NATIONWIDE MULTI FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
485BPOS, 1996-04-29
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<PAGE>   1
                                                        

             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                       Registration No. 33-23905

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

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933

   
                       Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 [x]
    

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

                 ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

 GORDON E. MCCUTCHAN, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

       This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in
respect of the Prospectus, the Statement of Additional Information and the
Financial Statements.

       It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
space):

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

   
[ X] on May 1, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
    

[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485 

[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485

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


   
       The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities by a
prior registration statement in accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Pursuant to Paragraph (a)(3) thereof, a non-refundable fee
in the amount of $500 has been paid to the Commission. Registrant filed its Rule
24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, on February 15, 1996.
    

================================================================================
                                    1 of 95
<PAGE>   2
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-II
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

N-4 ITEM                                                            PAGE

   
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS  
<S>        <C>                                                       <C>

 
    Item     1. Cover page............................................3
    Item     2. Definitions...........................................4
    Item     3. Synopsis or Highlights................................9
    Item     4. Condensed Financial Information......................10
    Item     5. General Description of Registrant, 
                Depositor, and Portfolio Companies...................12
    Item     6. Deductions and Expenses..............................13
    Item     7. General Description of Variable 
                Annuity Contracts....................................15
    Item     8. Annuity Period.......................................19
    Item     9. Death Benefit and Distributions......................20
    Item   10.  Purchases and Contract Value.........................24
    Item   11.  Redemptions..........................................25
    Item   12.  Taxes................................................26
    Item   13.  Legal Proceedings....................................30
    Item   14.  Table of Contents of the Statement 
                of Additional Information............................30
 
Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF 
           ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item   15.  Cover Page...........................................33
    Item   16.  Table of Contents....................................33
    Item   17.  General Information and History......................33
    Item   18.  Services.............................................33
    Item   19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered.................33
    Item   20.  Underwriters.........................................34
    Item   21.  Calculation of Performance Information...............34
    Item   22.  Annuity Payments.....................................35
    Item   23.  Financial Statements.................................36
 
Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
    Item   24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits....................74
    Item   25.  Directors and Officers of the Depositor..............76
    Item   26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common 
                Control with the Depositor or Registrant.............78
    Item   27.  Number of Contract Owners............................88
    Item   28.  Indemnification......................................88
    Item   29.  Principal Underwriter................................88
    Item   30.  Location of Accounts and Records.....................90
    Item   31.  Management Services..................................90
    Item   32.  Undertakings.........................................90
</TABLE>
                                                              

                                    2 of 95
<PAGE>   3
                                                        

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   HOME OFFICE
                                 P.O. BOX 182356
                            COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2356
                       1-800-243-6295, TDD 1-800-238-3035

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
              ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      OF NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
       The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are flexible Purchase Payment contracts (collectively referred to as
the "Contracts"). The Contracts are sold to individuals for use in retirement
plans which may qualify for special federal tax treatment under the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"). Annuity payments under the Contracts are deferred
until a selected later date.
    

       Purchase payments are allocated to the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable
Account ("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the "Company"). The Variable Account uses its assets to purchase shares
at net asset value in one or more of the following series of the underlying
Mutual Fund options, within the Nationwide Separate Account Trust:

                       Nationwide Separate Account Trust:

                           -Capital Appreciation Fund

                               -Money Market Fund

                              -Government Bond Fund

                 -Total Return Fund (Formerly Common Stock Fund)

   
       This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts issued by the
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account before investing. You should read it and
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1,
1996, containing further information about the Contracts and the Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. You can obtain a copy without charge from Nationwide Life Insurance
Company by calling the number listed above, or writing P. O. Box 182356,
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2356.
    

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

   
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1996, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 28 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1996.
    


                                       1


                                    3 of 95
<PAGE>   4
                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT-An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.

ANNUITANT-The person actually receiving annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.
This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of contract issuance.

   
ANNUITIZATION- The period during which annuity payments are actually received.
    

ANNUITIZATION DATE-The date on which annuity payments actually commence.

   
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE-The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the Data Page of the
Contract and is subject to change by the Owner.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION-The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options are
available under this Contract. The Annuity Payment Option is named in the
application, unless changed.
    

ANNUITY UNIT-An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.

   
BENEFICIARY-The Beneficiary is the person designated to receive certain benefits
under the Contract upon the death of the Designated Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date. The Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as set
forth in the Contract.
    

CODE-The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

   
COMPANY- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY-The Contingent Beneficiary is the person designated to be
the Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the death
of the Designated Annuitant.

   
CONTINGENT DESIGNATED ANNUITANT-The Contingent Designated Annuitant may be the
recipient of certain rights or benefits under this Contract when the Designated
Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date. If a Contingent Designated
Annuitant is named on the application, all provisions of the Contract which are
based on the death of the Designated Annuitant will be based on the death of the
last survivor of the Designated Annuitant and the Contingent Designated
Annuitant. The Owner's right to name a Contingent Designated Annuitant may be
restricted under the provisions of any retirement or deferred compensation plan
for which this Contract is issued.

CONTINGENT OWNER-A Contingent Owner succeeds to the rights of Contract Owner
upon the Contract Owner's death before the Annuity Commencement Date. For
Contracts issued in the state of New York, references throughout this prospectus
to "Contingent Owner" shall mean "Owner's Beneficiary." A Contingent Owner may
not be named for contracts issued as IRA's or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

CONTRACT- The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract described in this
prospectus.
    

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY-An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

   
CONTRACT OWNER (OWNER)-The Contract Owner is the person who possesses all rights
under the Contract, including the right to designate and change any designations
of the Owner, Contingent Owner, Designated Annuitant, Contingent Designated
Annuitant, Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity Payment Option, and the
Annuity Commencement Date. The Contract Owner is the person named on the
application, unless changed.

CONTRACT VALUE-The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the
Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR-Each year the contract is in force, commencing with the Date of
Issue.
    

DATE OF ISSUE-The date shown as the Date of Issue on the Contract Data Page of
the Contract.

   
DEATH BENEFIT-The benefit payable upon the death of the Designated Annuitant or
the Contingent Designated Annuitant, if applicable. This benefit does not apply
upon the death of the Contract Owner when the Owner and Designated Annuitant are
not the same person. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any
benefit that may be payable shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option
elected.
    



                                       2


                                    4 of 95
<PAGE>   5
DESIGNATED ANNUITANT-The person designated prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date to receive annuity payments. The Designated Annuitant is named on the Data
Page, unless changed. No change of Designated Annuitant may be made without the
prior consent of the Company. The Designated Annuitant is the person upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payments involving life contingencies depends.

   
DISTRIBUTION-Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.
    

FIXED ACCOUNT-The Fixed Account is made up of all assets of the Company other
than those in any segregated asset account.

FIXED ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE-The sum of the value credited under the Contract,
including interest, to the Fixed Account.

FIXED ANNUITY-An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period.

   
HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY (IRA)-An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408 of the Code.

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD-The Fixed Account interest rate declared is
guaranteed not to change for the duration of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period.
The interest rate declared will expire on the final day of a calendar quarter
during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed Account
occurs; therefore, the initial Interest Rate Guarantee Period for deposits or
transfers into the Fixed Account may continue for up to three months after a one
year period has expired. At the end of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new
interest rate is declared with an Interest Rate Guarantee Period starting at the
end of the prior period and ending at the end of the calendar quarter one year
later. 

MUTUAL FUND (FUND)-A registered management investment company in which the
assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT (NON-QUALIFIED PLAN) -A Contract (Retirement Plan) which
does not qualify for favorable tax treatment under Sections 401 (Qualified
Plans), 408 (IRAs), or 403(b) (Tax Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

PURCHASE PAYMENT- A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers between the Variable Account and the Fixed
Account, or among the Sub-Accounts.

QUALIFIED CONTRACT (QUALIFIED PLAN)- A Contract (Retirement Plan) which receives
favorable tax treatment under the provisions of the Code, including those
described in Sections 401 and 403(a).

SUB-ACCOUNTS- Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific underlying Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation
Units and Annuity Units are separately maintained. 

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY-An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Code.

VALUATION DATE-Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office is open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient
degree of trading of the Variable Account's underlying Mutual Fund shares that
the current net asset value of Variable Account Accumulation Units might be
materially affected.
    

VALUATION PERIOD-The period of time commencing at the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.

   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT-The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, a separate
investment account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments
are allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate underlying Mutual Fund.

VARIABLE ANNUITY-An annuity providing for payments which are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.
    



                                       3


                                    5 of 95
<PAGE>   6
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.................................................2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..............................................5
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES....................................5
SYNOPSIS..................................................................7
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...........................................8
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY........................................10
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.....................................................10

         Nationwide Separate Account Trust...............................10
         Voting Rights...................................................11

VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE 
    PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS.......................................11
         Mortality Risk Charge...........................................11
         Expense Risk Charge.............................................11
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge................................11
         Contract Maintenance Charge and 
              Administration Charge......................................12
         Premium Taxes...................................................13
         Expenses of Variable Account....................................13
         Investments of the Variable Account.............................13
         Right to Revoke.................................................13
         Transfers.......................................................13
         Assignment......................................................14
         Loan Privilege..................................................14
         Contingent Owner and Beneficiary Provisions.....................15
         Ownership Provisions............................................16
         Substitution of Securities......................................16
         Contract Owner Inquiries........................................16

ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT..................................17
         Value of an Annuity Unit........................................17
         Assumed Investment Rate.........................................17
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments........................17
         Annuity Commencement Date.......................................17
         Change in Annuity Commencement Date.............................17
         Change in Form of Annuity.......................................17
         Annuity Payment Options.........................................17
         Death of Contract Owner.........................................18
         Death Benefit at Death of Designated 
              Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date..................19
         Death Benefit After the Annuitization Date......................19
         Required Distributions for Qualified Plans 
              or Tax Sheltered Annuities.................................19
         Required Distributions for Individual
              Retirement Annuities.......................................20
         Generation-Skipping Transfers...................................20

GENERAL INFORMATION......................................................21
         Contract Owner Services.........................................21
         Statements and Reports..........................................21
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value..............22
         Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit...................22
         Net Investment Factor...........................................22
         Valuation of Assets.............................................23
         Determining the Contract Value..................................23
         Surrender (Redemption)..........................................23
         Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax 
              Sheltered Annuity Contract.................................24
         Taxes...........................................................24
         Non-Qualified Contracts.........................................25
         Diversification.................................................26
         Charge for Tax Provisions.......................................26
         Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement
              Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts 
              and Tax Sheltered Annuities................................27
         Advertising.....................................................27

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................................28
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.................28
APPENDIX.................................................................29
    


                                       4


                                    6 of 95
<PAGE>   7
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
       Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge1.................      7     %
                                                                  ----------    
   
           RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME

 Number of Completed Years from Date    Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
         of Purchase Payment                       Percentage

                  0                                    7%
                  1                                    6%
                  2                                    5%
                  3                                    4%
                  4                                    3%
                  5                                    2%
                  6                                    1%
                  7                                    0%


ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE2.............................     $30
                                                                  ----------   
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges.......................    1.25    %
                                                                  ----------
       Administration Charge....................................    0.05    %
                                                                  ----------
         Total Variable Account Annual Expenses.................    1.30    %
                                                                  ----------

   
1      Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, 10%
       of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn without imposition of a
       Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. This free withdrawal privilege is
       noncumulative and must be used in the year available. Withdrawals may be
       restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a Tax Sheltered
       Annuity or other Qualified Plan. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is
       imposed only against Purchase Payments (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
       Charge").
    

2      The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
       Anniversary and on the date of Surrender in any year in which the entire
       Contract Value is surrendered (see "Contract Maintenance Charge and
       Administration Charge").

                     UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES3

   
     NSAT Capital Appreciation Fund
       Management Fees..........................................    0.50    %
                                                                  ----------
       Other Expenses...........................................    0.04    %
                                                                  ----------
         Total underlying Mutual Fund Expenses..................    0.54    %
                                                                  ----------
     NSAT Money Market Fund
       Management Fees .........................................    0.50    %
                                                                  ----------
       Other Expenses...........................................    0.02    %
                                                                  ----------
         Total underlying Mutual Fund Expenses..................    0.52    %
                                                                  ----------
     NSAT Government Bond Fund
       Management Fees..........................................    0.50    %
                                                                  ----------
       Other Expenses...........................................    0.01    %
                                                                  ----------
         Total underlying Mutual Fund Expenses..................    0.51    %
                                                                  ----------
     NSAT Total Return Fund
       Management Fees .........................................    0.50    %
                                                                  ----------
       Other Expenses...........................................    0.01    %
                                                                  ----------
         Total underlying Mutual Fund Expenses..................    0.51    %
                                                                  ----------

3      The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying
       Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account
       assets or reductions from Contract Values. These underlying Mutual Fund
       expenses are taken into consideration in computing the net asset value of
       each underlying Mutual Fund, which is used in calculating unit value
       within the Variable Account. The management fees and other expenses, some
       of which are subject to fee waivers or expense reimbursements, are more
       fully described in the prospectuses of each individual underlying Mutual
       Fund. The information relating to the underlying Mutual Fund expenses was
       provided by the underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently verified
       by the Company
    


                                       5


                                    7 of 95
<PAGE>   8
                                     EXAMPLE

   
The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return. These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below. The expense amounts presented are derived from a
formula which allows the $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be expressed as a
percentage of the average Contract account size for existing Contracts. Since
the average Contract account size for Contracts issued under this prospectus is
greater than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance Charge is
reduced accordingly.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      If you surrender your      If you do not surrender your      If you annuitize your
                   Contract at the end of the     Contract at the end of the    Contract at the end of the
                     applicable time period        applicable time period        applicable time period
                      
                    1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs. 10 Yrs.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
NSAT Capital         91    110    139     241      21     65    112     241      *      65    112     241
                           ---    ---     ---             --    ---     ---             --    ---     ---
Appreciation Fund   

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

NSAT Money           91    110    138     239      21     65    111     239      *      65    111     239
                                  ---     ---                   ---     ---                   ---     ---
Market Fund

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

NSAT Government      91    109    137     237      21     64    110     237      *      64    110     237
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NSAT Total           91    109    137     237      21     64    110     237      *      64    110     237
Return Fund
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

* The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitizations during
the first two Contract years.

   
The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The expenses of the
Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account as well as those of the underlying Mutual
Fund options are reflected in the table. For more complete descriptions of
the expenses of the Variable Account, see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase
Payments, and Other Deductions." For more complete information regarding
expenses paid out of the assets of a particular underlying Mutual Fund option,
see the prospectus for the underlying Mutual Fund. Deductions for premium taxes
may also apply but are not reflected in the Example shown above (see "Premium
Taxes").
    



                                       6


                                    8 of 95
<PAGE>   9
                                    SYNOPSIS

   
       The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made
for these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such
Contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
the Contract Owner's Contract Value a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge not to
exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84
months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or the amount surrendered.
This charge, when applicable, is imposed to permit the Company to recover sales
expenses which have been advanced by the Company (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge").
    

       In addition, on each Contract Anniversary, and in any year in which the
Contract is surrendered the Company will deduct an annual Contract Maintenance
Charge of $30 from the Contract Value of the Contracts. The Company will also
assess an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the daily
net asset value of the Variable Account. These charges are to reimburse the
Company for administrative expenses related to the issue and maintenance of the
Contracts. The Company does not expect to recover from these charges an amount
in excess of accumulated administrative expenses (see "Contract Maintenance
Charge and Administration Charge").

       The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.80% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account for mortality risk
assumed by the Company (see "Mortality Risk Charge").

   
       The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.45% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account as compensation for
the Company's risk in undertaking not to increase administrative charges on the
Contracts regardless of the actual administrative costs (see "Expense Risk
Charge").

       The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the
Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments
made on an annualized basis. The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under
Contracts issued on the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed
$1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase
Payments and Contract Value").

       If the Contract Value at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the
Contract Value may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments.
If any annuity payment would be less than $20, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments
of at least $20. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made less
frequently than annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").

       Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against
the Contracts. If any such premium taxes are by the Company payable at the time
Purchase Payments are made, an equal premium tax deduction may be made from the
Contract prior to the allocation of any Purchase Payment to any underlying
mutual fund option (see "Premium Taxes").

       To be sure that the Contract Owner is satisfied with the Contract, the
Contract Owner has a ten day free look. Within ten days of the day the Contract
is received, it may be returned to the Home Office of the Company, at the
address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. When the Contract is received by the
Company, the Company will void the Contract and refund the Contract Value in
full unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law. All Individual
Retirement Annuity refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see "Right to
Revoke").
    


                                       7


                                    9 of 95
<PAGE>   10
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   
Accumulation Unit Values (for an accumulation unit outstanding throughout the
period)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  ACCUMULATION      ACCUMULATION        PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                                  UNIT VALUE        UNIT VALUE        CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                                  AT BEGINNING         AT END        ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
          FUND                     OF PERIOD        OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE      OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>                 <C>
NSAT-Capital Appreciation          11.311683         14.442619          27.68%          1,711,709        1995            
Fund -Q                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
                                   11.564256         11.311683          -2.18%          1,788,703        1994
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   10.689287         11.564256           8.19%          1,249,864        1993
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   10.000000         10.689297           6.89%            588,851        1992
=================================================================================================================
NSAT-Money Market                  18.790546         19.595876           4.29%          1,618,571        1995
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-Q*                            18.325918         18.790546           2.54%          1,636,119        1994
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   18.069824         18.325918           1.42%          1,647,900        1993
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   17.705124         18.069824           2.06%          1,840,923        1992
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   16.950132         17.705124           4.45%          2,323,043        1991
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   15.891433         16.950132           6.66%          2,678,914        1990
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   14.760926         15.891433           7.66%          2,395,888        1989
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   13.935064         14.760926           5.93%          2,117,718        1988
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   13.264408         13.935064           5.06%          1,894,196        1987
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   12.611459         13.264408           5.18%          1,403,782        1986
=================================================================================================================                   
NSAT-Government Bond               25.138302         29.463573          17.21%          3,276,421        1995
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Fund-Q                            26.318797         25.138302          -4.49%          3,538,336        1994
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   24.348055         26.318797           8.09%          3,946,493        1993
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   22.869936         24.348055           6.46%          2,650,975        1992
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   19.854919         22.869936          15.19%          1,805,156        1991
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   18.372987         19.854919           8.07%          1,291,591        1990
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   16.331709         18.372987          12.50%          1,182,905        1989
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   15.312739         16.331709           6.65%          1,184,100        1988
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   15.295126         15.312739           0.12%          1,190,140        1987
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   13.449373         15.295126          13.72%            948,476        1986
=================================================================================================================
NSAT-Total Return                  40.575816         51.701438          27.42%          5,049,123        1995
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-Q                             40.671816         40.575816          -0.24%          5,094,417        1994
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   37.150744         40.671816           9.48%          4,467,810        1993
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   34.794462         37.150744           6.77%          3,578,781        1992
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   25.454897         34.794462          36.69%          2,974,227        1991
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   28.044760         25.454897          -9.23%          2,734,562        1990
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   25.094601         28.044760          11.76%          2,897,067        1989
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   21.178453         25.094601          18.49%          2,746,255        1988
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   21.612441         21.178453          -2.01%          2,885,264        1987
                             ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   18.212306         21.612441          18.67%          2,541,305        1986
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

*The 7-day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1995 was 3.78%.
    



                                       8


                                    10 of 95
<PAGE>   11
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION-CONTINUED

Accumulation Unit Values (For an accumulation unit outstanding throughout the
period).

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           ACCUMULATION      ACCUMULATION        PERCENT         NUMBER OF
                            UNIT VALUE        UNIT VALUE        CHANGE IN       ACCUMULATION
                           AT BEGINNING         AT END        ACCUMULATION      UNITS AT END
          FUND               OF PERIOD        OF PERIOD        UNIT VALUE      OF THE PERIOD       YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>                 <C>    
NSAT-Capital                 11.311683         14.442619          27.68%            739,691        1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
Appreciation                 11.564256         11.311683          -2.18%            821,411        1994      
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                      10.689287         11.564256           8.19%            602,710        1993      
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             10.000000         10.689297           6.89%            263,516        1992      
=============================================================================================================
NSAT-Money Market            20.416267         21.291272           4.29%            665,100        1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ*                     19.911440         20.416267           2.54%            831,132        1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             19.633190         19.911440           1.42%            819,892        1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             19.236937         19.633190           2.06%          1,117,454        1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             18.416623         19.236937           4.45%          1,684,322        1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.266332         18.416623           6.66%          2,083,996        1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             16.038015         17.266332           7.66%          2,127,690        1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             15.140691         16.038015           5.93%          2,219,382        1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             14.412005         15.140691           5.06%          2,567,315        1987
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             13.702570         14.412005           5.18%          2,840,571        1986
=============================================================================================================
NSAT-Government Bond         25.147577         29.474435          17.21%          1,618,704        1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                      26.328516         25.147577          -4.49%          1,893,807        1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             24.357055         26.328516           8.09%          2,350,137        1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             22.878402         24.357055           6.46%          1,501,470        1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             19.862268         22.878402          15.19%            976,874        1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             18.379796         19.862268           8.07%            750,363        1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             16.337763         18.379796          12.50%            756,058        1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             15.318418         16.337763           6.65%            845,602        1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             15.300795         15.318418           0.12%          1,034,597        1987
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             13.454359         15.300795          13.72%            985,017        1986
=============================================================================================================
NSAT-Total Return            39.408735         50.214359          27.42%          2,273,685        1995
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund-NQ                      39.501981         39.408735          -0.24%          2,360,160        1994
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             36.082181         39.501981           9.48%          2,184,517        1993
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             33.793676         36.082181           6.77%          1,671,604        1992
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             24.722750         33.793676          36.69%          1,370,409        1991
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             27.238121         24.722750          -9.23%          1,268,584        1990
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             24.372817         27.238121          11.76%          1,476,049        1989
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             20.569309         24.372817          18.49%          1,458,246        1988
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             20.990807         20.569309          -2.01%          1,853,494        1987
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             17.688466         20.990807          18.67%          1,823,424        1986
</TABLE>
================================================================================

*The 7-day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1995 was 3.78%.
    


                                      9


                                    12 of 95
<PAGE>   12
                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
       The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
the State of Ohio in March, 1929. The Company is a member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise, with its Home Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216. The Company offers a complete line of life insurance, including
annuities and accident and health insurance. It is admitted to do business in
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and in all states.
    

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account was established by the Company on October 7, 1981,
pursuant to the provisions of Ohio law. The Company has caused the Variable
Account to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit
investment trust pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of
1940. Such registration does not involve supervision of the management of the
Variable Account or the Company by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

       The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and
as such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account. Obligations under the Contracts, however,
are obligations of the Company. Income, gains and losses, whether or not
realized, from the assets of the Variable Account are, in accordance with the
Contracts, credited to or charged against the Variable Account without regard to
other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

   
       Purchase payments are allocated within the Variable Account among one or
more Sub-Accounts made up of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Contract Owner. There are two Sub-Accounts within the Variable
Account for each of the underlying Mutual Fund options which may be designated
by the Contract Owner. One such Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Funds
shares attributable to Accumulation Units under Qualified Contracts and one such
Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Funds shares attributable to
Accumulation Units under Non-Qualified Contracts. A summary of investment
objectives is contained in the description of each underlying Mutual Fund option
below.
    

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST

       Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Trust
offers shares in four separate underlying Mutual Funds listed below, each with
its own investment objectives. Currently, shares of the Trust will be sold only
to life insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable
life insurance or annuity policies issued by life insurance companies.

       The assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide Financial Services,
Inc., One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company. More detailed information may be found in the
current prospectus for each Mutual Fund offered. Such a prospectus for the
Mutual Fund or funds being considered must accompany this Prospectus and should
be read in conjunction herewith. A copy of each prospectus may be obtained
without charge from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by calling 1-800-243-6295,
TDD 1-800-238-3035 or by writing P.O. Box 182356, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2356.

- -CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

Investment Objective: The Fund is designed for investors who are interested in
long-term growth. The Fund seeks to meet its objective primarily through a
diversified portfolio of the common stock of companies which the investment
manager determines have a better-than-average potential for sustained capital
growth over the long term.

- -MONEY MARKET FUND

Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of current income as is considered
consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by investing primarily
in money market instruments.

- -GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of income as is consistent with
the preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a
diversified portfolio of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities.


                                       10


                                    12 of 95
<PAGE>   13
- -TOTAL RETURN FUND

Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return (i.e.,
earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital from a
flexible combination of current return and capital gains through investments in
common stocks, convertible issues, money market instruments and bonds with a
primary emphasis on common stocks.

VOTING RIGHTS

   
       Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to Purchase
Payments or accumulated amounts allocated to the Variable Account. In accordance
with its view of present applicable law, the Company will vote the shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds held in the Variable Account at regular and special
meetings of the shareholders of the underlying Mutual Funds. These shares will
be voted in accordance with instructions received from Contract Owners who have
an interest in the variable Account. If the Investment Company Act of 1940 or
any regulation thereunder should be amended or if the present interpretation
thereof should change, and as a result the Company determines that it is
permitted to vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds in its own right, it
may elect to do so.

       The person having the voting interested under a Contract shall be the
Contract Owner. The number of underlying Mutual Fund shares which are
attributable to each Contract Owner is determined by dividing the Contract
Owner's interest in each respective Sub-Account of the Variable Account by the
net asset value of the underlying Mutual Fund corresponding to the Sub-Account.
The number of shares which a Contract Owner has the right to vote will be
determined as of a date chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to the
meeting of the underlying Mutual Fund and voting instructions will be solicited
by written communication at least 21 days prior to such meeting.
    

       Underlying Mutual Fund shares held in the Variable Account as to which no
timely instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same
proportion as the voting instructions which are received with respect to all
Contracts participating in the Variable Account.

