,972   1,703,050  1,310,719   1,310,719  1,703,050  3,665,895   3,665,895  4,252,438

      26   1,808,604    402,522     402,522   1,703,050  1,369,620   1,369,620  1,703,050  4,055,472   4,055,472  4,663,793
      27   1,899,035    375,876     375,876   1,703,050  1,431,924   1,431,924  1,703,050  4,486,959   4,486,959  5,070,264
      28   1,993,986    346,738     346,738   1,703,050  1,498,024   1,498,024  1,703,050  4,965,147   4,965,147  5,511,314
      29   2,093,686    314,736     314,736   1,703,050  1,568,388   1,568,388  1,709,542  5,495,459   5,495,459  5,990,050
      30   2,198,370    279,427     279,427   1,703,050  1,643,187   1,643,187  1,758,211  6,084,070   6,084,070  6,509,955
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       59
<PAGE>   65


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$38,872.05 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 20 YEARS                                                  $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 1
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1      40,816     26,824      28,185   1,703,050     28,661      30,022  1,703,050     30,501      31,862  1,703,050
       2      83,672     52,697      54,835   1,703,050     58,028      60,166  1,703,050     63,587      65,725  1,703,050
       3     128,671     77,615      79,170   1,703,050     88,127      89,682  1,703,050     99,529     101,084  1,703,050
       4     175,921    101,562     101,562   1,703,050    118,968     118,968  1,703,050    138,616     138,616  1,703,050
       5     225,532    124,491     124,491   1,703,050    150,537     150,537  1,703,050    181,143     181,143  1,703,050

       6     277,625    146,355     146,355   1,703,050    182,822     182,822  1,703,050    227,450     227,450  1,703,050
       7     332,321    167,051     167,051   1,703,050    215,756     215,756  1,703,050    277,868     277,868  1,703,050
       8     389,753    187,859     187,859   1,703,050    250,741     250,741  1,703,050    334,322     334,322  1,703,050
       9     450,056    207,306     207,306   1,703,050    286,353     286,353  1,703,050    395,916     395,916  1,703,050
      10     513,375    225,315     225,315   1,703,050    322,570     322,570  1,703,050    463,221     463,221  1,703,050

      11     579,859    241,825     241,825   1,703,050    359,391     359,391  1,703,050    536,917     536,917  1,703,050
      12     649,668    256,787     256,787   1,703,050    396,839     396,839  1,703,050    617,810     617,810  1,703,050
      13     722,967    270,151     270,151   1,703,050    434,947     434,947  1,703,050    706,835     706,835  1,703,050
      14     799,931    281,850     281,850   1,703,050    473,746     473,746  1,703,050    805,072     805,072  1,703,050
      15     880,743    291,773     291,773   1,703,050    513,242     513,242  1,703,050    913,753     913,753  1,703,050

      16     965,596    299,746     299,746   1,703,050    553,407     553,407  1,703,050  1,034,301   1,034,301  1,703,050
      17   1,054,691    305,536     305,536   1,703,050    594,186     594,186  1,703,050  1,168,388   1,168,388  1,703,050
      18   1,148,242    308,874     308,874   1,703,050    635,524     635,524  1,703,050  1,318,023   1,318,023  1,703,050
      19   1,246,469    309,463     309,463   1,703,050    677,378     677,378  1,703,050  1,484,436   1,484,436  1,840,701
      20   1,349,608    306,989     306,989   1,703,050    719,734     719,734  1,703,050  1,666,799   1,666,799  2,033,495

      21   1,417,089    264,049     264,049   1,703,050    723,297     723,297  1,703,050  1,826,399   1,826,399  2,191,678
      22   1,487,943    216,881     216,881   1,703,050    724,500     724,500  1,703,050  2,000,852   2,000,852  2,381,014
      23   1,562,341    164,942     164,942   1,703,050    723,014     723,014  1,703,050  2,191,549   2,191,549  2,586,027
      24   1,640,458    107,535     107,535   1,703,050    718,405     718,405  1,703,050  2,400,002   2,400,002  2,808,003
      25   1,722,480     43,694      43,694   1,703,050    710,068     710,068  1,703,050  2,627,846   2,627,846  3,048,302

      26   1,808,604          0           0           0    697,192     697,192  1,703,050  2,876,845   2,876,845  3,308,372
      27   1,899,035          0           0           0    678,715     678,715  1,703,050  3,150,375   3,150,375  3,559,924
      28   1,993,986          0           0           0    653,272     653,272  1,703,050  3,451,282   3,451,282  3,830,923
      29   2,093,686          0           0           0    619,182     619,182  1,703,050  3,782,939   3,782,939  4,123,403
      30   2,198,370          0           0           0    574,510     574,510  1,703,050  4,149,425   4,149,425  4,439,884
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Natiomwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       60
<PAGE>   66


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$38,872.05 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 20 YEARS                                                  $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 2
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
       1      40,816     32,715      31,663   1,734,404     33,341      34,702  1,736,391     35,331      36,692  1,738,381
       2      83,672     61,784      63,922   1,764,834     67,692      69,830  1,770,742     73,840      75,978  1,776,890
       3     128,671     91,641      93,196   1,794,691    103,448     105,003  1,806,498    116,222     117,777  1,819,272
       4     175,921    120,853     120,853   1,823,903    140,591     140,591  1,843,641    162,801     162,801  1,865,851
       5     225,532    149,534     149,534   1,852,584    179,335     179,335  1,882,385    214,216     214,216  1,917,266

       6     277,625    177,455     177,455   1,880,505    219,487     219,487  1,922,537    270,684     270,684  1,973,734
       7     332,321    204,648     204,648   1,907,698    261,142     261,142  1,964,192    332,772     332,772  2,035,822
       8     389,753    232,923     232,923   1,935,973    306,280     306,280  2,009,330    403,104     403,104  2,106,154
       9     450,056    260,346     260,346   1,963,396    353,035     353,035  2,056,085    480,414     480,414  2,183,464
      10     513,375    286,860     286,860   1,989,910    401,416     401,416  2,104,466    565,382     565,382  2,268,432

      11     579,859    312,469     312,469   2,015,519    451,493     451,493  2,154,543    658,821     658,821  2,361,871
      12     649,668    337,125     337,125   2,040,175    503,286     503,286  2,206,336    761,576     761,576  2,464,626
      13     722,967    360,823     360,823   2,063,873    556,864     556,864  2,259,914    874,632     874,632  2,577,682
      14     799,931    383,520     383,520   2,086,570    612,255     612,255  2,315,305    999,034     999,034  2,702,084
      15     880,743    404,972     404,972   2,108,022    669,283     669,283  2,372,333  1,135,729   1,135,729  2,838,779

      16     965,596    425,075     425,075   2,128,125    727,902     727,902  2,430,952  1,285,908   1,285,908  2,988,958
      17   1,054,691    443,702     443,702   2,146,752    788,045     788,045  2,491,095  1,450,868   1,450,868  3,153,918
      18   1,148,242    460,666     460,666   2,163,716    849,573     849,573  2,552,623  1,631,975   1,631,975  3,335,025
      19   1,246,469    475,776     475,776   2,178,826    912,335     912,335  2,615,385  1,830,738   1,830,738  3,533,788
      20   1,349,608    488,863     488,863   2,191,913    976,195     976,195  2,679,245  2,048,848   2,048,848  3,751,898

      21   1,417,089    465,425     465,425   2,168,475  1,005,323   1,005,323  2,708,373  2,252,198   2,252,198  3,955,248
      22   1,487,943    442,220     442,220   2,145,270  1,035,892   1,035,892  2,738,942  2,477,693   2,477,693  4,180,743
      23   1,562,341    417,818     417,818   2,120,868  1,066,502   1,066,502  2,769,552  2,726,227   2,726,227  4,429,277
      24   1,640,458    391,624     391,624   2,094,674  1,096,528   1,096,528  2,799,578  2,999,665   2,999,665  4,702,715
      25   1,722,480    363,466     363,466   2,066,516  1,125,745   1,125,745  2,828,795  3,300,516   3,300,516  5,003,566

      26   1,808,604    333,134     333,134   2,036,184  1,153,877   1,153,877  2,856,927  3,631,521   3,631,521  5,334,571
      27   1,899,035    300,458     300,458   2,003,508  1,180,671   1,180,671  2,883,721  3,995,761   3,995,761  5,698,811
      28   1,993,986    265,211     265,211   1,968,261  1,205,804   1,205,804  2,908,854  4,396,589   4,396,589  6,099,639
      29   2,093,686    227,112     227,112   1,930,162  1,228,876   1,228,876  2,931,926  4,837,662   4,837,662  6,540,712
      30   2,198,370    185,842     185,842   1,888,892  1,249,427   1,249,427  2,952,477  5,322,996   5,322,996  7,026,046
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       61
<PAGE>   67


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


$38,872.05 ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR 20 YEARS                                                  $1,703,050 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                                           CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST
                               UNISEX: REGULAR ISSUE / NON TOBACCO PREFERRED, AGE 45
                                              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION 2
                                                  CURRENT VALUES

             PREMIUMS          0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                   12% HYPOTHETICAL
              PLUS
    POLICY   INTEREST    CONTRACT  SURRENDER    DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH     CONTRACT  SURRENDER     DEATH
     YEAR      AT 5%      VALUE      VALUE     BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT     VALUE      VALUE      BENEFIT
<S>   <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
        1      40,816    26,677      28,038   1,729,727     28,504      29,865  1,731,554     30,335      31,696  1,733,385
        2      83,672    52,257      54,395   1,755,307     57,543      59,681  1,760,593     63,054      65,192  1,766,104
        3     128,671    76,725      78,280   1,779,775     87,104      88,659  1,790,154     98,361      99,916  1,801,411
        4     175,921   100,048     100,048   1,803,098    117,159     117,159  1,820,209    136,467     136,467  1,839,517
        5     225,532   122,159     122,159   1,825,209    147,639     147,639  1,850,689    177,566     177,566  1,880,616

        6     277,625   142,992     142,992   1,846,042    178,474     178,474  1,881,524    221,871     221,871  1,924,921
        7     332,321   162,415     162,415   1,865,465    209,522     209,522  1,912,572    269,545     269,545  1,972,595
        8     389,753   181,670     181,670   1,884,720    242,087     242,087  1,945,137    322,302     322,302  2,025,352
        9     450,056   199,249     199,249   1,902,299    274,638     274,638  1,977,688    378,980     378,980  2,082,030
       10     513,375   215,043     215,043   1,918,093    307,033     307,033  2,010,083    439,831     439,831  2,142,881

       11     579,859   228,961     228,961   1,932,011    339,141     339,141  2,042,191    505,152     505,152  2,208,202
       12     649,668   240,929     240,929   1,943,979    370,843     370,843  2,073,893    575,286     575,286  2,278,336
       13     722,967   250,875     250,875   1,953,925    402,013     402,013  2,105,063    650,613     650,613  2,353,663
       14     799,931   258,710     258,710   1,961,760    432,504     432,504  2,135,554    731,532     731,532  2,434,582
       15     880,743   264,296     264,296   1,967,346    462,108     462,108  2,165,158    818,427     818,427  2,521,477

       16     965,596   267,426     267,426   1,970,476    490,536     490,536  2,193,586    911,649     911,649  2,614,699
       17   1,054,691   267,829     267,829   1,970,879    517,417     517,417  2,220,467  1,011,510   1,011,510  2,714,560
       18   1,148,242   265,201     265,201   1,968,251    542,324     542,324  2,245,374  1,118,315   1,118,315  2,821,365
       19   1,246,469   259,225     259,225   1,962,275    564,796     564,796  2,267,846  1,232,380   1,232,380  2,935,430
       20   1,349,608   249,586     249,586   1,952,636    584,348     584,348  2,287,398  1,354,053   1,354,053  3,057,103

       21   1,417,089   199,908     199,908   1,902,958    562,239     562,239  2,265,289  1,443,314   1,443,314  3,146,364
       22   1,487,943   146,691     146,691   1,849,741    534,698     534,698  2,237,748  1,537,032   1,537,032  3,240,082
       23   1,562,341    89,722      89,722   1,792,772    501,212     501,212  2,204,262  1,635,372   1,635,372  3,338,422
       24   1,640,458    28,703      28,703   1,731,753    461,156     461,156  2,164,206  1,738,422   1,738,422  3,441,472
       25   1,722,480         0           0           0    413,695     413,695  2,116,745  1,846,089   1,846,089  3,549,139

       26   1,808,604         0           0           0    357,768     357,768  2,060,818  1,958,078   1,958,078  3,661,128
       27   1,899,035         0           0           0    292,086     292,086  1,995,136  2,073,869   2,073,869  3,776,919
       28   1,993,986         0           0           0    215,123     215,123  1,918,173  2,192,710   2,192,710  3,895,760
       29   2,093,686         0           0           0    125,243     125,243  1,828,293  2,313,718   2,313,718  4,016,768
       30   2,198,370         0           0           0     20,919      20,919  1,723,969  2,436,112   2,436,112  4,139,162
</TABLE>

(1)   no policy loans and no partial withdrawals have been made.
(2)   current values reflect current cost of insurance charges and a monthly
      $5.00 administrative expense charge all the time. Current values reflect a
      premium charge of 9% of target premium and 6.5% of excess-of-target
      premium for the first seven years and 3.5% of all premium from eighth year
      and on.
(3)   net investment returns are calculated as the hypothetical gross investment
      return less all charges and deductions shown in the prospectus appendix.

