NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT 2
497, 1996-07-17
Previous: INTERNATIONAL AUTOMATED SYSTEMS INC, 8-K/A, 1996-07-17
Next: LIFSCHULTZ INDUSTRIES INC, 10QSB/A, 1996-07-17



<PAGE>   1





                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                P.O. Box 182150
                           Columbus, Ohio  43218-2150
                       (800) 547-7548, TDD (800) 238-3035

   LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
                  ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                 THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

The Life Insurance Policies offered by this prospectus are last survivor
variable life insurance policies (collectively referred to as the "Policies").
The Policies are designed to provide life insurance coverage on two named
Insureds with a death benefit payable on the death of the last surviving
insured.  The Policies afford flexibility to vary the amount and frequency of
premium payments.  The Policies may also provide a Cash Surrender Value if the
Policy is surrendered during the lifetime of either Insured.  Nationwide Life
Insurance Company (the "Company") guarantees to keep the Policy in force if
certain requirements defined within this prospectus are met.  The death benefit
and Cash Value of the Policies may vary to reflect the experience of the
Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 (the "Variable Account") or the Fixed Account
to which Cash Values are allocated.

The Policies described in this prospectus are designed to meet the definition
of "life insurance" under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Policy Owner may allocate Net Premiums and Cash Value to the Fixed Account
and to one or more of the sub-accounts of the Variable Account.  The assets of
each sub-account will be used to purchase, at net asset value, shares of a
designated underlying Mutual Fund in the following series of the underlying
variable account Mutual Fund options:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                      <C>
DREYFUS                                                  OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS:
  -Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                                 -Oppenheimer Bond Fund
  -Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund                 -Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND:                  -Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund
  -High Income Portfolio*                                STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.
  -Equity-Income Portfolio                               STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.:           
  -Growth Portfolio                                         -Discovery Fund II, Inc.                      
  -Overseas Portfolio                                       -International Stock Fund II                  
  FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II:          TCI PORTFOLIOS, INC.; a member of the Twentieth Century Family of Mutual
  -Asset Manager Portfolio                                   Funds:                                             
  -Contrafund Portfolio                                     -TCI Growth                                   
  NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST:                        -TCI Balanced                                 
  -Capital Appreciation Fund                                -TCI International                            
  -Money Market Fund                                     VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST:               
  -Government Bond Fund                                     -Gold and Natural Resources Fund              
  -Total Return Fund                                        -Worldwide Bond Fund                          
  -Small Company Fund                                    VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT                      -Real Estate Securities Fund 
TRUST:                                                   WARBURG PINCUS TRUST                             
  -Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                       -International Equity Portfolio                  
  -Growth Portfolio                                      -Small Company Growth Portfolio                  
  -Partners Portfolio
</TABLE>

*The High Income Portfolio may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly
referred to as junk bonds.

The Company guarantees that the death benefit for a Policy will never be less
than the Specified Amount stated on the Policy data pages as long as the Policy
is in force. There is no guaranteed Cash Surrender Value. This prospectus
generally describes only that portion of the Cash Value allocated to the
Variable Account. For a brief summary of the Fixed Account Option, see "The
Fixed Account Option."

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, THE ADVISER OF ANY OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
IDENTIFIED ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL




                                      1
<PAGE>   2
RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.  ANY INVESTMENT IN THE
CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE POSSIBLE LOSS
OF PRINCIPAL.

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.

THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.  A PROSPECTUS
FOR THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTION(S) BEING CONSIDERED MUST ACCOMPANY THIS
PROSPECTUS AND SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION HEREWITH.

                 The date of this Prospectus is June 18, 1996.





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ATTAINED AGE-The age on the Policy Date, plus the number of full years since
the Policy Date.

ACCUMULATION UNIT-An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Cash Value.

AVERAGE ISSUE AGE-Arithmetic average of the ages of the two Insureds at Policy
issuance.

BASIC COVERAGE-One of the two types of coverage of which the Specified Amount
is comprised; the other type is Supplemental Coverage (see "Underwriting and
Issuance").

BENEFICIARY-The person to whom the Death Proceeds are paid.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE-The Policy's Cash Value less Indebtedness and Surrender
Charge, if any.

CASH VALUE-The sum of the associated values in the Variable Account, the Fixed
Account and the Policy Loan Account.

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

COMPANY-Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

DEATH PROCEEDS-Amount of money payable to the Beneficiary if both Insureds die
while the Policy is in force.

FIXED ACCOUNT-An investment option which is funded by the General Account of
the Company.

GENERAL ACCOUNT-All assets of the Company other than those of the Variable
Account or of other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
the Company.

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

INDEBTEDNESS-Amounts owed the Company as a result of Policy loans including
both principal and accrued interest.

INITIAL PREMIUM-The Initial Premium is the premium required for coverage to
become effective on the Policy Date.  It is shown on the Policy Data Page.

INSUREDS-The persons whose lives are covered by the Policy, and who are named
on the Policy Data Page.

IRS-The Internal Revenue Service.

IRS GUIDELINE LEVEL PREMIUM-The amount of level annual premium, calculated in
accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, guaranteed mortality and expense charges, and an interest rate of 4%.

ISSUE AGE-For each Insured, the Issue Age is the Insured's age on his or her
last birthday on or before the Policy Date.

LIFETIME DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE PREMIUM-The IRS Guideline Level Premium.

LIMITED DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE PERIOD-The period running from the Policy Date
to the Policy Anniversary on or next following the younger Insured's 75th
birthday.

LIMITED DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE PREMIUMS-The percentages as set forth in the
charts located in the "Grace Period" section of this prospectus of the IRS
Guideline Level Premium.

MATURITY DATE-The Policy Anniversary on or next following the younger Insured's
100th birthday.

MONTHLY ANNIVERSARY DAY-The same day as the Policy Date for each succeeding
month.

MUTUAL FUNDS-The underlying mutual funds which correspond to the sub-accounts
of the Variable Account.

NET AMOUNT AT RISK-The difference between the death benefit and the Policy's
Cash Value, each calculated at the beginning of the policy month.

NET ASSET VALUE-The worth of one share at the end of a market day or at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange.  Net Asset Value is computed by adding
the value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets, deducting liabilities
and then dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.

NET PREMIUMS-Net Premiums are equal to the actual premiums minus the percent of
premium charges.  The percent of premium charges are shown on the Policy Data
Page.





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
POLICY ANNIVERSARY-The same day and month as the Policy Date for succeeding
years.

POLICY CHARGES-All deductions made from the Cash Value.

POLICY DATE-The date the provisions of the Policy take effect, as shown on the
Policy Data Page.

POLICY LOAN ACCOUNT-The Portion of the Cash Value which results from Policy
Indebtedness.

POLICY OWNER-The person designated in the Policy application as the Owner.  In
the State of New York, the variable life insurance Policies offered by the
Company are offered as "Certificates" for "Certificate Owners" under a group
contract rather than individual Policies.  The provisions of both these
Certificates and the Policies are essentially the same and references to the
provisions of Policies and rights of Policy Owners in this prospectus include
Certificates and Certificate Owners.

POLICY YEAR-Each year commencing with the Policy Date and each Policy
Anniversary thereafter.

SCHEDULED PREMIUM-The Scheduled Premium is shown on the Policy Data Page.

SEC-The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

SEC GUIDELINE LEVEL PREMIUM-The amount of level annual premium, calculated in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 6e-3(T) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, guaranteed mortality and expense charges, and an interest rate of 5%.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT-A dollar amount used to determine the death benefit of the
Policy.  The Specified Amount is the sum of the Basic Coverage and any
Supplemental Coverage.  The Specified Amount is shown on the Policy Data Page.
The minimum Specified Amount is $100,000.

SUPPLEMENTAL COVERAGE-One of two types of coverage of which the Specified
Amount is comprised; the other type is Basic Coverage.  Supplemental Coverage,
if elected at issuance, can never exceed 90% of the Specified Amount (see
"Underwriting and Issuance").

SURRENDER CHARGE-An amount deducted from the Cash Value if the Policy is
surrendered.