   
       Each person having a voting interest in the Variable Account will receive
periodic reports relating to the underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material and a
form with which to give such voting instructions.
    

        VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

   
       The Company assumes a "mortality risk" by virtue of annuity rates
incorporated into the Contract which cannot be changed regardless of the death
rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of the general population.
    

       For assuming this mortality risk, the Company deducts a Mortality Risk
Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is computed on a daily basis and
is equal on an annual rate to 0.80% of the daily net asset value of the Variable
Account. The Company expects to generate a profit through assessing this charge.

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

       The Company will not increase charges for administration of the Contracts
regardless of its actual expenses. For assuming this expense risk, the Company
deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is
computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of the daily
net asset value of the Variable Account. The Company expects to generate a
profit through assessing this charge.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

   
       No sales charge deduction is assessed when Purchase Payments for these
Contracts are made. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts
is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all
Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to the date of the request to
surrender, or the amount surrendered. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, when
it is applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the sale of the
Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of
preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its Distribution costs relating to the sale of the Contracts
from the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Any shortfall will be made up from
the General Account of the Company, which may indirectly include portions of the
Mortality and Expense Risk Charges, since the Company expects to generate a
profit from these charges. The gross Distribution allowance which may be paid on
the sale of these Contracts are 6.0% of Purchase Payments.
    


                                       11


                                    13 of 95
<PAGE>   14
   
       If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted by the Company. For purposes of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders under a Contract come first from
the Purchase Payments which have been on deposit under the Contract for the
longest time period. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a
withdrawal of earnings first. This charge will apply in the amounts set forth
below to Purchase Payments within the time periods set forth. In no event will
any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge be deducted from any values which have been
held under the Contract for at least 84 months, upon commencement of an annuity
payout under Contracts which have been in effect for at least two years or upon
the death of the Designated Annuitant.

The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies to Purchase Payments as follows:
    

                        CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
             TABLE FOR CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 1989
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

    NUMBER OF COMPLETED   CONTINGENT DEFERRED  NUMBER OF COMPLETED   CONTINGENT DEFERRED
     YEARS FROM DATE OF      SALES CHARGE      YEARS FROM DATE OF       SALES CHARGE
      PURCHASE PAYMENT        PERCENTAGE        PURCHASE PAYMENT         PERCENTAGE
    <C>                   <C>                  <C>                   <C>
             0                    7%                    4                    3%
             1                    6%                    5                    2%
             2                    5%                    6                    1%
             3                    4%                    7                    0%
</TABLE>


   
       Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made
under the Contract, 10% of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn each year
without imposition of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. This free withdrawal
privilege is noncumulative and must be used in the year available. Withdrawals
may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a Tax Sheltered
Annuity or other Qualified Plan. No sales charges are deducted on redemption
proceeds that are transferred to the Fixed Account option of this annuity. The
Contract Owner may be subject to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner withdraws
Purchase Payments prior to age 59-1/2.

       For Contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, a Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge will be deducted by the Company equal to 5% of the lesser of the
total of all Purchase Payments made within 96 months prior to the date of the
request for surrender, or the amount surrendered. For Contracts issued prior to
February 1, 1989, the Contract Owner may, after the first year from the date of
each Purchase Payment, withdraw without a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, up
to 5% of that Purchase Payment for each year that the Purchase Payment has
remained on deposit (less the amount of such Purchase Payment previously
surrendered free of charge).
    

       The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will not be assessed against the
withdrawal of Purchase Payments made to Contracts issued under the Nationwide
Enterprise Multi-Flex Account (NEMA), available to officers, directors, agents,
employees, independent contract or agents, employees of Nationwide agents,
retirees, their spouses, children, and immediate relatives of any employee of
the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.

   
       When a Contract described in this Prospectus is exchanged for another
Contract issued by the Company or any of its affiliate insurance companies, of
the type and class which the Company determined is eligible for such exchange,
the Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on the first
Contract.
    

       In no event will elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges be
permitted where such elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any person,
or where prohibited by state law.

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

       Each year on the Contract Anniversary, the Company deducts an annual
Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value to reimburse it for
administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contract. The Company also assesses an Administration Charge equal on an annual
basis to 0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. These
charges are designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses
and the Company will monitor these charges to ensure that they do not exceed
actual administration expenses. In any Contract Year when a Contract is
surrendered for its full value on other than the Contract Anniversary, the
Contract Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of such surrender. The
amount of the Contract Maintenance Charge may not be increased by the Company.
The amount of the Contract Maintenance Charge may, however, be decreased by the
Company in accordance with the considerations set forth in the preceding section
describing those circumstances which may allow for the 


                                       12


                                    14 of 95
<PAGE>   15
reduction or elimination of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. In no event
will reduction or elimination of the Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted
where such reduction or elimination will be unfairly discriminatory to any
person or where it is prohibited by state law.

PREMIUM TAXES

   
       The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any
premium taxes levied by a state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase
Payments received by the Company. Premium taxes currently imposed by certain
jurisdictions range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is subject to change. The method
used to recoup premium tax expense will be determined by the Company at its sole
discretion and in compliance with applicable state law. The Company currently
deducts such charges from a Contract Owner's Contract Value either: (1) at the
time the Contract is surrendered, (2) at annuitization, or (3) in those states
which require, at the time Purchase Payments are made to the Contract.
    

EXPENSES OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
       The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of expenses:
(1) administrative expenses related to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts; (2) mortality risk charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) expense risk
charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk,
Contract Maintenance and Administration Charges described in this prospectus
will not be changed regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are
insufficient to cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.

       For 1995, the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 1.59% of
its average net assets, relating to the administrative, sales, mortality, and
expense risk charges described above for all Contracts outstanding during that
year. Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying
Mutual Fund options are described in each underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus.
    

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
       At the time of purchase each Contract Owner elects to have Purchase
Payments attributable to his or her participation in the Variable Account
allocated among one or more of the Sub-Accounts which consist of shares in the
underlying Mutual Funds. Shares of the respective underlying Mutual Funds
specified by the Contract Owner are purchased at net asset value for the
respective Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. Such election
is subject to any minimum Purchase Payment limitations which may be imposed by
the underlying Mutual Funds designated. The election as to allocation of
Purchase Payments or as to transfers of the Contract Value from one Sub-Account
to another may be changed by the Contract Owner pursuant to such terms and
conditions applicable to such transactions as may be imposed by each of the
underlying Mutual Funds, in addition to those set forth in the Contract. 
    

RIGHT TO REVOKE

   
       The Contract Owner may revoke the Contract at any time between the date
of application and the date 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a
refund of the Contract Value unless otherwise required by state and/or federal
law. All Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be return of Purchase
Payments. In order to revoke the Contract it must be mailed or delivered to the
Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this
Prospectus. Mailing or delivery must occur on or before 10 days after receipt of
the Contract for revocation to be effective. In order to revoke the Contract, if
it has not been received, written notice must be mailed or delivered to the Home
Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this Prospectus.
    

TRANSFERS

   
       The Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Contract Value from
the Variable Account to the Fixed Account without penalty or adjustment. All
amounts transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed
Account until the expiration of the current Interest Rate Guarantee Period.
Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the first Contract
Anniversary. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a
calendar quarter during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the
Fixed Account occurs. Transfers must also be made prior to the Annuitization
Date. The Owner's Value in each Sub-Account will be determined as of the date
the transfer request is received in the Home Office in good order. The Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any 12 month period.

       The Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the
    


                                       13


                                    15 of 95
<PAGE>   16
   
Variable Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but
will not be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account
that is maturing and will be declared upon the expiration date of the then
current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers from the Fixed Account must be
made within 45 days after the expiration date of the guarantee period. Contract
Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging Agreement with the Company
(see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers among the Sub-Accounts may be made either in writing or, in
states allowing such transfers, by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege
is made available to Contract Owners automatically without Owners having to
elect the privilege. The Company will employ procedures reasonably designed to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures
may include any or all of the following, or such other procedures as the Company
may, from time to time, deem reasonable: requesting identifying information,
such as name, contract number, Social Security number, and/or personal
identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions; and providing
written confirmation thereof to both the Contract Owner and any agent of record,
at the last address of record. The Company will not be liable for following
instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be
genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in
reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall be
borne by the Contract Owner. The Company may withdraw the telephone exchange
privilege upon 30 days' written notice to Contract Owners.
    

ASSIGNMENT

   
       Where permitted, the Contract Owner may assign some or all of the rights
under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Designated Annuitant.
Such assignment will take effect upon receipt by the Company of a written notice
thereof executed by the Contract Owner. The Company assumes no responsibility
for the validity or sufficiency of any assignment. The Company shall not be
liable as to any payment or other settlement made by the Company before receipt
of the assignment. Where necessary for proper administration of the terms of the
Contract, an assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received
sufficient direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper
allocation of contract rights under the assignment.

       Qualified Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities and Tax Sheltered
Annuities may not be assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except under
such conditions as may be allowed by applicable law. If this Contract is a
Non-Qualified Contract, any portion of Contract Value attributable to Purchase
Payments made after August 13, 1982, which is pledged or assigned after August
13, 1982, shall be treated as a Distribution and shall be included in gross
income to the extent that the cash value exceeds the investment in the Contract,
for the taxable year in which assigned or pledged. In addition, any Contract
Values assigned may, under certain conditions, be subject to a tax penalty equal
to 10% of the amount which is included in gross income. Assignments of the
entire Contract Value may cause amounts to be included in gross income each year
that the assignment is in effect.
    

LOAN PRIVILEGE

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Owner of a Qualified Contract or Tax
Sheltered Annuity may receive a loan from their Contract Value, subject to the
terms of the Contract, the plan, and the Code which impose restrictions on
loans.

       Loans from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities are available
beginning 30 days after the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a
minimum of $1,000. In non-ERISA plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the
maximum loan balance which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract
Value, but not more than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. The $50,000 limit will be reduced by the highest loan balance owed
during the prior one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the Contract
minimum amount. The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract Value
limitations stated above.

       For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities loans may only be secured by
the Contract Value. For loans from Qualified Contracts and other Tax Sheltered
Annuities, the Company reserves the right to limit a loan to 50% of the Contract
Value subject to the acceptance by the Contract Owner of the Company's loan
agreement. Where permitted, the Company may require other named collateral where
the loan from a Contract exceeds 50% of the Contract Value.


                                       14


                                    16 of 95
<PAGE>   17
       All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to
the principal amount of the loan will be transferred to the collateral fixed
account. Unless instructed to the contrary by the Contract Owner, the Company
will first transfer to the collateral fixed account the Variable Account units
from the Contract Owner's investment options in proportion to the assets in each
option until the required balance is reached or all such variable units are
exhausted. The remaining required collateral will next be transferred from the
Fixed Account. No withdrawal charges are deducted at the time of the loan, or on
the transfer from the Variable Account to the collateral fixed account.

       Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral
fixed account equal to the outstanding loan balance shall be credited with
interest at a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company
for the term of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral
fixed account will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at
the time of loan application or loan issuance.

       Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less frequently
than quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the principal
residence of the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years. During the loan
term, the outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn interest at an
annual rate as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of
principal and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan
repayments will be allocated between the Fixed and Variable Accounts in the same
proportion as when the loan was made.

   
       If the Contract is surrendered while the loan is outstanding, the
surrender value will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus
accrued interest. If the Contract Owner/Designated Annuitant dies while the loan
is outstanding, the death benefit will be reduced by the amount of the loan
outstanding plus accrued interest. If a Contract Owner who is not the Designated
Annuitant dies while the loan is still outstanding, the Distribution will be
reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus accrued interest. If annuity
payments start while the loan is outstanding, the Contract Value will be reduced
by the amount of the outstanding loan plus accrued interest. Until the loan is
repaid, the Company reserves the right to restrict any transfer of the Contract
which would otherwise qualify as a transfer as permitted in the Code.

       If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue.
A grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement. If a loan
payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace period, then
that payment, which may be a single periodic payment or payment of the entire
loan, will be treated as a deemed distribution, as permitted by law, may be
taxable to the borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty.
Interest which subsequently accrues on defaulted amounts may also be treated as
additional deemed distributions each year. Any defaulted amounts, plus accrued
interest, will be deducted from the Contract when the Participant becomes
eligible for a distribution of at least that amount, and this amount may again
be treated as a Distribution where required by law. Additional loans may not be
available while a previous loan remains in default.

       Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions under
the terms of the employer's plan. Loans permitted under this Contract may still
be taxable in whole or part if the Participant has additional loans from other
plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum nontaxable loan based
on the information provided by the Participant or the Employer.

       Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated
as Purchase Payments, and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan
principal or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the term or
procedures associated with the loan in the event of a change in the laws or
regulations relating to the treatment of loans. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a loan processing fee. Individual Retirement Annuities, SEP-IRA
accounts and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for loans.

CONTINGENT OWNER AND BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

       The Contingent Owner is the person (or persons) who may receive certain
benefits under the Contract if the Contract Owner dies before the Annuitization
Date. If more than one Contingent Owner survives the Contract Owner, each will
share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent Owner designation. If
a Contingent Owner is not named or predeceases the Contract Owner, all rights
and interest of the Contingent owner will vest in the Contract Owner's estate.
Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Contingent Owner from time to time prior to the Annuitization Date by
written notice to the Company. The change, upon receipt and recording by the
Company at its Home Office, will take effect as of the time the written notice
was signed, whether or not the Contract Owner is living at the time of
recording, but without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by
the Company before receipt of such change. Unless the Contingent Owner (or Joint
Owner) is also named Beneficiary (or Contingent Beneficiary, if applicable), the
Contingent Owner (or Joint Owner) shall have no rights in the Contract if the
Contract
    


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<PAGE>   18
   
Owner/Annuitant dies. If a Contract Owner/Annuitant dies, disposition of the
Contract shall be determined based on the "Death of Annuitant Prior to the
Annuitization Date" provisions.

       The Beneficiary is the person (or persons) who may receive certain
benefits under the Contract in the event the Designated Annuitant dies prior to
the Annuitization Date. If more than one Beneficiary survives the Designated
Annuitant, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary
designation. If no Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, all rights and interest
of the Beneficiary shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary and if more than one
Contingent Beneficiary survives, each will share equally unless otherwise
specified in the Contingent Beneficiary designation. If a Contingent Beneficiary
is not named or predeceases the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the
Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the Contract Owner's
estate. Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary from time to time during the
lifetime of the Designated Annuitant, by written notice to the Company. The
change, upon receipt by the Company at its Home Office, will take effect as of
the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the Designated Annuitant
is living at the time of recording, but without further liability as to any
payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.
    

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

       Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract. IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS OWNER,
THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. The Designated Annuitant
may become the Contract Owner on and after the Annuitization Date subject to the
Annuity Payout Option elected. Ownership rights under this Contract may be
restricted under the provisions of the retirement or deferred compensation plan
for which this Contract may be issued.

       If the Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, contract ownership
will be determined in accordance with the "Death of Contract Owner" provision.
If the Designated Annuitant does not survive the Contract Owner or if the
Designated Annuitant and the Owner are the same person, Contract ownership will
be determined in accordance with the "Death Benefit At Death of Designated
Annuitant Prior To The Annuitization Date" provision. After the Annuitization
Date, ownership will be determined based on the Annuity Payment Option.

   
       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may name a new
Contract Owner at any time, but such change may be subject to state and federal
gift taxes and may be treated as an assignment for federal income tax purposes.
Such an assignment would result in a deemed distribution at the value of the
Contract. Any new choice of Contract Owner will automatically revoke any prior
choice of Contract Owner. Any request for change must be: (1) made in writing;
and (2) received by the Company at its Home Office. A request for change of
Contract Owner must be a "Proper Written Application" and may include a
signature guarantee as specified in the "Surrender" section. The change will
become effective as of the date the written request is signed. A new choice of
Contract Owner will not apply to any payment made or action taken by the Company
prior to the time it was received.

       The Contract Owner may request a change in the Designated Annuitant
before the Annuitization Date under the following conditions: (1) request for
such change must be made by the Contract Owner; (2) request must be made in
writing on a form acceptable to the Company; (3) request must be signed by the
Contract Owner; and (4) such change is subject to underwriting and approval by
the Company. The Company may be required to tax report any previously unreported
earnings in the Contract on the date of such change.
    

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

   
       If the shares of the underlying Mutual Fund options described in this
Prospectus should no longer be available for investment by the Variable Account
or if, in the judgment of the Company's management, further investment in such
underlying Mutual Fund shares should become inappropriate the Company may
eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more Sub-Accounts, or substitute one or
more underlying Mutual Fund for other underlying Mutual Fund shares already
purchased or to be purchased in the future with Purchase Payments under the
Contract. No substitution of securities in the Variable Account may take place
without prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and under such
requirements as it may impose.
    

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

       Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life Insurance
Company by writing P.O. Box 182356, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2356, or calling
1-800-243-6295, TDD 1-800-238-3035.



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                     ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
       At the Annuitization Date the Variable Account Contract Value is applied
to the Annuity Payment Option elected and the amounts of the first such payment
shall be determined in accordance with the Annuity Table in the Contract.
    

       Subsequent Variable Annuity payments vary in amount in accordance with
the investment performance of the Variable Account. The dollar amount of the
first annuity payment determined as above is divided by the value of an Annuity
Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity Units
representing each monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units remains
fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second and
subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month to month. The
dollar amount of each subsequent payment is determined by multiplying the fixed
number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit Value for the Valuation Period in
which the payment is due. The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of each
payment after the first will not be affected by variations in mortality
experience from mortality assumptions used to determine the first payment.

VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

   
       The value of an Annuity Unit was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when
the first underlying Mutual Fund shares were purchased. The value of an Annuity
Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Annuity Unit Value for the immediately preceding Valuation
Period by the Net Investment Factor for the Valuation Period for which the
Annuity Unit Value is being calculated, and multiplying the result by an
interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per annum
built into the Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts (see "Net Investment
Factor").
    

ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

       A 3.5% Assumed Investment Rate is built into the Annuity Tables contained
in the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher initial payment but
more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent payments. A lower
assumption would have the opposite effect. If the actual investment rate is at
the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be level.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

   
       Annuity payments will be paid as monthly installments. However, if the
net amount available to apply under any Annuity Payment Option is less than
$500, the Company shall have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in
lieu of the payments otherwise provided for. In addition, if the payments
provided for would be or become less than $20, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments
of at least $20. In no event will the Company make payments under an annuity
option less frequently than annually.
    

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

The Contract Owner selects an Annuity Commencement Date at the time of
Application. Such date must be the first day of a calendar month and must be at
least 2 years after the Date of Issue. In the event the Contract is issued
subject to the terms of a Qualified Plan, annuitization may occur during the
first 2 years subject to approval by the Company.

CHANGE IN ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

       The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, change
the Annuity Commencement Date. The date to which such a change may be made shall
be the first day of a calendar month.

       If the Contract Owner requests in writing, (see "Ownership Provisions")
and the Company approves the request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be
deferred. No further changes in the Designated Annuitant will be permitted under
the Contract. The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract
Value if the Annuity Commencement Date is postponed beyond the first day of the
calendar month after the Designated Annuitant's 75th birthday or such other
Annuity Commencement Date provided under the Contract Owner's Qualified Plan.
CHANGE IN FORM OF ANNUITY

       The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any
time prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, elect one of the Annuity Payment
Options.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

        Any of the following Annuity Payment Options may be elected:


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<PAGE>   20
       Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of
       the Designated Annuitant, ceasing with the last payment due prior to the
       death of the Designated Annuitant. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE UNDER THIS OPTION
       FOR THE DESIGNATED ANNUITANT TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT IF HE OR
       SHE DIED BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, TWO ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF
       HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, AND SO ON. Option
       2-Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during the
       joint lifetimes of the Designated Annuitant and designated second person
       and continuing thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor. AS IS THE
       CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM NUMBER OF PAYMENTS
       GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE DEATH OF THE LAST
       SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED. 

       Option 3-Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed-An
       annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Designated Annuitant
       with the guarantee that if at the death of the Designated Annuitant
       payments have been made for fewer than 120 or 240 months, as selected,
       payments will be made as follows: (

       1)   If the Designated Annuitant is payee, any guaranteed annuity
            payments will be continued during the remainder of the selected
            period to the Beneficiary or the Beneficiary may, at any time, elect
            to have the present value of the guaranteed number of annuity
            payments remaining paid in a lump sum as specified in section (2)
            below.

   
       (2)  If a Beneficiary is payee, the present value, computed as of the
            date on which notice of death is received by the Company at its Home
            Office, of the guaranteed number of annuity payments remaining after
            receipt of such notice and to which the deceased would have been
            entitled had he or she not died, computed at the Assumed Investment
            Rate effective in determining the Annuity Tables, shall be paid in a
            lump sum.
    

       Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states.
The Owner may request an alternative non-guaranteed option by giving notice in
writing prior to annuitization. If such a request is approved by the Company, it
will be permitted under the Contract.

   
       If the Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract fails to elect an
Annuity Payment Option, the Contract Value will continue to accumulate.
Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans and Individual Retirement
Annuities are subject to the minimum distribution requirements set forth in the
plan, Contract, or Code. 
    

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER

A.     For Non-Qualified Contracts issued on or after January 19, 1985, the
       following rules will apply:

   
(1)    If the Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuity Commencement Date,
       the entire interest in the Contract less any applicable deductions (which
       may include Contingent Deferred Sales Charge), must be distributed within
       5 years. Such Distribution will be paid to the Designated Annuitant
       unless the Owner has named a Contingent Owner or his estate to receive
       the Distribution. In the alternative, the Designated Annuitant or
       Contingent Owner (where one is named) may elect to receive Distribution
       in the form of a life annuity or an annuity for a period certain not
       exceeding the Designated Annuitant's (Contingent Owner's) life expectancy
       and such annuity must begin within one year following the date of the
       Contract Owner's death. In the event the Designated Annuitant or
       Contingent Owner is the Contract Owner's spouse, the Contract may be
       continued by such Designated Annuitant or Contingent Owner, treating the
       spouse as the Contract Owner. In the event the Designated Annuitant does
       not survive the Contract Owner or if the Designated Annuitant and the
       Owner are the same person, a Distribution will be made in accordance with
       the "Death Benefit At Death of Designated Annuitant Prior To The
       Annuitization Date" provision provided, however, that all distributions
       made as a result of the death of the Contract Owner shall be made within
       the time limits set forth in this paragraph. If the Contract Owner and
       the Designated Annuitant are not the same, no Death Benefit is payable
       upon the death of the Contract Owner.

(2)    If the Contract Owner/Designated Annuitant dies on or after the
       Annuitization Date Distribution, if any, must be made to the Beneficiary
       at least as rapidly as under the method of Distribution being used as of
       the date of the Contract Owner/Designated Annuitant's death. 

       If the Contract Owner is not a natural person, the death of the Annuitant
(or a change of the Annuitant) will be treated like a death of the Contract
Owner and will result in a Distribution pursuant to Section (1), 
    


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<PAGE>   21
   
regardless of whether a Contingent Annuitant has also been named. The
Distribution will take the form of either:
    

       (a)  the Death Benefit described below (if the Annuitant has died and
            there is no Contingent Annuitant), or, in all other cases,

   
       (b)  the benefit described in Section (1) of this provision, except that
            in the event of a change of Annuitant, the benefit will be paid to
            the Contract Owner if the Annuitant is living, or as a Death Benefit
            to the Beneficiary upon the death of the Annuitant (and the
            Contingent Annuitant, if any) prior to the expiration of the period
            described in Section (1) above.

B.     Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans, Individual
       Retirement Annuities, or Tax Sheltered Annuities will be subject to
       specific rules, set forth in the plan, Contract or Code concerning
       Distributions upon the death of the Owner/Designated Annuitant (see the
       "Required Distribution for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities"
       provision).
    

DEATH BENEFIT AT DEATH OF DESIGNATED ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

       The Death Benefit is payable to the Beneficiary unless the Owner has
named a Contingent Designated Annuitant. In such case, the Death Benefit is
payable to the Beneficiary upon the death of the last survivor of the Designated
Annuitant and Contingent Designated Annuitant. The value of the Death Benefit
will be determined as of the Valuation Date coincident with or next following
the date the Company receives both 1) due proof of death and 2) an election for
a) a single sum payment or b) Annuity Payment Option.

   
       If a single sum settlement is requested, payment will be made in
accordance with any applicable laws and regulations governing the payment of
Death Benefits. If an Annuity Payment Option is desired, election may be made by
the Beneficiary during the 90-day period commencing with the date written notice
is received by the Company. If no election has been made by the end of such
90-day period, the Death Benefit will be paid to the Beneficiary in a single
sum. The amount of the Death Benefit will be the greater of (i) the sum of all
Purchase Payments, less any amounts surrendered, or (ii) the Contract Value.
    

       The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value if
the Annuity Commencement Date is deferred beyond the Designated Annuitant's 75th
birthday.

DEATH BENEFIT AFTER ANNUITIZATION DATE

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, the Death Benefit, if
any, shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

       The entire interest of an Annuitant under a Qualified Contract or Tax
Sheltered Annuity will be distributed in a manner consistent with the Minimum
Distribution and Incidental Benefit (MDIB) provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of
the Code and regulations thereunder, as applicable, and will be paid,
notwithstanding anything else contained herein, to the Owner/Annuitant under the
Annuity Payments Option selected, over a period not exceeding:

       A.   the life of the Owner/Annuitant or the lives of the Owner/Annuitant
            and the Owner/Annuitant's designated Beneficiary; or

       B.   a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
            Owner/Annuitant or the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant and
            the Owner/Annuitant's designated Beneficiary.