The hypothetical investment rates of return shown above and elsewhere in this
prospectus are illustrative only and should not be deemed a representation of
past or future investment rates of return. Actual rates of return may be more or
less than those shown and will depend on a number of factors, including the
investment allocations made by an owner, prevailing rates and rates of
inflation. The death benefit and cash value for a policy would be different from
those shown if the actual rates of return averaged 0%, 6%, and 12% over a period
of years but also fluctuated above or below those averages for individual policy
years. No representation can be made by Nationwide or the trust that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.


                                       62
<PAGE>   68
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                 Performance Table
                          =======================================================================================
                                            Annual Percentage           Non annualized Percentage Change
                                                 Change
=================================================================================================================
                            Fund      Unit                         1 mo     1 Yr     2 Yrs    3 Yrs.    5 yrs.
  UNDERLYING INVESTMENT   Inception  Values                         to       to       to        to        to
         OPTIONS            Date   12/31/98  1995   1996   1997  12/31/98  12/31/98 12/31/98  12/31/98  12/31/98
=================================================================================================================
<S>                       <C>       <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>
American Century VP       05/02/91   11.60   10.00  11.36  14.94   4.18     14.91     32.06    47.09      76.58
Balanced
=================================================================================================================
American Century VP       11/20/87    8.58   30.12  -5.04  -3.98  10.60     -2.89     -6.22   -11.46      13.02
Capital App
=================================================================================================================
American Century VP Inc   10/30/97   10.87    N/A     N/A   N/A    5.91     25.92     25.92     N/A        N/A
& Growth
=================================================================================================================
American Century VP       05/01/94   11.74   11.37  13.54  17.75   5.33     17.87     38.87    57.59       N/A
International
=================================================================================================================
American Century VP Value 05/01/96   10.67    N/A     N/A  25.14  -0.51      4.03     18.69     N/A        N/A
=================================================================================================================
Dreyfus Soc. Resp. Growth 10/06/93   13.30   32.55  24.63  27.11   4.29     29.24     65.66   104.74     177.55
=================================================================================================================
Dreyfus Stock Index       09/29/89   11.12   60.73  19.86  15.34   4.37     10.98     25.56    53.42       N/A
=================================================================================================================
Dreyfus Capital           05/05/93   13.09   33.56  20.32  27.48   7.84     28.42     64.30    96.96     164.99
Appreciation
=================================================================================================================
Dreyfus VIF Growth &      05/02/94   13.31   35.76  21.61  31.96   5.71     27.25     64.91   104.23     177.62
Income
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Asst. Mgmt.      09/06/89   11.76   16.08  13.74  19.75   4.06     14.19     33.53    55.53      68.29
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Contrafund       01/03/95   13.16    N/A   20.39  23.21  12.09     29.01     62.65    91.38       N/A
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Equity Inc.      10/09/86   11.53   34.09  13.42  27.15   3.06     10.79     31.50    59.78     127.68
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Growth           01/03/95   13.99   34.36  13.84  22.56   8.47     38.45     80.34    93.17     157.55
Opportunities
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Growth           10/09/86   13.04    N/A   17.38  28.98   5.32     23.68     56.22    87.26       N/A
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity High Inc.        09/19/85    9.85   19.71  13.17  16.79  -0.67     -5.04      0.00    25.51      46.81
=================================================================================================================
Fidelity Overseas         01/28/87   10.82    8.86  12.36  10.72   2.13     11.91     24.57    39.23      53.03
=================================================================================================================
Morgan Stanley Emerging   06/16/97    6.83    N/A     N/A    N/A  -2.39    -28.91    -28.91     N/A        N/A
Mkt
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Capital Appreciation 04/15/92   11.54   30.75   8.32  28.04  12.96     14.66     38.94    59.03      96.08
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Govt. Bond           11/08/82    9.32    N/A     N/A    N/A   4.70     30.68     30.68     N/A        N/A
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Money Mkt.           11/10/81   10.55   10.11   3.52   5.94   0.08      3.61      8.55    13.63      24.00
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Small Capital Value  10/31/97   10.55   35.45  28.59  30.27   2.31      3.43     20.06    73.27       N/A
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Small Company Fund   10/23/95
=================================================================================================================
NSAT Tot. Return          11/08/82   13.54   28.39  25.19  33.49   5.17     28.99     69.27   115.57     172.24
=================================================================================================================
N/B AMT Growth            09/10/84   10.61    4.88   4.34   4.48   0.35      4.48      9.16    13.90      23.18
=================================================================================================================
N/B AMT Guardian          11/03/97    8.56    N/A     N/A    N/A   4.56     -3.79     -3.79     N/A        N/A
=================================================================================================================
N/B AMT Bond              09/10/84    9.90    N/A   21.90  16.47   7.96      0.25      8.34    42.35       N/A
=================================================================================================================
N/B AMT Partners          03/22/94   12.07   28.13  20.92  28.46   3.40     17.19     43.79    82.05     134.01
=================================================================================================================
OPPEN Bond                04/30/85   11.04   16.12   4.01   8.44   0.34     6.00      13.65    19.55      35.13
=================================================================================================================
OPPEN Global Securities   11/12/90   11.48    1.48  16.91  21.51   5.99    13.25      32.85    60.89      52.77
=================================================================================================================
OPPEN Growth Fund         04/03/85   12.30   35.63  24.28  25.76   9.52    23.07      53.12    92.36     161.43
=================================================================================================================
OPPEN Multiple            02/09/87   10.78   20.45  14.63  16.35   1.48     5.86      17.48    41.17      65.50
Strategies
=================================================================================================================
STRONG Discovery          05/08/92   10.18   34.25   0.05  10.56   8.37     6.46      15.49    17.75      48.45
=================================================================================================================
STRONG International      10/20/95    8.16    N/A    9.55 -14.17   4.84    -5.49     -14.88   -11.13       N/A
=================================================================================================================
STRONG Special            05/08/92   11.41   24.88  17.26  24.52   4.57    12.69      33.50    64.54     111.29
=================================================================================================================
VAN ECK Worldwide. Bond   09/01/89    4.78    N/A   25.89 -12.27   0.64   -34.62     -50.49   -27.79       N/A
=================================================================================================================
VAN ECK Wldwide.          12/27/95   11.61   16.43   1.75   1.62   1.51    11.91      19.35    15.72      31.96
Emerging Mkt
=================================================================================================================
VAN ECK Wldwide. Hard     09/01/89    6.21   10.17  17.18  -2.41  -2.40   -31.48     -43.98   -21.65     -18.44
Assets
=================================================================================================================
Van Kampen Am Cap Real    07/03/95    9.54    N/A   39.48  20.57   1.04   -12.28      -9.79    47.51       N/A
Estate
=================================================================================================================
Warburg Pincus Inter      06/30/95    9.22    N/A    9.16  -2.99   0.86     4.56       5.31    10.72       N/A
Equity
=================================================================================================================
Warburg Post Venture      09/30/96   10.31    N/A    N/A   12.49   9.41     5.71      15.28     N/A        N/A
Capital
=================================================================================================================
Warburg Pincus Small Co.  06/30/95    9.82     N/A  13.05  14.79   7.53    -3.58       1.44    25.12       N/A
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                       Performance Table
                          ==========================================
                                      Annualized Percentage
                                               Change
====================================================================
                           Inception  3 Yrs.    5 yrs.   Inception
  UNDERLYING INVESTMENT       to       to         to        to
         OPTIONS            12/31/98  12/31/98  12/31/98   12/31/98
====================================================================
<S>                          <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>
American Century VP          119.86     13.73    12.04       10.83
Balanced
====================================================================
American Century VP          121.98     -3.97     2.48        7.44
Capital App
====================================================================
American Century VP Inc       35.57      N/A      N/A        29.72
& Growth
====================================================================
American Century VP           65.91     16.37     N/A        11.47
International
====================================================================
American Century VP Value     45.45      N/A      N/A        15.10
====================================================================
Dreyfus Soc. Resp. Growth    194.62     26.98    22.65       20.73
====================================================================
Dreyfus Stock Index          142.39     15.34     N/A        20.92
====================================================================
Dreyfus Capital              183.97     25.35    21.52       22.07
Appreciation
====================================================================
Dreyfus VIF Growth &         303.22     26.87    22.66       16.26
Income
====================================================================
Fidelity Asst. Mgmt.         190.91     15.86    10.97       12.13
====================================================================
Fidelity Contrafund          165.26     24.15     N/A        27.68
====================================================================
Fidelity Equity Inc.         373.70     16.91    17.89       13.57
====================================================================
Fidelity Growth              546.19     24.54    20.83       16.49
Opportunities
====================================================================
Fidelity Growth              146.32     23.26     N/A        25.34
====================================================================
Fidelity High Inc.           268.19      7.87     7.98       10.31
====================================================================
Fidelity Overseas            144.46     11.66     8.88        7.78
====================================================================
Morgan Stanley Emerging      -28.65      N/A      N/A       -19.70
Mkt
====================================================================
NSAT Capital Appreciation    491.35     16.72    14.42       13.23
====================================================================
NSAT Govt. Bond               37.32      N/A      N/A        31.49
====================================================================
NSAT Money Mkt.              167.28      4.35     4.40        7.11
====================================================================
NSAT Small Capital Value     127.97     20.11     N/A        18.84
====================================================================
NSAT Small Company Fund
====================================================================
NSAT Tot. Return             211.62     29.18    22.18       18.46
====================================================================
N/B AMT Growth               178.18      4.43     4.26        6.15
====================================================================
N/B AMT Guardian              -5.46      N/A      N/A        -4.70
====================================================================
N/B AMT Bond                  62.59     12.49     N/A        16.47
====================================================================
N/B AMT Partners             921.26     22.10    18.54       15.48
====================================================================
OPPEN Bond                   220.76      6.13     6.21        8.90
====================================================================
OPPEN Global Securities      145.11     17.18     8.85       11.65
====================================================================
OPPEN Growth Fund            597.99     24.37    21.19       15.19
====================================================================
OPPEN Multiple               236.55     12.18    10.60       10.75
Strategies
====================================================================
STRONG Discovery              94.83      5.60     8.22       10.56
====================================================================
STRONG International          -8.94     -3.86     N/A        -2.89
====================================================================
STRONG Special               203.46     18.06    16.14       18.18
====================================================================
VAN ECK Worldwide. Bond      -28.53    -10.29     N/A       -10.50
====================================================================
VAN ECK Wldwide.              73.02      4.99     5.70        6.05
Emerging Mkt
====================================================================
VAN ECK Wldwide. Hard         13.17     -7.81    -3.99        1.33
Assets
====================================================================
Van Kampen Am Cap Real        59.23     13.83     N/A        14.25
Estate
====================================================================
Warburg Pincus Inter          18.36      3.45     N/A         4.93
Equity
====================================================================
Warburg Post Venture          15.84      N/A      N/A         6.75
Capital
====================================================================
Warburg Pincus Small Co.      55.94      7.76     N/A        13.54
====================================================================
</TABLE>


                                       63
<PAGE>   69

<PAGE>   1
                          Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and
   Contract Owners of Nationwide VL Separate Account-C:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide VL Separate Account-C as of December 31,
1998, and the related statement of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity for the period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) through December
31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.