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

VALUATION PERIOD-A period commencing with the close of business on a Valuation
Date and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding Valuation
Date.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT-Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, a separate investment
account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
GLOSSARY OF TERMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   3
SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
    Variable Life Insurance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
    The Variable Account and its Sub-Accounts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
    The Fixed Account   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
    Deductions and Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
    Premiums  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
    Death Benefit Guarantees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
    -Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
    -Limited Death Benefit Guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
    Investments of the Variable Account   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   11
    Dreyfus   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   12
    Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   12
    Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
    Nationwide Separate Account Trust   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
    Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
    Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
    Strong Special Fund II, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
    Strong Variable Insurance Products Funds, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   15
    TCI Portfolios, Inc., a member of the Twentieth Century Family of Mutual Funds  . . . . . . .   15
    Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
    Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
    Warburg Pincus Trust  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
    Reinvestment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
    Transfers   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
    Dollar Cost Averaging   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   17
    Substitution of Securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
    Voting Rights   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
    Underwriting and Issuance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
    -Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   18
    -Premium Payments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
    Allocation of Cash Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
    Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
POLICY CHARGES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
    Deductions from Premiums  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   19
    Surrender Charges   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   20
    Deductions from Cash Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
    -Monthly Cost of Insurance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
    -Monthly Administrative Expense Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
    -Monthly Mortality Expense Risk Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
    -Increase Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
    How the Investment Experience is Determined   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
    Net Investment Factor   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
    Valuation of Assets   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
    Determining the Cash Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
    Valuation Periods and Valuation Dates   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
    Right to Surrender  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
    Cash Surrender Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
    Partial Surrenders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
    Maturity Proceeds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
    Income Tax Withholding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
POLICY LOANS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
</TABLE>





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
    Taking a Policy Loan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
    Effect on Investment Performance  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
    Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
    Effect on Death Benefit and Cash Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
    Repayment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
    Calculation of the Death Benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
THE CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
    Proceeds Payable on Death   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
RIGHT OF CONVERSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
GRACE PERIOD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
    -Without Death Benefit Guarantees   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
    -Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
    -Limited Death Benefit Guarantee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
REINSTATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
    Specified Amount Increases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
    Specified Amount Decreases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
    Changes in the Death Benefit Option   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
    Policy Owner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
    Beneficiary   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
    Assignment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
    Incontestability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   31
    Error in Age or Sex   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
    Suicide   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
    Nonparticipating Policies   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
TAX MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
    Policy Proceeds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
    -Taxation of Policy Split Option Rider  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
    -Estate and Generation Skipping Taxes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
    -Taxation of the Policy   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
    -Description of Cash Value Accumulation Test and Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test .   35
    Taxation of the Company   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   35
    Other Considerations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
THE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
COMPANY MANAGEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
    Directors of the Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
    Executive Officers of the Company   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
STATE REGULATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
EXPERTS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
REGISTRATION STATEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
LEGAL OPINIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
APPENDIX  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   45
</TABLE>





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.  THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POLICY IS TO PROVIDE LIFE
INSURANCE PROTECTION  FOR THE BENEFICIARY NAMED IN THE POLICY.  NO CLAIM IS
MADE THAT THE POLICY IS IN ANY WAY SIMILAR OR COMPARABLE TO A SYSTEMATIC
INVESTMENT PLAN OF AN UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND.

                            SUMMARY OF THE POLICIES

VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE

The variable life insurance Policies offered by Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the "Company") are offered on a "last survivor" basis.  The Policies
provide life insurance coverage on two Insureds named in the Policy, and the
death benefit is paid on the death of the last surviving Insured.  The Policies
also may provide a Cash Surrender Value if the Policy is surrendered while the
Policy is in force.  The death benefit and cash value of the Policies may vary
to reflect the experience of the Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 (the
"Variable Account") or the Fixed Account to which Cash Values are allocated
(see "How the Death Benefit Varies").  There is no guaranteed Cash Surrender
Value (see "How the Cash Value Varies").  If the Cash Surrender Value is
insufficient to pay Policy Charges, and neither Death Benefit Guarantee (see
"Grace Period") is in effect, the Policy will lapse without value. Under
certain conditions, a Policy may become a Modified Endowment Contract as a
result of a material change or a reduction in benefits as defined by the Code.
Excess premiums paid also may cause the Policy to become a Modified Endowment
Contract.  A loan, distribution, or other amount received from a Modified
Endowment Contract during the life of the Insured will be taxed to the extent
of any accumulated income on the Contract.  Subject to certain exceptions, any
amounts that are taxable withdrawals will be subject to a 10% tax penalty.  The
Company will monitor premiums paid and other policy transactions and will
notify the Policy Owner when the Policy's non-Modified Endowment Contract
status is in jeopardy (see "Tax Matters").

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND ITS SUB-ACCOUNTS

The Company places the Policy's Net Premiums in the Variable Account or the
Fixed Account at the time the Policy is issued.  The Policy Owner chooses the
sub-accounts of the Variable Account or the Fixed Account into which the Cash
Value will be allocated (see "Allocation of Cash Value").  Assets of each
sub-account are invested at net asset value in shares of a corresponding
underlying Mutual Fund.  For a description of the underlying Mutual Fund
options and their investment objectives, see "Investments of the Variable
Account."

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The Fixed Account is funded by the assets of the Company's General Account.
Cash Values allocated to the Fixed Account are credited with interest daily at
a rate declared by the Company.  The interest rate declared is at the Company's
sole discretion, but may never be less than an effective annual rate of 4%.

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES

The Company deducts certain charges from the assets of the Variable Account and
the Cash Value of the Policy.  These charges are made for sales expenses, tax
expenses, providing life insurance protection and assuming the mortality and
expense risks.  For a discussion of any charges imposed by the underlying
Mutual Fund options, see the prospectuses of the respective underlying Mutual
Funds.

The Company deducts a sales load from each premium payment, which will not
exceed 5.0% during the first ten policy years or 1.5% thereafter.  Currently,
the sales load is 5.0% during the first ten policy years and 0% thereafter. The
total sales load actually deducted from any Policy will be equal to the sum of
the front-end sales load plus any sales surrender charge that may be deducted
from Policies that are surrendered.  In addition, the portion of the increase
charges attributable to an increase in Specified Amount that reimburse the
Company for expenses incurred during distribution will be added to the total
sales load deduction.

The Company also deducts a tax expense charge of 3.5%, both current and
guaranteed, from all premium payments.  This charge compensates the Company for
premium taxes imposed by various state and local jurisdictions and for federal
taxes imposed under Section 848 of the Code.  The charge includes a premium tax
deduction of 2.25% and a federal tax deduction of 1.25%.

The Company also deducts the following charges from the Policy's Cash Value on
the Policy Date and each subsequent Monthly Anniversary Day reflecting the sum
of:

      1.     monthly cost of insurance;





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
      2.     monthly cost of any additional benefits provided by riders to the
             Policy;

      3.     monthly administrative expense,

      4.     an increase charge per $1000 applied to any increase in the
             Specified Amount (see "Specified Amount Increase").  The increase
             charge is $2.40 per year per $1000 currently but may be raised to
             $3.60 per year per $1000 on a guaranteed basis at the Company's
             discretion.  These amounts are shown on the Policy data page.
             This charge is designed to cover the costs associated with
             increasing the Specified Amount (see "Policy Charges").  This
             charge will be deducted on each Monthly Anniversary Date for no
             more than 12 consecutive months after the increase becomes
             effective.  The increase charge is based upon the dollar amount by
             which the Specified Amount is increased, and;

      5.     the monthly mortality and expense risk charges.

      The current monthly administrative expense charge referenced to Item 3
      above is the sum of the per policy charge and the per $1,000 Basic
      Coverage charge as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Monthly               Monthly Per $1,000 Basic
             Policy Year(s)                   Per Policy                      Coverage
             --------------                   ----------              ------------------------
                  <S>                           <C>                <C>
                  1-10                          $10.00             $0.04 but not less than
                                                                   $20.00 or more than $80 per
                                                                   policy
                  11+                           $5.00              $0.02 but not less than
                                                                   $10.00 or more than $40 per
                                                                   policy
</TABLE>

      The charge for year 11+ may be increased at the sole discretion of the
      Company but may not exceed the charge for years 1-10.  After either an
      increase or a decrease in Specified Amount, the per $1000 portion of the
      monthly administrative expense charge is based on the new Basic Coverage
      currently in effect.

The Company also deducts a charge to assume mortality and expense risks.  The
Mortality and Expense Risk Charges will be assessed on a monthly basis at the
beginning of each policy month and will be calculated as a percentage of the
assets of the Variable Account only.  This charge will be deducted
proportionally solely from the assets in the Variable Account sub-accounts.

The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is equivalent to an annual effective rate
of 0.80% for policy years 1-10.  This charge varies starting at the beginning
of policy year eleven, depending upon the amount of the Cash Value.  If the
Cash Value is less than $25,000, the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will
remain at 0.80%.  If the Cash Value is between $25,000 and $99,999, then the
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will be reduced to 0.50%.  If the Cash Value
equals or exceeds $100,000, then the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will be
0.30%.  These charges are all guaranteed.

The Company deducts a Surrender Charge from the Cash Value for any Policy
surrendered during the first 14 Policy Years unless the average issue age is
greater than or equal to age 75, in which case there is a Surrender Charge for
only the first nine Policy Years. This Surrender Charge is comprised of an
Underwriting Surrender Charge and a Sales Surrender Charge.  The maximum
initial Surrender Charge varies by issue ages, sexes, and underwriting
classifications of the Insureds and is calculated based on the Basic Coverage
on the Policy Date.  The following table illustrates the maximum initial
Surrender Charge per $1,000 of initial Basic Coverage for Policies which are
issued on a male non-tobacco preferred and a female non-tobacco other than
preferred basis. Tobacco, non-tobacco "other than preferred" and preferred are
risk classes determined at Policy issuance in accordance with the Company's
underwriting guidelines (see Appendix 1 for specific examples).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Per $1,000 of
                            Average Issue Age         Initial Basic Coverage
                            -----------------         ----------------------
                                    <S>                        <C>  
                                    35                         $5.39
                                    45                          8.37
                                    55                         11.16
                                    65                         15.67
                                    75                         23.20
</TABLE>
This Surrender Charge does not apply to increases in Specified Amount (see
"Glossary").  For further discussion of the Surrender Charge, see "Surrender
Charges."