   
       If the Owner/Annuitant's entire interest is to be distributed in equal or
substantially equal payments over a period described in A or B, such payments
will commence not later than the first day of April following the calendar year
in which the Owner/Annuitant attains age 70-1/2 (the Required Beginning Date).
In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in Code Section 414(d)) or a
church plan (as defined in Code Section 401(a)(9)(c)), the Required Beginning
Date will be the later of the dates determined under the preceding sentence or
April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Annuitant
retires.

       If the Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity must be
distributed by December 31 of the calendar year which includes the fifth
anniversary of his or her death unless: 
    

       (a)  In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity the Owner names his or her
            surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

            (i)  treat the annuity as a Tax Sheltered Annuity established for
                 his or her benefit; or (ii)

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                                    21 of 95
<PAGE>   22
   
            (ii) receive Distribution of the account in nearly equal payments
                 over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
                 expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31 of the
                 year in which the Owner would have attained age 70-1/2; or

(b)    In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity or a Qualified Contract the Owner
       names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse and such
       Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the account in nearly
       equal payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her
       life expectancy) commencing not later than December 31 of the year
       following the year in which the Owner dies.

       If the Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death.
    

       Payments commencing on the Required Beginning Date will not be less than
the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the
Owner/Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant, or the joint and
last survivor expectancy of the Owner/Annuitant and the Owner/Annuitant's
designated Beneficiary (whichever is applicable under the applicable Minimum
Distribution or MDIB provisions). Life expectancy and joint and last survivor
expectancy are computed by the use of return multiples contained in Section
1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

   
       Distribution from an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA) must begin not
later than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
Owner attains age 70-1/2. Distribution may be accepted in a lump sum or in
nearly equal payments over: (a) the Owner's life or the lives of the Owner and
his or her spouse or designated Beneficiary, or (b) a period not extending
beyond the life expectancy of the Contract Owner or the joint life expectancy of
the Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's Beneficiary..

       If the Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the IRA must be distributed by December 31 of the year in which
the fifth anniversary of his or her death occurs unless: 
    

(a)    The Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and such
       spouse elects to:

       (i)  treat the annuity as an Individual Retirement Annuity established
            for his or her benefit; or 

   
       (ii) receive Distribution of the account in nearly equal payments over
            his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
            expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31 of the year in
            which the Owner would have attained age 70-1/2; or

(b)    The Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse and
       such Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the account in
       nearly equal payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his
       or her life expectancy) commencing not later than December 31 of the year
       following the year in which the Owner dies. 

       If the Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death, except to the extent that a surviving souse beneficiary elects to
treat the Contract as his or her own, in the same manner as described in Section
(a)(i) in this provision.

       If the amounts distributed do not satisfy the Distribution rules
mentioned above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the amount that should have
been distributed for that year.

       A pro-rata portion of all Distributions will be included in the gross
income of the person receiving the Distribution and taxed at ordinary income tax
rates. The portion of the Distribution which is taxable is based on the ratio
between the amount by which non-deductible Purchase Payments exceed prior
non-taxable Distributions and total account balances at the time of the
Distribution. The Owner must annually report the amount of non-deductible
Purchase Payments, the amount of any Distribution, the amount by which
nondeductible Purchase Payments for all years exceed non-taxable Distributions
for all years, and the total balance of all Individual Retirement Accounts and
Annuities.

       Individual Retirement Annuity Distributions will not receive the benefit
of the tax treatment of a lump sum Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the
Owner dies prior to the time Distribution of his or her interest in the annuity
is completed, the balance will also be included in his or her gross estate.
    

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFERS

       The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any
other payment constitutes a direct skip as defined in Section 2612 of the
Internal Revenue Code, and the amount of the tax on the generation-skipping
transfer resulting from such direct skip. If applicable, such payment will be
reduced by any tax the Company is required to pay by Section 2603 of the
Internal Revenue Code.


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<PAGE>   23
       A direct skip may occur when property is transferred to or a Death
Benefit is paid to an individual two or more generations younger than the
Contract Owner.

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

   
       ASSET REBALANCING- The Contract Owner may direct the automatic
reallocation of the underlying Mutual Fund options on a predetermined percentage
basis every three months. If the last day of the three month period falls on a
Saturday, Sunday, recognized holiday or any other day when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed, the Asset Rebalancing exchange will occur on the last
business day before that day. Asset Rebalancing will not affect future
allocations of Purchase Payments. An Asset Rebalancing request must be in
writing on a form provided by the Company.

       Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan as
defined by the Code may have superseding plan restrictions with regard to the 
frequency of fund exchanges and underlying Mutual Fund options. The Contract 
Owner may want to contact a financial adviser in order to discuss the use of 
Asset Rebalancing in his or her contract.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Asset Rebalancing
upon 30 days' written notice to the Contract Owners, however, any
discontinuation will not affect Asset Rebalancing programs which have already
commenced. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.

       DOLLAR COST AVERAGING- The Contract Owner may direct the Company to
automatically transfer funds from the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account to any other Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly basis.
This service is intended to allow the Contract Owner to utilize Dollar Cost
Averaging, a long-term investment program which provides for regular, level
investments over time. The Company makes no guarantees that Dollar Cost
Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss. To qualify for Dollar
Cost Averaging there must be a minimum total Contract Value of $15,000.
Transfers for purposes of Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money
Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost
Averaging transfer is $100. In addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers
from the Fixed Account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account
Contract Value when the Dollar Cost Averaging program is requested. Transfers
out of the Fixed Account, other than for Dollar Cost Averaging, may be subject
to certain additional restrictions (see "Transfers"). A written election of this
service, on a form provided by the Company, must be completed by the Contract
Owner in order to begin transfers. Once elected, transfers from the Money Market
Sub-Account or the Fixed Account will be processed monthly until either the
value in the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account is completely
depleted or the Contract Owner instructs the Company in writing to cancel the
monthly transfers.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Dollar Cost
Averaging upon 30 days' written notice to Contract Owners, however, any
discontinuation will not affect Dollar Cost Averaging programs already
commenced. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.

       SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS- A Contract Owner may elect in writing on a form
provided by the Company to take Systematic Withdrawals by surrendering a
specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual,
or annual basis. The Company will process the withdrawals as directed by
surrendering on a pro-rata basis Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts in
which the Contract Owner has an interest, and the Fixed Account. A Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge may apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the
considerations set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section. Each
Systematic Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable portion.
In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on Systematic Withdrawals
if the Contract Owner is under age 59-1/2. Unless otherwise directed by the
Contract Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes from each
Systematic Withdrawal. The Contract Owner may discontinue Systematic Withdrawals
at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Systematic
Withdrawals upon 30 days' written notice to Contract Owners, however, any
discontinuation will not affect Systematic Withdrawal programs which have
already commenced. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing
fee for this service.
    

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

       The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address of
record, any statements and reports required by applicable law or regulation.
Contract Owners should therefore give the Company prompt notice of any address
change. The Company will send a confirmation statement to Contract Owners each
time 


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a transaction is made affecting the Owners' Variable Account Contract
Value, such as making additional Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or
withdrawals. Quarterly statements are also mailed detailing the Contract
activity during the calendar quarter. Instead of receiving an immediate
confirmation of transactions made pursuant to some types of periodic payment
plan (such as a dollar cost averaging program) or salary reduction arrangement,
Contract Owners may receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements. Contract Owners should review the information in these statements
carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately
to assure proper crediting to the Owner's Contract. The Company will assume all
transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements or confirmation
statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Company otherwise within 30
days after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to Contract
Owners each year an annual report and a semi-annual report containing financial
statements for the Variable Account, as of December 31 and June 30,
respectively.
    

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

   
       Purchase payments are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts within the
Variable Account in accordance with the designation of the underlying Mutual
Funds by the Contract Owner, and converted into Accumulation Units.

       The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the
Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments
made on an annualized basis. Purchase payments, if any, after the first Contract
Year must be at least $10 each. The Company, however, reserves the right to
lower this $10 Purchase Payment minimum for certain employer sponsored programs.
The Contract Owner may increase or decrease Purchase Payments or change the
frequency of payment. The Contract Owner is not obligated to continue Purchase
Payments in the amount or at the frequency elected. There are no penalties for
failure to continue Purchase Payments.

       The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued on
the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without prior
consent of the Company.
    

       THE PURCHASER IS CAUTIONED THAT INVESTMENT RETURN ON SMALL INITIAL AND
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN CHARGES ASSESSED BY THE COMPANY.

   
       The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced not later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase if the Application and all information necessary for
processing the purchase order are complete upon receipt by the Company. The
Company may, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5 business days
while attempting to complete an incomplete Application. If the Application
cannot be made complete within 5 days, the prospective purchaser will be
informed of the reasons for the delay and the Purchase Payment will be returned
immediately unless the prospective purchaser specifically consents to the
Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is made complete.
Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis of the
Accumulation Unit Value next computed for the appropriate Sub-Account after the
additional Purchase Payment is received
    

       Purchase payments will not be priced on the following nationally
recognized holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

VALUE OF A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT

   
       The value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account
was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when the underlying Mutual Fund shares in
that Sub-Account were available for purchase. The value for any subsequent
Valuation Period is determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for
each Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net
Investment Factor for the Sub-Account during the subsequent Valuation Period.
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 the net of:

   
       (1)  the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held in
            the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current Valuation
            Period, plus
    


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<PAGE>   25
   
       (2)  the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain Distributions
            made by the underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account if the
            "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period.

(b)    is the net of:

       (1)  the net asset value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held in
            the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately preceding
            Valuation Period, plus or minus

       (2)  the per share charge or credit, if any, for any taxes reserved for
            in the immediately preceding Valuation Period (see "Charge For Tax
            Provisions").
    

(c)    is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
       Charge and Administration Charge deducted from the Variable Account. Such
       factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the daily net asset value
       of the Variable Account.


       For underlying Mutual Fund options that credit dividends on a daily basis
and pay such dividends once a month (the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money
Market Fund), the Net Investment Factor allows for the monthly reinvestment of
these daily dividends.

       The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. 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 Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge.

 VALUATION OF ASSETS

       Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at
their net asset value.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

   
       The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract and amounts credited to the Fixed Account is the
Contract Value. The number of Accumulation Units credited per 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 Purchase Payment is received by the Company. If part or all of the
Contract Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the
Contract 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 Contract Owner's interest in the Variable Account and
the Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.
    

SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

   
       While the Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant, the Company will,
upon proper written application by the Contract Owner deemed by the Company to
be in good order, allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. "proper written application" means that the surrender must be
requested in writing by the Contract Owner, and the Company may require that the
signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American, Boston,
Midwest, Philadelphia, or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a commercial bank or a
savings and loan, which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
or other eligible guarantor institution as defined by the federal securities
law. In some cases (for example, requests by a corporation, partnership, agent,
fiduciary, or surviving joint owner), the Company will require additional
documentation of a customary nature.

       The Company will, upon receipt of any such written request, surrender a
number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an amount from the
Fixed Account necessary to equal the gross dollar amount requested, less any
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge"). In the event of a partial surrender, the Company will, unless
instructed to the contrary, surrender Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts
in which the Contract Owner has an interest, and the Fixed Account. The number
of Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account and the amount
surrendered from the Fixed Account will be in the same proportion that the
Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the
total Contract Value.

       The Company will pay any funds applied for from the Variable Account
within 7 days of receipt of such application in the Company's Home Office.
However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any
payment of any benefit or values for any Valuation Period (1) when the New York
Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed, (2) when trading on the Exchange is
restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of
securities held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is
not reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's net
assets, or (4) during any other period when the Securities and Exchange
Commission, by order, so permits for the protection of security holders,
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2) and (3)
exist. The Contract Value on surrender may be 
    


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<PAGE>   26
   
more or less than the total of Purchase Payments made by a Contract Owner,
depending on the market value of the underlying Mutual Fund shares.
    

       With respect to Contracts issued under the Texas Optional Retirement
Program, the Texas Attorney General has ruled that withdrawal benefits are
available only in the event of a participant's death, retirement, termination of
employment due to total disability, or other termination of employment in a
Texas public institution of higher education. A participant will not, therefore,
be entitled to the right of withdrawal in order to receive the cash values
credited to such participant under the Contract unless one of the foregoing
conditions has been satisfied. The value of such Contracts may, however, be
transferred to other contracts or other carriers during the period of
participation in the Optional Retirement Program. The Company issues the
Contracts to participants in the Optional Retirement Program in reliance upon,
and in compliance with, Rule 6c-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED PLAN OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACT

       Except as provided below, the Owner may Surrender part or all of the
Contract Value at any time this Contract is in force prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant:

A.     The surrender of Contract Value attributable to contributions made
       pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Code
       Section 402(g)(3)(A) or (C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account
       described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Code (403(b)(7) Custodial
       Accounts), may be executed only-

       1.     when the Contract Owner attains age 59-1/2, separates from
              service, dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
              Section 72(m)(7)); or

       2.     in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Code Section
              401(k)), provided that any surrender of Contract Value in the case
              of hardship may not include any income attributable to salary
              reduction contributions.

B.     The surrender limitations described in Section A for Tax Sheltered
       Annuities apply to:

       1.     salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for
              plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;

       2.     earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year
              beginning before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to
              salary reduction contributions; and

       3.     all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts (except
              that earnings, and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988
              in such Custodial Accounts may be withdrawn in the case of
              hardship).

C.     Any distribution other than the above, including exercise of a
       contractual ten day free look provision (when available) may result in
       the immediate application of taxes and penalties of a Qualified Contract
       or Tax Sheltered Annuity.

   
       A premature distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To
assist in preventing disqualification in the event of a ten day free look, the
Company will agree to transfer the proceeds to another contract which meets the
requirements of Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, upon proper
direction by the Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of
the withdrawal restrictions which are currently applicable under Section
403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject to
legislative change and/or reinterpretation from time to time. Distributions
pursuant to Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not be considered to be in
violation of the restrictions stated above.
    

       The contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the
plan terms and Internal Revenue Code tax provisions when the Contract is issued
to fund a Qualified Plan.

       INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE ADVICE OF
A PERSONAL TAX ADVISER.

TAXES

   
       The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status of any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. The Contract Owners should
consult their financial or tax advisors to discuss in detail their particular
tax situation and the use of the Contract.
    



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                                    26 of 95
<PAGE>   27
   
       Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in general. That
section sets forth different rules for (1) Qualified Plans; (2) IRAs; (3) Tax
Sheltered Annuities; or (4) Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is
discussed below.

       Distributions from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities are
generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is excludable from
income based on the ratio between (a) and (b), where (a): equals the after tax
investment on the Contract of the Owner/Annuitant and where (b) equals the value
of the Contract at the time of withdrawal or at Annuitization.

       Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities and Individual
Retirement Accounts are generally taxed when received. A portion of each
Distribution is likewise excludable from income based on the ratio between (a)
and (b) where (a) is the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments to all
Contracts exceed prior non-taxable distributions from all Contracts and where
(b) is the total account balances in all contracts at the time of distribution.

       The Owner of an Individual Retirement Annuity or the Annuitant under a
Contract held by and Individual Retirement Account must annually report to the
Internal Revenue Service any or all of the following: (1) the amount of any
distribution; (2) the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments for all
years exceed non-taxable distributions for all years; and (3) the total balance
in all Individual Retirement Annuities or Individual Retirement Accounts.

       Owners should consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax
advisor to discuss in detail the taxation of the Contracts.
    

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

       The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of
each annuity payment received is excludable from taxable income based on the
ratio between the Contract Owner's investment in the Contract and the expected
return on the Contract. The maximum amount excludable from income is the
investment in the Contract. If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to excluding
from income the entire investment in the Contract, the Designated Annuitant's
final tax return may reflect a deduction for the balance of the investment in
the Contract.

   
       Distributions made from the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date are
taxable to the Contract Owner to the extent that the cash value of the Contract
exceeds the Contract Owner's investment at the time of the Distribution.
Distributions, for this purpose, include partial surrenders, dividends, or any
portion of the Contract which is assigned or pledged; and for Contracts issued
after April 22, 1987, any portion of the Contract transferred by gift. For these
purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon annuitization if the Contract Owner
and the Designated Annuitant are not the same individual. In determining the
taxable amount of a Distribution, all annuity contracts issued after October 21,
1988, by the same company to the same contract owner during any 12 month period,
will be treated as one annuity contract. (Additional limitations on the use of
multiple contracts may be imposed by Treasury regulations). Distributions prior
to annuitization with respect to that portion of the Contract invested prior to
August 14, 1982, are treated first as a recovery of the investment in the
Contract as of that date. A Distribution in excess of the amount of the
investment in the Contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated as taxable
income.

       The Tax Reform Act of 1986 changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for Qualified Contracts, Individual Retirement Annuities or Tax Sheltered
Annuities, immediate annuities, and certain Contracts owned for the benefit of
an individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of this discussion, is a
single premium contract on which payments begin within one year of purchase. If
this Contract is issued as the result of an exchange described in Section 1035
of the Code, it will generally be considered to have been purchased on the
purchase date of the Contract given up in the exchange.

       Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty, equal to 10% of any
distribution which is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is made
prior to attaining age 59-1/2, the death or disability of the Contract Owner.
The penalty does not apply if the Distribution is one of a series of
substantially equal periodic payments made over the life or life expectancy (or
joint lives or life expectancies) of the Designated Annuitant (and the
Designated Annuitant's Beneficiary), or is made from an immediate annuity, or is
allocable to an investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982. A Contract
Owner wishing to begin taking distributions to which the 10% tax penalty does
not apply should forward a written request to the Company. Upon receipt of a
written request 
    


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                                    27 of 95
<PAGE>   28
   
from the Contract Owner, the Company will inform the Contract Owner of the
procedures pursuant to Company Policy and subject to limitations of the Contract
including but not limited to first year withdrawals. If the Owner or Designated
Annuitant selects an annuity for life or life expectancy or begins a predefined
series of withdrawals based on a life expectancy and changes the method of
payment before the expiration of 5 years and the attainment of age 59-1/2, the
early withdrawal penalty will apply. The penalty will be equal to that which
would have been imposed had no exception applied from the outset, and the
Designated Annuitant will also pay interest on the amount of the penalty from
the date it would have originally applied until it is actually paid.

       In order to qualify as an Annuity Contract under Section 72 of the Code,
the Contract must provide for distribution to be made upon the death of the
Contract Owner. In such case the Designated Annuitant, Beneficiary or other
named recipient must receive the Distribution within 5 years of the Owner's
death. However, the recipient may elect for payments to be made over his or her
life or life expectancy if such payments begin within one year of the death of
the Contract Owner. If the Contract Owner's beneficiary is the surviving spouse,
such spouse may be treated as the Contract Owner and the Contract may be
continued throughout the life of the surviving spouse. In the event the Contract
Owner dies on or after the Annuitization Date and before the entire interest has
been distributed, the remaining portion must be distributed at least as rapidly
as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of the Contract
Owner's death. If the Contract Owner is not an individual, the death of the
Annuitant (or a change of the Annuitant) will result in a Distribution pursuant
to these rules, regardless of whether a Contingent Annuitant has been named (see
"Required Distribution For Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities").

       The Company is required to withhold tax from certain distributions to the
extent that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner. The
Contract Owner is entitled to elect not to have federal income tax withheld from
any such distribution, but may be subject to penalties in the event insufficient
federal income tax is withheld during a calendar year.

       Generally the the taxable portion of any distribution from a Contract to
a nonresident alien of the United States is subject to tax withholding at a rate
equal to thirty percent (30%) of such amount or, if applicable, a lower treaty
rate. A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such payment
is includable in the recipient's gross income. Payment of a benefit or transfer
of any property to an individual two or more generations younger than the
Contract Owner may constitute a generation-skipping transfer, subject to
taxation under Section 2601 et seq. of the Internal Revenue Code.
    

DIVERSIFICATION

   
       The Internal Revenue Service has promulgated regulations under Section
817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") relating to diversification
standards for the investments underlying a variable annuity contract. The
regulations provide that a variable annuity contract which does not satisfy the
diversification standards will not be treated as an annuity contract, unless the
failure to satisfy the regulations was inadvertent, the failure is corrected,
and the Owner or the Company pays an amount to the Internal Revenue Service. The
amount will be based on the tax that would have been paid by the Owner if the
income, for the period the Contract was not diversified, had been received by
the owner. If the failure to diversify is not corrected in this manner, the
owner of an annuity contract will be deemed the owner of the underlying
securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his or her account. The Company
believes, under its interpretation of the Code and regulations thereunder, that
the investments underlying this Contract meet these diversification standards.

       Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have suggested, from time
to time, that the number of 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
Contract would no longer qualify as an annuity under Section 72 of the Code, the
Company will take whatever steps are available to remain in compliance.
    

CHARGE FOR TAX PROVISIONS

       The Company is no longer required to maintain a capital gain reserve
liability on Non-Qualified Contracts since capital gains attributable to assets
held in the Company's Variable Account for such Contracts are not taxable to the
Company. However, the Company reserves the right to implement and adjust the tax
charge in the future, if the tax laws change.


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                                    28 of 95
<PAGE>   29
QUALIFIED PLANS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

   
       The Contracts may be used with Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement
Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts, Tax Sheltered Annuities and other
plans receiving favorable tax treatment. For information regarding eligibility,
limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and tax consequences on
Distribution from such plans, the purchasers of such Contracts should seek
competent advice. The terms of such plans may limit the rights available under
the Contracts.

       The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, permits the rollover of
most Distributions from Qualified Plans to other Qualified Plans, Individual
Retirement Accounts, or Individual Retirement Annuities. Most Distributions from
Tax Sheltered Annuities may be rolled into another Tax Sheltered Annuity, an
Individual Retirement Account, or an Individual Retirement Annuity.
Distributions which may not be rolled over are those which are:
    

       1.     one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
              payments made: a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the
              employee, b) the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
              employee and the employee's designated beneficiary, or c) for a
              specified period of ten years or more, or

   
       2.     a required minimum Distribution

       Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a 20 percent rate unless the Distribution is transferred directly
to an appropriate plan as described above.

       Individual Retirement Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts may
not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit exceeds the greater of
the cash value of the Contract or the sum of all Purchase Payments (less any
surrenders) it is possible the Internal Revenue Service could determine that the
Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Retirement Account did not qualify
for the desired tax treatment.
    

       The Contract is available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with
section 404(c) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It is the
responsibility of the plan and its fiduciaries to determine and satisfy section
404(c) requirements.

ADVERTISING

   
       The Company may from time to time advertise several types of historical
performance for the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account.

       The Company may advertise for the Sub-Accounts standardized "average
annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total
return" will show the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial
investment of $1,000 for at least the most recent one, five and ten year period,
or for a period covering the time the underlying Mutual Fund held in the
Sub-Account has been in existence, if the underlying Mutual Fund has not been in
existence for one of the prescribed periods. This calculation reflects the
deduction of all applicable charges made to the Contracts except for premium
taxes, which may be imposed by certain states.
    

       Nonstandardized "total return" will be calculated in a similar manner and
for the same time periods as will average annual total return except total
return will assume an initial investment of $10,000 and will not reflect the
deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, which, if
reflected, would decrease the level of performance shown. The Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge is not reflected because the Contracts are designed for
long term investment. An assumed initial investment of $10,000 will be used
because that figure more closely approximates the size of a typical Contract
than does the $1,000 figure used in calculating the standardized average annual
total return quotations. The amount of the hypothetical initial investment
assumed affects performance because the Contract Maintenance Charge is a fixed
per Contract charge.

   
       For those underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations will show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund
options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had they been
held as Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for the period quoted.

       A "yield" and "effective yield" may also be advertised for the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account. "Yield" is a measure of
the net dividend and interest income earned over a specific seven-day period
(which period will be stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of
the offering price of the Sub-Account's units. Yield is an annualized figure,
which means that it is assumed that the Sub-Account generates the same level of
net income over a 52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated 
    


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                                    29 of 95
<PAGE>   30
similarly but includes the effect of assumed compounding calculated under rules
prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The effective yield will
be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

   
       The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of the
Sub-Account of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity Sub-Accounts or underlying Mutual Fund options with similar or
different objectives, or the investment industry as a whole. Other investments
to which the Sub-Accounts may be compared include, but are not limited to:
precious metals; real estate; stocks and bonds; closed-end funds; CDs; bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the Consumer Price
Index.

       The Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account may also be compared to certain
market indexes, which may include, but are not limited to: S&P 500;
Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman
Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S.
Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2-1/2 Year CD Rates;
and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

       Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's;
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, U.S. News and
World Report, National Underwriter; rating services such as LIMRA, Value, Best's
Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and other
publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Columbus Dispatch,
Investor's Daily, and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition, Variable Annuity
Research & Data Service (The VARDS Report) is an independent rating service that
ranks over 500 variable annuity funds based upon total return performance. These
rating services and publications rank the performance of the underlying Mutual
Funds against all mutual funds over specified periods and against funds in
specified categories. The rankings may or may not include the effects of sales
or other charges.
    

       The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are 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 the Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment
experience or financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may
advertise these ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include
in certain advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations,
individuals or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts.
Furthermore, the Company 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.

   
The Statement of Additional Information contains additional information about
performance including examples of standardized average annual total return and
nonstandard total return for each of the Sub-Accounts available within the
Variable Account.
    

ALL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND COMPARATIVE MATERIAL ADVERTISED BY THE COMPANY
IS HISTORICAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE FUTURE
RESULTS. A CONTRACT OWNER'S CONTRACT VALUE AT REDEMPTION MAY BE MORE OR LESS
THAN ORIGINAL COST.

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

       There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the business to which the Company and the Variable
Account are parties or to which any of their property is the subject.