      We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1998, by correspondence with
the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide VL Separate
Account-C as of December 31, 1998, and the results of its operations and its
changes in contract owners' equity for the period May 1, 1998 (commencement of
operations) through December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

                                                                        KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 5, 1999
<PAGE>   2
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
ASSETS:
   Investments at market value:
      American Century VP - American Century VP Income & Growth (ACVPIncGr)
         67,771 shares (cost $405,064) .............................................   $   459,489
      American Century VP - American Century VP International (ACVPInt)
         40,174 shares (cost $275,351) .............................................       306,126
      American Century VP - American Century VP Value (ACVPValue)
         14,278 shares (cost $90,889) ..............................................        96,093
      The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
         266 shares (cost $7,429) ..................................................         8,265
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         185,783 shares (cost $5,140,294) ..........................................     6,041,674
      Dreyfus VIF - Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)
         8,328 shares (cost $276,608) ..............................................       300,718
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPEI)
         361 shares (cost $8,302) ..................................................         9,155
      Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPGr)
         35,182 shares (cost $1,398,277) ...........................................     1,576,836
      Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPHI)
         83,195 shares (cost $900,788) .............................................       957,577
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPOv)
         33,371 shares (cost $619,631) .............................................       668,429
      Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPCon)
         52,010 shares (cost $1,064,968) ...........................................     1,270,081
      Fidelity VIP-III - Growth Opportunities Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPGrOp)
         17,198 shares (cost $351,358) .............................................       393,139
      Morgan Stanley - Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (VKMSEmMkt)
         14,873 shares (cost $96,661) ..............................................        90,728
      Nationwide SAT - Balanced Fund (NSATBal)
         7,637 shares (cost $79,936) ...............................................        80,804
      Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
         17,741 shares (cost $439,254) .............................................       471,722
      Nationwide SAT - Global Equities Fund (NSATGlobEq)
         210 shares (cost $2,107) ..................................................         2,471
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         43,182 shares (cost $513,537) .............................................       504,792
      Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)
         14,403 shares (cost $141,675) .............................................       144,610
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         7,104,131 shares (cost $7,104,131) ........................................     7,104,131
      Nationwide SAT - Multi Sector Bond Fund (NSATMSecBd)
         33,105 shares (cost $324,442) .............................................       325,088
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
      Nationwide SAT - Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund (NSATMidCap)
         233 shares (cost $2,153) .....................................         2,543
      Nationwide SAT - Small Cap Value Fund (NSATSmCapV)
         61,953 shares (cost $539,799) ................................       587,937
      Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
         28,600 shares (cost $412,656) ................................       457,891
      Nationwide SAT - Strategic Value Fund (NSATStrVal)
         28,029 shares (cost $242,052) ................................       283,652
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         5,619 shares (cost $97,485) ..................................       103,385
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Guardian Portfolio (NBAMTGuard)
         86,606 shares (cost $1,035,407) ..............................     1,198,625
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio (NBAMTMCGr)
         66,658 shares (cost $849,195) ................................     1,081,201
      Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)
         12,810 shares (cost $222,364) ................................       242,488
      Oppenheimer VAF - Aggressive Growth Fund (OppAggGr)
         11,499 shares (cost $417,543) ................................       515,480
      Oppenheimer VAF - Growth Fund (OppGro)
         3,413 shares (cost $104,659) .................................       125,165
      Oppenheimer VAF - Growth & Income Fund (OppGrInc)
         13,520 shares (cost $251,274) ................................       276,894
      Van Eck WIT - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)
         18,698 shares (cost $117,838) ................................       133,132
      Van Eck WIT - Worldwide Hard Assets Fund (VEWrldHAs)
         8,993 shares (cost $84,775) ..................................        82,736
      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio (VKMSRESec)
         1,046 shares (cost $13,889) ..................................        14,397
      Warburg Pincus Trust - Growth & Income Portfolio (WPGrInc)
         39,914 shares (cost $423,285) ................................       458,216
      Warburg Pincus Trust - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
         20,492 shares (cost $209,561) ................................       225,209
      Warburg Pincus Trust - Post Venture Capital Portfolio (WPPVenCap)
         18,657 shares (cost $183,538) ................................       219,774
                                                                          -----------
            Total investments .........................................    26,820,653
   Accounts receivable ................................................        78,606
                                                                          -----------
            Total assets ..............................................    26,899,259
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ...................................................        --
                                                                          -----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 7) ......................................   $26,899,259
                                                                          ===========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   4
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        For the Period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) Through
                               December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Total       ACVPIncGr         ACVPInt       ACVPValue
                                                                 -----      ---------          -------       ---------
<S>                                                     <C>                     <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ...............................    $      167,299           2,209              -               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) .............           (23,151)           (336)           (196)            (77)
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
  Net investment activity ..........................           144,148           1,873            (196)            (77)
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..............         3,278,422          18,460              -              960
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ....................        (3,254,787)        (16,283)             -             (886)
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ..............            23,635           2,177              -               74
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ....         2,372,478          54,426          30,775           5,204
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ...................         2,396,113          56,603          30,775           5,278
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
Reinvested capital gains ...........................            23,462              -               -               -
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations .............         2,563,723          58,476          30,579           5,201
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners
Transfers between funds ............................        24,823,406         375,552         232,301          77,512
Surrenders .........................................                -           33,816          48,928          14,883
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ..........                -               -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance ...............                -               -               -               -
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ................................          (487,870)         (8,540)         (5,673)         (1,490)
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
    Net equity transactions ........................        24,335,536         400,828         275,556          90,905
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------

Net change in contract owners' equity ..............        26,899,259         459,304         306,135          96,106
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ........                -               -               -               -
                                                        --------------         -------         -------          ------
Contract owners' equity end of period ..............    $   26,899,259         459,304         306,135          96,106
                                                        ==============         =======         =======          ======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DrySRGro         DryStkIx        DryCapAp        FidVIPEI
                                                     --------         --------        --------        --------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>              <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ...............................       13           16,440           1,424              -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) .............       (5)          (4,323)           (168)             (7)
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
  Net investment activity ..........................        8           12,117           1,256              (7)
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..............      403           74,709          18,997             238
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ....................     (360)         (68,241)        (16,543)           (216)
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ..............       43            6,468           2,454              22
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ....      836          901,380          24,110             853
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
  Net gain (loss) on investments ...................      879          907,848          26,564             875
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
Reinvested capital gains ...........................      287            4,384              -               -
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations .............    1,174          924,349          27,820             868
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners
Transfers between funds ............................    4,085        1,344,322         254,590           3,459
Surrenders .........................................    3,639        3,839,399          26,358           5,196
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ..........       -                -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance ...............       -                -               -               -
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ................................     (628)         (65,383)         (8,026)           (369)
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
    Net equity transactions ........................    7,096        5,118,338         272,922           8,286
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----

Net change in contract owners' equity ..............    8,270        6,042,687         300,742           9,154
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ........       -                -               -               -
                                                        -----        ---------         -------           -----
Contract owners' equity end of period ..............    8,270        6,042,687         300,742           9,154
                                                        =====        =========         =======           =====
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)

<PAGE>   5
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        For the Period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) Through
                               December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FidVIPGr        FidVIPHI        FidVIPOv       FidVIPCon
                                                                --------        --------        --------       ---------
<S>                                                            <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ...............................           $       -               -               -               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) .............                (835)           (736)           (415)           (860)
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
  Net investment activity ..........................                (835)           (736)           (415)           (860)
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..............              10,989          26,665          35,291          24,885
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ....................             (10,235)        (25,810)        (31,093)        (23,083)
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ..............                 754             855           4,198           1,802
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ....             178,559          56,789          48,798         205,114
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ...................             179,313          57,644          52,996         206,916
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
Reinvested capital gains ...........................                  -               -               -               -
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations .............             178,478          56,908          52,581         206,056
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ..................................             877,191         797,529         322,715       1,010,459
Transfers between funds ............................             536,214         126,690         302,240          83,425
Surrenders .........................................                  -               -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ..........                  -               -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ................................             (15,006)        (23,488)         (9,108)        (29,838)
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
    Net equity transactions ........................           1,398,399         900,731         615,847       1,064,046
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------

Net change in contract owners' equity ..............           1,576,877         957,639         668,428       1,270,102
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ........                  -               -               -               -
                                                               ---------         -------         -------       ---------
Contract owners' equity end of period ..............           1,576,877         957,639         668,428       1,270,102
                                                               =========         =======         =======       =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FidVIPGrOp        VKMSEmMkt         NSATBal       NSATCapAp
                                                           ----------        ---------         -------       ---------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>               <C>           <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ...............................                -           10,770             579             864
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) .............             (220)             (72)            (39)           (308)
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
  Net investment activity ..........................             (220)          10,698             540             556
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ..............            3,540            3,311          10,977          39,188
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ....................           (3,522)          (3,263)        (10,455)        (35,989)
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ..............               18               48             522           3,199
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ....           41,781           (5,933)            868          32,468
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ...................           41,799           (5,885)          1,390          35,667
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
Reinvested capital gains ...........................               -                -              221          11,909
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations .............           41,579            4,813           2,151          48,132
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ..................................           39,353           76,358          64,453         469,254
Transfers between funds ............................          315,460           10,866          16,856         (26,553)
Surrenders .........................................               -                -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ..........               -                -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ................................           (3,286)          (1,302)         (2,533)        (19,108)
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
    Net equity transactions ........................          351,527           85,922          78,776         423,593
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------

Net change in contract owners' equity ..............          393,106           90,735          80,927         471,725
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ........               -                -               -               -
                                                              -------           ------          ------         -------
Contract owners' equity end of period ..............          393,106           90,735          80,927         471,725
                                                              =======           ======          ======         =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   6
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        For the Period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) Through
                               December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              NSATGlobEq       NSATGvtBd      NSATHIncBd       NSATMyMkt
                                                              ----------       ---------      ----------       ---------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>              <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends .......................................     $     5           7,625           1,789         116,826
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) .....................          (3)           (306)            (86)        (10,114)
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
  Net investment activity ..................................           2           7,319           1,703         106,712
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ......................          43           1,249          17,430       2,917,122
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ............................         (37)         (1,246)        (16,738)     (2,917,122)
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ......................           6               3             692              -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ............         365          (8,745)          2,935              -
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ...........................         371          (8,742)          3,627              -

Reinvested capital gains ...................................          17           2,401              -               -
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations .....................         390             978           5,330         106,712
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ..........................................         259         314,799         138,276      14,686,986
Transfers between funds ....................................       1,883         195,168           3,992      (7,412,730)
Surrenders .................................................          -               -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ..................          -               -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ........................................         (52)         (6,117)         (2,423)       (200,727)
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
    Net equity transactions ................................       2,090         503,850         139,845       7,073,529
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------

Net change in contract owners' equity ......................       2,480         504,828         145,175       7,180,241
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ................          -               -               -               -
                                                                 -------         -------         -------       ---------
Contract owners' equity end of period ......................     $ 2,480         504,828         145,175       7,180,241
                                                                 =======         =======         =======       =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NSATMSecBd       NSATMidCap      NSATSmCapV        NSATSmCo
                                                        ----------       ----------      ----------        --------
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends .................................       3,801                4              -               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) ...............        (203)              (3)           (251)           (266)
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
  Net investment activity ............................       3,598                1            (251)           (266)
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ................       2,882               44             749           4,791
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ......................      (2,846)             (37)           (617)         (4,712)
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ................          36                7             132              79
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ......         646              390          48,137          45,235
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .....................         682              397          48,269          45,314