                                       8
<PAGE>   9
Underlying Mutual Fund shares are purchased at Net Asset Value, which reflects
the deduction of investment management fees and certain other expenses.  The
management fees are charged by each underlying Mutual Fund's investment adviser
for managing the underlying Mutual Fund and selecting its portfolio of
securities.  Other underlying Mutual Fund expenses can include such items as
interest expense on loans and contracts with transfer agents, custodians, and
other companies that provide services to the underlying Mutual Fund.  The
management fees and other expenses for each underlying Mutual Fund for its most
recently completed fiscal year, expressed as a percentage of the underlying
Mutual Fund's average assets, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Management          Other            Total
                                                      Fees           Expenses         Expenses
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>                                               <C>              <C>              <C>
    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                          0.27%            0.12%            0.39%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund          0.69%            0.58%            1.27%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity-Income Portfolio         0.51%            0.10%            0.61%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund-Growth Portfolio                0.61%            0.09%            0.70%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund-High Income Portfolio           0.60%            0.11%            0.71%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio              0.76%            0.15%            0.91%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset Manager                0.71%            0.08%            0.79%
    Portfolio                                                                                
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fidelity VIP Fund II-Contrafund Portfolio         0.61%            0.11%            0.72%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NSAT-Government Bond Fund                         0.50%            0.01%            0.51%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NSAT-Money Market Fund                            0.50%            0.02%            0.52%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NSAT Small Company Fund                           1.00%            0.25%            1.25%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NSAT-Total Return Fund                            0.50%            0.01%            0.51%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management            0.84%            0.10%            0.94%
    Trust-Growth Portfolio                                                                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management            0.65%            0.10%            0.75%
    Trust-Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio                                                    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management            0.85%            0.30%            1.15%
    Trust-Partners Portfolio                                                                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Bond            0.75%            0.05%            0.80%
    Fund                                                                                     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Global          0.74%            0.15%            0.89%
    Securities Fund                                                                          
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Oppenheimer Variable Account Fund-Multiple        0.74%            0.03%            0.77%
    Strategies Fund                                                                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Strong Special Fund II, Inc.                      1.00%            0.20%            1.20%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. -           1.00%            0.31%            1.31%
    Discovery Fund II, Inc.                                                                  
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. -           1.00%            0.97%            1.97%
    International Stock Fund II                                                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI Balanced                 1.00%            0.00%            1.00%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI Growth                   1.00%            0.00%            1.00%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI International            1.50%            0.00%            1.50%
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-                0.79%            0.15%            0.94%
    Worldwide Bond Fund                                                                      
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Gold and        0.80%            0.16%            0.96%
    Natural Resources Fund                                                                   
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Van Kampen American Capital Life                  1.00%            1.90%            2.90%
    Investment Trust - Real Estate Securities                                                
    Fund                                                                                     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Warburg Pincus Trust-International Equity         1.00%            0.44%            1.44%
    Portfolio                                                                                
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Warburg Pincus Trust-Small Company Growth         0.90%            0.35%            1.25%
    Portfolio                                                                                
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying
Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against the Variable
Account or reductions in Cash Value.  These underlying Mutual Fund
expenses are taken into consideration in computing each underlying
Mutual Fund's net asset value, which is the share price used to
calculate the Variable Account's unit values.  The management fees
and other expenses are more fully described in the prospectuses for
each individual underlying Mutual Fund.  The management fees and 
other expense, some of which are subject to fee waivers or expense 
reimbursements, are more fully described in the    





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
prospectuses for 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.

PREMIUMS

A policy may be issued to Insureds age 18-85.

For a limited time, the Policy Owner has the right to cancel the Policy and
receive a full refund of premiums paid (see "Short-term Right to Cancel
Policy").

The Initial Premium is due and will be credited on the Policy Date.  Any due
and unpaid monthly deductions will be subtracted from the Cash Value on the
Policy Date.  Insurance will not be effective until the Initial Premium is
paid.  The Initial Premium is shown on the Policy Data Page.  The Initial
Premium may be paid to the Company at its Home Office or to an authorized
agent.  A premium receipt will be furnished upon request.

Premiums other than the Initial Premium may be paid at any time while the
Policy is in force.  Each premium payment must be at  least $50.  All premiums
after the first are payable at the Home Office.  The Company will send
Scheduled Premium payment reminder notices according to the premium mode shown
in the Policy Data Page.  The Company reserves the right to require
satisfactory evidence of insurability before accepting any additional premium
payment which results in an increase in the Net Amount at Risk.  The Net Amount
at Risk is the difference between the Death Benefit and the Cash Value, each
calculated at the beginning of the policy month.  Also, the Company will refund
any portion of any premium payment which is determined to be in excess of the
premium limit established by law to qualify the Policy as a contract of life
insurance.  Where permitted by state law, the Company may also require that any
existing Policy Indebtedness be repaid prior to accepting any additional
premium payments.

DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEES

LIFETIME DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE:  The Policy will not lapse if cumulative
premiums, less any indebtedness and partial withdrawals are greater than or
equal to cumulative Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee Premiums (see "Grace
Period").

LIMITED DEATH BENEFIT GUARANTEE:  The Policy will not lapse during the Limited
Death Benefit Guarantee Period if cumulative premiums, less any indebtedness
and partial withdrawals, are greater than or equal to cumulative Limited Death
Benefit Guarantee Premiums.  The Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Period runs
from the Policy Date to the Policy Anniversary on or next following the younger
Insured's 75th birthday (see "Grace Period").


                       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 which includes Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company,
Nationwide Indemnity Company, Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and Casualty
Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life Insurance
Company, Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General Insurance Company.
The Company's Home Office is 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 all states,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico (for additional information, see "The
Company").


                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Variable Account was established by a resolution of the Company's Board of
Directors, on May 7, 1987, 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 the liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct.  The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account.  The death benefit and Cash Value under
the Policy may vary with the investment performance of the investments in the
Variable Account (see "How the Death Benefit Varies" and "How the Cash Value
Varies").





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
Net Premium payments and Cash Value are allocated within the Variable Account
among one or more sub-accounts (see "Tax Matters").  The assets of each
sub-account are used to purchase shares of the underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Policy Owner.  Thus, the investment performance of a Policy
depends upon the investment performance of the underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Policy Owner.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

At the time of application, the Policy Owner elects to have the Net Premiums
allocated among one or more of the Variable Account sub-accounts and the Fixed
Account (see "Allocation of Cash Value").  During the period in which the
Policy Owner may exercise his or her short-term right to cancel the Policy, all
Net Premiums not allocated to the Fixed Account are placed in the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account.  At the expiration of the
period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her short-term right to
cancel the Policy, shares of the underlying Mutual Funds specified by the
Policy Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the respective sub-accounts.
Any subsequent Net Premiums received after this period will be allocated based
on the underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors.

No less than 5% of Net Premiums may be allocated to any one sub-account or the
Fixed Account.  The Policy Owner may change the allocation of Net Premiums or
may transfer Cash Value from one sub-account to another, subject to such terms
and conditions as may be imposed by each underlying Mutual Fund option and as
set forth in this prospectus (see "Transfers", "Allocation of Cash Value", and
"Short-Term Right to Cancel Policy").

These underlying Mutual Fund options are available only to serve as the
underlying investment for variable annuity and variable life contracts issued
through separate accounts of life insurance companies which may or may not be
affiliated, also known as "mixed and shared funding."  There are certain risks
associated with mixed and shared funding, which is disclosed in each underlying
Mutual Funds' prospectus.  A full description of the underlying Mutual Funds,
their investment policies and restrictions, risks and charges are contained in
the prospectuses of the respective underlying Mutual Funds.

Each of the underlying Mutual Fund options is a registered investment company
which receives investment advice from a registered investment adviser:

      1)     Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, managed by Dreyfus Corporation;

      2)     The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc., managed by
             Dreyfus Corporation;

      3)     Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, managed by Fidelity
             Management & Research Company; and

      4)     Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II, managed by Fidelity
             Management & Research Company.

      5)     Nationwide Separate Account Trust, managed by Nationwide Financial
             Services, Inc.;

      6)     Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust, managed by Neuberger
             & Berman Management Incorporated;

      7)     Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds, managed by Oppenheimer Funds,
             Inc.;

      8)     Strong Special Fund II, Inc., managed by Strong Capital
             Management, Inc.;

      9)     Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., managed by Strong Capital
             Management, Inc.;

     10)     TCI Portfolios, Inc., a member of the Twentieth Century Family of
             Mutual Funds, managed by TCI Portfolios, Investors Research
             Corporation;

     11)     Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust, managed by Van Eck Associates
             Corporation;

     12)     Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust, managed by Van
             Kampen American Capital Management, Inc.