       The General Distributor, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                                                 PAGE

General Information and History....................................1
Services...........................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered...............................1
Underwriters.......................................................2
Calculation of Performance.........................................2
Annuity Payments...................................................3
Financial Statements...............................................4



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<PAGE>   31
                                    APPENDIX

       Purchase payments under the Fixed Account portion of the Contract and
transfers to the Fixed Account portion become part of the general account of the
Company, which supports insurance and annuity obligations. Because of exemptive
and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general account have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), nor is the general
account registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interest
therein is generally subject to the provisions of the 1933 or 1940 Acts, and we
have been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has
not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus which relate to the guaranteed
interest portion. Disclosures regarding the Fixed Account portion of the
Contract and the general account, however, may be subject to certain generally
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the accuracy
and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.

                            FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

   
       The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company,
other than those in the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account and any other
segregated asset account. Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to
the Fixed Account by election of the Contract Owner at the time of purchase.
    

       The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets
chosen by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from such
Fixed Account assets will be allocated by the Company between itself and the
Contracts participating in the Fixed Account.

       The level of annuity payments made to Annuitants under the Contracts will
not be affected by the mortality experience (death rate) of persons receiving
such payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality
risk" by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be
changed. In addition, the Company guarantees that it will not increase charges
for maintenance of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.

   
       Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company
includes compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in
connection with Fixed Account Contracts. The amount of such investment income
allocated to the Contracts will vary from year to year in the sole discretion of
the Company at such rate or rates as the Company prospectively declares from
time to time. Any such rate or rates so determined will remain effective for a
period of not less than twelve months, and remain at such rate unless changed.
However, the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than
3.0% per year (or as otherwise required under state law, or at such minimum rate
as stated in the Contract when sold). ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED
TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE CONTRACT OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF
3.0% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.

       New Purchase Payments deposited to the Contract which are allocated to
the Fixed Account may receive a different rate of interest than money
transferred from the Variable Sub-Accounts to the Fixed Account and amounts
maturing in the Fixed Account at the expiration of an Interest Rate Guarantee
Period.

       The Company guarantees that, at any time, the Fixed Account Contract
Value will not be less than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the
Fixed Account, plus interest credited as described above, less the sum of all
administrative charges, any applicable premium taxes, and less any amounts
surrendered. If the Contract Owner effects a surrender, the amount available
from the Fixed Account will be reduced by any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
    

TRANSFERS

       Contract Owners may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The maximum percentage that may be transferred will be determined by the Company
at its sole discretion, but will not be less than 10% of the total value of the
portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing and will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest
Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter; therefore
the Interest Rate Guarantee Period for deposits or transfers in the Fixed
Account may continue for up to three months after a one year period has expired.
Transfer must be made within 45 days after the expiration date of the guarantee
period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging Agreement with the


                                       29


                                    31 of 95
<PAGE>   32
Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

                      ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-FIXED ACCOUNT

FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

       A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The first Fixed
Annuity payment will be determined by applying the Fixed Account Contract Value
to the applicable Annuity Table in accordance with the Annuity Payment Option
elected. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Fixed Annuity payments after the first will not be less than the first
Fixed Annuity payment.

       The Company does not credit discretionary interest to Fixed Annuity
payments during the annuity payment period for annuity options based on life
contingencies. The Annuitant must rely on the Annuity Tables applicable to the
Contracts to determine the amount of such Fixed Annuity payments.

   
ANNUITY TABLES AND ASSUMED INTEREST RATE

       The Annuity Tables contained in the Contracts are based on the 1971
Individual Annuity Mortality Table (set back one year) and an assumed interest
rate of 3.5%.
    


                                       30


                                    32 of 95
<PAGE>   33
                                                       
   
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                   MAY 1, 1996
    

              INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ISSUED
                BY THE NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT-II
                      OF NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

   
       This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and in some respects more detailed than set forth in
the Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated May
1, 1996. The Prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company
by writing P. O. Box 182356, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2356, or calling
1-800-243-6295, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                         PAGE

General Information and History............................................1
Services...................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.......................................1
Underwriters...............................................................2
Calculations of Performance................................................2
Annuity Payments...........................................................3
Financial Statements.......................................................4

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

       The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account is a separate investment
account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a
member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and all of the Company's common
stock is owned by Nationwide Corporation. Nationwide Corporation is a holding
company. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
(95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%).

SERVICES

       The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts
and the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Contract Owner
and the number and type of Contract issued to each such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

       The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The
Company will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds.

       The financial statements and schedules have been included herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, Two Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

       The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states
where the Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").

       The Contract Owner may transfer up to 100% of the Contract Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the Company, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the Contract
Value for any 12 month period. Contract Owners may at the maturity of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the Contract Value of the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account. Such portion will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total value
of the portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing), and will be declared upon
the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter.
Transfer must be made within 45 days after the termination date of the 
guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging 
agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account under the 
terms of that agreement.

       Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to
the first Contract Anniversary. Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
within 12 months of any prior Transfer. Transfers must also be made prior to the
Annuitization Date.



                                       1


                                    33 of 95
<PAGE>   34
UNDERWRITERS

   
       The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, no underwriting commissions were paid by
the Company to NFS.
    

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

   
       All performance advertising shall also include quotations of standardized
average annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method
prescribed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to facilitate
comparison with standardized average annual total return advertised for a
specific period is found by first taking a hypothetical $1,000 investment in
each of the Sub-Accounts' units on the first day of the period at the offering
price, which is the Accumulation Unit Value per unit ("initial investment") and
computing the ending redeemable value ("redeemable value") of that investment at
the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number
of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result which is then
expressed as a percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a
percent. Standardized average annual total return reflects the deduction of a
maximum $30 Contract Maintenance Charge and a 1.30% Mortality, Expense Risk and
Administration Charge. The redeemable value also reflects the effect of any
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge that may be imposed at the end of
the period (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" located in the Prospectus).
No deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
    

       Nonstandardized total return may also be advertised, and is calculated in
a manner similar to standardized average annual total return except the
nonstandardized total return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of
$10,000 and does not reflect the deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge. Reflecting the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would decrease the
level of the performance advertised. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is not
reflected because the Contract is designed for long term investment. An assumed
initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more closely
approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure used in
calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations. The amount
of the hypothetical initial investment used affects performance because the
Contract Maintenance Charge is fixed per Contract charge.

   
       The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average
annual total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar
quarter preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for
publication. Both the standardized average annual return and the nonstandardized
average annual total return will be based on rolling calendar quarters and will
cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the time the
underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account has been in existence, if the
underlying Mutual Fund has not been in existence for one of the prescribed
periods. For those underlying Mutual Funds which have not been held as
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
average annual total return and nonstandardized total return quotations will
show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Funds would have achieved
(reduced by the applicable charges) had they been held as Sub-Accounts within
the Variable Account for the period quoted.

       Quotations of average annual total return and total return are based upon
historical earnings and will fluctuate. Any quotation of performance, therefore,
would not be considered a guarantee of future performance. Factors affecting a
Sub-Account's performance include general market conditions, operating expenses
and investment management. A Contract Owner's account when redeemed may be more
or less than original cost.
    


                                       2


                                    34 of 95
<PAGE>   35
   
       Below are quotations of standardized average annual total return and
nonstandardized average annual total return calculated as described above, for
each of the Sub-Accounts available within the Variable Account.
    

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                    1 Year To        5 Years To      Life of Fund       Date Fund
      SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS           12/31/95          12/31/95        To 12/31/95       Effective
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>             <C>                <C>    
NSAT-Capital Appreciation Fund        19.28%            N/A               5.82%           4-15-92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund              8.81%            5.26%             6.24%          11-08-82
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                19.02%            12.73%           11.58%          11-08-82
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                -4.11%           -0.42%             3.75%          11-10-81
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<CAPTION>
                                    1 Year To        5 Years To      Life of Fund       Date Fund
      SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS           12/31/95          12/31/95        To 12/31/95       Effective
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation Fund        27.68%            N/A              41.60%          4-15-92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund             17.21%           48.39%          196.55%          11-08-82
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                27.42%          103.11%          421.74%          11-08-82
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                 4.29%           15.61%           124.86%         11-10-81
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


       Any current yield quotations of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund Sub-Account, subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of
1933, shall consist of a seven calendar day historical yield, carried at least
to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield shall be calculated by
determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of
hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one accumulation unit at
the beginning of the base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from Contract Owner accounts, and dividing the net change in account
value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to obtain a
base period return, and multiplying the base period return by (365/7) or (366/7)
in a leap year. The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund
Sub-Account's effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield
quotations of the Fund, and for the period ending December 31, 1995 was 3.86%
and 3.78% respectively.

       The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account's
yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on
factors such as the type of instruments in the Fund's portfolio, portfolio
quality and average maturity, changes in interest rates, and the Fund's
expenses. Although the Sub-Account determines its yield on the basis of a seven
calendar day period, it may use a different time period on occasion. The yield
quotes may reflect the expense limitation described "Investment Manager and
Other Services" in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. There is no
assurance that the yields quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for
any period of time and there is no guarantee that the net asset values will
remain constant. It should be noted that a Contract Owner's investment in the
Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account is not
guaranteed or insured. Yield of other money market funds may not be comparable
if a different base period or another method of calculation is used.
    

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

       See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the Prospectus.



 
 
                                      3


                                   35 of 95





<PAGE>   36

<PAGE>   1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Independent Auditors' Report


The Board of Directors and Contract Owners of
   Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account
   Nationwide Life Insurance Company:


      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account as of December
31, 1995, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract
owners' equity and schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in
the three year period then ended. These financial statements and schedules of
changes in unit value are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedules of changes in unit value 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 and schedules of
changes in unit value 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, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian and 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements and schedules of changes in unit
value referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account as of December 31, 1995, and
the results of its operations and its changes in contract owners' equity and the
schedules of changes in unit value for each of the years in the three year
period then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 6, 1996




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


                                       
<PAGE>   2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>
ASSETS:

  Investments at market value:

    The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
      78,822 shares (cost $1,252,048).............................  $  1,364,403

    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
      561,820 shares (cost $7,968,697)............................     9,663,302

    Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)
      8,731 shares (cost $102,951)................................       103,115

    Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)
      220,339 shares (cost $9,089,948)............................    10,164,253

    Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
      2,624,158 shares (cost $41,441,185).........................    50,567,526

    Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc)
      216,993 shares (cost $2,448,997)............................     2,614,767

    Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NWCapApp)
      2,632,477 shares (cost $28,987,804).........................    35,485,789

    Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NWGvtBd)
      12,713,763 shares (cost $142,631,773).......................   144,428,349

    Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
      45,825,142 shares (cost $45,825,142)........................    45,825,142

    Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)
      32,544,844 shares (cost $304,605,445).......................   375,567,496

    Neuberger & Berman - Balanced Portfolio (NBBal)
      2,043,380 shares (cost $30,526,160).........................    35,800,020

    Strong VIP-Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)
      9,703 shares (cost $161,870)................................       165,335

    TCI Portfolios - TCI Advantage (TCIAdv)
      1,579,029 shares (cost $8,612,430)..........................     9,774,190

    TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
      4,014,784 shares (cost $35,810,661).........................    48,418,300

    Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund (TemIntFd)
      406,574 shares (cost $5,624,503)............................     6,151,470
                                                                    ------------

          Total investments.......................................   776,093,457

  Accounts receivable.............................................       150,546
                                                                    ------------

          Total assets............................................   776,244,003

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE..................................................       156,206
                                                                    ------------

CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY...........................................  $776,087,797
                                                                    ============
</TABLE>


                                       
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contract owners' equity represented by:                      UNITS    UNIT VALUE
                                                             -----    ----------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>
  Contracts in accumulation phase:
    The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc.:
      Tax qualified......................................     94,479  $13.333625  $  1,259,748
      Non-tax qualified..................................      7,847   13.333625       104,629
    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................    489,045   13.807559     6,752,518
      Non-tax qualified..................................    210,808   13.807559     2,910,744
    Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio:
      Tax qualified......................................      9,201   10.493309        96,549
      Non-tax qualified..................................        626   10.493309         6,569
    Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio:
      Tax qualified......................................    709,274   13.249127     9,397,261
      Non-tax qualified..................................     57,885   13.249127       766,926
    Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified......................................  2,504,171   14.412060    36,090,263
      Non-tax qualified..................................  1,004,513   14.412060    14,477,102
    Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio:
      Tax qualified......................................    210,727   11.779381     2,482,234
      Non-tax qualified..................................     11,249   11.779381       132,506
    Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................  1,711,709   14.442619    24,721,561
      Non-tax qualified..................................    739,691   14.442619    10,683,075
    Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................  3,276,421   29.463573    96,535,069
      Non-tax qualified..................................  1,618,704   29.474435    47,710,386
    Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................  1,618,571   19.595876    31,717,317
      Non-tax qualified..................................    665,100   21.291272    14,160,825
    Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................  5,049,123   51.701438   261,046,920
      Non-tax qualified..................................  2,273,685   50.214359   114,171,635
    Neuberger & Berman - Balanced Portfolio:
      Tax qualified......................................  1,697,674   14.753402    25,046,467
      Non-tax qualified..................................    728,876   14.753402    10,753,401
    Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc.:
      Tax qualified......................................     14,374   10.456863       150,307
      Non-tax qualified..................................      1,437   10.456863        15,027
    TCI Portfolios - TCI Advantage:
      Tax qualified......................................    513,818   13.035463     6,697,856
      Non-tax qualified..................................    209,516   13.035463     2,731,138
      Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a).............     25,000   13.802855       345,071
    TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth:
      Tax qualified......................................  1,986,887   16.447846    32,680,011
      Non-tax qualified..................................    956,826   16.447846    15,737,727
    Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund:
      Tax qualified......................................    503,599   11.329203     5,705,375
      Non-tax qualified..................................     39,371   11.329203       446,042
                                                           ========    =========
  Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
      Tax qualified......................................                              285,200
      Non-tax qualified..................................                              270,338
                                                                                  ------------
                                                                                  $776,087,797
                                                                                  ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       
<PAGE>   4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995          1994           1993
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
  Reinvested capital gains and dividends.............  $ 46,393,801    29,703,314     20,461,444
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
  Gain (loss) on investments:
    Proceeds from redemptions of mutual fund shares..    88,238,390    76,838,985     38,515,569
    Cost of mutual fund shares sold..................   (75,818,878)  (73,196,125)   (36,994,402)
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
    Realized gain (loss) on investments..............    12,419,512     3,642,860      1,521,167
    Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments..    96,906,383   (34,476,283)    20,137,926
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments.................   109,325,895   (30,833,423)    21,659,093
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
        Net investment activity......................   155,719,696    (1,130,109)    42,120,537
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------

EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
  Purchase payments received from contract owners....    83,073,876   116,273,060    185,254,645
  Redemptions........................................   (77,469,618)  (60,979,679)   (31,928,233)
  Annuity benefits...................................       (70,923)      (64,720)       (87,623)
  Adjustments to maintain reserves...................       (11,132)       (9,850)        (1,896)
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
        Net equity transactions......................     5,522,203    55,218,811    153,236,893
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------

EXPENSES (NOTE 2):
  Contract charges...................................   (10,351,310)   (9,137,529)    (7,053,075)
  Contingent deferred sales charges..................      (817,609)     (948,537)      (535,109)
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
        Total expenses...............................   (11,168,919)  (10,086,066)    (7,588,184)
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY................   150,072,980    44,002,636    187,769,246
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD..........   626,014,817   582,012,181    394,242,935
                                                       ------------   -----------    -----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD................  $776,087,797   626,014,817    582,012,181
                                                       ============   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to financial statements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       
<PAGE>   5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

    (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

      The Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account (the Account) was established
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the Company) on October 7, 1981. The Account has been registered as a
unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. On August 21,
1991, the Company (the Depositor) transferred to the Account 50,000 shares of
the TCI Portfolios, Inc. - TCI Advantage fund for which the Account was credited
with 25,000 accumulation units. The value of the accumulation units purchased by
the Company on August 21, 1991 was $250,000.

      The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary distributions for
the contracts is through Company Agents and an affiliated sales organization;
however, other distributors may be utilized.

    (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 contract expenses. With certain exceptions, contract
owners in either the accumulation or payout phase may invest in any of the
following:

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

      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)(formerly Dreyfus Life and Annuity
      Index Fund, Inc. (DLAI))

      Portfolio of the Dreyfus Variable Investment Fund (Dreyfus VIF);

        Dreyfus VIF - Quality Bond Portfolio (DryQualBd)
        Dreyfus VIF - Small Cap Portfolio (DrySmCap)

      Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity
      VIP);

        Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
        Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc)

        Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT) (managed
        for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);

          Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NWCapApp)
          Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NWGvtBd)
          Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
          Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)

        Portfolio of the Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust (Neuberger
        & Berman);

          Neuberger & Berman - Balanced Portfolio (NBBal)

        Funds of the Strong Variable Insurance Products Funds (Strong VIP);

          Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)

        Portfolios of the TCI Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Portfolios);

          TCI Portfolios - TCI Advantage (TCIAdv)
          TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)

        Portfolio of the Templeton Variable Products Series Fund (Templeton
        VPS);

          Templeton VPS - Templeton International Fund (TemIntFd)


                                       
<PAGE>   6
      At December 31, 1995, contract owners have invested in all of the above
funds. 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.

    (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, 1995. The cost of investments sold is
determined on a 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.

    (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) EXPENSES

      The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of such
contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales charge. For
contracts issued prior to February 1, 1989, the contingent deferred sales charge
will be equal to 5% of the lesser of the total of all purchase payments made
within 96 months prior to the date of the request for surrender or the amount
surrendered. For contracts issued on or after February 1, 1989, the Company will
deduct a contingent deferred sales charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of
purchase payments or the amount surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year,
to 0%, after the purchase payment has been held in the contract for 84 months.
No sales charges are deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed
investment options of the Company.

      The following administrative charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an
annual contract maintenance charge of $30, with certain exceptions, which is
satisfied by surrendering units; and (b) for contracts issued prior to February
1, 1989, a charge for mortality and expense risk assessed through the daily unit
value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80% and 0.50%, respectively; for
contracts issued on or after February 1, 1989, a mortality risk charge, an
expense risk charge and an administration charge assessed through the daily unit
value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%,
respectively. No charges were deducted from the initial funding, or from
earnings thereon.


                                       
<PAGE>   7
(3) SCHEDULE I

      Schedule I presents the components of the change in the unit values, which
are the basis for contract owners' equity. This schedule is presented for each
series, as applicable, in the following format:

         -  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1
         -  Reinvested capital gains and dividends
            (This amount reflects the increase in the unit value due to capital
            gains and dividend distributions from the underlying mutual funds.)

         -  Unrealized gain (loss)
            (This amount reflects the increase (decrease) in the unit value
            resulting from the market appreciation (depreciation) of the
            underlying mutual funds.)

         -  Contract charges
            (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
            mortality risk charge, expense risk charge and administration charge
            discussed in note 2.)

         -  Ending unit value - Dec. 31

         -  Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.

      For contracts in the payout phase, an assumed investment return of 3.5%,
used in the calculation of the annuity benefit payment amount, results in a
corresponding reduction in the components of the unit values as shown in
Schedule I.



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

                                       
<PAGE>   8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  DrySRGro     DryStkIx    DryQualBd    DrySmCap    FidEqinc    FidHilnc    NWCapApp
                                  --------     --------    ---------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                              <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>
1995
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $10.039093    10.227308   10.000000   10.374796   10.808255    9.895223   11.311683
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                   .367042      .366275     .300901     .305817     .845166     .716438     .642190
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)           3.080069     3.371719     .235955    2.722323    2.923160    1.310923    2.653706
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                 (.152579)    (.157743)   (.043547)   (.153809)   (.164521)   (.143203)   (.164960)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $13.333625    13.807559   10.493309   13.249127   14.412060   11.779381   14.442619
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                  33%          35%         5%(b)       28%         33%         19%         28%
====================================================================================================================

1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $10.000000    10.271065      **       10.000000   10.227513   10.000000   11.564256
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                   .258763      .287154                 .168745     .767502     .000000     .182737
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)           (.132737)    (.197934)                .294439    (.048719)   (.018339)   (.286833)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                 (.086933)    (.132977)               (.088388)   (.138041)   (.086438)   (.148477)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $10.039093    10.227308               10.374796   10.808255    9.895223   11.311683
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                   0%(b)       0%                       4%(b)       6%        (1)%(b)      (2)%
====================================================================================================================

1993
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1       **      $10.000000      **           **      10.000000         **    10.689287   
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                               1.574735                             .059299                 .260100
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)                       (1.266407)                            .205206                 .755961
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                              (.037263)                           (.036992)               (.141092)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 $10.271065                           10.227513               11.564256
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                               3%(b)                                2%(b)                   8%
====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  NWGvtBd     NWGvtBd
                                   Qual       Non-Qual
                                  -------     --------
<S>                              <C>         <C>
1995
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  25.138302   25.147577
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                 1.778825    1.779480
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          2.904595    2.905666
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.358149)   (.358288)
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    29.463573   29.474435
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                 17%         17%
======================================================

1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  26.318797   26.328516
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                 1.651042    1.651652
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)         (2.499476)  (2.500401)
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.332061)   (.332190)
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    25.138302   25.147577
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                 (4)%        (4)%
======================================================

1993
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  24.348055   24.357055
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                 1.555308    1.555884
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)           .753100     .753371
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.337666)   (.337794)
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    26.318797   26.328516
- ------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                   8%          8%
======================================================
</TABLE>

 *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
         discussed in note 2; and
     (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
**This investment option was not utilized or was not available.

                                                                    
<PAGE>   9
                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                     NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                      TAX QUALIFIED AND NON-TAX QUALIFIED
                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   NWMyMkt     NWMyMkt     NWTotRet    NWTotRet
                                    Qual       Non-Qual      Qual      Non-Qual     NBBal      StSpec2
1995                               -------     --------    --------    --------     -----      -------
<S>                              <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $18.790546   20.416267   40.575816   39.408735   12.077573   10.000000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                  1.056381    1.147773    4.020137    3.904506     .307323     .046668
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)            .000000     .000000    7.711672    7.489864    2.548627     .453424
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                 (.251051)   (.272768)   (.606187)   (.588746)   (.180121)   (.043229)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $19.595876   21.291272   51.701438   50.214359   14.753402   10.456863
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                   4%          4%         27%          27%         22%        5%(b)
=======================================================================================================

1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $18.325918   19.911440   40.671816   39.501981   12.661508      **
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                   .706658     .767804    2.052197    1.993171     .493737
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)            .000000     .000000   (1.612762)  (1.56637)   (.91770) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                 (.242030)   (.262977)   (.535435)  (.520043)   (.160502)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $18.790546   20.416267   40.575816   39.408735   12.077573
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                   3%          3%          0%           0%         (5)%
=======================================================================================================

1993
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  $18.069824   19.633190   37.150744   36.082181   12.050347      **
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                   .494501     .537285    1.515648    1.472053     .185739
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)            .000000     .000000    2.516539    2.444160     .585239
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                 (.238407)   (.259035)   (.511115)   (.496413)   (.159817)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    $18.325918   19.911440   40.671816   39.501981   12.661508
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                   1%          1%          9%           9%          5%
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  TCIAdv      TCIGro      TemIntFd    TCIAdv+
1995                              ------      ------      --------    -------
<S>                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  11.312248   12.711014    9.913613   11.822996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                  .409891     .014626     .112246     .431938
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          1.472626    3.917671    1.440756    1.547921
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.159302)   (.195465)   (.137412)    .000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    13.035463   16.447846   11.329203   13.802855
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                 15%          29%         14%         17%
==============================================================================

1994
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  11.343435   13.030369   10.000000   11.701906
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                  .297949     .001393     .000000     .309969
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)          (.181282)   (.154144)   .001766     (.188879)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.147854)   (.166604)   (.088153)    .000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    11.312248   12.711014   9.913613    11.822996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                  0%          (2)%       (1)%(b)       1%
==============================================================================

1993
  Beginning unit value - Jan. 1  10.757355   11.967533         **    10.953160
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Reinvested capital gains
    and dividends                  .224725     .032511                 .230690
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Unrealized gain (loss)           .506277    1.193545                 .518056
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Contract charges                (.144922)   (.163220)                .000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Ending unit value - Dec. 31    11.343435   13.030369               11.701906
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Percentage increase
    (decrease) in
    unit value* (a)                  5%           9%                      7%
==============================================================================
</TABLE>

 *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:
     (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract maintenance charge
         discussed in note 2; and
     (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.
**This investment option was not utilized or was not available.
 +For Depositor, see note 1a.
See note 3.

                                    


<PAGE>   37

<PAGE>   1


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
                          ----------------------------


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation) and
subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits
of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial
statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules 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.

Participating insurance and the related surplus are discussed in note 12. The
Company and its counsel are of the opinion that the ultimate ownership of the
participating surplus in excess of the contemplated equitable policyholder
dividends belongs to the shareholder. The accompanying consolidated financial
statements are presented on such basis.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein.

In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

In 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109,  Accounting for
Income Taxes and SFAS No. 106,  Employers'  Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions.