Reinvested capital gains .............................         233               -               -               -
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...............       4,513              398          48,018          45,048
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ....................................     291,490              314          53,437         415,058
Transfers between funds ..............................      33,681            1,884         488,017          12,398
Surrenders ...........................................          -                -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ............          -                -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ..................................      (3,898)             (52)         (1,592)        (14,608)
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
    Net equity transactions ..........................     321,273            2,146         539,862         412,848
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------

Net change in contract owners' equity ................     325,786            2,544         587,880         457,896
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ..........          -                -               -               -
                                                           -------            -----         -------         -------
Contract owners' equity end of period ................     325,786            2,544         587,880         457,896
                                                           =======            =====         =======         =======
</TABLE>

                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   7
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        For the Period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) Through
                               December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NSATStrVal       NSATTotRe      NBAMTGuard       NBAMTMCGr
                                                               ----------       ---------      ----------       ---------
<S>                                                          <C>                <C>            <C>              <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends .....................................    $       697             262              -               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) ...................           (234)            (78)           (837)           (620)
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
  Net investment activity ................................            463             184            (837)           (620)
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ....................          5,193             975           7,799           4,507
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..........................         (5,131)           (930)         (7,186)         (4,091)
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ....................             62              45             613             416
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........         41,599           5,900         163,218         232,006
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .........................         41,661           5,945         163,831         232,422
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
Reinvested capital gains .................................             -            4,010              -               -
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...................         42,124          10,139         162,994         231,802
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ........................................        158,330          79,186         795,893         440,392
Transfers between funds ..................................         87,690          15,559         253,300         417,252
Surrenders ...............................................             -               -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ................             -               -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ......................................         (4,477)         (1,494)        (13,527)         (8,273)
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
    Net equity transactions ..............................        241,543          93,251       1,035,666         849,371
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------

Net change in contract owners' equity ....................        283,667         103,390       1,198,660       1,081,173
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ..............             -               -               -               -
                                                             ------------         -------       ---------       ---------
Contract owners' equity end of period ....................   $    283,667         103,390       1,198,660       1,081,173
                                                             ============         =======       =========       =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NBAMTPart         OppCapAp          OppGro        OppGrInc
                                                             ---------         --------          ------        --------
<S>                                                          <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends .....................................          -                -               -               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) ...................        (180)            (320)           (101)           (157)
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
  Net investment activity ................................        (180)            (320)           (101)           (157)
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ....................       2,278              857          28,812             906
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..........................      (2,175)            (910)        (30,635)           (797)
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ....................         103              (53)         (1,823)            109
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..........      20,123           97,938          20,506          25,619
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .........................      20,226           97,885          18,683          25,728
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
Reinvested capital gains .................................          -                -               -               -
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...................      20,046           97,565          18,582          25,571
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ........................................     200,749          248,676          86,295         104,537
Transfers between funds ..................................      26,446          174,349          22,139         149,203
Surrenders ...............................................          -                -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ................          -                -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) ......................................      (4,731)          (5,124)         (1,833)         (2,412)
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
    Net equity transactions ..............................     222,464          417,901         106,601         251,328
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------

Net change in contract owners' equity ....................     242,510          515,466         125,183         276,899
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ..............          -                -               -               -
                                                               -------          -------         -------         -------
Contract owners' equity end of period ....................     242,510          515,466         125,183         276,899
                                                               =======          =======         =======         =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   8
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
        For the Period May 1, 1998 (commencement of operations) Through
                               December 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              VEWrldEMkt       VEWrldHAs       VKMSRESec         WPGrInc
                                                              ----------       ---------       ---------         -------
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>             <C>              <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ....................................   $          -               -               -           2,979
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) ..................           (102)            (68)             (2)           (289)
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
  Net investment activity ...............................           (102)            (68)             (2)          2,690
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ...................          2,077           1,076              33           5,560
Cost of mutual fund shares sold .........................         (1,987)         (1,070)            (30)         (5,306)
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ...................             90               6               3             254
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments .........         15,293          (2,039)            508          34,931
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ........................         15,383          (2,033)            511          35,185
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
Reinvested capital gains ................................             -               -               -               -
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ..................         15,281          (2,101)            509          37,875
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .......................................         87,572          75,264             311         373,642
Transfers between funds .................................         32,251          10,866          13,626          59,416
Surrenders ..............................................             -               -               -               -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ...............             -               -               -               -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) .....................................         (1,951)         (1,280)            (53)        (12,701)
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
    Net equity transactions .............................        117,872          84,850          13,884         420,357
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------

Net change in contract owners' equity ...................        133,153          82,749          14,393         458,232
Contract owners' equity beginning of period .............             -               -               -               -
                                                            ------------          ------          ------         -------
Contract owners' equity end of period ...................   $    133,153          82,749          14,393         458,232
                                                            ============          ======          ======         =======
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             WPIntEq        WPPVenCap
                                                             -------        ---------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>
Investment activity:
Reinvested dividends ....................................      1,012               -
Mortality and expense charges (note 3) ..................       (180)            (154)
                                                             -------          -------
  Net investment activity ...............................        832             (154)
                                                             -------          -------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ...................      3,488            1,938
Cost of mutual fund shares sold .........................     (3,431)          (1,774)
                                                             -------          -------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ...................         57              164
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments .........     15,648           36,237
                                                             -------          -------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ........................     15,705           36,401
                                                             -------          -------
Reinvested capital gains ................................         -                -
                                                             -------          -------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ..................     16,537           36,247
                                                             -------          -------
Equity transactions:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .......................................    160,067          162,740
Transfers between funds .................................     51,953           24,240
Surrenders ..............................................         -                -
Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ...............         -                -
Redemptions to pay cost of insurance
  charges and administration charges
  (notes 2b and 2c) .....................................     (3,326)          (3,441)
                                                             -------          -------
    Net equity transactions .............................    208,694          183,539
                                                             -------          -------

Net change in contract owners' equity ...................    225,231          219,786
Contract owners' equity beginning of period .............         -                -
                                                             -------          -------
Contract owners' equity end of period ...................    225,231          219,786
                                                             =======          =======
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   9
                       NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT - C

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 1998


(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         The Nationwide VL Separate Account-C (the Account) was established
         pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life
         and Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) on December 3, 1997. The
         Account has been registered as a unit investment trust under the
         Investment Company Act of 1940.

         The Company offers Corporate Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
         Policies through the Account.

     (b) The Contracts

         Only contracts without a front-end sales charge, but with a contingent
         deferred sales charge and certain other fees are offered for purchase.
         See note 2 for a discussion of policy charges, and note 3 for asset
         charges.

         Contract owners may invest in the following:

              Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc.
                 (American Century VP);
                American Century VP - American Century VP Income & Growth
                 (ACVPIncGr)
                American Century VP - American Century VP International
                 (ACVPInt)
                American Century VP - American Century VP Value
                 (ACVPValue)

              The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)

              Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)

              Portfolio of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus VIF);
                Dreyfus VIF - Capital Appreciation Portfolio (DryCapAp)

              Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
                 (Fidelity VIP);
                Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio - Service Class
                 (FidVIPEI)
                Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPGr)
                Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPHI)
                Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio - Service Class (FidVIPOv)

              Portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II
               (Fidelity VIP-II);
                Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio - Service Class
                 (FidVIPCon)

              Portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund III
              (Fidelity VIP-III);
                Fidelity VIP-III - Growth Opportunities Portfolio - Service
                 Class (FidVIPGrOp)

              Portfolio of the Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. (Morgan
              Stanley);
                Morgan Stanley - Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio (VKMSEmMkt)

              Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
              (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
                Nationwide SAT - Balanced Fund (NSATBal)
                Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NSATCapAp)
                Nationwide SAT - Equity Income Fund (NSATEqInc)
                Nationwide SAT - Global Equity Fund (NSATGlobEq)
                Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
                Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund (NSATHIncBd)
                Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
                Nationwide SAT - Multi Sector Bond Fund (NSATMSecBd)
                Nationwide SAT - Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund (NSATMidCap)
<PAGE>   10
                Nationwide SAT - Small Cap Value Fund (NSATSmCapV)
                Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NSATSmCo)
                Nationwide SAT - Strategic Growth Fund (NSATStrGro)
                Nationwide SAT - Strategic Value Fund (NSATStrVal)
                Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

              Portfolios of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust
                (Neuberger &Berman AMT);
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Guardian Portfolio (NBAMTGuard)
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio (NBAMTMCGr)
                Neuberger & Berman AMT - Partners Portfolio (NBAMTPart)

              Funds of the Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds (Oppenheimer VAF);
                Oppenheimer VAF - Capital Appreciation Fund (OppCapAp)
                Oppenheimer VAF - Growth Fund (OppGro)
                Oppenheimer VAF - Growth & Income Fund (OppGrInc)

              Funds of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Van Eck WIT);
                Van Eck WIT - Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund (VEWrldEMkt)
                Van Eck WIT - Worldwide Hard Assets Fund (VEWrldHAs)

              Portfolio of the Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust
               (Van Kampen American Capital LIT);
                Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Morgan Stanley Real Estate
                 Securities Portfolio (VKMSRESec)

              Portfolios of the Warburg Pincus Trust;
                Warburg Pincus Trust - Growth & Income Portfolio (WPGrInc)
                Warburg Pincus Trust - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
                Warburg Pincus Trust - Post Venture Capital Portfolio
                (WPPVenCap)

         At December 31, 1998, contract owners have invested in all of the above
         funds except for Nationwide SAT - Equity Income Fund and Nationwide SAT
         - Strategic Growth Fund. The contract owners' equity is affected by the
         investment results of each fund, equity transactions by contract owners
         and certain contract expenses (see note 2).

         The accompanying financial statements include only contract owners'
         purchase payments pertaining to the variable portions of their
         contracts and exclude any purchase payments for fixed dollar benefits,
         the latter being included in the accounts of the Company.

         A contract owner may choose from among a number of different underlying
         mutual fund options. The underlying mutual fund options are not
         available to the general public directly. The underlying mutual funds
         are available as investment options in variable life insurance policies
         or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies or, in
         some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension or
         retirement plans.

         Some of the underlying mutual funds have been established by investment
         advisers which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names
         and investment objectives. While some of the underlying mutual funds
         may be similar to, and may in fact be modeled after, publicly traded
         mutual funds, the underlying mutual funds are not otherwise directly
         related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the
         investment performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any
         corresponding underlying mutual funds may differ substantially.

     (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

         The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
         net asset value per share at December 31, 1998. The cost of investments
         sold is determined on the specific identification basis. Investment
         transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
         or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
         date.

     (d) Federal Income Taxes

         Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with,
         operations of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company
         under the Internal Revenue Code.

         The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
         are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or
         withdrawal.
<PAGE>   11
     (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates
         and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
         liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if
         any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
         of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
         Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(2)  POLICY CHARGES

     (a) Deductions from Premium

         On corporate flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts a charge
         for state premium taxes of 3.5% on all premiums received to cover the
         payment of premium taxes. Additionally, the Company deducts a front-end
         sales load not to exceed 5.5% from each premium payment received. The
         Company may at its sole discretion reduce this sales loading.

     (b) Cost of Insurance

         A cost of insurance charge is assessed monthly against each contract.
         The amount of the charge is based upon age, sex, rate class and net
         amount at risk (death benefit less total contract value).

     (c) Administrative Charges

         For corporate flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts a monthly
         administrative expense charge to recover policy maintenance,
         accounting, record keeping and other administrative expenses. On a
         current basis this charge is $5.00 per month in all policy years. On a
         guaranteed basis this charge is $10.00 per month in all policy years.

         The above charges are assessed against each contract by liquidating
         units.

(3)  ASSET CHARGES

     For corporate flexible premium contracts, the Company deducts a charge from
     the contract to cover mortality and expense risk charges related to
     operations. This charge is guaranteed not to exceed an annual rate of .75%.
     On a current basis this rate will be .40% during the first through fourth
     policy years, .25% during the fifth through twentieth policy years, and
     .10% thereafter.