     13)     Warburg Pincus Trust, managed by Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc.

A summary of investment objectives is contained in the description of each
underlying Mutual Fund below.  More detailed information may be found in the
current prospectus for each underlying Mutual Fund option.  A prospectus for
the underlying Mutual Fund option(s) being considered must accompany this
prospectus and should be read in conjunction herewith.





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
DREYFUS

- -     DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND

      The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund is an open-end, non-diversified, management
      investment company.  It was incorporated under Maryland law on January
      24, 1989 and commenced operations on September 29, 1989.  The Dreyfus
      Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager, while Mellon Equity
      Associates, an affiliate of Dreyfus, serves as the Fund's index manager.

      Investment Objective:  To provide investment results that correspond to
      the price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
      aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
      Price Index.  The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with
      Standard & Poor's Corporation.

- -     DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.

      Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end,
      diversified, management investment company.  It was incorporated under
      Maryland law on July 20, 1992; the Fund commenced operations on October
      7, 1993.  Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's investment advisor.
      Tiffany Capitol Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment
      adviser and provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.

      Investment Objective:  The Fund's primary goal is to provide capital
      growth through equity investment in companies that, in the opinion of the
      Fund's management, not only meet traditional investment standards, but
      which also show evidence that they conduct their business in a manner
      that contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life in America.
      Current income is secondary to the primary goal.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND

The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company organized
as a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981.  The Fund's shares are
purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable insurance and
annuity policies.  Fidelity Management & Research Company ('FMR') is the Fund's
manager.

- -     HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
      investing primarily in high-risk, high-yielding, lower-rated,
      fixed-income securities, while also considering growth of capital.  The
      portfolio's manager will seek high current income normally by investing
      the Portfolio's assets as follows:

      -      at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred
             stocks, including convertible securities, zero coupon securities,
             and mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.

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

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

- -     EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To seek reasonable income by investing primarily
      in income-producing equity securities.  In choosing these securities FMR
      also will consider the potential for capital appreciation.  The
      Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield
      on the securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
      Price Index.

- -     GROWTH PORTFOLIO

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





                                       12
<PAGE>   13
- -     OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To seek long term growth of capital primarily
      through investments in foreign securities.  The Overseas Portfolio
      provides a means for investors to diversify their own portfolios by
      participating in companies and economies outside of the United States.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II

The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company organized
as a Massachusetts business trust on March 21, 1988.  The Fund's shares are
purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable insurance and
annuity policies.  FMR is the Fund's manager.

- -     ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To seek to obtain high total return with reduced
      risk over the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and
      foreign stocks, bonds and short-term fixed income instruments.

- -     CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO

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

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST

Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company organized under the laws of Massachusetts.  The
Trust offers shares in the five separate 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 insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life
insurance companies. The assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc., of One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

- -     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 capital preservation through investing primarily in bonds
      and securities issued or backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
      instrumentalities.

- -     SMALL COMPANY FUND

      Investment Objective:  The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
      investing primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign
      companies with market capitalizations of less than $1 billion at the time
      of purchase.  Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), the Fund's
      adviser, has employed a group of sub-advisers each of which will manage a
      portion of the Fund's portfolio.  These sub-advisers are the Dreyfus
      Corporation, Neuberger & Berman, L.P., Pictet International Management
      Limited, Van Eck Associates Corporation, Strong Capital Management, Inc.
      and Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc.  The sub-advisers were chosen
      because they utilize a number of different investment styles when
      investing in small company stocks.  By utilizing a number of different
      investment styles, NFS hopes to increase prospects for investment return
      and to reduce market risk and volatility.

- -     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.





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST

Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 14, 1983.  Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through
life insurance company separate accounts and are also offered directly to
qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the separate account context.
The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated.

- -     LIMITED MATURITY BOND PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To provide the high level of current income,
      consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity, and secondarily, its
      total return.  It seeks to achieve its objectives through investments in
      a diversified portfolio of fixed and variable rate debt securities and
      seeks to increase income and preserve or enhance total return by actively
      managing average portfolio maturity in light of market conditions and
      trends.  The Portfolio invests in securities which are at least
      investment grade and does not invest in junk bonds.

- -     GROWTH PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  The Portfolio seeks capital growth through
      investments in common stocks of companies that the investment adviser
      believes will have above average earnings or otherwise provide investors
      with above average potential for capital appreciation.  To maximize this
      potential, the investment adviser may also utilize, from time to time,
      securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and options to
      purchase such stocks.

- -     PARTNERS PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To seek capital growth.  This Portfolio will seek
      to achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of
      established companies.  Its investment program seeks securities believed
      to be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low price-to-earnings
      ratios, consistent cash flows, and support from asset values.  The
      objective of the Partners Portfolio is not fundamental and can be changed
      by the Trustees of the Trust without shareholder approval.  Shareholders
      will, however, receive at least 30 days prior notice thereof.  There is
      no assurance the investment objective will be met.

OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS

The Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds is an open-ended, diversified management
investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1984.  Shares
of the Funds are sold only to provide benefits under variable life insurance
policies and variable annuity contracts.  Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. is the Funds'
investment advisor.

- -     OPPENHEIMER BOND FUND

      Investment Objective:  Primarily to seek a high level of current income
      from investment in high yield fixed-income securities rated "Baa" or
      better by Moody's or "BBB" or better by Standard & Poor's.  Secondarily,
      the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary objective.

- -     OPPENHEIMER GLOBAL SECURITIES FUND

      Investment Objective:  To seek long-term capital appreciation by
      investing a substantial portion of assets in securities of foreign
      issuers, "growth-type" companies, cyclical industries and special
      situations which are considered to have appreciation possibilities.
      Current income is not an objective.  These securities may be considered
      to be speculative.

- -     OPPENHEIMER MULTIPLE STRATEGIES FUND

      Investment Objective:  To seek a total investment return (which includes
      current income and capital appreciation in the value of its shares) from
      investments in common stocks and other equity securities, bonds and other
      debt securities, and "money market" securities.

STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.

The Strong Special Fund II, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management company
commonly called a mutual fund.  The Special Fund II, Inc. was incorporated in
Wisconsin and may only be purchased by the separate accounts of insurance
companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable
life insurance policies.  Strong Capital Management Inc. (the "Advisor") is the
investment advisor for the Fund.

         Investment Objective:  To seek capital appreciation through
         investments in a diversified portfolio of equity securities.





                                       14
<PAGE>   15
STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.

The Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management
Company, commonly called a mutual fund.  The Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc.
("Discovery Fund II, Inc.") and the Strong International Stock Fund II
("International Stock Fund II") were incorporated in Wisconsin and may only be
purchased by the separate accounts of insurance companies for the purpose of
funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the investment advisor for each of the
Funds.

- -     INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND II

      Investment Objective:  To seek capital growth by investing primarily in
      the equity securities of issuers located outside the United States.

- -     DISCOVERY FUND II, INC.

      Investment Objective:  To seek maximum capital appreciation through
      investments in a diversified portfolio of securities.  The Fund normally
      emphasizes investment in equity securities and may invest up to 100% of
      its total assets in equity securities including common stocks, preferred
      stocks and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
      Although the Fund normally emphasizes investment in equity securities,
      the Fund has the flexibility to invest in any type of security that the
      Advisor believes has the potential for capital appreciation including up
      to 100% of its total assets in debt obligations, including intermediate
      to long-term corporate or U.S. government debt securities.

TCI PORTFOLIOS, INC., A MEMBER OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS

TCI Portfolios, Inc. was organized as a Maryland corporation in 1987.  It is a
diversified, open-end management company, designed only to provide investment
vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance
companies.  A member of the Twentieth Century Family of Mutual Funds, TCI
Portfolios is managed by Investors Research Corporation.

- -     TCI BALANCED

      Investment Objective:  Capital growth and current income.  The Fund will
      seek to achieve its objective by maintaining approximately 60% of the
      assets of the Fund in common stocks (including securities convertible
      into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that are considered by
      management to have better-than-average prospects for appreciation and
      approximately 40% in fixed income securities.  There can be no assurance
      that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

- -     TCI GROWTH

      Investment Objective:  Capital growth.  The Fund will seek to achieve its
      objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
      into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
      fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
      of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
      appreciation.  The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
      regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.

      The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it
      is unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection.  It
      may purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least
      three years continuous operation.  There can be no assurance that the
      Fund will achieve its investment objective.

- -     TCI INTERNATIONAL

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

      (Although the Statement of Additional Information concerning TCI
      Portfolios, Inc., refers to redemptions of securities in kind under
      certain conditions, all surrendering or redeeming Contract Owners will
      receive cash from the Company.)