                                                   KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
February 26, 1996



<PAGE>   2
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                           December 31, 1995 and 1994

                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        ASSETS                                                1995               1994
                                        ------                                          -----------------   ----------------   
<S>                                                                                             <C>               <C>         
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9): 
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
     Fixed maturities (cost $13,438,630 in 1995; $8,318,865 in 1994)                       $ 14,167,377        8,045,906
     Equity securities (cost $27,362 in 1995; $18,372 in 1994)                                   33,718           24,713
   Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $3,602,310 in 1994)           -            3,688,787
   Mortgage loans on real estate                                                              4,786,599        4,222,284
   Real estate                                                                                  239,089          252,681
   Policy loans                                                                                 370,908          340,491
   Other long-term investments                                                                   67,280           63,914
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                              45,732          131,643
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
                                                                                             19,710,703       16,770,419
                                                                                            -----------      -----------

Cash                                                                                             10,485            7,436
Accrued investment income                                                                       239,881          220,540
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,094,195        1,064,159
Deferred Federal income tax                                                                        --             36,515
Other assets                                                                                    795,169          790,603
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                    18,763,678       12,222,461
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
                                                                                            $40,614,111       31,112,133
                                                                                            ===========      ===========

                         LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                         ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                            18,200,128       16,321,461
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                           353,554          338,058
Other policyholder funds                                                                         71,155           72,770
Accrued Federal income tax (note 7):

   Current                                                                                       34,064           13,126
   Deferred                                                                                     238,877                -  
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
                                                                                                272,941           13,126
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
Other liabilities                                                                               284,143          235,778
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                            18,763,678       12,222,461
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
                                                                                             37,945,599       29,203,654
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5, 7, 12 and 13):
   Capital shares, $1 par value.  Authorized 5,000 shares, issued and
     outstanding 3,815 shares                                                                    3,815             3,815
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                   673,782          622,753
   Retained earnings                                                                          1,606,607        1,401,579
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net                              384,308         (119,668)
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
                                                                                              2,668,512        1,908,479
                                                                                            -----------      -----------
Commitments and contingencies (notes 9 and 15)

                                                                                            $40,614,111       31,112,133
                                                                                            ===========      ===========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                       Consolidated Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      1995            1994            1993     
                                                                                 ---------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>           <C>
Revenues (note 16):

   Traditional life insurance premiums                                                 $  274,957      209,538       215,715
   Accident and health insurance premiums                                                 509,658      324,524       312,655
   Universal life and investment product policy charges                                   307,676      239,021       188,057
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                       1,482,980    1,289,501     1,204,426
   Realized gains (losses) on investments  (notes 5 and 13)                                   836      (16,384)      113,673
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------
                                                                                        2,576,107    2,046,200     2,034,526
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------
Benefits and expenses:

   Benefits and claims                                                                  1,656,287    1,279,763     1,236,906
   Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating policies (note 12)              48,074       46,061        53,189
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                       93,044       94,744       102,134
   Other operating costs and expenses                                                     458,970      352,402       329,396
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------
                                                                                        2,256,375    1,772,970     1,721,625
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------
      Income before Federal income tax expense and cumulative effect of
        changes in accounting principles                                                 319,732      273,230       312,901
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------

Federal income tax expense (note 7):

   Current                                                                                103,464       79,847        75,124
   Deferred                                                                                 3,790        9,657        31,634
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------
                                                                                          107,254       89,504       106,758
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------

      Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles                 212,478      183,726       206,143

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net (note 3)                            --           --         5,365
                                                                                       ----------   ----------    ----------

      Net income                                                                       $  212,478      183,726       211,508
                                                                                       ==========   ==========    ==========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   4

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Unrealized
                                                                                           gains (losses)
                                                             Additional                    on securities        Total
                                                 Capital      paid-in        Retained      available-for-   shareholder's
                                                  shares      capital        earnings        sale, net          equity
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------- ----------------- ---------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>             <C>
1993:

   Balance, beginning of year                     $   3,815      311,753    1,024,150          90,524       1,430,242
   Capital contributions                                 --      111,000           --              --         111,000
   Dividends paid to shareholder                         --           --      (17,805)             --         (17,805)
   Net income                                            --           --      211,508              --         211,508
   Unrealized losses on equity securities, net           --           --           --         (83,777)        (83,777)
                                                 ----------   ----------    ----------     ----------      ----------
   Balance, end of year                          $    3,815      422,753    1,217,853           6,747       1,651,168
                                                 ==========   ==========    =========      ==========      ==========

1994:

   Balance, beginning of year                         3,815      422,753    1,217,853           6,747       1,651,168
   Capital contribution                                  --      200,000           --              --         200,000
   Net income                                            --           --      183,726              --         183,726
   Adjustment for change in accounting for
      certain investments in debt and equity
      securities, net (note 3)                           --           --           --         216,915         216,915
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      --           --           --        (343,330)       (343,330)
                                                 ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ---------- 
   Balance, end of year                          $    3,815      622,753    1,401,579        (119,668)      1,908,479
                                                 ==========   ==========   ==========      ==========      ========== 
 
1995:

   Balance, beginning of year                         3,815      622,753    1,401,579        (119,668)      1,908,479
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        --       51,029           --          (4,111)         46,918
   Dividends paid to shareholder                         --           --       (7,450)             --          (7,450)
   Net income                                            --           --      212,478              --         212,478
   Unrealized gains on securities available-
       for-sale, net                                     --           --           --         508,087         508,087
                                                 ----------   ----------   ----------      ----------      ----------
   Balance, end of year                          $    3,815      673,782    1,606,607         384,308       2,668,512
                                                 ==========   ==========   ==========      ==========      ========== 
                                                


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   5

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1995            1994            1993      
                                                                               --------------    ------------     -----------
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
  Cash flows from operating activities:

   Net income                                                                    $   212,478        183,726        211,508
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
      activities:

         Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        (349,456)      (264,434)      (191,994)
         Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            93,044         94,744        102,134
         Amortization and depreciation                                                10,319          6,207         11,156
         Realized losses (gains) on invested assets, net                                 717         15,949       (113,648)
         Deferred Federal income tax expense (benefit)                                 4,023         (2,166)        (6,006)
         Increase in accrued investment income                                       (19,341)       (29,654)        (4,218)
         Increase in other assets                                                     (3,227)      (112,566)      (549,277)
         Increase in policy liabilities                                              198,200      1,038,641        509,370
         Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                            15,496         15,372         17,316
         Increase in accrued Federal income tax payable                               20,938            832         16,838
         Increase in other liabilities                                                48,365         17,826         26,958
         Other, net                                                                  (20,556)       (19,303)       (11,745)
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    ------------
            Net cash provided by operating activities                                211,000        945,174         18,392
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash flows from investing activities:

   Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                           706,442        579,067             --
   Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                               131,420        247,876         247,502
   Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities held-to-maturity                       633,173        516,003       1,192,093
   Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities                                                 --             --          33,959
   Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                         215,134        220,744         146,047
   Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                  48,477         46,713          23,587
   Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets         79,620        134,998          59,643
   Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                 (2,232,047)    (2,569,672)        (12,550)
   Cost of fixed maturities held-to-maturity acquired                               (669,449)      (675,835)     (2,016,831)
   Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                   (821,078)      (627,025)       (475,336)
   Cost of real estate acquired                                                      (10,970)       (15,962)         (8,827)
   Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                            (92,904)      (118,012)        (76,491)
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    ------------
            Net cash used in investing activities                                 (2,012,182)    (2,261,105)      (887,204)
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:

   Proceeds from capital contributions                                                46,918        200,000        111,000
   Dividends paid to shareholder                                                      (7,450)            --        (17,805)
   Increase in universal life and investment product account balances              3,202,135      3,640,958      2,249,740
   Decrease in universal life and investment product account balances             (1,523,283)    (2,449,580)    (1,458,504)
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
            Net cash provided by financing activities                              1,718,320      1,391,378        884,431
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                                 (82,862)        75,447         15,619

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                                         139,079         63,632         48,013
                                                                                 -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                           $    56,217        139,079         63,632
                                                                                 ===========    ===========    ===========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   6
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
                 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                       December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

                               (000's omitted)


(1)   ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

      Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of
      Nationwide Corporation (Corp.). Wholly-owned subsidiaries of NLIC include
      Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC) (formerly known as
      Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company), West Coast Life Insurance
      Company (WCLIC), Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau and
      subsidiaries (ELICW), National Casualty Company (NCC) and Nationwide
      Financial Services, Inc. (NFS).  NLIC and its subsidiaries are
      collectively referred to as "the Company."
                        
      NLIC, NLAIC, WCLIC and ELICW are life and accident and health insurers
      and NCC is a property and casualty insurer. The Company is licensed in
      all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto
      Rico. The Company offers a full range of life insurance, health insurance
      and annuity products through exclusive agents, brokers and other
      distribution channels and is subject to competition from other insurers
      throughout the United States. The Company is subject to regulation by the
      Insurance Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes
      periodic examinations by those departments.
        
      The following is a description of the most significant risks  facing      
      life and health insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:
        
         LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK is the risk that changes in the legal or
         regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. That is, regulatory initiatives designed to reduce insurer
         profits, new legal theories or insurance company insolvencies through
         guaranty fund assessments may create costs for the insurer beyond
         those currently recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The
         Company mitigates this risk by offering a wide range of products and
         by operating throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure
         to any single product or jurisdiction, and also by employing
         underwriting practices which identify and minimize the adverse impact
         of this risk.
        
         CREDIT RISK is 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, including reinsurers,
         which owe the Company money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this
         risk by adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining
         sound reinsurance and credit and collection policies and by
         providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
        
         INTEREST RATE RISK is 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.
        
(2)   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
      materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
      accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
      accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which
      differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
      regulatory authorities. See note 4.



<PAGE>   7

              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

In preparing the consolidated 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 consolidated 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) CONSOLIDATION POLICY

    The December 31, 1995 consolidated financial statements include the
    accounts of NLIC and its wholly owned subsidiaries NLAIC, WCLIC, ELICW, NCC
    and NFS. The December 31, 1994 and 1993 consolidated financial statements
    include the accounts of NLIC, NLAIC, WCLIC, NCC and NFS. The December 31,
    1994 consolidated balance sheet also includes the accounts of ELICW, which
    was acquired by NLIC effective December 31, 1994. See Note 13. All
    significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

(b) 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, 1995.

    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 are included in interest
    income in the period received.             

    Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and valuation
    allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on the equity basis,    
    adjusted for valuation allowances.

    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.                                      

    In March, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
    STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 121 - ACCOUNTING FOR THE
    IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF
    (SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires impairment losses to be 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. SFAS 121 also addresses
    the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of.
    The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
    1995 and earlier application is permitted. Previously issued consolidated
    financial statements shall not be restated. The Company will adopt SFAS 121 
    in 1996 and the impact on the consolidated financial statements is not
    expected to be material. 


<PAGE>   8

              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(c) REVENUES AND BENEFITS

    TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Traditional life insurance
    products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums and
    benefits and consist primarily of whole life, limited-payment life, term
    life and 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.

    UNIVERSAL LIFE AND INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: Universal life products include
    universal life, variable universal life and other interest-sensitive life
    insurance policies. Investment products consist primarily of individual and
    group deferred annuities, annuities without life contingencies and
    guaranteed investment contracts. Revenues for universal life and investment
    products consist of 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 benefits and claims incurred in the period in
    excess of related policy account balances and interest credited to policy
    account balances.

    ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE: Accident and health insurance premiums
    are recognized as revenue over the terms of the policies. Policy claims are
    charged to expense in the period that the claims are incurred.

(d) DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

    The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions, certain
    expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department and certain
    variable agency expenses have been deferred. For traditional life and
    individual health insurance products, these deferred policy acquisition
    costs are predominantly being amortized with interest over the premium
    paying period of the related policies in proportion to the ratio of actual
    annual premium revenue to the anticipated total premium revenue. Such
    anticipated premium revenue was estimated using the same assumptions as
    were used for computing liabilities for future policy benefits. For
    universal life and investment 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(b).

(e) 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 consolidated statements of income and cash
    flows except for the fees the Company receives for administrative services
    and risks assumed.

(f) FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS

    Future policy benefits for traditional life and individual health
    insurance policies have been calculated using a net level premium method
    based on estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and
    withdrawals which were used or which were being experienced at the time the
    policies were issued, rather than the assumptions prescribed by state
    regulatory authorities. See note 6.

    Future policy benefits for annuity policies in the accumulation phase,
    universal life and variable universal life policies have been calculated
    based on participants' contributions plus interest credited less applicable
    contract charges. 


<PAGE>   9
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    Future policy benefits and claims for collectively renewable long-term
    disability policies (primarily discounted at 5.2%) and group long-term
    disability policies (primarily discounted at 5.5%) are the present value of
    amounts not yet due on reported claims and an estimate of amounts to be
    paid on incurred but unreported claims. The impact of reserve discounting
    is not material. Future policy benefits and claims on other                 
    group health insurance policies are not discounted.
        
(g) PARTICIPATING BUSINESS

    Participating business represents approximately 45% (45% in 1994 and
    48% in 1993) of the Company's ordinary life insurance in force, 72% (72% in
    1994 and 1993) of the number of policies in force, and 39% (41% in 1994 and
    45% in 1993) of life insurance premiums. The provision for policyholder
    dividends is based on current dividend scales. Future dividends are
    provided for ratably in future policy benefits based on dividend scales in
    effect at the time the policies were issued. Dividend scales are approved
    by the Board of Directors.

    Income attributable to participating policies in excess of policyholder
    dividends is accounted for as belonging to the shareholder. See note 12.

(h) FEDERAL INCOME TAX

    NLIC, NLAIC, WCLIC and NCC file a consolidated Federal income tax
    return with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), the majority
    shareholder of Corp. Through 1994, ELICW filed a consolidated Federal
    income tax return with Employers Insurance of Wausau A Mutual Company.
    Beginning in 1995, ELICW files a separate Federal income tax return.

    In 1993, the Company adopted STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
    STANDARDS NO. 109 - ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES, which required a change
    from the deferred method of accounting for income tax of APB Opinion 11 to
    the asset and liability method of accounting for income tax. Under the
    asset and liability 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.

    The Company has reported the cumulative effect of the change in method
    of accounting for income tax in the 1993 consolidated statement of income.
    See note 3.

(i) REINSURANCE CEDED

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

(j) CASH EQUIVALENTS

    For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company
    considers all short-term investments with original maturities of three
    months or less to be cash equivalents.


<PAGE>   10
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         (k) RECLASSIFICATION

             Certain items in the 1994 and 1993 consolidated financial
             statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1995
             presentation.

(3)      CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

         Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of
         accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities in
         connection with the issuance of STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
         STANDARDS NO. 115 - ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND
         EQUITY SECURITIES. As of January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed
         maturity securities with amortized cost and fair value of $6,593,844
         and $7,024,736, respectively, as available-for-sale and recorded the
         securities at fair value. Previously, these securities were recorded
         at amortized cost. The effect as of January 1, 1994 has been recorded  
         as a direct credit to shareholder's equity as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           <S>                                                                  <C>
           Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity
             securities available-for-sale                                      $ 430,892
           Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                        (97,177) 
           Deferred Federal income tax                                           (116,800) 
                                                                                ---------  
                                                                                $ 216,915 
                                                                                =========  

         During 1993, the Company adopted accounting principles in connection
         with the issuance of two accounting standards by the FASB. The effect
         as of January 1, 1993, the date of adoption, has been recognized in
         the 1993 consolidated statement of income as the cumulative effect of
         changes in accounting principles, as follows:

           Asset/liability method of recognizing income tax (note 2(h))         $ 26,344 
           Accrual method of recognizing postretirement benefits other  
             than pensions (net of tax benefit of $11,296) (note 11)             (20,979)  
                                                                                --------   
                                                                                $  5,365 
                                                                                ======== 
 </TABLE>

(4)      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
         with GAAP. Annual Statements for NLIC and NLAIC, WCLIC, ELICW and NCC,
         filed with the Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the
         Department), California Department of Insurance, Wisconsin Insurance
         Department and Michigan Bureau of Insurance, respectively, are prepared
         on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by such
         regulatory authorities. 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.

         The statutory capital shares and surplus of NLIC as reported to
         regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was
         $1,363,031, $1,262,861 and $992,631, respectively. The statutory net
         income of NLIC as reported to regulatory authorities for the years
         ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $86,529, $76,532 and
         $185,943, respectively.                  


<PAGE>   11
 LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(5)      INVESTMENTS

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995             1994            1993
                                                            -------------     ------------    ------------     
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
   Gross investment income:
    Securities available-for-sale:
     Fixed maturities                                         $  772,589         674,346              --
     Equity securities                                             1,436             550           7,230
    Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                            232,692         193,009         800,255
    Mortgage loans on real estate                                410,965         376,783         364,810
    Real estate                                                   39,222          40,280          39,684
    Short-term investments                                        12,249           6,990           5,080
    Other                                                         61,701          42,831          33,832
                                                              ----------      ----------      ----------
          Total investment income                              1,530,854       1,334,789       1,250,891
   Less investment expenses                                       47,874          45,288          46,465
                                                              ----------      ----------      ----------
          Net investment income                               $1,482,980       1,289,501       1,204,426
                                                              ==========      ==========      ==========
</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>
                                                                 1995             1994           1993      
                                                           ---------------   -------------  --------------
<S>                                                           <C>               <C>              <C>
    Securities available-for-sale:     
     Fixed maturities                                         $  6,792            (7,120)              --
     Equity securities                                           3,435             1,427          129,728
    Fixed maturities                                                --                --           20,225
    Mortgage loans on real estate                               (7,312)          (20,462)         (28,241)
    Real estate and other                                       (2,079)            9,771           (8,039)
                                                              --------          --------         --------
                                                              $    836           (16,384)         113,673
                                                              ========          ========         ========
</TABLE>


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1995             1994     
                                                                            ---------------   -------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>
    Gross unrealized gains (losses)                                           $ 735,103         (266,618)
    Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                            (143,851)          82,525
    Deferred Federal income tax                                                (206,944)          64,425
                                                                              ---------        ---------
                                                                              $ 384,308         (119,668)
                                                                              =========        ========= 
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995             1994            1993     
                                                            ---------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
    Securities available-for-sale:
     Fixed maturities                                         $ 1,001,706       (703,851)           --
     Equity securities                                                 15         (1,990)      (128,837)
    Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                              86,477       (421,427)       223,392
                                                              -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                              $ 1,088,198     (1,127,268)        94,555
                                                              ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   12
 LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                                                 
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale 
were as follows as of December 31, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Gross         Gross
                                                           Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     Estimated
                                                              cost          gains         losses       fair value
                                                         --------------  ------------ ------------- ---------------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>           <C>           <C>
 Fixed maturities:

  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
    government corporations and agencies                   $   438,109        36,714            (53)       474,770
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions               9,742         1,252             (1)        10,993
  Debt securities issued by foreign governments                162,442         9,641            (66)       172,017
  Corporate securities                                       8,902,494       524,796        (30,561)     9,396,729
  Mortgage-backed securities                                 3,925,843       196,645         (9,620)     4,112,868
                                                             ---------   -----------    -----------    -----------
      Total fixed maturities                                13,438,630       769,048        (40,301)    14,167,377
 Equity securities                                              27,362         6,441            (85)        33,718
                                                            ----------   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                           $13,465,992       775,489        (40,386)    14,201,095
                                                           ===========   ===========    ============   ===========
</TABLE>


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale 
and fixed maturities held-to-maturity were as follows as of December 31, 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Gross         Gross
                                                           Amortized     unrealized     unrealized     Estimated
                                                              cost          gains         losses       fair value
                                                         -------------  ------------- ------------- ---------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE 
 Fixed maturities:
  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
      government corporations and agencies                    $  393,156        1,794       (18,941)      376,009
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions                 2,202           55           (21)        2,236
  Debt securities issued by foreign governments                  177,910          872        (9,205)      169,577
  Corporate securities                                         4,201,738       50,405      (128,698)    4,123,445
  Mortgage-backed securities                                   3,543,859       18,125      (187,345)    3,374,639
                                                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ---------
        Total fixed maturities                                 8,318,865       71,251      (344,210)    8,045,906
 Equity securities                                                18,372        6,637          (296)       24,713
                                                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ---------
                                                              $8,337,237       77,888      (344,506)    8,070,619
                                                              ==========    =========     ==========    =========

FIXED MATURITY SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY
  Obligations of states and political subdivisions           $   11,613           92           (255)       11,450
  Debt securities issued by foreign governments                  16,131          111            (39)       16,203
  Corporate securities                                        3,661,043       34,180       (120,566)    3,574,657
                                                              ----------    ----------    ----------    ---------
                                                             $3,688,787       34,383       (120,860)    3,602,310
                                                              ==========    ==========    ==========    =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   13
                                       
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                       
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale as of December 31, 1995, by contractual 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                             $   641,490         647,639
Due after one year through five years                 5,365,703       5,623,126
Due after five years through ten years                2,477,457       2,609,262
Due after ten years                                   1,028,137       1,174,482
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                      9,512,787      10,054,509
Mortgage-backed securities                            3,925,843       4,112,868
                                                    -----------     -----------
                                                    $13,438,630      14,167,377
                                                    ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1995 and 1994
were $131,420 and $247,876, respectively, while proceeds from sales of
investments in fixed maturity securities during 1993 were $33,959. Gross gains
of $7,197 ($3,406 in 1994 and $2,413 in 1993) and gross losses of $2,309
($21,866 in 1994 and $39 in 1993) were realized on those sales.

During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities classified as
held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $27,929 to available-for-sale
securities due to evidence of a significant deterioration in the issuer's
creditworthiness.  The transfer of those fixed maturity securities resulted in
a gross unrealized loss of $4,285.

As permitted by the FASB's Special Report, A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF
STATEMENT 115 ON ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY
SECURITIES, issued in November, 1995, the Company transferred all of its fixed
maturity securities previously classified as held-to-maturity to
available-for-sale. As of December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the fixed
maturity securities had amortized cost of $3,705,644, resulting in a gross
unrealized gain of $171,531.

Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
preceding December 31, 1995 amounted to $28,958 ($11,513 for 1994) and
consisted of $8,228 (none in 1994) in fixed maturity securities, $14,740
($11,111 in 1994) in real estate and $5,990 ($402 in 1994) in other long-term
investments.

Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $30,931 in
1995 ($29,275 in 1994) and valuation allowances of $26,250 in 1995 ($27,330 in
1994).

Other long-term investments are presented net of valuation allowances of $457
as of December 31, 1995. There were no such valuation allowances as of December
31, 1994.

As of December 31, 1995, the recorded investment of mortgage loans on real
estate considered to be impaired (under STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
STANDARDS NO. 114, ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN as amended
by STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 118, ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS
FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN - INCOME RECOGNITION AND DISCLOSURE) was $44,995,
which includes $23,975 of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which the
related valuation allowance was $5,276 and $21,020 of impaired mortgage loans
on real estate for which there was no valuation allowance. During 1995, the
average recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was
approximately $22,621 and interest income recognized on those loans was $416,
which is equal to interest income recognized using a cash-basis method of
income recognition.

<PAGE>   14
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real 
    estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995
                                                              --------
    <S>                                                        <C>
    Allowance, beginning year                               $ 47,892
         Additions charged to operations                       7,653
         Direct write-downs charged against the allowance     (4,850)
                                                            -------- 
    Allowance, end of year                                  $ 50,695
                                                            ========
</TABLE>

    Foresclosures of mortgage loans on real estate were $37,187 in 1994 and
    mortgage loans on real estate in process of foreclosure or in-substance
    foreclosed as of December 31, 1994 totaled $19,878, which approximated fair
    value.

    Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $13,982 and $11,137 as
    of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were on deposit with various
    regulatory agencies as required by law.


(6) FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND CLAIMS

    The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts represents
    approximately 82% and 81% of the total liability for future policy benefits 
    as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The average interest rate 
    credited on investment product policies was approximately 6.5%, 6.5% and 
    7.0% for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

    The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance and
    individual health insurance policies has been established based upon the
    following assumptions:

       INTEREST RATES:  Interest rates vary as follows:
       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   Health
          Year of issue                         Life Insurance                                    insurance
          --------------      ------------------------------------------------------------     ---------------                     
           <S>                <C>                                                                 <C>        
           1995               7.6%, not graded - permanent contracts with loan provisions         4.5%
                              7.7%, not graded - all other contracts
           1984-1994          6.0% to 10.5%, not graded                                           5.0% to 6.0%
           1966-1983          6.0% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4.0% to 6.6%                  3.5% to 6.0%
           1965 and prior     generally lower than post 1965 issues                               3.5% to 4.0%
</TABLE>


    WITHDRAWALS:  Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage  and 
    policy duration, are based on Company experience.

    MORTALITY:  Mortality and morbidity rates are based on published tables,
    modified for the Company's actual experience.



<PAGE>   15
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    Activity in the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses is
    summarized for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995           1994            1993      
                                                                     ----------    ----------    ---------
      <S>                                                             <C>            <C>         <C>
      Balance, beginning of year                                      $ 637,998      592,180      760,209 
         Less reinsurance recoverables                                  438,761      430,720      547,683 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
               Net balance, beginning of year                           199,237      161,460      212,526 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
      Incurred related to:         
         Current year                                                   425,907      273,299      309,721 
         Prior years                                                    (17,203)     (26,156)     (26,248)
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
            Total incurred                                              408,704      247,143      283,473 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
      Paid related to:      
         Current year                                                   290,605      175,700      208,978 
         Prior years                                                    111,353       73,889      125,561 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
            Total paid                                                  401,958      249,589      334,539 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
      Unpaid claims of acquired companies                                 2,542       40,223         --   
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
               Net balance, end of year                                 208,525      199,237      161,460 
         Plus reinsurance recoverables                                  491,321      438,761      430,720 
                                                                      ---------    ---------    --------- 
      Balance, end of year                                            $ 699,846      637,998      592,180 
                                                                      =========    =========    ========= 
</TABLE>

    Reinsurance recoverables include amounts from affiliates, as discussed in 
    note 13, of $477,912, $430,936, $430,278 and $534,983 as of December 31, 
    1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.

    The provision for claims and claim adjustment expenses for prior years
    decreased in each of the three years ended December 31, 1995 due to
    lower-than-anticipated costs to settle accident and health insurance claims.