(4)  DEATH BENEFITS

     Death benefits result in a redemption of the contract value from the
     Account and payment of the death benefit proceeds, less any outstanding
     policy loans and policy charges, to the legal beneficiary. The excess of
     the death benefit proceeds over the contract value on the date of death is
     paid by the Company's general account. There were no death benefits paid in
     the current year.

(5)  POLICY LOANS (NET OF REPAYMENTS)

     Contract provisions allow contract owners to borrow 90% of a policy's cash
     surrender value. Interest is charged on the outstanding loan and is due and
     payable in advance on the policy anniversary.

     At the time the loan is granted, the amount of the loan is transferred from
     the Account to the Company's general account as collateral for the
     outstanding loan. Collateral amounts in the general account are credited
     with the stated rate of interest in effect at the time the loan is made,
     subject to a guaranteed minimum rate. Interest credited is paid by the
     Company's general account to the Account. Loan repayments result in a
     transfer of collateral including interest back to the Account. There were
     no policy loans in the current year.

(6)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund
     Companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the
     services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
     communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various
     other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to
     an affiliate of the Company.
<PAGE>   12
(7)  COMPONENTS OF CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

     The following is a summary of contract owners' equity at December 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PERIOD
   Contract owners' equity represented by:                          UNITS        UNIT VALUE                    RETURN*
                                                                  ---------      ----------                    -------
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>             <C>               <C>
      The BEST of AMERICA(R) America's FUTURE Life Series(SM):
         American Century VP - American
            Century VP Income & Growth                             42,170       $ 10.891732       $  459,304        9%
         American Century VP - American
            Century VP International                               31,340          9.768200          306,135       (2)%
         American Century VP - American
            Century VP Value                                       10,252          9.374321           96,106       (6)%
         The Dreyfus Socially Responsible
            Growth Fund, Inc.                                         742         11.144998            8,270       11%
         Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                 547,841         11.030001        6,042,687       10%
         Dreyfus VIF -
            Capital Appreciation Portfolio                         27,277         11.025485          300,742       10%
         Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio -
            Service Class                                             924          9.906965            9,154       (1)%
         Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio -
            Service Class                                         130,876         12.048634        1,576,877       20%
         Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio -
            Service Class                                         106,365          9.003329          957,639      (10)%
         Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio -
            Service Class                                          70,301          9.508092          668,428       (5)%
         Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio -
            Service Class                                         112,018         11.338370        1,270,102       13%
         Fidelity VIP-III - Growth Opportunities
            Portfolio - Service Class                              34,950         11.247664          393,106       12%
         Morgan Stanley -
            Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio                        13,412          6.765184           90,735      (32)%
         Nationwide SAT - Balanced Fund                             8,085         10.009481           80,927        0%
         Nationwide SAT -
            Capital Appreciation Fund                              42,152         11.191056          471,725       12%
         Nationwide SAT - Global Equity Fund                          239         10.374941            2,480        4%
         Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund                     47,339         10.664112          504,828        7%
         Nationwide SAT - High Income Bond Fund                    14,446         10.049520          145,175        0%
         Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund                       695,771         10.319833        7,180,241        3%
         Nationwide SAT - Multi Sector Bond Fund                   32,607          9.991296          325,786        0%
         Nationwide SAT -
            Select Advisers Mid Cap Fund                              259          9.821278            2,544       (2)%
         Nationwide SAT - Small Cap Value Fund                     68,511          8.580808          587,880      (14)%
         Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund                       50,558          9.056852          457,896       (9)%
         Nationwide SAT - Strategic Value Fund                     31,219          9.086371          283,667       (9)%
         Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund                        10,192         10.144232          103,390        1%
</TABLE>


                                                                     (Continued)
<PAGE>   13

<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>           <C>              <C>
         Neuberger & Berman AMT -
            Guardian Portfolio                                    128,350           9.338993        1,198,660       (7)%
         Neuberger & Berman AMT -
            Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio                               95,708          11.296584        1,081,173       13%
         Neuberger & Berman AMT -
            Partners Portfolio                                     25,973           9.337008          242,510       (7)%
         Oppenheimer VAF -
            Capital Appreciation Fund                              53,218           9.685930          515,466       (3)%
         Oppenheimer VAF - Growth Fund                             11,744          10.659314          125,183        7%
         Oppenheimer VAF -
            Growth & Income Fund                                   30,977           8.938847          276,899      (11)%
         Van Eck WIT -
            Worldwide Emerging Markets Fund                        21,058           6.323175          133,153      (37)%
         Van Eck WIT -
            Worldwide Hard Assets Fund                             12,094           6.842178           82,749      (32)%
         Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
            Morgan Stanley Real Estate
            Securities Portfolio                                    1,612           8.928571           14,393      (11)%
         Warburg Pincus Trust -
            Growth & Income Portfolio                              46,093           9.941469          458,232       (1)%
         Warburg Pincus Trust -
            International Equity Portfolio                         25,320           8.895388          225,231      (11)%
         Warburg Pincus Trust -
            Post Venture Capital Portfolio                         24,245           9.065227          219,786       (9)%
                                                                 --------          ---------        ---------
                                                                                                 $ 26,899,259
                                                                                                 ============
</TABLE>


*  This investment option was not being utilized for the entire period.
   Accordingly, the period return was computed for such period as the investment
   option was utilized and does not include contract charges satisfied by
   surrendering units.

<PAGE>   70

<PAGE>   1
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company, as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of income,
shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

                                                                        KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 29, 1999
<PAGE>   2
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                                 Balance Sheets

                   ($000's omitted, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             December 31,
                                         Assets                                          1998            1997
                                                                                         ----            ----
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                                         $  904,946      $  796,919
    Equity securities                                                                     20,853          14,767
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                     268,894         218,852
  Real estate, net                                                                         2,250           2,824
  Policy loans                                                                               332             215
  Short-term investments                                                                   2,277          18,968
                                                                                      ----------      ----------
                                                                                       1,199,552       1,052,545
                                                                                      ----------      ----------

Cash                                                                                           2           5,163
Accrued investment income                                                                 11,645          10,778
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                         53,007          30,087
Other assets                                                                              41,542          15,624
Assets held in separate accounts                                                       1,533,690         891,101
                                                                                      ----------      ----------
                                                                                      $2,839,438      $2,005,298
                                                                                      ==========      ==========

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
Future policy benefits and claims                                                     $1,163,829      $  986,191
Other liabilities                                                                         25,933          29,426
Liabilities related to separate accounts                                               1,533,690         891,101
                                                                                      ----------      ----------
                                                                                       2,723,452       1,906,718
                                                                                      ----------      ----------

Commitments and contingencies (note 7 and 11)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares           2,640           2,640
  Additional paid-in capital                                                              52,960          52,960
  Retained earnings                                                                       50,331          35,812
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                  10,055           7,168
                                                                                      ----------      ----------
                                                                                         115,986          98,580
                                                                                      ----------      ----------
                                                                                      $2,839,438      $2,005,298
                                                                                      ==========      ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   3
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                              Statements of Income

                                ($000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Years ended December 31,
                                                            1998           1997          1996
                                                            ----           ----          ----
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
  Policy charges                                          $ 28,549      $ 11,244       $  6,656
  Life insurance premiums                                       63           363            246
  Net investment income                                     11,314        11,577         51,045
  Realized gains (losses) on investments                       696          (246)            (3)
  Other income                                               1,165         1,057             --
                                                          --------      --------       --------
                                                            41,787        23,995         57,944
                                                          --------      --------       --------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances         4,881         3,948         34,711
  Other benefits and claims                                  1,586           433            813
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs          4,348         1,402          7,380
  Other operating expenses                                   8,952         1,860          7,247
                                                          --------      --------       --------
                                                            19,767         7,643         50,151
                                                          --------      --------       --------

    Income before federal income tax expense                22,020        16,352          7,793

Federal income tax expense                                   7,501         5,749          2,707
                                                          --------      --------       --------

    Net income                                            $ 14,519      $ 10,603       $  5,086
                                                          ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   4
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
                                ($000's omitted)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Accumulated
                                                              Additional                      other           Total
                                                Common         paid-in        Retained    comprehensive    shareholder's
                                                 stock         capital        earnings       income           equity
                                                 -----         -------        --------       ------           ------
<S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>              <C>
December 31, 1995                              $   2,640      $  52,960      $  20,123      $   4,454       $  80,177

Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                          --             --          5,086             --           5,086
  Net unrealized losses on securities
    available-for-sale arising during the             --             --             --         (1,226)         (1,226)
year
                                                                                                            ---------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                                    3,860
                                               ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------
December 31, 1996                                  2,640         52,960         25,209          3,228          84,037

Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                          --             --         10,603             --          10,603
  Net unrealized gains on securities
    available-for-sale arising during the             --             --             --          3,940           3,940
year
                                                                                                            ---------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                                   14,543
                                               ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------
December 31, 1997                                  2,640         52,960         35,812          7,168          98,580

Comprehensive income:
  Net income                                          --             --         14,519             --          14,519
  Net unrealized gains on securities
    available-for-sale arising during the             --             --             --          2,887           2,887
year
                                                                                                            ---------
  Total comprehensive income                                                                                   17,406
                                               ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------       ---------
December 31, 1998                              $   2,640      $  52,960      $  50,331      $  10,055       $ 115,986
                                               =========      =========      =========      =========       =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   5
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    Years ended December 31,
                                                                              1998            1997            1996
                                                                              ----            ----            ----
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                               $  14,519       $  10,603       $   5,086
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                       4,881           3,948          34,711
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                    (29,216)        (20,099)        (19,987)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        4,348           1,402           7,380
      Commission and expense allowances under coinsurance
        agreement with affiliate                                                  --              --          26,473
      Amortization and depreciation                                             (479)            250           1,721
      Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                           (696)            246               3
      Increase in accrued investment income                                     (867)         (1,589)           (725)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                    (25,919)         21,858         (32,539)
      Increase (decrease) in policy liabilities and funds withheld
        on coinsurance agreement with affiliate                              139,991         228,898          (7,101)
      (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                (3,883)         (7,488)         23,198
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                          102,679         238,029          38,220
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                    117,228          95,366          73,966
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         17,403          30,431           2,480
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   28,180          15,199          10,975
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                              707              --              --
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                        99              67              23
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                            (242,516)       (267,899)       (179,671)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                             (78,180)        (84,736)        (57,395)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                    (3)            (13)             --
  Policy loans issued                                                           (216)           (155)            (55)
  Short-term investments, net                                                 16,691         (18,476)          4,352
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------
          Net cash used in investing activities                             (140,607)       (230,216)       (145,325)
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                  74,828           6,952         200,575
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                 (42,061)        (13,898)        (89,174)
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                 32,767          (6,946)        111,401
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------

Net (decrease) increase in cash                                               (5,161)            867           4,296

Cash, beginning of year                                                        5,163           4,296              --
                                                                           ---------       ---------       ---------
Cash, end of year                                                          $       2       $   5,163       $   4,296
                                                                           =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>   6
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business

         Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) is a wholly
         owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC).

         The Company provides long-term savings and retirement products,
         including variable annuities, fixed annuities and life insurance.

(2)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

         The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
         materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
         accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles, which differ from statutory
         accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities.
         An Annual Statement, filed with the Department of Insurance of the
         State of Ohio (the Department), is prepared on the basis of accounting
         practices prescribed or permitted by the Department. Prescribed
         statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
         National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as
         state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted
         statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
         so prescribed. The Company has no material permitted statutory
         accounting practices.

         In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make
         estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
         and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and
         liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported
         amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual
         results could differ significantly from those estimates.

         The most significant estimates include those used in determining
         deferred policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage
         loans on real estate and real estate investments and the liability for
         future policy benefits and claims. Although some variability is
         inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided
         are adequate.

         (a)  Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
              classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
              intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
              stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
              as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1998 or 1997.
<PAGE>   7
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate is included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived
              assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are
              present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated
              by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount.

              Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
              determined on the basis of specific security identification.
              Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
              declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.

         (b)  Revenues and Benefits

              Investment Products and Universal Life Insurance Products:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual variable and
              fixed deferred annuities. Universal life insurance products
              include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance, corporate owned life insurance and other
              interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Revenues for
              investment products and universal life insurance products consist
              of net investment income, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy
              administration and surrender charges that have been earned and
              assessed against policy account balances during the period. Policy
              benefits and claims that are charged to expense include interest
              credited to policy account balances and benefits and claims
              incurred in the period in excess of related policy account
              balances.

              Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of certain annuities with life
              contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products
              are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are
              associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of
              profits over the life of the contract. This association is
              accomplished by the provision for future policy benefits and the
              deferral and amortization of policy acquisition costs.

         (c)  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

              The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
              certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department
              and certain variable sales expenses have been deferred. For
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs
              are adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses
              on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as described in
              note 2(a).

         (d)  Separate Accounts

              Separate account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. The investment income and gains or losses
              of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The
              activity of the separate accounts is not reflected in the
              statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
              Company receives.
<PAGE>   8
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         (e)  Future Policy Benefits

              Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
              phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life
              insurance policies have been calculated based on participants'
              contributions plus interest credited less applicable contract
              charges. The average interest rate credited on investment product
              policy reserves was 5.1%, 5.1% and 5.6% for the years ended
              December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.


         (f)  Federal Income Tax

              The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
              Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC). The members of the
              consolidated tax return group have a tax sharing agreement which
              provides, in effect, for each member to bear essentially the same
              federal income tax liability as if separate tax returns were
              filed.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
              liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
              attributable to differences between the financial statement
              carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
              respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

         (g)  Reinsurance Ceded

              Reinsurance revenues ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
              and expenses incurred are deducted from the respective income and
              expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
              ceded are reported on a gross basis.

         (h)  Statements of Cash Flows

              The Company routinely invests its available cash balances in
              highly liquid, short-term investments with affiliated companies.
              See note 10. As such, the Company had no cash balance as of
              December 31, 1995.

         (i)  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

              On January 1, 1998 the Company adopted SFAS No. 131 - Disclosures
              about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (SFAS
              131). SFAS 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14 - Financial Reporting for
              Segments of a Business Enterprise. SFAS 131 establishes standards
              for public business enterprises to report information about
              operating segments in annual financial statements and selected
              information about operating segments in interim financial reports.
              SFAS 131 also establishes standards for related disclosures about
              products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The
              adoption of SFAS 131 did not affect results of operations or
              financial position, nor did it affect the manner in which the
              Company defines its operating segments. The segment information
              required for annual financial statements is included in note 12.

              On January 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 132 - Employers'
              Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits. SFAS
              132 revises employers' disclosures about pension and other
              postretirement benefit plans. The Statement does not change the
              measurement or recognition of benefit plans in the financial
              statements. The revised disclosures required by SFAS 132 are
              included in note 8.
<PAGE>   9
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


              In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133 - Accounting for
              Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133). SFAS 133
              establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
              instruments and for hedging activities. Contracts that contain
              embedded derivatives, such as certain insurance contracts, are
              also addressed by the Statement. SFAS 133 requires that an entity
              recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
              statement of financial position and measure those instruments at
              fair value. The Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
              after June 15, 1999. It may be implemented earlier provided
              adoption occurs as of the beginning of any fiscal quarter after
              issuance. The Company plans to adopt this Statement in first
              quarter 2000 and is currently evaluating the impact on results of
              operations and financial condition.

              In March 1998, The American Institute of Certified Public
              Accountant's Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
              Statement of Position 98-1 - Accounting for the Costs of Computer
              Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use (SOP 98-1). SOP
              98-1 provides guidance intended to standardize accounting
              practices for costs incurred to develop or obtain computer
              software for internal use. Specifically, SOP 98-1 provides
              guidance for determining whether computer software is for internal
              use and when costs incurred for internal use software are to be
              capitalized. SOP 98-1 is effective for financial statements for
              fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company does
              not expect the adoption of SOP 98-1, which occurred on January 1,
              1999, to have a material impact on the Company's financial
              statements.

         (j)  Reclassification

         Certain items in the 1997 and 1996 financial statements have been
         reclassified to conform to the 1998 presentation.

(3)      Investments

         The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
         fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1998 and
         1997 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Gross           Gross
                                                                        Amortized     unrealized       unrealized      Estimated
                                                                           cost          gains           losses        fair value
                                                                           ----          -----           ------        ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>
              December 31, 1998:
                Fixed maturity securities:
                  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                    government corporations and agencies                $  15,577      $     232       $     (11)      $  15,798
                  Obligations of states and political subdivisions            332              1              --             333
                  Debt securities issued by foreign governments             4,015             23              --           4,038
                  Corporate securities                                    602,925         15,446            (358)        618,013
                  Mortgage-backed securities                              261,225          5,605             (66)        266,764
                                                                        ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
                      Total fixed maturity securities                     884,074         21,307            (435)        904,946
                Equity securities                                          15,323          5,530              --          20,853
                                                                        ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                        $ 899,397      $  26,837       $    (435)      $ 925,799
                                                                        =========      =========       =========       =========

              December 31, 1997:
                Fixed maturity securities:
                  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                    government corporations and agencies                $   5,923      $     109       $     (27)      $   6,005
                  Obligations of states and political subdivisions            267              5              --             272
                  Debt securities issued by foreign governments             6,077             57              (1)          6,133
                  Corporate securities                                    482,478         10,964            (509)        492,933
                  Mortgage-backed securities                              285,224          6,458            (106)        291,576
                                                                        ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
                      Total fixed maturity securities                     779,969         17,593            (643)        796,919
                Equity securities                                          11,704          3,063              --          14,767
                                                                        ---------      ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                        $ 791,673      $  20,656       $    (643)      $ 811,686
                                                                        =========      =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   10
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1998, by expected
         maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
         contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
         prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Amortized     Estimated
                                                                   cost       fair value
                                                                   ----       ----------
<S>                                                              <C>          <C>
              Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
                Due in one year or less                          $121,769      $122,931
                Due after one year through five years             606,626       621,349
                Due after five years through ten years            126,215       130,402
                Due after ten years                                29,464        30,264
                                                                 --------      --------
                                                                 $884,074      $904,946
                                                                 ========      ========
</TABLE>


         The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
         net, were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1998          1997
                                                                     ----          ----
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>
              Gross unrealized gains                               $ 26,402       $ 20,013
              Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs       (10,933)        (8,985)
              Deferred federal income tax                            (5,414)        (3,860)
                                                                   --------       --------
                                                                   $ 10,055       $  7,168
                                                                   ========       ========
</TABLE>

         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1998           1997          1996
                                                    ----           ----          ----
<S>                                               <C>           <C>            <C>
              Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities         $  3,922      $  9,177       $ (8,764)
                Equity securities                    2,467         1,663            249
                                                  --------      --------       --------
                                                  $  6,389      $ 10,840       $ (8,515)
                                                  ========      ========       ========
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1998,
         1997 and 1996 were $17,403, $30,431 and $2,480, respectively. During
         1998, gross gains of $509 ($825 and $181 in 1997 and 1996,
         respectively) and gross losses of $0 ($1,124 and none in 1997 and 1996,
         respectively) were realized on those sales. See note 10.

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired as of December 31, 1998 was $890 (none as of December 31,
         1997). No valuation allowance has been recorded for these loans as of
         December 31, 1998. During 1998, the average recorded investment in
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $178 ($386 in
         1997) and interest income recognized on those loans was $15 (none in
         1997), which is equal to interest income recognized using a cash-basis
         method of income recognition.

         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1998       1997
                                                                       ----       ----
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>
              Allowance, beginning of year                            $ 750      $ 934
                Reductions credited to operations                        --        (53)
                Direct write-downs charged against the allowance         --       (131)
                                                                      -----      -----
              Allowance, end of year                                  $ 750      $ 750
                                                                      =====      =====
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   11
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $105
         as of December 31, 1998 ($153 as of December 31, 1997). There was a
         valuation allowance of $229 as of December 31, 1997.

         The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
         twelve month periods preceding December 31, 1998 and 1997.

         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998          1997        1996
                                                           ----          ----        ----
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
              Gross investment income:
                Securities available-for-sale:
                  Fixed maturity securities               $56,398      $53,491      $40,552
                  Equity securities                            --          375          598
                Mortgage loans on real estate              21,124       14,862        9,991
                Real estate                                   379          318          214
                Short-term investments                      1,361          899          507
                Other                                         178           90           57
                                                          -------      -------      -------
                    Total investment income                79,440       70,035       51,919
              Less:
                Investment expenses                         1,773        1,386          874
                Net investment income ceded (note 9)       66,353       57,072           --
                                                          -------      -------      -------
                    Net investment income                 $11,314      $11,577      $51,045
                                                          =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>

         An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
         allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1998         1997        1996
                                                                ----         ----        ----
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
              Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale      $ 509       $(299)      $ 181
              Mortgage loans on real estate                        --          53        (184)
              Real estate and other                               187          --          --
                                                                -----       -----       -----
                                                                $ 696       $(246)      $  (3)
                                                                =====       =====       =====
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,562 and $3,383
         as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.
<PAGE>   12
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(4)      Federal Income Tax

         The Company's current federal income tax liability was $1,522 and $806
         as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
         1998 and 1997 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1998            1997
                                                                    ----            ----
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>
              Deferred tax assets:
                Future policy benefits                             $ 16,670       $ 13,168
                Liabilities in Separate Accounts                     12,477          8,080
                Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate           263            336
                Other assets and other liabilities                       --             48
                                                                   --------       --------
                  Total gross deferred tax assets                    29,410         21,632
                                                                   --------       --------

              Deferred tax liabilities:
                Fixed maturity securities                             8,669          7,186
                Deferred policy acquisition costs                     8,103          6,159
                Equity securities                                     1,935          1,072
                Other                                                10,422          7,892
                                                                   --------       --------
                  Total gross deferred tax liabilities               29,129         22,309
                                                                   --------       --------
                                                                   $    281       $   (677)
                                                                   ========       ========
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. All future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. The
         Company has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary as
         of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 based on its analysis of future
         deductible amounts.

         Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31 was as
         follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    1998           1997          1996
                                                    ----           ----          ----
<S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
              Currently payable                   $ 10,014       $  2,458      $  9,612
              Deferred tax (benefit) expense        (2,513)         3,291        (6,905)
                                                  --------       --------      --------
                                                  $  7,501       $  5,749      $  2,707
                                                  ========       ========      ========
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1998,
         1997 and 1996 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1998                   1997                     1996
                                                              Amount           %      Amount           %       Amount           %
                                                              ------           -      ------           -       ------           -
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>      <C>            <C>       <C>           <C>
              Computed (expected) tax expense                $ 7,707         35.0     $ 5,723        35.0     $ 2,728         35.0
              Tax exempt interest and dividends
                 received deduction                             (223)        (1.0)         --        (0.0)       (175)        (2.3)
              Other, net                                          17          0.1          26        (0.2)        154          2.0
                                                             -------       ------     -------      ------     -------       ------
                    Total (effective rate of each year)      $ 7,501         34.1     $ 5,749        35.2     $ 2,707         34.7
                                                             =======       ======     =======      ======     =======       ======
</TABLE>


         Total federal income tax paid was $9,298, $9,566 and $2,335 during the
         years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
<PAGE>   13
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)      Comprehensive Income

         Pursuant to SFAS No. 130 - Reporting Comprehensive Income, which the
         Company adopted January 1, 1998, the Consolidated Statements of
         Shareholder's Equity include a new measure called "Comprehensive
         Income". Comprehensive Income includes net income as well as certain
         items that are reported directly within separate components of
         shareholders' equity that bypass net income. Currently, the Company's
         only component of Other Comprehensive Income is unrealized gains
         (losses) on securities available-for-sale. The related before and after
         federal tax amounts are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1998          1997           1996
                                                                            ----          ----           ----
<S>                                                                      <C>            <C>             <C>
              Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-
                 for-sale arising during the period:
                 Gross                                                   $  6,898       $ 10,541       $ (8,334)
                 Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs           (1,947)        (4,778)         6,628
                 Related federal income tax (expense) benefit              (1,733)        (2,017)           362
                                                                         --------       --------       --------
                    Net                                                     3,218          3,746         (1,344)
                                                                         --------       --------       --------

              Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses on
                 securities available-for-sale realized during the
              period:
                 Gross                                                       (509)           299           (181)
                 Related federal income tax expense (benefit)                 178           (105)            63
                                                                         --------       --------       --------
                    Net                                                      (331)           194            118
                                                                         --------       --------       --------
              Total Other Comprehensive Income                           $  2,887       $  3,940       $ (1,226)
                                                                         ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

(6)      Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         The following disclosures summarize the carrying amount and estimated
         fair value of the Company's financial instruments. Certain assets and
         liabilities are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements
         of financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
         presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

         The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at
         which the financial instrument could be exchanged in a current
         transaction between willing parties. In cases where quoted market
         prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using
         present value or other valuation techniques. Many of the Company's
         assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not
         actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by management
         using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques are
         significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount
         rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although fair value estimates
         are calculated using assumptions that management believes are
         appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these estimates to vary
         materially. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be
         substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases,
         could not be realized in the immediate settlement of the instruments.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from the disclosure requirements, estimated fair value of policy
         reserves on life insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value
         disclosures more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.
<PAGE>   14
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
         estimating its fair value disclosures:

              Fixed maturity and equity securities: The fair value for fixed
              maturity securities is based on quoted market prices, where
              available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair
              value is estimated using values obtained from independent pricing
              services or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
              discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
              applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
              investments. The fair value for equity securities is based on
              quoted market prices.

              Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair value for mortgage loans
              on real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses,
              using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to
              borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar
              characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
              Fair value for mortgages in default is the estimated fair value of
              the underlying collateral.

              Policy loans, short-term investments and cash: The carrying amount
              reported in the balance sheets for these instruments approximates
              their fair value.

              Separate account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets
              held in separate accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to separate accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which is net of certain surrender
              charges.

              Investment contracts: The fair value for the Company's liabilities
              under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.
              For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is
              the amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known
              or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted
              cash flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.

              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: The estimated fair
              value is the amount payable on demand. Also included are
              disclosures for the Company's limited payment policies, which the
              Company has used discounted cash flow analyses similar to those
              used for investment contracts with known maturities to estimate
              fair value.

              Commitments to extend credit: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 7.

         Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
         subject to disclosure requirements and policy reserves on life
         insurance contracts were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1998                            1997
                                                                  -------------------------      --------------------------
                                                                  Carrying       Estimated        Carrying       Estimated
                                                                   amount        fair value        amount        fair value
                                                                   ------        ----------        ------        ----------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
              Assets:
                Investments:
                  Securities available-for-sale:
                    Fixed maturity securities                    $  904,946      $  904,946      $  796,919      $  796,919
                    Equity securities                                20,853          20,853          14,767          14,767
                  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                268,894         276,387         218,852         229,881
                  Policy loans                                          332             332             215             215
                  Short-term investments                              2,277           2,277          18,968          18,968
                Cash                                                      2               2           5,163           5,163
                Assets held in separate accounts                  1,533,690       1,533,690         891,101         891,101

              Liabilities:
                Investment contracts                              1,153,930       1,113,584         980,263         950,105
                Policy reserves on life insurance contracts           9,899          10,517           5,928           6,076
                Liabilities related to separate accounts          1,533,690       1,501,255         891,101         868,056
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   15
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(7)      Risk Disclosures

         The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
         life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

         Credit Risk: The risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
         or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
         will default or that other parties which owe the Company money, will
         not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by adhering to a conservative
         investment strategy, by maintaining credit and collection policies and
         by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.

         Interest Rate Risk: The risk that interest rates will change and cause
         a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change in
         rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become
         uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates
         this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with certain policy
         provisions, by offering products that transfer this risk to the
         purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its
         assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that
         liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would
         have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and potentially
         recognize a gain or loss.

         Legal/Regulatory Risk: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
         environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
         competition, reduced demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. The Company mitigates this risk by operating throughout the
         United States, thus reducing its exposure to any single jurisdiction,
         and also by employing underwriting practices which identify and
         minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

         Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         balance sheets.

         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $9,500 extending into
         1999 were outstanding as of December 31, 1998.

         Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 33% (29% in 1997) in any geographic area and no more than 6% (3%
         in 1997) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1998. As of December
         31, 1998 36% (37% in 1997) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed apartment
         building properties.
<PAGE>   16
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(8)      Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

         The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
         in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
         one year of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
         employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
         affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company. Assets of the
         Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and
         Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW).

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $235, $257 and $189,
         respectively.

         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
         time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
         of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1998 and 1997 was $1,008 and $891, respectively, and the net periodic
         postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $130,
         $94 and $78, respectively.
<PAGE>   17
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Information regarding the funded status of the pension plan as a whole
         and the postretirement life and health care benefit plan as a whole as
         of December 31, 1998 and 1997 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Pension Benefits           Postretirement Benefits
                                                                         1998            1997           1998             1997
                                                                         ----            ----           ----             ----
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
              Change in benefit obligation:
              Benefit obligation at beginning of year                $ 2,033,800     $ 1,847,800     $   237,900     $   200,700
              Service cost                                                87,600          77,300           9,800           7,000
              Interest cost                                              123,400         118,600          15,400          14,000
              Actuarial loss                                             123,200          60,000          15,600          24,400
              Plan curtailment in 1998/merger in 1997                   (107,200)          1,500              --              --
              Benefits paid                                              (75,800)        (71,400)         (8,600)         (8,200)
                                                                     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
              Benefit obligation at end of year                        2,185,000       2,033,800         270,100         237,900
                                                                     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

              Change in plan assets:
              Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year           2,212,900       1,947,900          69,200          63,000
              Actual return on plan assets                               300,700         328,100           5,000           3,600
              Employer contribution                                      104,100           7,200          12,100          10,600
              Plan merger                                                     --           1,100              --              --
              Benefits paid                                              (75,800)        (71,400)         (8,400)         (8,000)
                                                                     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
              Fair value of plan assets at end of year                 2,541,900       2,212,900          77,900          69,200
                                                                     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

              Funded status                                              356,900         179,100        (192,200)       (168,700)
              Unrecognized prior service cost                             31,500          34,700              --              --
              Unrecognized net (gains) losses                           (345,700)       (330,700)         16,000           1,600
              Unrecognized net (asset) obligation at transition          (11,000)         33,300           1,300           1,500
                                                                     -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
              Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost                         $    31,700     $   (83,600)    $  (174,900)    $  (165,600)
                                                                     ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, funded status of the pension plan and
         postretirement life and health care benefit plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Pension Benefits    Postretirement Benefits
                                                                   1998       1997       1998        1997
                                                                   ----       ----       ----        ----
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
              Weighted average discount rate                       5.50%      6.00%      6.65%       6.70%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels       3.75%      4.25%        --          --
              Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                    Initial rate                                     --         --      15.00%      12.13%
                    Ultimate rate                                    --         --       8.00%       6.12%
                    Uniform declining period                         --         --      15 Years    12 Years
</TABLE>


         The net periodic pension cost for the pension plan as a whole for the
         years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1998             1997            1996
                                                                        ----             ----            ----
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)        $  87,600       $  77,300       $  75,500
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             123,400         118,600         105,500
              Expected return on plan assets                           (159,000)       (139,000)       (116,100)
              Recognized gains                                           (3,800)             --              --
              Amortization of prior service cost                          3,200           3,200           3,200
              Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation          4,200           4,200           4,100
                                                                      ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                      $  55,600       $  64,300       $  72,200
                                                                      =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Effective December 31, 1998, Wausau Service Corporation (WSC) ended its
         affiliation with the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and employees of
         WSC ended participation in the plan. A curtailment gain of $67,100
         resulted (consisting of a $107,200 reduction in the projected benefit
         obligation, net of the write-off of the $40,100 remaining unamortized
         transition obligation related to WSC). The Company anticipates that the
         plan will settle the obligation related to WSC employees with a
         transfer of assets during 1999.

                  Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost for the
         pension plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1998          1997          1996
                                                                                        ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>
             Weighted average discount rate                                            6.00%         6.50%         6.00%
             Rate of increase in future compensation levels                            4.25%         4.75%         4.25%
             Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets                          7.25%         7.25%         6.75%
</TABLE>

         The amount of NPPBC for the postretirement benefit plan as a whole for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1998           1997            1996
                                                                                    ----           ----            ----
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>             <C>
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service
                during the year)                                                   $  9,800       $  7,000        $  6,500
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation          15,400         14,000          13,700
             Actual return on plan assets                                            (5,000)        (3,600)         (4,300)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates           200            200             200
             Net amortization and deferral                                            1,200           (500)          1,800
                                                                                   --------       --------        --------
                                                                                    $21,600       $ 17,100        $ 17,900
                                                                                   ========       ========        ========
</TABLE>

         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) and the NPPBC for the
         postretirement benefit plan for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     1998          1997          1996
                                                                                     ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                                  <C>           <C>           <C>
             NPPBC:
               Discount rate                                                         6.70%         7.25%         6.65%
               Long term rate of return on plan
                   assets, net of tax                                                5.83%         5.89%         4.80%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                   Initial rate                                                      12.00%        11.00%        11.00%
                   Ultimate rate                                                     6.00%         6.00%         6.00%
                   Uniform declining period                                          12 Years      12 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>


         For the postretirement benefit plan as a whole, a one percentage point
         increase or decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would
         have no impact on the APBO as of December 31, 1998 and have no impact
         on the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1998.


(9)      Shareholder's Equity, Regulatory Risk-Based Capital, Retained Earnings
         and Dividend Restrictions

         Ohio, the Company's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within
<PAGE>   19
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action. The
         Company exceeds the minimum risk-based capital requirements.

         The statutory capital and surplus of the Company as reported to
         regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was
         $70,135, $74,820 and $71,390, respectively. The statutory net (loss)
         income of the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the
         years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $(3,371), $7,446 and
         $670, respectively.

         The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may
         pay without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1998,
         the maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to
         its shareholder without prior approval of the Department was $7,013.

         The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
         impair its ability to pay operating expenses and stockholder dividends
         in the future.

(10)     Transactions With Affiliates

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $430, $703
         and $410, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $2,933, $2,564 and $2,682 in 1998, 1997
         and 1996, respectively. The allocations are based on techniques and
         procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines. Measures
         used to allocate expenses among companies include individual employee
         estimates of time spent, special cost studies, salary expense,
         commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the participating
         companies that are within industry guidelines and practices. The
         Company believes these allocation methods are reasonable. In addition,
         the Company does not believe that expenses recognized under the
         inter-company agreements are materially different than expenses that
         would have been recognized had the Company operated on a stand alone
         basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the cost sharing
         agreement were $2,750 and $4,981 as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
         respectively.

         Effective December 31, 1996, the Company entered into an intercompany
         reinsurance agreement with NLIC whereby certain inforce and
         subsequently issued fixed individual deferred annuity contracts are
         ceded on a 100% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. On December 31,
         1997, the agreement was amended to a modified coinsurance basis. Under
         modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets and liabilities for
         future policy benefits are retained by the ceding company and net
         investment earnings on the invested assets are paid to the assuming
         company. Under terms of the Company's agreement, the investment risk
         associated with changes in interest rates is borne by NLIC. Risk of
         asset default is retained by the Company, although a fee is paid by
         NLIC to the Company for the Company's retention of such risk. The
         agreement will remain inforce until all contract obligations are
         settled. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer
         from its primary obligation to the contractholder. The Company believes
         that the terms of the modified coinsurance agreement are consistent in
         all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with
         unaffiliated parties. Amounts ceded to NLIC in 1998 are included in
         NLIC's results of operations for 1998 and include premiums of $241,503,
         net investment income of $66,353 and benefits, claims and other
         expenses of $296,659. In consideration for the initial inforce business
         reinsured, NLIC paid the Company $26,473 in commission and expense
         allowances which were applied to the Company's deferred policy
         acquisition costs as of December 31, 1996. No significant gain or loss
         was recognized as a result of the agreement.