                                       15
<PAGE>   16
VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST

Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is an open-end management investment company
organized as a "business trust" under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on January 7, 1987.  Shares of the Trust are offered only to
separate accounts of various insurance companies to fund benefits of variable
insurance and annuity policies.  The assets of the Trust are managed by Van Eck
Associates Corporation.

- -     GOLD AND NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

      Investment Objective:  To seek long-term capital appreciation by
      investing in equity and debt securities of companies engaged in the
      exploration, development, production and distribution of gold and other
      natural resources, such as strategic and other metals, minerals, forest
      products, oil, natural gas and coal.  Current income is not an objective.

- -     WORLDWIDE BOND FUND

      Investment Objective:  To seek high total return through a flexible
      policy of investing globally, primarily in debt securities.  The
      Portfolio does not invest in junk bonds.

VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST

      The Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust is an open-end
diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on June 3, 1985.  The Trust offers shares in separate portfolios which
are sold only to insurance companies to provide funding for variable life
insurance policies and variable annuity contracts.  Van Kampen American Capital
Asset Management, Inc. serves as the Trust's investment adviser.

- -     REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

      Investment Objective:  To seek long-term capital growth by investing in a
      portfolio of securities of companies operating in the real estate
      industry ("Real Estate Securities").  Current income is a secondary
      consideration.  Real Estate Securities include equity securities, common
      stocks and convertible securities, as well as non-convertible preferred
      stocks and debt securities of real estate industry companies.  A "real
      estate industry company" is a company that derives at least 50% of its
      assets (marked to market), gross income or net profits from the
      ownership, construction, management or sale of residential, commercial or
      industrial real estate.  Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of
      the Fund's total assets will be invested in Real Estate Securities,
      primarily equity securities of real estate investment trusts.  The Fund
      may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities issued by foreign
      issuers, some or all of which may also be Real Estate Securities.  There
      can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

WARBURG PINCUS TRUST

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

- -     INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO

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

- -     SMALL COMPANY GROWTH PORTFOLIO

      Investment Objective:  To seek capital growth by investing in a portfolio
      of equity securities of small-sized domestic companies.  The Portfolio
      ordinarily will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks
      or warrants of small-sized companies (i.e., companies having stock market
      capitalizations of between $25 million and $1 billion at the time of
      purchase) that represent attractive opportunities for capital growth.
      The Portfolio intends to invest primarily in companies whose securities
      are traded on domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter
      market.  The Portfolio's investments will be made on the basis of their
      equity characteristics and securities ratings generally will not be a
      factor in the selection process.





                                       16
<PAGE>   17
REINVESTMENT

The Funds described above have as a policy the distribution of dividends in the
form of additional shares (or fractions thereof) of the underlying Mutual
Funds.  The distribution of additional shares will not affect the number of
Accumulation Units attributable to a particular Policy.

TRANSFERS

After the first Policy Anniversary, the Policy Owner may annually transfer a
portion of the value of the Variable Account to the Fixed Account, without
penalty or adjustment.  The Policy Owner may request a transfer of up to 100%
of the Cash Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account.  The Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers to the Fixed Account to 25% of the
Cash Value.  The Policy Owner's Cash 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 Policy Owner may transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to
the Variable Account once each Policy Year, without penalty or adjustment.  The
Policy Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Cash Value in the
Fixed Account to the Variable sub-accounts.  The Company reserves the right to
restrict the amounts of such transfers to 25% of the Cash Value in the Fixed
Account.

Transfers may be made once per Valuation Date and may be made either in writing
or, in states allowing such transfers, by telephone.  In states allowing
telephone transfers, and if the Owner so elects, the Company will also permit
the Policy Owner to utilize the Telephone Exchange Privilege for exchanging
amounts among sub-account options.  The Company will employ reasonable
procedures 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 Policy
Owner and any agent of record at the last address of record.  Although failure
to follow reasonable procedures may result in the Company's liability for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transfers, 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 determine
to withdraw the Telephone Exchange Privilege, upon 30 days written notice to
Policy Owners.

Policy Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging Agreement with the
Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging" below) may transfer from the Fixed Account
to the Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING

The Policy Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer from the
Money Market sub-account, Fixed Account, or the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio
sub-account to any other sub-account within the Variable Account on a monthly
basis.  This service is intended to allow the Policy 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 in a declining
market.  To qualify for Dollar Cost Averaging, there must be a minimum total
Cash Value, less Policy Indebtedness, of $15,000.  Transfers for purposes of
Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money Market sub-account, Fixed
Account, or the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio sub-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 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 Policy Owner in order to begin transfers.  Once elected,
transfers from the Money Market sub-account, Fixed Account, or the Limited
Maturity Bond Portfolio sub-account will be processed monthly until either the
value in the Money Market sub-account, Fixed Account, or the Limited Maturity
Bond Portfolio sub-account is completely depleted or the Policy 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 Policy Owners however, any such discontinuation
would not affect Dollar Cost Averaging programs already commenced.  The Company
also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this service.





                                       17
<PAGE>   18
SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

If shares of the underlying Mutual Fund options 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 Funds should become
inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Policy, the Company may substitute
shares of another underlying Mutual Fund for shares already purchased or to be
purchased in the future by Net Premium payments under the Policy.  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 and any state insurance department may impose.

VOTING RIGHTS

Voting rights under the Policies apply only with respect to Cash Value
allocated to the sub-accounts of 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 Policy 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, the Company may elect to do so.

The Policy Owner shall have the voting interest under a Policy.  The number of
underlying Mutual Fund shares in each sub-account attributable to each Policy
Owner is determined by dividing any portion of the Policy's Cash Value derived
from participation in that underlying Mutual Fund by the net asset value of one
share of that underlying Mutual Fund.

The number of shares which a person has a right to vote will be determined as
of a date chosen by the Company, but not more than 90 days prior to the meeting
of the underlying Mutual Fund.  Voting instructions will be solicited by
written communication prior to such meeting.

The Company will vote underlying Mutual Fund shares in accordance with
instructions received from the Policy Owners. Underlying Mutual Fund shares
held by the Company or by 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.

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

Notwithstanding contrary Policy Owner voting instructions, the Company may vote
underlying Mutual Fund shares in any manner necessary to enable the underlying
Mutual Fund to: (1) make or refrain from making any change in the investments
or investment policies for any of the underlying Mutual Funds, if required by
an insurance regulatory authority; (2) refrain from making any change in the
investment policies or any investment adviser or principal underwriter of any
portfolio which may be initiated by Policy Owners or the underlying Mutual
Fund's Board of Directors, provided the Company's disapproval of the change is
reasonable and, in the case of a change in the investment policies or
investment adviser, based on a good faith determination that such change would
be contrary to state law or otherwise inappropriate in light of the portfolio's
objective and purposes; or (3) enter into or refrain from entering into any
advisory agreement or underwriting contract, if required by any insurance
regulatory authority.



                         INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICIES

UNDERWRITING AND ISSUANCE

- -Minimum Requirements for Issuance of a Policy

The Policies provide life insurance coverage and the flexibility to vary the
amount and frequency of premium payments, subject to applicable tax
requirements.  At issue of the Policy, the Policy Owner selects the premium and
Specified Amount, which consists of the Basic Coverage and Supplemental
Coverage, if any.  The proportion of Supplemental Coverage is irrevocably
elected by the Policy Owner at issue, and thus, once elected such proportion
cannot change.  A Policy Owner can apply to increase or decrease the Specified
Amount no more than once per Policy Year.





                                       18
<PAGE>   19
The minimum Specified Amount is $100,000.  Supplemental Coverage cannot exceed
90% of the Specified Amount.

The Supplemental Coverage differs from the Basic Coverage in several respects;
(1) Supplemental Coverage has lower cost of insurance rates, on a current
basis, (2) has no Surrender charges, and (3) has no monthly per unit charge, on
a current basis.

Policies may be issued to Insureds with average issue ages 18 to 85.  Before
issuing any Policy, the Company requires satisfactory evidence of insurability
which may include medical examinations.

- -Premium Payments

The Initial Premium for a Policy is payable in full to an authorized agent or
at the Company's Home Office.  Upon payment of an initial premium, temporary
insurance may be provided, subject to a maximum amount.  The effective date of
permanent insurance coverage is dependent upon completion of all underwriting
requirements, payment of the entire Initial Premium, and delivery of the policy
while both Insureds are still living.

Each premium payment must be at least $50.  Additional premium payments may be
made at any time while the Policy is in force.  However, the Company reserves
the right to require satisfactory evidence of insurability before accepting any
additional premium payment which results in an increase in the net amount at
risk.  Also, the Company will refund any portion of any premium payment which
is determined to be in excess of the premium limit established by law to
qualify the Policy as a contract for life insurance.  Where permitted by state
law, the Company may also require that any existing Policy Indebtedness be
repaid prior to accepting any additional premium payments.  Additional premium
payments or other changes to the contract, may jeopardize the Policy's
non-modified endowment status.  The Company will monitor premiums paid and
other policy transactions and will notify the Policy Owner when non-modified
endowment contract status is in jeopardy (see "Tax Matters").