(7) FEDERAL INCOME TAX

    The tax effects of temporary  differences that give rise to significant 
    components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31, 
    1995 and 1994 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       1995            1994
                                                                                     --------       --------           
      <S>                                                                           <C>            <C>  
      Deferred tax assets:
       Future policy benefits                                                       $ 179,916      124,044
       Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                                      --         95,536
       Liabilities in Separate Accounts                                               129,120       94,783
       Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                                   26,062       25,632
       Other policyholder funds                                                         7,752        7,137
       Other assets and other liabilities                                              47,215       57,528
                                                                                    ---------    ---------
         Total gross deferred tax assets                                              390,065      404,660
                                                                                    ---------    ---------
      Deferred tax liabilities:   
       Deferred policy acquisition costs                                              312,616      317,224
       Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                                   266,184         --  
       Equity securities available-for-sale and other            
          long-term investments                                                         3,431        3,620
       Other                                                                           46,711       47,301
                                                                                    ---------    ---------
         Total gross deferred tax liabilities                                         628,942      368,145
                                                                                    ---------    ---------
                                                                                    $(238,877)      36,515
                                                                                    =========    =========
</TABLE>


 

<PAGE>   16
                                
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

     The Company has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary as
     of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 based on its analysis of future 
     deductible amounts. 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. In 
     addition, for future deductible amounts for securities available-for-sale, 
     affiliates of the Company which are included in the same consolidated 
     Federal income tax return hold investments that could be sold for capital 
     gains that could offset capital losses realized by the Company should 
     securities available-for-sale be sold at a loss.

<TABLE>
     Total Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 
     1994 and 1993 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. 
     Federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
                                                                                                           
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995                      1994                    1993       
                                                         ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                                Amount     %            Amount     %            Amount      %
                                                         ---------------  -----   --------------  ------   -------------  -------
      <S>                                                    <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>
      Computed (expected) tax expense                        $ 111,906    35.0       $  95,631    35.0      $ 109,515     35.0 
      Tax exempt interest and dividends                                                                                    
         received deduction                                       (137)   (0.1)           (194)   (0.1)        (2,322)    (0.7)
      Current year increase in U.S. Federal                                                                                
         income tax rate                                            --      --              --      --          1,704      0.5 
      Other, net                                                (4,515)   (1.4)         (5,933)   (2.1)        (2,139)    (0.7)
                                                             ---------    ----       ---------    ----      ---------     ----
            Total (effective rate of each year)              $ 107,254    33.5       $  89,504    32.8      $ 106,758     34.1 
                                                             =========    ====       =========    ====      =========     ====

</TABLE>


     Total Federal income tax paid was $75,309, $87,576 and $58,286 during the 
     years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

     Prior to 1984, the Life Insurance Company Income Tax Act of 1959 as 
     amended by the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984 (DRA), permitted the deferral 
     from taxation of a portion of statutory income under certain       
     circumstances. In these situations, the deferred income was accumulated in
     the  Policyholders' Surplus Account (PSA).  Management considers the
     likelihood  of distributions from the PSA to be remote; therefore, no
     Federal income  tax has been provided for such distributions in the
     consolidated financial  statements. The DRA eliminated any additional
     deferrals to the PSA. Any  distributions from the PSA, however, will
     continue to be taxable at the  then current tax rate. The balance of the
     PSA was approximately $35,344 as  of December 31, 1995.

(8)  DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 107 - DISCLOSURES ABOUT 
     FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (SFAS 107) requires disclosure of fair 
     value information about existing on and off-balance sheet financial 
     instruments. SFAS 107 defines the fair value of a financial instrument 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.

     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. SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and liabilities from its 
     disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts 
     presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
                                    



<PAGE>   17
                                      
              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

       Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
       that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
       from SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on
       life insurance contracts are 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.

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

         CASH, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND POLICY LOANS: The carrying
         amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these
         instruments approximates their fair value.

         FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES: 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.


         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.

         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.

         INVESTMENT CONTRACTS: 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: Included are disclosures
         for individual life, universal life and supplementary contracts with
         life   contingencies for which 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.                          

         POLICYHOLDERS' DIVIDEND ACCUMULATIONS AND OTHER POLICYHOLDER FUNDS:
         The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets for
         these instruments approximates their fair value. 

<PAGE>   18

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
    subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts were
    as follow as of December 31, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      
                                                     1995                          1994
                                           --------------------------   -------------------------
                                             Carrying      Estimated      Carrying     Estimated
                                              amount       fair value      amount      fair value
                                           -----------    -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
ASSETS
- ------
Investments:
   Securities available-for-sale:
      Fixed maturities                     $14,167,377    14,167,377     8,045,906     8,045,906
      Equity securities                         33,718        33,718        24,713        24,713
   Fixed maturities held-to-maturity              --            --       3,688,787     3,602,310
   Mortgage loans on real estate             4,786,599     5,169,805     4,222,284     4,173,284
   Policy loans                                370,908       370,908       340,491       340,491
   Short-term investments                       45,732        45,732       131,643       131,643
Cash                                            10,485        10,485         7,436         7,436
Assets held in Separate Accounts            18,763,678    18,763,678    12,222,461    12,222,461

LIABILITIES
- -----------
Investment contracts                        13,561,943    13,221,724    12,189,894    11,657,556
Policy reserves on life insurance contacts   3,695,814     3,659,074     3,170,085     2,934,384
Policyholders' dividend accumulations          353,554       353,554       338,058       338,058
Other policyholder funds                        71,155        71,155        72,770        72,770
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts    18,763,678    18,224,933    12,222,461    11,807,331
</TABLE>


(9) ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURES
    -------------------------------------------- 

    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 consolidated 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 80% 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 $361,974 extending into 1996 were
    outstanding as of December 31, 1995.

    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 20% (22%
    in 1994) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2% in 1994) with any
    one borrower.


<PAGE>   19

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
    December 31, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Apartment
                                                            Office    Warehouse     Retail     & other      Total
                                                          ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
1995:
 East North Central                                      $ 140,732     110,361     534,814     184,201     970,108
 East South Central                                         23,978      15,653     183,790      84,588     308,009
 Mountain                                                     --        18,940     144,156      48,727     211,823
 Middle Atlantic                                           124,079      72,201     183,562      18,383     398,225
 New England                                                 9,594      39,526     153,644           1     202,765
 Pacific                                                   190,628     239,687     395,914     107,650     933,879
 South Atlantic                                            101,904      74,731     458,355     279,692     914,682
 West North Central                                        134,866      14,205      81,521      37,586     268,178
 West South Central                                         69,143      99,618     194,717     272,323     635,801
                                                          ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                                          $ 794,924     684,922   2,330,473   1,033,151   4,843,470
                                                          =========   =========   =========   =========            
     Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                      56,871  
                                                                                                          ---------
                Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                 $4,786,599     
                                                                                                          =========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Apartment
                                                            Office    Warehouse     Retail     & other      Total
                                                          ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
1994:
 East North Central                                      $ 109,233     103,499     540,686     191,489     944,907
 East South Central                                         24,298      10,803     127,845      76,897     239,843
 Mountain                                                    3,150      13,770     140,358      39,682     196,960
 Middle Atlantic                                            61,299      53,285     140,847      30,111     285,542
 New England                                                10,536      43,282     139,131           4     192,953
 Pacific                                                   195,393     210,930     397,911      68,768     873,002
 South Atlantic                                             87,150      81,576     424,150     210,354     803,230
 West North Central                                        127,760      11,766      80,854       4,738     225,118
 West South Central                                         51,013      84,796     184,923     194,788     515,520
                                                          ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
                                                          $ 669,832     613,707   2,176,705     816,831   4,277,075
                                                          =========   =========   =========   =========            
   Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                        54,791
                                                                                                          ---------
        Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                         $4,222,284     
                                                                                                          =========
</TABLE>


(10)  PENSION PLAN
      ------------

      The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
      in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least one  
      thousand hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have met
      certain age requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest average
      annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten
      years 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.

      Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced       
      benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
      elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost of
      the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property and
      casualty insurance company affiliates.


<PAGE>   20

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

    Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
    Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual Insurance
    Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance Companies
    Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement
    Plan. Immediately prior to the merger, the plans were amended to provide
    consistent benefits for service after January 1, 1996. These amendments had
    no significant impact on the accumulated benefit obligation or projected
    benefit obligation as of December 31, 1995.

    Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years ended   
    December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $14,105, $10,451 and $6,702,
    respectively.

    The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1995 and       
    1994 was $1,376 and $1,836, respectively.

    The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Companies and    
    Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the years ended December 31,
    1995, 1994 and 1993 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995          1994          1993
                                                              ---------     ---------     ---------
     <S>                                                      <C>            <C>           <C>
     Service cost (benefits earned during the period)         $  64,524        64,740        47,694
     Interest cost on projected benefit obligation               95,283        73,951        70,543
     Actual return on plan assets                              (249,294)      (21,495)     (105,002)
     Net amortization and deferral                              143,353       (62,150)       20,832
                                                               ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                              $  53,866        55,046        34,067
                                                               =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>
                       
    Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    1995          1994          1993               
                                                                 ---------     ---------     ---------             
     <S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>                 
     Weighted average discount rate                                7.50%         5.75%         6.75%               
     Rate of increase in future compensation levels                6.25%         4.50%         4.75%               
     Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets              8.75%         7.00%         7.50%               
</TABLE>                                                              
                                                                    
    Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
    Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1995 
    (post-merger) and the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates 
    Retirement Plan as of December 31, 1995 (pre-merger) and 1994 follows:
        
     <TABLE>                                                                  
     <CAPTION>                                                          
                                                                   Post-merger     Pre-merger                      
                                                                      1995           1995           1994           
                                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------       
     <S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>               
          Accumulated benefit obligation:                                                                          
                                                                                                                   
          Vested                                                   $ 1,236,730      1,002,079        914,850       
          Nonvested                                                     26,503          8,998          7,570       
                                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------       
                                                                   $ 1,263,233      1,011,077        922,420       
                                                                   ===========    ===========    ===========       
                                                                                                                   
     Net accrued pension expense:                                                                                  
        Projected benefit obligation for services rendered                                                         
           to date                                                 $ 1,780,616      1,447,522      1,305,547       
        Plan assets at fair value                                    1,738,004      1,508,781      1,241,771       
                                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------       
           Plan assets (less than) in excess of  projected                                                         
              benefit obligation                                       (42,612)        61,259        (63,776)      
        Unrecognized prior service cost                                 42,845         42,850         46,201       
        Unrecognized net (gains) losses                                (63,130)       (86,195)        39,408       
        Unrecognized net obligation (asset) at transition               41,305        (19,841)       (21,994)                     
                                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------       
                                                                   $   (21,592)        (1,927)          (161)      
                                                                   ===========    ===========    ===========       
     </TABLE>                                                           
                                                                        

<PAGE>   21

              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)
                                      
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

     Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
                                                                     
      <TABLE>                                                        
      <CAPTION>                                                    
                                                          Post-merger       Pre-merger                                   
                                                             1995             1995              1994                     
                                                        ---------------  ---------------   ---------------               
     <S>                                                    <C>               <C>              <C>                       
     Weighed average discount rate                           6.00%             6.00%            7.50%                     
     Rate of increase in future compensation levels          4.25%             4.25%            6.25%                     
                                                                              
     </TABLE>                                                          
                                                                    
                                                                   
     Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are invested
     in group annuity contracts of NLIC and ELICW. Prior to the merger, the     
     assets of the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement 
     Plan were invested in a group annuity contract of NLIC.       
                                                                               
(11) POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS                                
     -------------------------------------------                               
                                                                             
     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.       

     Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of STATEMENT
     OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 106 - EMPLOYERS' ACCOUNTING FOR 
     POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (SFAS 106), which requires the
     accrual method of accounting for postretirement life and health care 
     insurance benefits based on actuarially determined costs to be recognized 
     over the period from the date of hire to the full eligibility date of 
     employees who are expected to qualify for such benefits.            
                                                                      
     The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
     postretirement benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993. Accordingly, a 
     noncash charge of $32,275 ($20,979 net of related income tax benefit) was
     recorded in the 1993 consolidated statement of income as a cumulative 
     effect of a change in accounting principle. See note 3. The adoption of    
     SFAS 106, including the cumulative effect of the change in accounting
     principle, increased the expense for postretirement benefits by $35,277 
     to $36,544 in 1993. 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, 1995 and 1994 was $51,490 and $36,001, respectively, and the
     net periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1995 and 1994 was 
     $8,269 and $4,627, respectively.                                           
                                                                                
     The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended 
     December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was as follows:                     
                                                                      
     <TABLE>                                                          
     <CAPTION>                                                          
                                                                                   1995            1994          1993            
                                                                                 --------        --------      --------  
     <S>                                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>       
     Service cost - benefits attributed to employee service during the year      $  6,235           8,586         7,090  
     Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                14,151          14,011        13,928  
     Actual return on plan assets                                                  (2,657)         (1,622)         --    
     Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates               2,966             568           568  
     Net amortization and deferral                                                 (1,619)          1,622          --    
                                                                                 --------        --------      --------  
                                                                                 $ 19,076          23,165        21,586  
                                                                                 ========        ========      ========  
     </TABLE>                                                                  


<PAGE>   22

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

       Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
       December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:                         
                                                                      
       <TABLE>                                                  
       <CAPTION>                                          
                                                                                     1995          1994                            
                                                                                   ---------    ---------                          
       <S>                                                                         <C>          <C>                                
       Accrued postretirement benefit expense:                                                                                     
          Retirees                                                                 $  88,680       76,677                          
          Fully eligible, active plan participants                                    28,793       22,013                          
          Other active plan participants                                              90,375       59,089                          
                                                                                   ---------    ---------                          
             Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                    207,848      157,779                          
          Plan assets at fair value                                                   54,325       49,012                          
                                                                                   ---------    ---------                          
             Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation    (153,523)    (108,767)                         
          Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                             1,827        6,577                          
          Unrecognized net gains                                                      (1,038)     (41,497)                         
                                                                                   ---------    ---------                          
                                                                                   $(152,734)    (143,687)                         
                                                                                   =========    =========                          
       </TABLE>                                                     
                                                                   
                                                                      
       Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of    
       December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the NPPBC for 1995, 1994 and 1993 were 
       as follows:                                                    
                                                                       
       <TABLE>                                                     
       <CAPTION>                                                     
                                                          1995          1995          1994          1994          1993             
                                                          APBO         NPPBC          APBO          NPPBC         NPPBC            
                                                       -----------   -----------   ------------  ------------  ------------        
           <S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>               
           Discount rate                                 6.75%            8%            8%            7%            8%             
           Assumed health care cost trend rate:                                                                                    
               Initial rate                                11%           10%           11%           12%           14%             
               Ultimate rate                                6%            6%            6%            6%            6%             
               Uniform declining period                  12 Years      12 Years      12 Years      12 Years      12 Years          
       </TABLE>                                               
                                                                   
       The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts 
       reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in 
       the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of 
       December 31, 1995 by $641 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
       1995 by $107.                                                    
                                                                      
(12)   REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND 
       RESTRICTIONS                                             
       -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          
       Each insurance 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 certain levels, each of
       which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and each of its 
       insurance subsidiaries exceed the minimum risk-based capital 
       requirements.                                                            
                                                                    
       In accordance with the requirements of the New York statutes, the 
       Company has agreed with the Superintendent of Insurance of that state 
       that so long as participating policies and contracts are held by 
       residents of New York, no profits on participating policies and 
       contracts in excess of the larger of (a) ten percent of such profits or
       (b) fifty cents per year per thousand dollars of participating life 
       insurance in force, exclusive of group term, as of the year-end shall 
       inure to the benefit of the shareholder. Such New York statutes
       further provide that so long as such agreement is in effect, such 
       excess of profits shall be exhibited as "participating policyholders' 
       surplus" in annual statements filed with the Superintendent and shall 
       be used only for the payment or apportionment of dividends to 
       participating policyholders at least to the extent required by statute 
       or for the purpose of making up any loss on  participating policies.
                                                                       
<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

      In the opinion of counsel for the Company, the ultimate ownership of the
      entire surplus, however classified, of the Company resides with the
      shareholder, subject to the usual requirements under state laws and
      regulations that certain deposits, reserves and minimum surplus be
      maintained for the protection of the policyholders until all policy
      contracts are discharged.
                
      Based on the opinion of counsel with respect to the ownership of its
      surplus, the Company is of the opinion that the earnings attributable to
      participating policies in excess of the amounts paid as dividends to
      policyholders belong to the shareholder rather than the policyholders,
      and such earnings are so treated by the Company.
                
      The amount of shareholder's equity other than capital shares was
      $2,664,697, $1,904,664 and $1,647,353 as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and
      1993, respectively. The amount thereof not presently available for
      dividends to the shareholder due to the New York restrictions was
      $1,503,241, $929,934 and $954,037 as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
      respectively.
                
      Ohio law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders. The maximum
      dividend that may be paid by the Company without prior approval of the
      Director of the Department is limited to the greater of statutory gain
      from operations of the preceding calendar year or 10% of statutory
      shareholder's surplus as of the prior December 31. Therefore, $2,468,687
      of shareholder's equity, as presented in the accompanying consolidated
      financial statements, is so restricted as to dividend payments in 1996.
                
      Each of NLIC's insurance company subsidiaries are limited in their
      payment of dividends by the state insurance department of their
      respective state of domicile. As of December 31, 1995, the maximum amount
      of shareholder's equity available for dividend payment to NLIC in 1996 by
      its insurance company subsidiaries without prior approval are:
                
      <TABLE>
      <S>                                             <C>
      Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company   $10,143
      West Coast Life Insurance Company                13,153
      Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau       10,132
      National Casualty Company                            --  
                                                      -------
                                                      $33,428
                                                      ======= 
</TABLE>
        

(13)  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
      ----------------------------

      On March 1, 1995, Corp. contributed all of the outstanding shares of
      Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to NLIC, which then merged
      Farmland into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The contribution resulted in
      a direct increase to consolidated shareholder's equity of $46,918. The
      contribution of Farmland has been accounted for in a manner similar to a
      pooling of interests and accordingly, Farmland's results are included in
      the consolidated statements of income beginning January 1, 1995. However,
      prior period consolidated financial statements have not been restated due
      to the impact of Farmland being immaterial.
                
      Effective December 31, 1994, NLIC purchased all of the outstanding shares
      of ELICW from Wausau Service Corporation (WSC) for $155,000. NLIC
      transferred fixed maturity securities and cash with a fair value of
      $155,000 to WSC on December 28, 1994, which resulted in a realized loss
      of $19,239 on the disposition of the securities. The purchase price
      approximated both the historical cost basis and fair value of net assets
      of ELICW. ELICW has and will continue to share home office, other
      facilities, equipment and common management and administrative services
      with WSC.
        
      Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies
      which are also subsidiaries of Corp. Total commissions and fees paid to
      these affiliates for the three years ended December 31, 1995 were
      $57,969, $50,470 and $44,577, respectively.
        


<PAGE>   24

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

      The Company shares home office, other facilities, equipment and common
      management and administrative services with affiliates.
        
      The Company participates in intercompany repurchase agreements with
      affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the buyer at a
      stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities will be
      repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a price
      differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1995 and
      1994 were not material. 

      During 1993, the Company sold equity securities with a market value
      $194,515 to NMIC, resulting in a realized gain of $122,823. With the
      proceeds, the Company purchased securities with a market value of
      $194,139 and cash of $376 from NMIC.                         

      Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and NMIC, NLIC and
      WCLIC, NLIC and NCC, WCLIC and NMIC and WCLIC and ELICW as of December
      31, 1995. These contracts are immaterial to the consolidated financial
      statements.    

      NCC participates in several 100% quota share reinsurance agreements with
      NMIC and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company, the minority
      shareholder of Corp. As a result of these agreements, the following
      assets and (liabilities) are included in the consolidated financial
      statements as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 for reinsurance ceded:
        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1995          1994      
                                                                        -----------   -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>            <C>
      Reinsurance recoverable                                           $ 590,379       541,289 
      Unearned premium reserves                                          (112,467)     (110,353) 
      Liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expense           (477,912)     (430,936)
</TABLE>                                                                

      The ceding of reinsurance does not discharge the original insurer from
      primary liability to its policyholder. The insurer which assumes the
      coverage assumes the related liability and it is the practice of insurers
      to treat insured risks, to the extent of reinsurance ceded, as though
      they were risks for which the original insurer is not liable. Management
      believes the financial strength of NMIC reduces to an acceptable level
      any risk to NCC under these intercompany  reinsurance agreements.        

      ELICW assumes certain accident and health insurance business from
      Employers Insurance of Wausau A Mutual Company, an affiliate. During
      1995, total premiums assumed by ELICW under the reinsurance
      agreement were $150,622.                

      The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
      Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash Management
      Company (CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC act as common
      agents in handling the purchase and sale of short-term securities for the
      respective accounts of the participants. Amounts on deposit with NCMC and
      CCMC were $21,644 and $92,531 as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
      respectively, and are included in short-term investments on the
      accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

(14)  BANK LINES OF CREDIT
      --------------------

      As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, NLIC had $120,000 of confirmed but
      unused bank lines of credit which support a $100,000 commercial paper
      borrowing authorization.
        
(15)  CONTINGENCIES
      -------------

      The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of
      management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to be
      material to the Company's financial position or results of operations.
        
<PAGE>   25

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
             (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

(16)  SEGMENT INFORMATION
      -------------------

      The Company operates in the long-term savings, life insurance and
      accident and health insurance lines of business in the life insurance and
      property and casualty insurance industries. Long-term savings operations
      include both qualified and non-qualified annuity contracts issued to both
      individuals and groups. Life insurance operations include whole life,
      universal life, variable universal life and endowment and term life
      insurance issued to individuals and groups. Accident and health insurance
      operations also provide coverage to individuals and groups. Corporate
      primarily includes investments, and the related investment income, which
      are not specifically allocated to one of the three operating segments. In
      addition, realized gains and losses on all general account investments
      are reported as a component of the corporate segment.
        
      During 1995, the Company changed its reporting segments to better reflect
      the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been restated to
      reflect these changes.
        
      The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) before
      Federal income tax expense and cumulative effect of changes in accounting
      principles for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and
      assets as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, by business segment.
        
      <TABLE>                                                       
      <CAPTION>                                                 
                                                                                      1995           1994           1993      
                                                                                 ------------    ------------   ------------  
      <S>                                                                        <C>               <C>          <C>           
      Revenues:                                                                                                               
           Long-term savings                                                     $  1,406,241       1,125,013      1,048,045  
           Life insurance                                                             502,885         452,795        432,343  
           Accident and health insurance                                              532,383         345,545        339,764  
           Corporate                                                                  134,598         122,847        214,374  
                                                                                 ------------    ------------   ------------  
                                                                                 $  2,576,107       2,046,200      2,034,526  
                                                                                 ============    ============   ============  
                                                                                                                              
      Income (loss) before Federal income tax expense and                                                                     
          cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles:                                                              
           Long-term savings                                                          129,475          95,530         47,966  
           Life insurance                                                              63,169          46,119         36,383  
           Accident and health insurance                                              (12,521)         13,221         15,041  
           Corporate                                                                  139,609         118,360        213,511  
                                                                                 ------------    ------------   ------------  
                                                                                 $    319,732         273,230        312,901  
                                                                                 ============    ============   ============  
      Assets:                                                                                                                 
           Long-term savings                                                       34,634,892      25,815,273     20,695,598  
           Life insurance                                                           3,675,581       3,231,651      2,897,574  
           Accident and health insurance                                              307,643         291,296        297,200  
           Corporate                                                                1,995,995       1,773,913      1,515,989  
                                                                                 ------------    ------------   ------------  
                                                                                 $ 40,614,111      31,112,133     25,406,361  
                                                                                 ============    ============   ============  
                                                                                                                              

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   26



                                                                      Schedule I
                                                                     -----------

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       Summary of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties
                               December 31, 1995
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------  ------------------
                                                                         Column B         Column C           Column D
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                                         Amount at which
                                                                                                           shown in the
                                                                                                           consolidated
                                                                           Cost         Market value      balance sheet
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>
Fixed maturities available-for-sale:                                
   Bonds and notes:                                                 
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities          $  3,913,961         4,116,744          4,116,744
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                       9,742            10,993             10,993
      Foreign governments                                                   162,442           172,016            172,016
      Public utilities                                                    2,053,701         2,146,000          2,146,000
      All other corporate                                                 7,298,784         7,721,624          7,721,624
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
          Total fixed maturities available-for-sale                      13,438,630        14,167,377         14,167,377   
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                                26,037            32,474             32,474
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                             1,325             1,244              1,244   
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                         27,362            33,718             33,718   
                                                                     ----------------- ---------------- -------------------

Mortgage loans on real estate                                             4,838,432                            4,786,599*
Real estate:
   Investment properties                                                    213,340                              171,739*
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                          82,930                               67,350*
Policy loans                                                                370,908                              370,908
Other long-term investments                                                  73,190                               67,280#
Short-term investments                                                       45,732                               45,732   
                                                                     -----------------                  -------------------
          Total investments                                             $19,090,524                           19,710,703   
                                                                     =================                  ===================
</TABLE>


*        Difference from Column B is primarily due to accumulated depreciation
         and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate and
         valuation allowances due to impairments on mortgage loans on real
         estate. See Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
         Condition and Results of Operations and note 5 to the consolidated
         financial statements.