<PAGE>   20
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         During 1997, the Company sold fixed maturity securities
         available-for-sale at fair value of $27,253 to NLIC. The Company
         recognized a $693 gain on the transactions.

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $2,277 and $18,968 as of December 31,
         1998 and 1997, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying balance sheets.

(11)     Contingencies

         On October 29, 1998, the Company and certain of its affiliates were
         named in a lawsuit filed in the Common Pleas Court of Franklin County,
         Ohio related to the sale of deferred annuity products for use as
         investments in tax-deferred contributory retirement plans (Mercedes
         Castillo v. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., Nationwide Life
         Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company).
         The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national class of
         the Company's customers and seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive
         damages. The Company is currently evaluating this lawsuit, which is in
         an early stage and has not been certified as a class. The Company
         intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously.

(12)     Segment Information

         The Company uses differences in products as the basis for defining its
         reportable segments. The Company reports three product segments:
         Variable Annuities, Fixed Annuities and Life Insurance.

         The Variable Annuities segment consists of annuity contracts that
         provide the customer with the opportunity to invest in mutual funds
         managed by independent investment managers and the Company, with
         investment returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis. The Company's
         variable annuity products consist almost entirely of flexible premium
         deferred variable annuity contracts.

         The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity contracts that generate
         a return for the customer at a specified interest rate, fixed for a
         prescribed period, with returns accumulating on a tax-deferred basis.
         Such contracts consist of single premium deferred annuities, flexible
         premium deferred annuities and single premium immediate annuities. The
         Fixed Annuities segment includes the fixed option under variable
         annuity contracts.

         The Life Insurance segment consists of insurance products, including
         variable universal life insurance and corporate-owned life insurance
         products, that provide a death benefit and may also allow the customer
         to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis.

         In addition to the product segments, the Company reports corporate
         revenue and expenses, investments and related investment income
         supporting capital not specifically allocated to its product segments,
         and all realized gains and losses on investments in a Corporate and
         Other segment.
<PAGE>   21
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         The following table summarizes the financial results of the Company's
         business segments for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Variable            Fixed            Life            Corporate
                                                 Annuities         Annuities        Insurance         and Other           Total
                                                 ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------           -----
<S>                                            <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
         1998:
         Net investment income (1)              $    (1,417)      $     6,792      $      4098       $     5,531       $    11,314
         Other operating revenue                     18,209             3,182            8,386                --            29,777

                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total operating revenue (2)              16,792             9,974            8,794             5,531            41,091
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Interest credited to policyholder
            account balances                             --             4,660              221                --             4,881
         Amortization of deferred policy
            acquisition costs                         3,466               508              374                --             4,348
         Other benefits and expenses                  4,442             2,087            4,009                --            10,538
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total expenses                            7,908             7,255            4,604                --            19,767
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Operating income (loss) before
            federal income tax                        8,884             2,719            4,190             5,531            21,324

         Realized gains on investments                   --                --               --               696               696
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Consolidated income before
            federal tax expense                 $     8,884       $     2,719      $     4,190       $     6,227       $    22,020
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========

         Assets as of year end                  $ 1,502,829       $ 1,162,040      $    92,482       $    82,087       $ 2,839,438
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========

         1997:
         Net investment income (1)              $      (873)      $     5,927      $       166       $     6,357       $    11,577
         Other operating revenue                     10,823             1,825               16                --            12,664
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total operating revenue (2)               9,950             7,752              182             6,357            24,241
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Interest credited to policyholder
            account balances                             --             3,856               92                --             3,948
         Amortization of deferred policy
            acquisition costs                         1,035               347               20                --             1,402
         Other benefits and expenses                  1,648               347              298                --             2,293
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total expenses                            2,683             4,550              410                --             7,643
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Operating income before federal
             income tax                               7,267             3,202             (228)            6,357            16,598
         Realized losses on investments                  --                --               --              (246)             (246)
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Consolidated income before
            federal tax expense                 $     7,267       $     3,202      $      (228)      $     6,111       $    16,352
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========
         Assets as of year end                  $   925,021       $   989,116      $     2,228       $    88,933       $ 2,005,298
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   22
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Variable            Fixed            Life            Corporate
                                                 Annuities         Annuities        Insurance         and Other           Total
                                                 ---------         ---------        ---------         ---------           -----
<S>                                             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
         1996:
         Net investment income (1)              $      (849)      $    50,197      $       149       $     1,548       $    51,045
         Other operating revenue                      5,440             1,445               16                 1             6,902
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total operating revenue (2)               4,591            51,642              165             1,549            57,947
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Interest credited to policyholder
            account balances                             --            34,711               --                --            34,711
         Amortization of deferred policy
            acquisition costs                         1,473             5,888               19                --             7,380
         Benefits and expenses                        2,024             5,889              147                --             8,060
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
            Total expenses                            3,497            46,488              166                --            50,151
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Operating income before federal
             income tax                               1,094             5,154               (1)            1,549             7,796
         Realized losses on investments                  --                --               --                (3)               (3)
                                                -----------       -----------      -----------       -----------       -----------
         Consolidated income before
            federal tax expense                 $     1,094       $     5,154      $        (1)      $     1,546       $     7,793
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========

         Assets as of year end                  $   503,111       $   787,682      $     2,597       $    73,031       $ 1,366,421
                                                ===========       ===========      ===========       ===========       ===========
</TABLE>


         (1)      The Company's method of allocating net investment income
                  results in a charge (negative net investment income) to the
                  Variable Annuities segment which is recognized in the
                  Corporate and Other segment. The charge relates to
                  non-invested assets which support this segment on a statutory
                  basis.

         (2)      Excludes realized gains and losses on investments.

         The Company has no significant revenue from customers located outside
         of the United States nor does the Company have any significant
         long-lived assets located outside the United States.

<PAGE>   71


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

                       CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Form S-6 Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 comprises the following papers and
documents:

The facing sheet.

Cross-reference to items required by Form N-8B-2.

The prospectus consisting of 97 pages.

Representations and Undertakings.

The Signatures.

Independent Auditor's Consent

The following exhibits required by Forms N-8B-2 and S-6:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                            <C>
1.     Power of Attorney dated April 1, 1999.                  Attached hereto.

2.     Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors        Included with the Registration Statement on Form N
       for authorizing the establishment of the Registrant,    -8B-2 for the Nationwide VL Separate Account-C (File
       adopted                                                 No. 811-6137), and is hereby incorporated by
                                                               reference.

3.     Distribution Contracts                                  Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between the
                                                               Registrant and Principal Underwriter - Filed previously in
                                                               connection with Registration Statement (SEC File No.
                                                               33-86408) on November 14, 1994 and hereby incorporated by
                                                               reference.

4.     Form of Security                                        Filed previously in connection with this Registration
                                                               Statement (SEC File No. 333-43639) on April 20, 1998
                                                               and hereby incorporated by reference.

5.     Articles of Incorporation of Depositor                  Included with the Registration Statement on Form N-
                                                               8B-2 for the Nationwide VL Separate Account-C (File
                                                               No. 811-6137), and is hereby incorporated by
                                                               reference.

6.     Application form of Security                            Filed previously in connection with Registration
                                                               Statement (SEC File No. 333-43639) on January 2,
                                                               1998 and hereby incorporated by reference.

7.     Opinion of Counsel                                      Filed previously in connection with Registration
                                                               Statement (SEC File No. 333-43639) on January 2,
                                                               1998 and hereby incorporated by reference.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   72


REPRESENTATIONS AND UNDERTAKINGS

The Registrant and Nationwide hereby make the following representations and
undertakings:

(a)    This filing is made pursuant to Rules 6c-3 and 6e-3(T) under the
       Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act"). The Registrant and Nationwide
       elect to be governed by Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(i)(A) under the Act with
       respect to the policies described in the prospectus. The policies have
       been designed in such a way as to qualify for the exemptive relief from
       various provisions of the Act afforded by Rule 6e-3(T).

(b)    Paragraph (b) (13) (iii) (F) of Rule 6e-3(T) is being relied on for the
       deduction of the mortality and expense risk charges ("risk charges")
       assumed by Nationwide under the policies. Nationwide represents that the
       risk charges are within the range of industry practice for comparable
       policies and reasonable in relation to all of the risks assumed by the
       issuer under the policies. Actuarial memoranda demonstrating the
       reasonableness of these charges are maintained by Nationwide, and will be
       made available to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
       "Commission") on request.

(c)    Nationwide has concluded that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
       distribution financing arrangement of the separate account will benefit
       the separate account and the policy owners and will keep and make
       available to the Commission on request a memorandum setting forth the
       basis for this representation.

(d)    Nationwide represents that the separate account will invest only in
       management investment companies which have undertaken to have a board of
       directors, a majority of whom are not interested persons of Nationwide,
       formulate and approve any plan under Rule 12b-1 to finance distribution
       expenses.

(e)    Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
       Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
       Commission such supplementary and periodic information, documents, and
       reports as may be prescribed by any rule or regulation of the Commission
       heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to authority conferred in
       that section.

(f)    The fees and charges deducted under the policy in the aggregate are
       reasonable in relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to
       be incurred, and the risks assumed by Nationwide.

<PAGE>   73

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company and
Contract Owners of Nationwide VL Separate Account-C:


We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus.




                                                                        KPMG LLP

Columbus, Ohio
April 29, 1999

<PAGE>   74

                                   SIGNATURES


As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant, Nationwide VL
Separate Account-C, certifies that it meets the requirements of Securities Act
Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment and has caused
this Post-Effective Amendment to be signed on its behalf in the City of
Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 22nd day of December, 1999.


                                         NATIONWIDE VL SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                                         --------------------------------
                                                   (Registrant)
(Seal)
Attest:                            NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                                    (Depositor)

GLENN W. SODEN                         By:  JOSEPH P. RATH
- ------------------------                    ------------------------------------
Glenn W. Soden                              Joseph P. Rath
Assistant Secretary                         Vice President - Office of Product
                                            and Market Compliance


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective
Amendment has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
indicated on the 22nd day of December, 1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


               SIGNATURE                                 TITLE
<S>                                               <C>                           <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                        Director
- ----------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

A. I. BELL                                             Director
- ----------------------------------------
A. I. Bell

KENNETH D. DAVIS                                       Director
- ----------------------------------------
Kenneth D. Davis

KEITH W. ECKEL                                         Director
- ----------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                                       Director
- ----------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                                         Director
- ----------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney

JOSEPH J. GASPER                             President and Chief Operating
- ----------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper                                 Officer and Director

DIMON R. MCFERSON                            Chairman and Chief Executive
- ----------------------------------------
Dimon R. McFerson                                Officer and Director

DAVID O. MILLER                                Chairman of the Board and
- ----------------------------------------
David O. Miller                                        Director

YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY                                   Director
- ----------------------------------------
Yvonne L. Montgomery

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                          Executive Vice President and Chief
- ----------------------------------------
Robert A. Oakley                                   Financial Officer

RALPH M. PAIGE                                         Director
- ----------------------------------------
Ralph M. Paige

JAMES F. PATTERSON                                     Director
- ----------------------------------------
James F. Patterson

ARDEN L. SHISLER                                       Director                         By /s/ JOSEPH P. RATH
- ----------------------------------------                                        --------------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler                                                                           Joseph P. Rath

ROBERT L. STEWART                                      Director                           Attorney-in-Fact
- ----------------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart

NANCY C. THOMAS                                        Director
- ----------------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas
</TABLE>


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