ALLOCATION OF CASH VALUE

When the Policy is issued, the Net Premiums will be allocated to the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund sub-account (for any Net Premiums
allocated to a sub-account on the application) or to the Fixed Account until
the expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner may exercise his or her
short-term right to cancel the Policy (see "Short-Time Right to Cancel
Policy").  At the expiration of the period in which the Policy Owner may
exercise his or her short term right to cancel the Policy, shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds specified by the Policy Owner are purchased at net
asset value for the respective sub-account(s).  The Policy Owner may change the
allocation of Net Premiums or may transfer Cash Value from one sub-account to
another, subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by each
underlying Mutual Fund and as set forth in the prospectus.  Net Premiums
allocated to the Fixed Account at the time of application may not be
transferred prior to the first Policy Anniversary (see "Transfers" and
"Investments of the Variable Account").

The designation of investment allocations will be made by the prospective
Policy Owner at the time of application for a Policy.  The Policy Owner may
change the way in which future Net Premiums are allocated by giving written
notice to the Company.  All percentage allocations must be in whole numbers,
and must be at least 5%.  The sum of allocations must equal 100%.

SHORT-TERM RIGHT TO CANCEL POLICY

A Policy may be returned for cancellation and a full refund of premium within
10 days after the Policy is received, within 45 days after the application for
insurance is signed, or within 10 days after the Company mails or delivers a
Notice of Right of Withdrawal, whichever is latest.  The Policy can be mailed
or delivered to the registered representative who sold it, or to the Company.
Immediately after such mailing or delivery, the Policy will be deemed void from
the beginning.  The Company will refund the total premiums paid within seven
days after it receives the Policy.

                                 POLICY CHARGES

DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS

The Company deducts a sales load from each premium payment which will not
exceed 5.0% of such premium payment during the first ten policy years or 1.5%
of such premium payment thereafter.  Currently, the sales load is 5.0% during
the first ten policy years and 0% thereafter.  The total sales load actually
deducted from any Policy will be equal to the sum of this front-end sales load
plus any sales surrender charge that may be deducted from Policies that are
surrendered.  In addition, the portion of the increase charges that reimburse
the Company for expenses incurred during distribution will be added to the
total sales load deduction.





                                       19
<PAGE>   20
The Company also deducts a tax expense charge of 3.5%, both current and
guaranteed, from all premium payments.  This charge reimburses the Company for
premium taxes imposed by various state and local jurisdictions and for federal
taxes imposed under Section 848 of the Code.  This Charge includes a premium
tax deduction of 2.25% and a federal tax deduction of 1.25%.

The 2.25% premium tax deduction approximates the Company's average expense for
state and local premium tax.  Premium taxes vary by jurisdiction ranging from
zero to more than 4%.  The premium tax deduction is made whether or not any
premium tax applies and the deduction may be higher or lower than the premium
tax imposed.  The 1.25% federal tax deduction is designed to reimburse the
Company for expenses incurred from federal taxes imposed under Section 848 of
the Code (enacted by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990).  The
federal tax deduction is a factor the Company must use when computing the
maximum sales load chargeable under SEC rules.  The Company does not expect to
make a profit from the tax expense charge.

SURRENDER CHARGES

The Company deducts a Surrender Charge from the Policy's Cash Value for any
Policy surrendered during the first fourteen Policy Years, unless the average
issue age is greater than or equal to age 75, in which case there is a
Surrender Charge for only the first nine Policy Years.  The maximum Surrender
Charge varies by the issue ages, sexes, and underwriting classifications of the
Insureds and is calculated based on the initial Basic Coverage on the Policy
Date.  The following table illustrates the maximum Surrender Charge per $1,000
of initial Basic Coverage for Policies which are issued on a male non-tobacco
preferred and a female non-tobacco other than preferred basis (see Appendix 1
for specific examples).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Per $1,000 of
                            Average Issue Age         Initial Basic Coverage
                            -----------------         ----------------------
                                    <S>                       <C>
                                    35                        $5.39
                                    45                         8.37
                                    55                        11.16
                                    65                        15.67
                                    75                        23.20
</TABLE>

The Surrender Charge is comprised of two components:  an underwriting surrender
charge and sales surrender charge.  The underwriting surrender charge varies by
average issue age in the following manner:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Underwriting Surrender Charge
                                                    per $1,000 of Initial
                          Average Issue Age             Basic Coverage
                          -----------------            ---------------
                                <S>                         <C>
                                0-39                        $4.00
                                40-49                        6.00
                                50-59                        7.00
                                60-85                        8.00
</TABLE>

The remainder of the Surrender Charge which is not attributable to the
underwriting surrender charge component represents the sales surrender charge
component.  In no event will this component exceed 23.75% of the lesser of the
SEC Guideline Level Premium in the first year or the premiums actually paid in
the first year.  The maximum sales surrender charge per $1,000 of initial Basic
Coverage based upon a Policy issued on a male non-tobacco preferred and a
female non-tobacco other than preferred basis and is shown in the following
table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Sales Surrender Charge per
                                                      $1,000 of Initial
                          Average Issue Age            Basic Coverage
                          -----------------            --------------
                                 <S>                        <C>
                                 35                         $1.39
                                 45                          2.37
                                 55                          4.16
                                 65                          7.67
                                 75                         15.20
</TABLE>

The purpose of the sales surrender charge is to reimburse the Company for some
of the expenses incurred in the distribution of the Policies.





                                       20
<PAGE>   21
The underwriting surrender charge is designed to cover the administrative
expenses associated with underwriting and issuing the Policy, including the
costs of processing applications, conducting medical exams, determining
insurability and the Insured's underwriting class, and establishing policy
records.  The Company does not expect to profit from the underwriting surrender
charges.  The Surrender Charge may be insufficient to recover certain expenses
related to the sale of the Policies.  Unrecovered expenses are born by the
Company's general assets which may include profits, if any, from mortality and
expense risk charges (see "Deductions from Cash Value").  Additional premiums
and/or income earned on assets in the Variable Account have no effect on these
charges.  The Surrender Charge does not apply to increases or decreases in
Specified Amount.

The Surrender Charge is reduced in subsequent Policy Years in the following
manner:

                     FOR AN AVERAGE ISSUE AGE LESS THAN 75:
                     -------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Surrender Charge                       Surrender Charge                      Surrender Charge
                  as a % of Initial                     as a % of Initial                     as a % of Initial
  Policy Year     Surrender Charge      Policy Year     Surrender Charges      Policy Year     Surrender Charge
  -----------     ----------------      -----------     -----------------      -----------     ----------------
       <S>              <C>                 <C>               <C>                  <C>              <C>
       1                100%                 6                 85%                 11                60%
       2                100%                 7                 80%                 12                45%
       3                100%                 8                 75%                 13                30%
       4                 95%                 9                 70%                 14                15%
       5                 90%                10                 65%                 15+                0%
</TABLE>

             FOR AN AVERAGE ISSUE AGE GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 75:
             ----------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Surrender Charge                       Surrender Charge
                               as a % of Initial                     as a % of Initial
               Policy Year     Surrender Charge      Policy Year     Surrender Charges
               -----------     ----------------      -----------     -----------------
                    <S>              <C>                 <C>                <C>
                    1                100%                 6                 60%
                    2                100%                 7                 45%
                    3                 90%                 8                 30%
                    4                 80%                 9                 15%
                    5                 70%                10+                 0%
</TABLE>

DEDUCTIONS FROM CASH VALUE

The Company also deducts the following charges from the Policy's Cash Value on
the Policy Date and each subsequent Monthly Anniversary Day:

      1.     monthly cost of insurance; plus

      2.     monthly cost of any additional benefits provided by riders; plus

      3.     monthly administrative expense; plus

      4.     an increase charge per $1000 applied to any increase in the
             Specified Amount (see "Specified Amount Increases"). The increase
             charge is $2.40 per year per $1000 currently but may be raised to
             $3.60 per year per $1000 on a guaranteed basis at the Company's
             discretion.  These amounts are shown on the Policy data page.
             This charge is designed to cover the costs associated with
             increasing the Specified Amount (see "Policy Charges").  This
             charge will be deducted on each Monthly Anniversary Date for no
             more than 12 consecutive months after the increase becomes
             effective.  The increase charge is based upon the dollar amount by
             which the Specified Amount is increased; plus

      5.     monthly mortality and expense risk charges

Items 1 through 4 above will be charged proportionately to the Cash Value in
each Variable Account sub-account and the Fixed Account.  The monthly mortality
expense risk charges will be charged proportionately to the Cash Value in each
Variable Account sub-account.

- -Monthly Cost of Insurance

The monthly cost of insurance charge is determined in a manner that reflects
the anticipated mortality of the two Insureds and the fact that the death
benefit is not payable until the death of the second Insured to die.