#        Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating losses of
         investments in limited partnerships.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   27
                                      
                                      
                                                                   Schedule III
                                                                   ------------
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      Supplementary Insurance Information
                        December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column B          Column C            Column D           Column E          Column F    
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                       Deferred       Future policy                           Other policy
                                        policy      benefits, losses,                          claims and
             Segment                 acquisition        claims and      Unearned premiums   benefits payable      Premium
                                        costs         loss expenses            (1)                 (2)            revenue
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>                  <C>                  <C>                <C>
1995: Long-term savings                $   668,784          14,847,449                                    455               -
      Life insurance                       416,209           2,494,344                                408,990         274,957
      Accident and health                  
       insurance                             9,202             858,335                                 15,264         509,658
      Corporate                                  -                   -                                      -               -  
                                    -------------- ---------------------                    ------------------ ---------------
             Total                      $1,094,195          18,200,128                                424,709         784,615 
                                    ============== =====================                    ================== ===============

1994: Long-term savings                    663,696          13,300,015                                    240               -
      Life insurance                       387,486           2,245,375                                397,174         209,538
      Accident and health              
       insurance                            12,977             776,071                                 13,414         324,524
      Corporate                                  -                   -                                      -               -   
                                    -------------- ---------------------                    ------------------ ---------------
             Total                      $1,064,159          16,321,461                                410,828         534,062 
                                    ============== =====================                    ================== ===============

1993: Long-term savings                    506,243          11,308,024                                  1,262               -
      Life insurance                       291,683           2,047,844                                378,788         215,715
      Accident and health              
       insurance                            14,018             736,387                                 14,595         312,655
      Corporate                                  -                   -                                      -               -    
                                    -------------- ---------------------                    ------------------ ---------------
             Total                     $   811,944          14,092,255                                394,645         528,370 
                                    ============== =====================                    ================== ===============
                                   
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------  -----------------  --------------
             Column A                  Column G          Column H            Column I           Column J          Column K    
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                         Net                                Amortization           Other
                                      investment    Benefits, claims,       of deferred          operating 
             Segment                    income          losses and            policy              expenses         Premiums
                                         (3)       settlement expenses   acquisition costs          (3)             written
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------

1995: Long-term savings                 $1,124,207           1,009,632             51,998             210,525
      Life insurance                       202,285             267,123             34,124              94,461
      Accident and health              
       insurance                            22,725             379,532              6,922             153,984         473,513       
      Corporate                            133,763                   -                  -                   - 
                                    -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
             Total                      $1,482,980           1,656,287             93,044             458,970 
                                    ============== ==================== =================== ==================

1994: Long-term savings                    945,318             807,756             56,236             171,038
      Life insurance                       183,933             237,125             33,394              90,535
      Accident and health                                                                                            
       insurance                           21,020             234,882              5,114              90,829         315,688
      Corporate                            139,230                   -                  -                   - 
                                    -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
             Total                      $1,289,501           1,279,763             94,744             352,402 
                                    ============== ==================== =================== ==================

1993: Long-term savings                    897,639             800,385             43,291             157,046
      Life insurance                       178,978             227,786             35,220              89,496
      Accident and health                                                                                            
       insurance                            27,108             208,735             23,623              82,854        263,117
      Corporate                            100,701                   -                  -                   - 
                                    -------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
             Total                      $1,204,426           1,236,906            102,134             329,396 
                                    ============== ==================== =================== ==================

<FN>
(1)  Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.        (3)  Allocations of net investment income and certain general
(2)  Column E agrees to the sum of the consolidated balance          expenses are based on a number of assumptions and
     sheet captions, "Policyholders' dividend                        estimates, and reported operating results would
     accumulations" and "Other policyholder funds".                  change by segment if different methods were applied.
</TABLE>

See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   28


                                                                     Schedule IV
                                                                     -----------
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                  Reinsurance
                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Percentage
                                                        Ceded to         Assumed from                         of amount
                                   Gross amount      other companies   other companies      Net amount      assumed to net 
                                ------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S>                    <C>         <C>                    <C>                  <C>            <C>                 <C>
1995:
Life insurance in force              $51,613,116          6,865,011            742,451        45,490,556           1.6%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        281,687             12,817              6,087           274,957           2.2%
   Accident and health                   
     insurance                           427,943             73,131            154,846           509,658          30.4%
                                ------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
          Total                    $     709,630             85,948            160,933           784,615          20.5%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============
1994:
Life insurance in force              $46,262,595          5,289,259            819,799        41,793,135           2.0%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============
Premiums:
   Life insurance                        209,918              7,551              7,171           209,538           3.4%
   Accident and health                   
     insurance                           389,573             69,095              4,046           324,524           1.2%
                                ------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
          Total                    $     599,491             76,646             11,217           534,062           2.1%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============

1993:
Life insurance in force              $39,417,116          4,352,071            180,739        35,245,784           0.5%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============
Premiums:
   Life insurance                        218,764              6,161              3,112           215,715           1.4%
   Accident and health                   
     insurance                           398,289             88,506              2,872           312,655           0.9%
                                ------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ---------------
          Total                    $     617,053             94,667              5,984           528,370           1.1%    
                                =================== ================== ================= ================== ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   29


                                                                      Schedule V
                                                                      ----------
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                (000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------------------- ------------- -------------
                    Column A                         Column B               Column C               Column D      Column E   
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------------------- ------------- -------------
                                                    Balance at     Charged to                                   Balance at
                                                   beginning of     costs and      Charged to     Deductions      end of  
Description                                           period        expenses     other accounts      (1)          period  
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>                  <C>       <C>           <C>
1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities       $     -         10,153               -         10,153             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real        
  estate                                                47,892          7,653               -          4,850        50,695
Valuation allowances - real estate                      27,330         (1,080)              -              -        26,250
Valuation allowances - other long-term                
  investments                                                -            457               -              -           457


1994:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities         6,680         (6,680)              -              -             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage loans on real         
  estate                                                42,350         21,672               -         16,130        47,892
Valuation allowances - real estate                      31,357         (4,027)              -              -        27,330


1993:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities         5,746            934               -              -         6,680
Valuation  allowances - mortgage loans on real        
  estate                                                31,872         28,241               -         17,763        42,350
Valuation allowances - real estate                      35,471         (4,114)              -              -        31,357
Valuation allowances - other long-term           
  investments                                              700           (700)              -              -             -

<FN>

(1)  Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
     allowance.

</TABLE>


See accompanying independent auditors' report.


<PAGE>   38

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

              (a) Financial Statements:

                  (1) Financial statements and schedule included         PAGE
                      in Prospectus
                      (Part A):
                      Condensed Financial Information.                     10
                  (2) Financial statements and schedule included
                      in Part B:

   
                      Those financial statements and schedule              36
                      required by Item 23 to be included in Part B
                      have been incorporated therein by reference
                      to the Prospectus (Part A).

              Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                        36
                      Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract        37
                      Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1995.
                      Statements of Operations and Changes in              39
                      Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                      December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
                      Notes to Financial Statements.                       40
                      Schedules of Changes in Unit Value.                  43

              Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
                      Independent Auditors' Report.                        45
                      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December           46
                      31, 1995 and 1994.
                      Consolidated Statements of Income for the            47
                      years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
                      1993.
                      Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's             48
                      Equity for the years ended December 31,
                      1995, 1994 and 1993.
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for            49
                      the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
                      and 1993.
                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.          50
                    
                      Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other          70
                      Than Investments in Related Parties
                      
                      Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance               71
                      Information
                     
                      Schedule IV - Reinsurance                            72
                    
                      Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts       73
    


                                    74 of 95
                      
<PAGE>   39
Item 24.(b) Exhibits

                 (1)  Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors
                      authorizing the establishment of the Registrant -
                      Filed previously with the Registration Statement,
                      and hereby incorporated by reference.
                 (2)  Not Applicable
                 (3)  Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between
                      the Registrant and Principal Underwriter - Filed
                      previously with the Registration Statement, and
                      hereby incorporated by reference.

   
                 (4)  The form of the variable annuity contract Filed
                      previously with the Registration Statement, and
                      hereby incorporated by reference.
                 (5)  Variable Annuity Application -Filed previously
                      with the Registration Statement, and hereby
                      incorporated by reference.
    

                 (6)  Articles of Incorporation of Depositor Filed
                      previously with the Registration Statement, and
                      hereby incorporated by reference.
                 (7)  Not Applicable
                 (8)  Not Applicable
                 (9)  Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously with the
                      Registration Statement, and hereby incorporated by
                      reference.
                (10)  Not Applicable
                (11)  Not Applicable
                (12)  Not Applicable
                (13)  Performance Advertising Calculation
                      Schedule - Filed previously with Post-
                      Effective Amendment No. 14 to the
                      Registration Statement, and hereby
                      incorporated by reference.


                                    75 of 95
<PAGE>   40
Item 25.   DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      
                    NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                     BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                      <C>                      
                    Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
                    519 Bethel Church Road
                    Mount Olives, NC  28365

   
                    Keith W. Eckel
                    1647 Falls Road
                    Clarks Summit, PA 18411                                Director
    

                    Willard J. Engel                                       Director
                    1100 East Main Street
                    Marshall, MN 56258
    
                    Fred C. Finney                                         Director
                    1558 West Moreland Road
                    Wooster, OH 44691

                    Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                              Director
                    600 South Washington Street
                    Butler, PA  16001

   
                    Joseph J. Gasper                         President and Chief Operating Officer
                    One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
                    Columbus, OH  43215
    

                    Henry S. Holloway                                   Chairman of the
                    1247 Stafford Road                                       Board
                    Darlington, MD  21034

   
                    D. Richard McFerson                      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
                    One Nationwide Plaza                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
                    Columbus, OH  43215                                  and Director
    

                    David O. Miller                                        Director
                    115 Sprague Drive
                    Hebron, Ohio  43025

                    C. Ray Noecker                                         Director
                    2770 State Route 674 South
                    Ashville, OH 43103
  
                    James F. Patterson                                     Director
                    8765 Mulberry Road
                    Chesterland, OH  44026
</TABLE>



                                    76 of 95
<PAGE>   41
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                   BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                        <C>

   
                  Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
                  1356 North Wenger Road
                  Dalton, OH  44618
    

                  Robert L. Stewart                                      Director
                  88740 Fairview Road
                  Jewett, OH  43986

                  Nancy C. Thomas                                        Director
                  10835 Georgetown Street NE
                  Louisville, OH  44641

                  Harold W. Weihl                                        Director
                  14282 King Road
                  Bowling Green, OH  43402

                  Gordon E. McCutchan                            Executive Vice President,
                  One Nationwide Plaza                          Law and Corporate Services
                  Columbus, OH  43215                                  and Secretary

   
                  Robert A. Oakley                               Executive Vice President-
                  One Nationwide Plaza                            Chief Financial Officer
                  Columbus, Ohio  43215

                  James E. Brock                                  Senior Vice President -
                  One Nationwide Plaza                            Life Company Operations
                  Columbus, OH  43215
    

                  W. Sidney Druen                            Senior Vice President and General
                  One Nationwide Plaza                        Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                  Columbus, OH  43215

                  Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                  Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
                  One Nationwide Plaza                          Life, Health and Annuities
                  Columbus, OH  43215

                  Richard A. Karas                            Senior Vice President - Sales -
                  One Nationwide Plaza                              Financial Services
                  Columbus, OH  43215

                  Michael D. Bleiweiss                                Vice President-
                  One Nationwide Plaza                             Deferred Compensation
                  Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>



                                    77 of 95
<PAGE>   42
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
<S>                                                            <C>
                          Matthew S. Easley                                  Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                         Annuity and Pension Actuarial
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Ronald L. Eppley                                    Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                   Pensions
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Timothy E. Murphy                                   Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Strategic Marketing
                          Columbus, Ohio  43215

                          R. Dennis Noice                                     Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Individual Investment Products
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Joseph P. Rath                                     Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                           Associate General Counsel
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>




Item 26.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR 
              OR REGISTRANT.
                *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are
                      filed
                **    Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated
                      financial statements
                ***   Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial 
                      statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries
                ****  other subsidiaries


                                    78 of 95
<PAGE>   43
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                               NO. VOTING
                                                               SECURITIES
                                              STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                         OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
               COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE             PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                INDICATED
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>             <C>    
Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance
                                                                              corporations worldwide

American Marine
  Underwriters, Inc.                         Florida                          Underwriting Manager

Auto Direkt Insurance
  Company                                    Germany                          Insurance Company

The Beak and Wire
  Corporation                                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

California Cash Management
  Company                                   California                        Investment Securities Agent

Colonial County Mutual
  Insurance Company                           Texas                           Insurance Company

Colonial Insurance 
  Company of California                     California                        Insurance Company

   
Columbus Insurance Brokerage                 Germany                          Insurance Broker
  and Service GMBH
    

Companies Agency Insurance
  Services of California                    California                        Insurance  Broker

Companies Agency of 
  Alabama, Inc.                              Alabama                          Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of
  Idaho, Inc.                                 Idaho                           Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of
  Illinois, Inc.                             Illinois                         Acts as Collection Agent 
                                                                              for Policies placed
Companies Agency of                                                           through Brokers

  Kentucky, Inc.                             Kentucky                         Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of
  Massachusetts, Inc.                      Massachusetts                      Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of 
  New York, Inc.                              New York                        Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of
  Pennsylvania, Inc.                       Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker

Companies Agency of                          Arizona                          Insurance Broker
  Phoenix, Inc.

   
Companies Agency of
  Texas, Inc.                                 Texas                           Insurance Broker

Companies Annuity 
  Agency of Texas, Inc.                       Texas                           Insurance Broker
    

Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

Companies Annuity Agency 
  of Texas, Inc.                              Texas                           Insurance Broker

Countrywide Services
  Corporation                                Delaware                         Products Liability, 
                                                                              Investigative and Claims
Employers Insurance of                                                        Management Services

Wausau A Mutual Company                      Wisconsin                        Insurance Company
</TABLE>



                                    79 of 95
<PAGE>   44
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
 <S>                                              <C>                  <C>             <C>
 **  Employers Life Insurance Company of             Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
     Wausau

     F & B, Inc.                                       Iowa                            Insurance Agency

     Farmland Mutual Insurance Company                 Iowa                            Insurance Company

   
     Financial Horizons Distributors                 Alabama                           Life Insurance Agency
     Agency of Alabama, Inc.

     Financial Horizons Distributors                   Ohio                            Insurance Agency
     Agency of Ohio, Inc.
    

     Financial Horizons Distributors                 Oklahoma                          Life Insurance Agency
     Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

   
     Financial Horizons Distributors                  Texas                            Life Insurance Agency
     Agency of Texas, Inc.
    

  *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust          Massachusetts                        Investment Company
 
     Financial Horizons Securities                   Oklahoma                          Broker Dealer
     Corporation
 
     Gates, McDonald & Company                         Ohio                            Cost Control Business
 
   
     Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada             Nevada                            Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services

     Gates, McDonald & Company of New                New York                          Workers Compensation Claims Administration
     York, Inc.
    

     Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.           Wisconsin                          Writes Commercial Health and Medicare
                                                                                       Supplement Insurance 

     InHealth Agency, Inc.                             Ohio                            Insurance Agency                          

     InHealth Management Systems, Inc.                 Ohio                            Develops and operates Managed Care Delivery
                                                                                       System

     Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                    Ohio                            Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

     Key Health Plan, Inc.                          California                         Pre-paid health plans

   
     Landmark Financial Services of New              New York                          Life Insurance Agency
     York, Inc.

     Leben Direkt Insurance Company                  Germany                           Life Insurance Company
    

     Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                   Texas                            Insurance Agency

 **  MRM Investments, Inc.                             Ohio                            Owns and operates a Recreational Ski Facility

 **  National Casualty Company                       Michigan                          Insurance Company

   
     National Casualty Company of America,         Great Britain                       Insurance Company
     Ltd.
    

 **  National Premium and Benefit                    Delaware                          Insurance Administrative Services
     Administration Company

     Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance                Iowa                             Insurance Company
     Company

     Nationwide Cash Management Company               Ohio                             Investment Securities Agent
</TABLE>


                                    80 of 95
<PAGE>   45
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                STATE                  (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF                   CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY               ORGANIZATION               OTHERWISE         PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                                <C>                 <C>           <C>
     Nationwide Communications, Inc.              Ohio                              Radio Broadcasting Business   
                                                                                                                           
     Nationwide Community Urban                   Ohio                             Redevelopment of blighted             
     Redevelopment Corporation                                                     areas within the City of              
                                                                                   Columbus, Ohio                        
                                                                                                                           
     Nationwide Corporation                       Ohio                             Organized for the purpose of          
                                                                                   acquiring, holding,                   
                                                                                   encumbering, transferring, or         
                                                                                   otherwise disposing of shares,        
                                                                                   bonds, and other evidences of         
                                                                                   indebtedness, securities, and         
                                                                                   contracts of other persons,           
                                                                                   associations, corporations,           
                                                                                   domestic or foreign and to            
                                                                                   form or acquire the control of        
                                                                                   other corporations                    
                                                                                                                           
    Nationwide Development Company                Ohio                             Owns, leases and manages commercial   
                                                                                   real estate                           

    Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                          Insurance Agency                          
    Distributors Agency, Inc.                                                                                              
                                                                                                                           
**  Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.           Ohio                             Registered Broker-Dealer,            
                                                                                   Investment Manager                   
                                                                                   and Administrator                    

    Nationwide General Insurance Company          Ohio                             Insurance Company                     
                                                                                                                          
   
    Nationwide HMO, Inc.                          Ohio                             Health Maintenance Organization
    

 *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                  Ohio                             Reinsurance Company                   

    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise               Ohio                             Membership Non-Profit Corporation      
    Foundation                                                                                                             

    Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,          Ohio                             Membership Non-Profit Corporation    
    Inc.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                    
    Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                          Investment Company  
       
*   Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                        Investment Company                   
    Foundation II                                                                                       
                                                                                                                           
   
    Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                          Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
    Corporation                                                                    Compensation Market                  
    

    Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.           Ohio                             Stock Transfer Agent  

**  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance         Ohio                             Life Insurance Company             
    Company                                                                                                  
                                                                                                               
**  Nationwide Life Insurance Company             Ohio                             Life Insurance Company
                                  
   
    Nationwide Lloyds                            Texas                             Texas Lloyds Company
    

    Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance              Ohio                             Insurance Company                    
    Company                                                                                                            
  
    Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company           Ohio                             Insurance Company 

   
    Nationwide Property and Casualty              Ohio                             Insurance Company
    Insurance Company                                                                                                  
    

**  Nationwide Property Management, Inc.          Ohio                             Owns, leases, manages and deals            
                                                                                   in Real Property             
</TABLE>


                                    81 of 95
<PAGE>   46
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           
                                                                           NO. VOTING         
                                                                           SECURITIES          
                                                            STATE        (SEE ATTACHED         
                                                              OF         CHART) UNLESS        
                COMPANY                                 ORGANIZATION       OTHERWISE            PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                           INDICATED      

<S>                                                 <C>                   <C>              <C>

*  Nationwide Separate Account Trust                   Massachusetts                       Investment Company

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                  Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
   Alabama, Inc.

   
   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                  Arizona                          Life Insurance Agency
   Arizona, Inc.
    

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of               Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
   Massachusetts, Inc.

   
   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                  Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
   Montana, Inc.

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                  Nevada                           Life Insurance Agency
   Nevada, Inc.
    

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                   Ohio                            Life Insurance Agency
   Ohio, Inc.
 
   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                 Oklahoma                          Life Insurance Agency
   Oklahoma, Inc. 

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                   Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
   Texas, Inc.

   
   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of                  Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
   Wyoming
    

   NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,                   Delaware                          Life Insurance Agency
   Inc.

   
   NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance                 Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
   Agency, Inc.
    

   Neckura General Insurance Company                     Germany                           Insurance Company

   Neckura Holding Company                               Germany                           Administrative Service for Neckura 
                                                                                           Insurance Group

   Neckura Insurance Company                             Germany                           Insurance Company

   Neckura Life Insurance Company                        Germany                           Life Insurance Company

   NWE, Inc.                                               Ohio                            Special Investments

   PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance                  Massachusetts                        Markets and Administers Deferred 
   Agency, Inc.                                                                            Compensation Plans for Public Employees

   PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                                  Texas                            Markets and Administers Deferred 
                                                                                           Compensation Plans for Public Employees

   Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.                   Wisconsin                          Pension plan administration, record 
                                                                                           keeping and consulting and compensation 
                                                                                           consulting

   Public Employees Benefit Services                     Delaware                          Marketing and Administration of Deferred
   corporation                                                                             Employee Compensation Plans for Public
                                                                                           Employees
                                                                                 

   Public Employees Benefit Services                      Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred 
   Corporation of Alabama                                                                  Compensation Plans for Public Employees

</TABLE>



                                    82 of 95
<PAGE>   47
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                   NO. VOTING
                                                                   SECURITIES
                                                  STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                             OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                   COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                    INDICATED
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>             <C>   
    Public Employees Benefit Services            Arkansas                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
    Corporation of Arkansas                                                       Plans for Public Employees
   
    Public Employees Benefit Services            Montana                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
    Corporation of Montana                                                        Plans for Public Employees
    
    Public Employees Benefit Services           New Mexico                        Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
    Corporation of New Mexico                                                     Plans for Public Employees
    
    Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company
    
    Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company
    
    SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
    Group
    
    Wausau Business Insurance Company            Illinois                         Insurance Company
    
    Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company
    
   
    Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
    Limited
    

    Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                  Insurance Underwriting Manager

**  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
    Company

    Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company

    Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

**  West Coast Life Insurance Company           California                        Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>




                                    83 of 95
<PAGE>   48
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    
                                                                       
                                                                       NO. VOTING 
                                                                       SECURITIES 
                                                 STATE             (SEE ATTACHED CHART)                                  
            COMPANY                         OF ORGANIZATION         UNLESS OTHERWISE                PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                       INDICATED
<S>                                         <C>                <C>                             <C>
*  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide DC Variable                         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

   
*  Nationwide Life Separate Account No. 1         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account
    

*  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

   Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Separate Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
   Account                                                     Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                               Account

*  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance
   Account-A                                                   Separate Account                Contracts

*  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                               Account 
                        Contracts
*  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                               Account 
                        Contracts
*  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                               Account                         Contracts
</TABLE>



                                    84 of 95
<PAGE>   49

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                        (left side}
 ______________________
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |            
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|     MEMBERSHIP       |
|     NONPROFIT        |
|    CORPORATION       |
|______________________|
<S>                                      <C>                                           <C>
 ________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                               EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU                                    |         
|                                    A MUTUAL COMPANY                                            |       
|                                      (EMPLOYERS)                                               |_________________________________
|                         Contribution Note          Cost                                        |_________________________________
|                         -----------------          ----                                        |         
|                         Casualty                   $400,000,000                                |              
|________________________________________________________________________________________________|              
                 |                                    |
    _____________|_________________      _____________|__________________       _____________________       __________________
   |      WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.     |    |        WAUSAU SERVICE          |     |                     |     |                  |
   |        (U.K.) LIMITED         |    |      CORPORATION (WSC)         |     |                     |     |                  |
   |                               |    |                                |     |  NATIONWIDE  LLOYDS |     |    COMPANIES     |
   |  Common Stock:   8,506,800    |    |   Common Stock:   1,000        |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  -------------   Shares       |    |   -------------   Shares       |_____|                     |_____|    AGENCY OF     |
   |                               |    |                                |_____|                     |_____|                  |
   |                  Cost         |    |                   Cost         |     |                     |     |    TEXAS, INC.   |
   |                  ----         |    |                   ----         |     |    A TEXAS LLOYDS   |     |                  |
   |  Employers--                  |    |   Employers--                  |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  100%            $15,683,300  |    |   100%            $106,763,000 |     |                     |     |                  |
   |_______________________________|    |________________________________|     |_____________________|     |__________________|
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        WAUSAU BUSINESS       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  10,900,000   |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 -----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $21,800,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS    |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  8,750        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                  Cost        |
                                                        |    |                  ----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%        $44,560,006 |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       GREATER LA CROSSE      |
                                                        |    |       HEALTH PLANS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  3,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-33.3%      $861,761     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ALABAMA, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |











                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF KENTUCKY, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.    |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.   |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF NEW YORK, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF PHOENIX, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |         OF IDAHO, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES     |
                                                        |    |          CORPORATION         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $145,852     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |










                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |         WAUSAU GENERAL       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  200,000      |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $31,000,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL     |
                                                        |    |         UNDERWRITERS         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |      INSURANCE SERVICES      |
                                                        |    |        OF CALIFORNIA         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |____|  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |    |  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |      
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        AMERICAN MARINE       |
                                                        |    |       UNDERWRITERS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  20           |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $248,222     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ILLINOIS, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  250          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $2,500       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________      _____________________________
                                                        |    |    COMPANIES AGENCY, INC.    |    |     PENSION ASSOCIATES      |  
                                                        |    |                              |    |       OF WAUSAU, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |    |                             |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |    |  Common Stock:  1,000       |
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |____|  -------------  Shares      |
                                                             |                              |    |                             |
                                                             |                 Cost         |    |  Companies        Cost      |
                                                             |                 ----         |    |  Agency, Inc.     ----      |
                                                             |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |    |  (Wisconsin) --   $10,000   |
                                                             |______________________________|    |  100%                       |  
                                                                                                 |_____________________________|
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   50


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                (right side)
<S>                                         <C>                                  <C>             <C>
                                                                                            _________________________________
                                                                                           |                                 |
                                                                                           |       NATIONWIDE INSURANCE      |
                                                                                           |      ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION      |
                                                                                           |                                 | 
                                                                                           |            MEMBERSHIP           |
                                                                                           |            NONPROFIT            |
                                                                                           |           CORPORATION           |
                                                                                           |_________________________________|      
                                                       