                                       21
<PAGE>   22
The monthly cost of insurance charge for each policy month is determined by
multiplying the monthly cost of insurance rate by the net amount at risk.  The
net amount at risk is the difference between the death benefit and the Policy's
Cash Value, each calculated at the beginning of the policy month.

Monthly cost of insurance rates will not exceed those guaranteed in the Policy.
Guaranteed cost of insurance rates are based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table, Age Last Birthday (1980 CSO).  Guaranteed cost of
insurance rates for Policies issued on a substandard basis are based on
appropriate multiples of the 1980 CSO.  These mortality tables are sex
distinct.  In addition, separate mortality tables will be used for standard and
non-tobacco.

The rate class of an Insured may affect the cost of insurance rate.  The
Company currently places Insureds into both standard rate classes and
substandard classes that involve a higher mortality risk.  In an otherwise
identical Policy, an Insured in the standard rate class will have a lower cost
of insurance than an Insured in a rate class with higher mortality risks.

- -Monthly Administrative Expense Charge

The Company deducts a monthly Administrative Expense Charge to reimburse it for
certain expenses related to maintenance of the Policies, accounting and record
keeping and periodic reporting to Policy Owners.  This charge is designed only
to reimburse the Company for certain actual administrative expenses.  The
Company does not expect to recover from this charge any amount in excess of
aggregate maintenance expenses.  Currently, this charge is the sum of the per
policy charge and the per $1,000 Basic Coverage charge as set forth below:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Policy Year(s)                   Per Policy             Per $1,000 Basic Coverage
             --------------                   ----------             -------------------------
                  <S>                           <C>                <C>
                  1-10                          $10.00             $0.04 but not less than
                                                                   $20.00 or more than $80 per
                                                                   policy
                  11+                           $5.00              $0.02 but not less than
                                                                   $10.00 or more than $40 per
                                                                   policy
</TABLE>

The charge for year 11+ may be increased at the sole discretion of the Company
but may not exceed the charge for years 1-10.  After a change in Specified
Amount, the per $1000 portion of the monthly administrative Expense Charge is
based on the new Basic Coverage in effect.

- -Monthly Mortality Expense Risk Charge

The Company assumes certain risks for guaranteeing the mortality and expense
charges.  The mortality risk assumed under the Policies is that both Insureds
may die sooner than expected.  The expense risk assumed is that the actual
expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policies may be greater than
expected.  In addition, the Company assumes risks associated with the
non-recovery of policy issue, underwriting and other administrative expenses
due to Policies which lapse or are surrendered in the early Policy Years.

To compensate the Company for assuming these risks associated with the
Policies, the Company deducts a mortality and expense risk charge at the
beginning of each policy month.  The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will
apply solely to the assets in the Variable Account.  This charge will be
deducted proportionately from the assets in the Variable Account sub-accounts.

The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is equivalent to an annual effective rate
of 0.80% for policy years 1-10. This charge varies starting at the beginning of
policy year eleven depending upon the amount of the Cash Value.  If the Cash
Value is less than $25,000, the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will remain
at 0.80%.  If the Cash Value is between $25,000 and $99,999, then the Mortality
and Expense Risk Charge will be reduced to 0.50%.  If the Cash Value equals or
exceeds $100,000, then the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge will be 0.30%.
These charges are all guaranteed.

- -Increase Charge

For any increases in Specified Amount after issue, an additional monthly charge
is made at the beginning of each month.  This additional charge will be made
for the first 12 months following the effective date of the increase.  The
additional amount charged is $2.40 per $1000 of increase per year currently but
may be raised to $3.60 per $1000 per year on a guaranteed basis at the
Company's discretion.





                                       22
<PAGE>   23
                           HOW THE CASH VALUE VARIES

On any date during the Policy Year, the Cash Value equals the Cash Value on the
preceding Valuation Date, plus any Net Premium applied since the previous
Valuation Date, minus any partial surrenders, plus or minus any investment
results, and less any Policy Charges.

There is no guaranteed Cash Value.  The Cash Value will vary with the
investment experience of the Variable Account and/or the daily crediting of
interest in the Fixed Account and Policy Loan Account depending on the
allocation of Cash Value by the Policy Owner.

HOW THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE IS DETERMINED

The Cash Value in each sub-account is converted to Accumulation Units of that
sub-account.  The conversion is accomplished by dividing the amount of Cash
Value allocated to a sub-account by the value of an Accumulation Unit for the
sub-account of the Valuation Period during which the allocation occurs.

The value of an 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) 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

      (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,
             plus or minus.

      (3)    a per share charge or credit for taxes reserved for, if any, which
             is determined by the Company to have resulted from the investment
             operations of the sub-account.

(b)   is 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 the per share charge or credit for taxes
      reserved for in the immediately preceding Valuation Period.

For underlying Mutual Fund options that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month, 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 of any charge or credit for tax reserves.

The Company does not currently assess any charge for income taxes incurred by
the Company as a result of the operations of the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account  (see "Taxation of the Company").  The Company reserves the right to
assess a charge for such taxes against the Variable Account if the Company
determines that such taxes will be incurred.

VALUATION OF ASSETS

Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at their
Net Asset Value.

DETERMINING THE CASH VALUE

The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units attributable to
the Policy and amounts credited to the Fixed Account and the Policy Loan
Account is the Cash Value.  The number of Accumulation Units credited per each
sub-account are determined by dividing the net amount allocated to the
sub-account by the Accumulation Unit Value for the sub-account for the
Valuation Period during which the premium is received by the Company.  In the
event part or all of the Cash Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are
made against the Cash Value,





                                       23
<PAGE>   24
an appropriate number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an
appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the Policy Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the
Fixed Account bears to the total Cash Value.

The Cash Value in the Fixed Account and the Policy Loan Account is credited
with interest daily at an effective annual rate which the Company periodically
declares.  The annual effective rate will never be less than 4%.  Upon request,
the Company will inform the Policy Owner of the then applicable rates for each
account.

VALUATION PERIODS AND VALUATION DATES

A Valuation Period is the period commencing at the close of business on the New
York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding
Valuation Date.  A Valuation Date is each day that the New York Stock Exchange
and the Company's Home Office are open for business or any other day during
which there is sufficient degree of trading that the current Net Asset Value of
the Accumulation Units might be materially affected.



                        SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH

RIGHT TO SURRENDER

The Policy Owner may surrender the Policy in full at any time while the policy
is in force and receive its Surrender Value.  The cancellation will be
effective as of the date the Company receives a proper written request for
cancellation and the Policy. Such written request must be signed and, where
permitted, the signature guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American,
Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchange, or by a Commercial
Bank or a Savings and Loan, which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.  In some cases, the Company may require additional documentation
of a customary nature.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE

The Surrender Value increases or decreases daily to reflect the investment
experience of the Variable Account and the daily crediting of interest in the
Fixed Account and the Policy Loan Account.  The Surrender Value equals the
Policy's Cash Value, next computed after the date the Company receives a proper
written request for surrender and the Policy, minus any charges, Indebtedness
or other deductions due on that date, minus any Surrender Charge.

PARTIAL SURRENDERS

Partial Surrenders may be made at any time after the first Policy Anniversary.
Partial surrenders will be permitted only if they satisfy the following
requirements:

      1.     The minimum partial surrender is $500;

      2.     The partial surrender may not reduce the Specified Amount to less
             than the Minimum Issue Amount ($100,000);

      3.     After the partial surrender, the Policy continues to qualify as
             life insurance.

      4.     The maximum partial surrender is equal to the available Cash
             Surrender Value less the greater of $500 and three monthly
             deductions.

The Company reserves the right to limit the number of partial surrenders in
each Policy Year.

When a partial surrender is made, the Cash Value is reduced by the amount of
the partial surrender.  Also, under death benefit Option 1, the Specified
Amount is reduced by the amount of the partial surrender.  The Basic and
Supplemental Specified amounts are reduced proportionally.  Partial surrender
amounts must be first deducted from the values in the Variable Account
sub-accounts.  Partial surrenders will be deducted from the Fixed Account only
to the extent that insufficient values are available in the Variable Account
sub-accounts.  The Company reserves the right to deduct a fee for each partial
surrender of not more than the lesser of $25 and 2% of the amount of the
partial surrender.

On a current basis, the Company does not deduct the above fee.  Certain partial
surrenders may result in currently taxable income and tax penalties (see "Tax
Matters").





                                       24
<PAGE>   25
MATURITY PROCEEDS

The Maturity Date is the Policy Anniversary on or next following the younger
Insured's 100th birthday.  The maturity proceeds will be payable to the Policy
Owner on the Maturity Date provided the Policy is still in force.  The Maturity
Proceeds will be equal to the amount of the Policy's Cash Value, less any
Indebtedness.

INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING

Federal law requires the Company to withhold income tax from any portion of
surrender proceeds that is subject to tax, unless the Policy Owner advises the
Company, in writing, of his or her request not to withhold.