    _________________________________________                                               ___________________________
   |                                         |                                             |                           |
___|           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL             |_____________________________________________|     NATIONWIDE MUTUAL     |
___|           INSURANCE COMPANY             |_____________________________________________|  FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY   |
   |              (CASUALTY)                 |                                             |          (FIRE)           |
   |_________________________________________|                                             |___________________________|        
                  |                 ||  |________________________________________________________________        |
                  |                 ||  |                                                                |       |
    ______________|_______________  ||  |    _____________________________                  _____________|_______|______________
   |                              | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   |      ALLNATIONS, INC.        | ||  |   |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL     |                |            NATIONWIDE              |
   |                              | ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |                |            CORPORATION             |
   | Common Stock:  2,936         | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   | -------------  Shares        | ||  |   | Common Stock: 20,000 Shares |                | Common Stock:           Control    |
   |                   Cost       | ||  |___| -------------               |                | -------------           -------    |
   |                   ----       | ||  |   |                             |                | $13,642,432             100%       |
   | Casualty-26%     $88,320     | ||  |   |                Cost         |                |                                    |
   | Fire-26%         $88,463     | ||  |   |                ----         |                |          Shares      Cost          |
   | Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares| ||  |   | Casualty-100%    $5,944,422 |                |          -----       ----          | 
   | ----------------             | ||  |   |_____________________________|                |  Casualty  12,992,922 $751,352,485 |
   |                  Cost        | ||  |                                                  |  Fire         649,510   24,007,936 |
   |                  ----        | ||  |                                                  |                                    | 
   | Casualty-6.8%    $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |           (See Page 2)             |
   | Fire-6.8%        $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |____________________________________|
   |______________________________| ||  |                                                  
                                    ||  |                                                 
    _________________________       ||  |    _____________________________  
   |                         |      ||  |   |                             |
   |      FARMLAND MUTUAL    |      ||  |   |     NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |                  
   |     INSURANCE COMPANY   |      ||  |   |        AND CASUALTY         |                  
   |                         |      ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
   | Guaranty Fund           |______||  |   |                             |
   | -------------           |_______|  |   | Common Stock: 60,000 Shares |
   | Certificate             |          |   | -------------               |
   | -----------             |          |   |                   Cost      |
   |                         |          |   |                   ----      |
   |                Cost     |          |   | Casualty-100%    $6,000,000 |
   |                ----     |          |   |_____________________________|
   | Casualty       $500,000 |          |   
   |_________________________|          |    _____________________________
                   |                    |   |                             |
                   |                    |   |      COLONIAL INSURANCE     |
    _______________|___________         |   |    COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |     
   |          F & B, INC.      |        |   |         (COLONIAL)          |
   |                           |        |   |                             |
   | Common Stock:    1 Share  |        |___| Common Stock: 1,750 Shares  |
   | -------------             |        |   | -------------               |
   |                           |        |   |                 Cost        |
   |                   Cost    |        |   |                 ----        |
   |                   ----    |        |   | Casualty-100%   $11,750,000 |
   | Farmland Mutual-  $10     |        |   |_____________________________|
   | 100%                      |        |
   |___________________________|        |    _____________________________        __________________________ 
        ____________________________    |   |                             |      |                          |
       |                            |   |   |         SCOTTSDALE          |      |    NATIONAL PREMIUM &    | 
       |   NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |      |  BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION  |
       |     INSURANCE COMPANY      |   |   |                             |      |         COMPANY          |
       |                            |   |   | Common Stock: 30,136 Shares |      |                          |
       | Common Stock:  1,000,000   |___|___| -------------               |______| Common Stock: 10,000     |
       | -------------  Shares      |   |   |                             |      | ------------  Shares     |
       |                            |   |   |                Cost         |      |                          | 
       |                            |   |   |                ----         |      |                   Cost   |
       |                            |   |   | Casualty-100%  $150,000,000 |      |                   ----   |                    
       | Casualty-99.9% $26,714,335 |   |   |_____________________________|      | Scottsdale-100%  $10,000 |
       |                            |   |                                        |__________________________|
       | Other Capital:             |   |
       | --------------             |   |
       | Casualty-Ptd.  $   713,567 |   |
       |____________________________|   |
                                        |       
                                              
                                             
                                              



                                                 
                                           
                                              
                                             
                                             
                                                                 
                                             
                                                                                                                                   






                                        |
                                        |
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________                       ______________________________
                                        |   |      NECKURA HOLDING        |                     |           NECKURA            |
                                        |   |     COMPANY (NECKURA)       |                     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                              |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10,000 Shares |                     | Common Stock: 6,000 Shares   |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____________________| -------------                |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                              |
                                        |   |                 Cost        |               |     |               Cost           |
                                        |   |                 ---         |               |     |               ----           |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%   $87,943,140 |               |     | Neckura-100%  DM 6,000,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|               |     |______________________________|   
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        NECKURA LIFE         |
                                        |                                                 |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 4,000 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  Cost       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  ----       |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 15,825,681 |   
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      NECKURA GENERAL        |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| ------------                |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,656,925  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 | 
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                        |                                                 |     |    BROKERAGE AND SERVICE    |
                                        |                                                 |     |            GmbH             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1 Share       |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                Cost         |
                                        |                                                 |     |                -----        |
                                        |                                                 |     |  Neckura-100%   DM 51,639   |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        AUTO DIREKT          |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |     | -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |_____|                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,643,149  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |    _____________________________                |      ____________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |               |     |         SVM SALES          |
                                        |   |    DEVELOPMENT COMPANY      |               |     |           GmbH             |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                            |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 99,000 Shares |               |     | Common Stock: 50 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |               |_____| -------------              |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                            |
                                        |___|                Cost         |                     |              Cost          |
                                        |   |                ---          |                     |              ----          |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $15,100,000  |                     | Neckura-100%  DM 50,000    |
                                        |   | Other Capital:              |                     |____________________________|
                                        |   | --------------              |
                                        |   | Casualty-Ptd.  $ 2,796,100  | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |


















                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |          SCOTTSDALE         |
                                        |   |      INDEMNITY COMPANY      |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |___| Common Stock: 50,000 Shares |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $8,800,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |     INDEMNITY COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 28,000 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $294,529,000 |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________        __________________________
                                        |   |          LONE STAR          |      |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL |
                                        |   |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.    |      |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |______| Surplus Debentures:      |
                                        |___| -------------               |______| -------------------      |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   |                Cost         |      |          Cost            |
                                        |   |                ----         |      |          ----            |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $5,000,000   |      | Colonial $500,000        |
                                        |   |_____________________________|      | Lone Star 150,000        |
                                        |                                        |__________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |      COMMUNITY URBAN        |
                                        |   |       REDEVELOPMENT         |
                                        |   |        CORPORATION          |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10 Shares     |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,000       |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         INSURANCE           |
                                        |   |    INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 1,615 Shares  |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,615,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |      NATIONWIDE CASH        |
                                        |   |    MANAGEMENT COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 100 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |___|                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-90%   $9,000       |
                                        |   | NW Fin Serv-    1,000       |
                                        |   | 10%                         | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________  
                                        |   |       CALIFORNIA CASH       | 
                                        |   |     MANAGEMENT COMPANY      | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   | Common Stock:  90 Shares    | 
                                        |___| -------------               | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   |                Cost         | 
                                        |   |                ----         | 
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $9,000       | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|        
                                        |                                   
                                                                           











                                        |                                   
                                        |    _____________________________       __________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |     |       THE BEAK AND       |
                                        |   |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    |     |     WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                        |   |                             |     |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 14,750 Shares |     | Common Stock: 750 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____| -------------            |
                                            |                             |     |                          |
                                            |                Cost         |     |           Cost           |
                                            |                ----         |     |           ----           |
                                            | Casualty-100%  $11,510,000  |     | NW Comm-  $531,000       |
                                            |                             |     | 100%                     |
                                            | Other Capital:              |     |__________________________|
                                            | --------------              |
                                            | Casualty-Ptd.     1,000,000 |
                                            |_____________________________|
    

<FN>
                                                                                          Subsidiary Companies     - Solid Line
                                                                                          Contractual Association  - Double Line

                                                                                                          December 31, 1995
</TABLE>
                                   85 of 95

<PAGE>   51
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (left side)
<S>                                       <C>                                            <C>
                                           _______________________________________
                                          |                                       |
                                          |          EMPLOYERS INSURANCE          |___________________________________________
                                          |              OF WAUSAU                |___________________________________________
                                          |           A MUTUAL COMPANY            |
                                          |_______________________________________|













                                                                                                        __________________________
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                           ____________|_________________
                                                                                          |   NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE  |
                                                                                          |      COMPANY (NW LIFE)       |
                                                                                          |Common Stock: 3,814,779 Shares|
                                                                                          | -------------                |
                                                                                          |                              |
                                                                                          | NW Corp.-    Cost            |
                                                                                          | 100%         ----            |
                                                                                          |              $950,226,915    |
                                                                                          |______________________________|
                     _________________________________________________________________________________| 
        ____________|_____________               ___________|_______________       |        ______________________________       
       |        NATIONWIDE        |             |     NATIONAL CASUALTY     |      |       |      NATIONWIDE LIFE AND     |
       | FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. |             |       COMPANY (NC)        |      |       |   ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY  |
       |     (NW FIN. SERV.)      |             | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |      |       |                              |
 ______|Common Stock: 7,676 Shares|             | -------------             |      |       | Common Stock: 66,000 Shares  |
 | ____|-------------             |             |                           |      |_______| -------------                |
 | |   |               Cost       |             |               Cost        |      |       | NW Life-       Cost          |
 | |   |               ----       |             |               ----        |      |       | 100%           ----          |
 | |   | NW Life-100% $5,996,261  |             | NW Life-100%  $66,132,811 |      |       |               $58,070,003    |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |______________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ___________|_______________       |        ________________________________ 
 | |   |         NATIONWIDE       |             |                           |      |       |        WEST COAST LIFE         |   
 | |   |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |             |                           |      |       |       INSURANCE COMPANY        |
 | |   |  Common Stock: 5 Shares  |             |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.    |      |       | Common Stock:  1,000,000 Shares|
 | |___|  -------------           |             |         (INACTIVE)        |      |_______| -------------                  |
 | |   |  NW Fin. Serv.-100%      |             |                           |      |       |                                |
 | |   |                  Cost    |             |          NC-100%          |      |       |                     Cost       |
 | |   |                  ----    |             |                           |      |       |                     ----       |
 | |   |                  $5,000  |             |                           |      |       | NW Life-100%    $133,809,265   |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |________________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ______________________________    |        ____________________________  
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |            | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. |    |       |   NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     | 
 | |   |        INVESTING         |            |     OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)        |    |       |    MANAGEMENT, INC.       | 
 | |   |        FOUNDATION        |            |                              |    |       | Common Stock: 59 Shares   | 
 | |___|                          |      ______| Common Stock: 250,000 Shares |____|_______| ------------              | 
 |  ___|                          |      |     | -------------  Cost          |    |       |                 Cost      | 
 | |   |                          |      |     |                ----          |    |       |                 ----      |
 | |   |                          |      |     | NW Life-100%   $155,000,000  |    |       |  NW Life-100%  $1,907,896 |
 | |   |   COMMON LAW TRUST       |      |     |______________________________|    |       |__________________________ |
 | |   |__________________________|      |                                         |                  |               
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |        __________|_______________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |       WAUSAU PREFERRED      |    |       |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |      |      |     HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |    |       |                           |
 | |   |        INVESTING         |      |      |                             |    |       | Common Stock: 1 Share     |
 | |___|        FOUNDATION II     |      |______| Common Stock: 200 Shares    |    |       | ------------              |
 |  ___|                          |      |      | -------------               |    |       |                           |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  Cost       |    |       |                 Cost      |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  ----       |    |       |  Nat. Prop.     ----      |
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |      |      |  ELIOW -- 100%  $57,413,193 |    |       |  Mgmt.-100%    $550,000   |
 | |   |__________________________|      |      |_____________________________|    |       |___________________________|
 | |                                     |                                         |                                  
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |       ___________________________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |    KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |    |      |          NWE, INC.        |
 | |   |       NATIONWIDE         |      |      |                             |    |      |                           |
 | |   |    SEPARATE ACCOUNT      |      |______| Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |    |______| Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
 | |   |          TRUST           |             | -------------               |           | ------------              |
 | |___|                          |             |                  Cost       |           |                 Cost      | 
 |  ___|                          |             |                  ----       |           |                 ----      | 
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |             | ELIOW-80%        $2,700,000 |           |  NW Life-100% $35,971,375 | 
 | |   |                          |             |_____________________________|           |___________________________| 
 | |   |__________________________|                                                                                     
 | |                                                                                      
 | |    __________________________                                                                
 | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |                                           
 | |   |    INVESTMENT TRUST      |    
 | |___|                          |    
 |_____|                          |    
       |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |    
       |__________________________|    

</TABLE>                                                                       
                                                 
<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (middle)

<S>                              <C>                        <C>                                      <C>
                                 _______________________________________
                                |                                       |
________________________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |___________________________________________________________
________________________________|          INSURANCE COMPANY            |___________________________________________________________
                                |              (CASUALTY)               |
                                |_______________________________________|
                                                    |               _______________________________________________________________
                                  __________________|______________|___       
                                 |  NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW Corp)   |      
                                 | Common Stock:     Control:          |
                                 | -------------     -------           |
                                 |  13,642,432         100%            |                        
                                 |                                     |
                                 |           Shares       Cost         |                 
                                 |           ------       ----         |
                                 | Casualty   12,992,922  $751,352,485 |
                                 | Fire          649,510    24,007,936 |
                                 |_____________________________________|
                                                    |
____________________________________________________|______________________________________________________________________________
                   |                                                    |                                          |
        ___________|_________________                      _____________|_____________                 ____________|______________
       | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT     |                   |      GATES, McDONALD      |               |    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |
       |SERVICES CORPORATION (PEBSCO) |                   |      & COMPANY (GATES)    |               |  INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS |
 ______| Common Stock: 236,494 Shares |                   | Common Stock: 254 Shares  |               |      AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)|
|  ____| -------------                |                   | -------------             |___       _____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|
| |    |               Cost           |                   |                           |   |     |  ___| -------------             |
| |    | NW Corp.-     ----           |                   |               Cost        |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    | 100%          $ 7,830,936    |                   |               ----        |   |     | |   | NW Corp.      ----        |
| |    |______________________________|                   | NW Corp.-     $25,683,532 |   |     | |   | 100%          $19,501,000 |
| |                                                       | 100%                      |   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |
| |                                                                                       |     | |
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |     PEBSCO SECURITIES      |                     |     OF NEW YORK, INC.     |   |     | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |    |           CORP.            |                     | Common Stock: 3 Shares    |   |     | |   |     DISTRIBUTORS AGY.     |
| |____| Common Stock: 5,000 Shares |                     | -------------             |___|     | |   |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |
| |    | -------------              |                     |                           |   |     | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  Cost      |                     |                Cost       |   |     | |   |-----------                |
| |    |                  ----      |                     |                ----       |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |     PEBSCO-100%  $25,000   |                     | Gates-100%     $106,947   |   |     | |   |               ----        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |                           |   |     | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $100       |
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |                                
| |    |          PEBSCO OF         |                     |         OF NEVADA         |   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |           ALABAMA          |                     |                           |   |     | |   |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |
| |    |Common Stock: 100,000 Shares|                     |   Common Stock: 40 Shares |___|     | |   |        SERVICES OF        |
| |____|-------------               |                     |                           |         | |   |       NEW YORK, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost     |                     |   Gates-100%    Cost      |         | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                   ----     |                     |                 ----      |         | |   |-------------              |
| |    |  PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                     |                 $93,750   |         | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |___________________________|         | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                                                             | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $10,100    |
| |                                                                                             | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ____________________________                                                            | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF          |                                                           | |                                
| |    |         ARKANSAS           |                                                           | |    ___________________________ 
| |    | Common Stock: 50,000 Shares|                                                           | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____| -------------              |                                                           | |   |      SECURITIES CORP.     |
| |    |                  Cost      |                           ________________________________|_|___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  ----      |                          |  AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.   |    | |   |-------------              |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500      |                          |                           |    | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                          |  Common Stock: 100 Shares |    | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                            |                           |    | |   | NFIDAI-100%   $153,000    |
| |                                                            |   NFIDAI-100%   Cost      |    | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                            |                 ----      |    | |                                
| |     ___________________________                            |                 $100      |    | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS   |                           |___________________________|    | |                                
| |    |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |___|        DISTRIBUTORS       |
| |    |                   ----    |                                                            |  ___|       AGENCY OF OHIO,     |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |   |            INC.           |
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                












| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |         MONTANA           |                                                            | |___|     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
| |    |                  Cost     |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                  ----     |                                                            | |                              
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500     |                                                            | |                           
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |                           
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         NEW MEXICO        |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |                           |                                                            | |___|    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____|Common Stock: 1,000 Shares |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    |-------------              |                                                            | |   |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                   -----   |                                                            | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |                                
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |                                                                                             | |   |                           |
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |___|         AFFILIATE         |
| |____|                           |                                                            |_____|         AGENCY OF         |
|______|         PEBSCO OF         |                                                                  |         OHIO, INC.        |
       |        TEXAS, INC.        |                                                                  |                           |
       |___________________________|                                                                  |___________________________|
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
</TABLE>
                                                    
<PAGE>   53
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (right side)
<S>                     <C>                             <C>                                      
                       _______________________________________
                      |                                       |
______________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |
______________________|        FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY         |
                      |               (FIRE)                  |
                      |_______________________________________|
________________________________________|                                                  










                                                    
____________________________________________________________________
                        |                        |                  |
           _____________|_____________           |      ____________|______________
          |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.   |
          |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.  |          |     |         (NW HMO)          |
          |           (NEA)           |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
   _______| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| ------------              |
  |  _____| -------------             |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               ----        |
  | |     | NW Corp.-     ----        |          |     | NW Corp.-                 |
  | |     | 100%          $5,000      |          |     | 100%          $14,603,732 |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    INHEALTH MANAGEMENT    |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |       SYSTEMS, INC.       |
  | |_____|      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |     | Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |          |     |                           |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               ----        |          |     | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $5,000      |          |     | INC.-100%   $25,149       |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                                  
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |         INHEALTH          |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |        AGENCY, INC.       |
  | |     |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |_____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |                |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |                | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     |               -----       |                | INC.-99%   $116,077       |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $500        |                |___________________________|
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|       OF NEVADA, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|        OF OHIO, INC.      |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  100 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-91%        $5,000     |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|      OF WYOMING, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |_____|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |     |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |          
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |___________________________|          









  | |                                                               
  | |      ___________________________        
  | |     |                           |       
  | |_____|      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |       
  |_______|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |       
          |      OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |       
          |                           |       
          |___________________________|       
                                              


</TABLE>



Subsidiary Companies     --  Solid Line
Contractual Association  --  Double Line

December 31, 1995

                                   86 of 95
<PAGE>   54

Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

   
              The number of Contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of February 22, 1996 was 30,701 and 10,862
              respectively.
    

Item 28.      INDEMNIFICATION

              Provision is made in the Company's Amended Code of Regulations and
              expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State
              of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of any person who was
              or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
              threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
              whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason
              of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or
              employee of the Company, against expenses, including attorneys'
              fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
              reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action,
              suit or proceeding, to the extent and under the circumstances
              permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio.

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
              Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
              officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
              foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
              opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
              indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
              by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
              officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
              defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
              director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
              securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
              opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
              precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
              question whether such indemnification by it is against public
              policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

   
              (a)   Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS") acts as general
                    distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account,
                    Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide Variable
                    Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
                    Variable Account-6, Nationwide Variable Account-8,
                    Nationwide VA Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate
                    Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL
                    Separate Account-A, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2,
                    Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo Variable Account and
                    the Nationwide Variable Account, all of which are separate
                    investment accounts of the Company or its affiliates.
    

                    NFS also acts as principal underwriter for the Nationwide
                    Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                    Financial Horizons Investment Trust, and Nationwide
                    Investing Foundation II, which are open-end management
                    investment companies.


                                    87 of 95
<PAGE>   55
                     (b) NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS


                                               POSITIONS AND OFFICES
  NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                      WITH UNDERWRITER


   
Joseph J. Gasper                              President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio  43215

D. Richard McFerson                  Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                               Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                    Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                        Insurance Enterprise and Director
    

Gordon E. McCutchan
One Nationwide Plaza                     Executive Vice President-Law and
Columbus, OH  43215                      Corporate Services and Director

   
Robert A. Oakley                   Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                           Officer and Director
Columbus, Ohio  43215

Robert J. Woodward                 Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                           Officer and Director
Columbus, Ohio 43215
    

W. Sidney Druen                             Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza                           General Counsel and
Columbus, OH  43215                            Assistant Secretary
James F. Laird, Jr.                         Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                          Manager and Treasurer

Columbus, OH  43215
Peter J. Neckermann                               Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza

Columbus, OH  43215

Harry S. Schermer                          Vice President - Investments
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Rae I. Mercer                                       Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

   
William G. Goslee                                   Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio  43215
    

(c) NAME OF      NET UNDERWRITING   COMPENSATION ON
    PRINCIPAL     DISCOUNTS AND    REDEMPTION OR     BROKERAGE
   UNDERWRITER    COMMISSIONS      ANNUITIZATION    COMMISSIONS   COMPENSATION
   Nationwide         N/A               N/A             N/A            N/A
   Financial
   Services,
     Inc.


                                    88 of 95
<PAGE>   56
Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
            
   
              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43216
    

Item 31.      MANAGEMENT SERVICES

              Not Applicable

Item 32.      UNDERTAKINGS

              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

   
              (a)   file a post-effective amendment to this registration
                    statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
                    audited financial statements in the registration statement
                    are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
                    under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;
              (b)   include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                    Contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                    applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                    Information, or (2) a post card or similar written
                    communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                    the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                    Additional Information; and
              (c)   deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                    financial statements required to be made available under
                    this form promptly upon written or oral request.

              The Registrant hereby represents that any Contract offered by the
              prospectus and which is issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the
              Code is issued by the Registrant in reliance upon, and in
              compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Commission's
              no-action letter to the American Council of Life Insurance
              (publicly available November 28, 1988) which permits withdrawal
              restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with IRC Section
              403(b)(11).
    


                                    89 of 95
<PAGE>   57
                                   Offered by
                        Nationwide Life Insurance Company

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY






                           Multi-Flex Variable Account

                  Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract






                                   PROSPECTUS





   
                                   May 1, 1996
    



                                    90 of 95
<PAGE>   58
ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
SCHEDULES

   
The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and 
Contract Owners of the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account:

The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated February 26, 1996 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1995, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1995, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
    

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



   
Columbus, Ohio
April 26 , 1996
    



                                    91 of 95
<PAGE>   59
                                                  

                                   SIGNATURES

   
       As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act
of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE MULTI-FLEX VARIABLE ACCOUNT, 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 26th
day of April, 1996.
    

                                NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-II
                ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        (Registrant)

                               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        (Depositor)

                                      By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Joseph P. Rath
                                      Vice President and
                                   Associate General Counsel

   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 26th day
of April 1996.
    

    SIGNATURE                                   TITLE


LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                Director
- -------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin


   
KEITH W. ECKEL                                 Director
- -------------------------------  
Keith W. Eckel
    



WILLARD J. ENGEL                               Director
- ------------------------------
Willard J. Engel


FRED C. FINNEY                                 Director
- ------------------------------
Fred C. Finney


CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                      Director
- ------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.


   
JOSEPH J. GASPER                            President/Chief
- ------------------------------       Operating Office and Director
Joseph J. Gasper                          
    


HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                      Chairman of the Board
- ------------------------------               and Director
Henry S. Holloway                               


   
D. RICHARD McFERSON                   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer -
- ------------------------------    Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
D. Richard McFerson                
    

DAVID O. MILLER                                Director
- ------------------------------
David O. Miller


C. RAY NOECKER                                 Director
- -------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker


ROBERT A. OAKLEY                       Executive Vice President-
- -------------------------------         Chief Financial Officer
Robert A. Oakley                                            


JAMES F. PATTERSON                             Director     By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- -------------------------------                          ----------------------
James F. Patterson                                              Joseph P. Rath
                                                              Attorney-in-Fact

ARDEN L. SHISLER                               Director                        
- -------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler


ROBERT L. STEWART                              Director
- -------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart


NANCY C. THOMAS                                Director
- -------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas


HAROLD W. WEIHL                                Director
- -------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl



                                    92 of 95





<PAGE>   60
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, an Ohio
corporation, which has filed or will file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended,
various Registration Statements and amendments thereto for the registration
under said Act of Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with the MFS Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account, Nationwide Variable
Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3, Nationwide Variable Account-4, 
Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide 
Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account and 
Nationwide Variable Account-8; and the registration of fixed interest rate
options subject to a market value adjustment offered under some or all of the
aforementioned individual Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with the
Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account, and the registration of Group
Flexible fund Retirement Contracts in connection with the Nationwide DC
Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA III, and the NACo Variable Account; and the
registration of Group Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with Separate Account No. 1; and the registration of variable life insurance
policies in connection with the Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide 
VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3 of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company, hereby constitutes and appoints D. Richard McFerson, Joseph
J. Gasper, Gordon E. McCutchan, W. Sidney Druen, and Joseph P. Rath, and each
of them with power to act without the others, his/her attorney, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name, place and stead,
in any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such Registration Statements
and any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix the corporate seal of
said corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorneys, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and
thing requisite to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which said attorneys, or any of
them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This instrument
may be executed in one or more counterparts.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 4th day of April, 1996.

/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                    /s/ David O. Miller                  
- -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director              David O. Miller, Director            
                                                                            
/s/ Keith W. Eckel                     /s/ C. Ray Noecker                   
- -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director               C. Ray Noecker, Director             
                                                                            
/s/ Willard P. Engel                   /s/ Robert A. Oakley                 
- -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
Willard P. Engel, Director             Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice     
                                       President and Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                          
- -------------------------------------  /s/ James F. Patterson                
Fred C. Finney, Director               -------------------------------------
                                       James F. Patterson, Director          
/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                                    
- -------------------------------------  /s/ Arden L. Shisler                 
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Director         -------------------------------------
                                       Arden L. Shisler, Director           
/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                        
- -------------------------------------  /s/ Robert L. Stewart                
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief  -------------------------------------
Operating Officer and Director         Robert L. Stewart, Director          
                                                                            
/s/ Henry S. Holloway                  /s/ Nancy C. Thomas                 
- -------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the     Nancy C. Thomas, Director            
Board, Director                                                             
                                       /s/ Harold W. Weihl                  
/s/ D. Richard McFerson                -------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------  Harold W. Weihl, Director            
D. Richard McFerson, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer-Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise and Director




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