If the Policy Owner requests that the Company not withhold taxes, or if the
taxes withheld are insufficient, the Policy Owner may be liable for payment of
an estimated tax.  The Policy Owner should consult his or her tax advisor.



                                  POLICY LOANS

TAKING A POLICY LOAN

After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may take a Policy loan using the
Policy as security.  Maximum Policy Indebtedness is limited to 90% of the Cash
Value less any Surrender Charge.  Maximum Policy Indebtedness, in Texas, is
limited to 90% of the Cash Value in the sub-accounts and 100% of the Cash Value
in the Fixed Account less any Surrender Charge less interest due on the next
Policy Anniversary.  The Cash Value less Surrender Charge is determined as of
the loan date.  The Company will not grant a loan for an amount less than
$1,000.  Should the Death Proceeds become payable, the Policy be surrendered,
or the Policy mature while a loan is outstanding, the amount of Policy
Indebtedness will be deducted from the Death Benefit, Surrender Value or the
Maturity Value, respectively.

Any request for a Policy loan must be in written form satisfactory to the
Company.  The request must be signed and, where permitted, the signature
guaranteed by a member firm of the New York, American, Boston, Midwest,
Philadelphia or Pacific Stock Exchange; or by a Commercial Bank or a Savings
and Loan which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Certain policy loans may result in currently taxable income and tax penalties
(see "Tax Matters").

A Policy Owner considering the use of policy loans in connection with his or
her retirement income plan should consult his or her personal tax adviser
regarding potential tax consequences that may arise if necessary payments are
not made to keep the Policy from lapsing.  The amount of such payments
necessary to prevent the Policy from lapsing would increase with age (see "Tax
Matters").

EFFECT ON INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE

When a loan is made, an amount equal to the amount of the loan is transferred
from the Variable Account to the Policy Loan Account.  If the assets relating
to a Policy are held in more than one sub-account, withdrawals from
sub-accounts will be made in proportion to the assets in each Variable
sub-account at the time of the loan.  Policy loans will be transferred from the
Fixed Account only when insufficient amounts are available in the Variable
sub-accounts.  The amount taken out of the Variable Account will not be
affected by the Variable Account's investment experience while the loan is
outstanding.

INTEREST

On a current basis, policy loans are credited with an annual effective rate of
5.1% during policy years 2 through 10 and an annual effective rate of 6% during
the 11th and subsequent policy years.  The rate is guaranteed never to be lower
than 4%.  The Company may change the current interest crediting rate on policy
loans at any time at its sole discretion.  The loan interest rate is 6% per
year for all Policy loans.  In the event that it is determined that such loans
will be treated, as a result of the differential between the interest crediting
rate and the loan interest rate, as taxable distributions under any applicable
ruling, regulation, or court decision, the Company retains the right to
increase the net cost (by decreasing the interest crediting rate) on all
subsequent policy loans to an amount that would result in the transaction being
treated as a loan under Federal tax law.  If this amount is not prescribed by
such ruling, regulation, or court decision, the amount will be that which the
Company considers to be more likely to result in the transaction being treated
as a loan under Federal tax law.





                                       25
<PAGE>   26
Amounts transferred to the Policy Loan Account will earn interest daily from
the date of transfer.  The earned interest is transferred from the Policy Loan
Account to a Variable Account or the Fixed Account on each Policy Anniversary
or at the time of loan repayment.  The earned interest will be allocated
according to the underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors in effect at the
time of the transfer.

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

Whenever the total Policy Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value less any
Surrender Charges, the Company will send a notice to the Policy Owner and the
assignee, if any.  The Policy will terminate without value 61 days after the
mailing of the notice unless a sufficient repayment is made during that period.
A repayment is sufficient if it is large enough to reduce the total Policy
Indebtedness to an amount equal to the total Cash Value less any Surrender
Charges plus an amount sufficient to continue the Policy in force for 3 months.

EFFECT ON DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE

A Policy loan, whether or not repaid, will have a permanent effect on the Death
Benefit and Cash Value because the investment results of the Variable Account
or the Fixed Account will apply only to the non-loaned portion of the Cash
Value.  The longer the loan is outstanding, the greater the effect is likely to
be.  Depending on the investment results of the Variable Account or the Fixed
Account while the loan is outstanding, the effect could be favorable or
unfavorable.

REPAYMENT

All or part of the Indebtedness may be repaid at any time while the Policy is
in force during either Insured's lifetime.  Any payment intended as a loan
repayment, rather than a premium payment, must be identified as such.  Loan
repayments will be credited to the Variable sub-accounts and the Fixed Account
in proportion to the Policy Owner's underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors
in effect at the time of the repayment.  Each repayment may not be less than
$50.  The Company reserves the right to require that any loan repayments
resulting from Policy loans transferred from the Fixed Account must be first
allocated to the Fixed Account.



                          HOW THE DEATH BENEFIT VARIES

CALCULATION OF THE DEATH BENEFIT

At issue, the Policy Owner selects premium and the Specified Amount which
consists of the Basic Coverage and the Supplemental Coverage, if any (see
"Underwriting and Insurance").

While the Policy is in force, the death benefit will never be less than the
Specified Amount.  The death benefit may vary with the Cash Value of the
Policy, which depends on investment performance.

The Policy Owner chooses one of two death benefit options.  Under Option 1, the
death benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount or the Applicable
Percentage of Cash Value (see below).  Under Option 1, the amount of the death
benefit will ordinarily not change for several years to reflect the investment
performance and may not change at all.  If investment performance is favorable,
the amount of death benefit may increase.  To see how and when investment
performance will begin to affect death benefits, please see the illustrations.
Under Option 2, the death benefit will be the greater of the Specified Amount
plus the Cash Value, or the Applicable Percentage of Cash Value.  Under "Option
2," the amount of the Death Benefit will vary directly with the investment
performance.

      The term "Applicable Percentage" means the percentage shown in the
"Applicable Percentage of Cash Value Table."  The Applicable Percentage depends
on whether the Policy Owner elected the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor
Test or the Cash Value Accumulation Test.  The following tables illustrate
applicable percentages:





                                       26
<PAGE>   27
 TABLE OF APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES OF CASH VALUE FOR GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE
                                 CORRIDOR TEST
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Attained Age        Percentage        Attained Age       Percentage        Attained Age        Percentage
    of Younger           of Cash          of Younger          of Cash          of Younger          of Cash
      Insured             Value            Insured             Value             Insured            Value
      -------             -----            -------             -----             -------            -----
      <S>                 <C>                 <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
      0-40                250%                60               130%                80                105%
        41                243%                61               128%                81                105%
        42                236%                62               126%                82                105%
        43                229%                63               124%                83                105%
        44                222%                64               122%                84                105%
        45                215%                65               120%                85                105%
        46                209%                66               119%                86                105%
        47                203%                67               118%                87                105%
        48                197%                68               117%                88                105%
        49                191%                69               116%                89                105%

        50                185%                70               115%                90                105%
        51                178%                71               113%                91                104%
        52                171%                72               111%                92                103%
        53                164%                73               109%                93                102%
        54                157%                74               107%                94                101%

        55                150%                75               105%                95                101%
        56                146%                76               105%                96                101%
        57                142%                77               105%                97                101%
        58                138%                78               105%                98                101%
        59                134%                79               105%                99                101%
                                                                                   100               100%
</TABLE>

                        THE CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST

This test also requires the Death Benefit to exceed an applicable percentage of
the Cash Value.  These applicable percentages are the net inverses of net
single premiums based on an interest rate of 4% and 1980 CSO guaranteed
mortality as prescribed in  Code Section 7702 for the Cash Value Accumulation
Test.  These premiums vary with the ages, sexes, and risk classifications of
the Insureds.

The table below provides an example of applicable percentages for the Cash
Value Accumulation Test.  This example is for a male non-tobacco preferred
issue age 55 and a female non-tobacco preferred issue age 55.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      PERCENTAGE OF                        PERCENTAGE OF                        PERCENTAGE OF
    POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE        POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE         POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE
    -----------        ----------        -----------        ----------         -----------        ----------
         <S>              <C>                 <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
         1                302%                16               174%                31                121%
         2                290%                17               169%                32                119%
         3                279%                18               164%                33                118%
         4                269%                19               159%                34                116%
         5                259%                20               154%                35                115%
         6                249%                21               150%                36                113%
         7                240%                22               146%                37                112%
         8                231%                23               142%                38                111%
         9                223%                24               139%                39                110%
</TABLE>





                                       27
<PAGE>   28
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      PERCENTAGE OF                        PERCENTAGE OF                        PERCENTAGE OF
    POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE        POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE         POLICY YEAR        CASH VALUE
    -----------       -------------      -----------       -------------       -----------      -------------
        <S>               <C>                 <C>              <C>                 <C>               <C>
        10                215%                25               136%                40                108%
        11                207%                26               133%                41                107%
        12                200%                27               130%                42                106%
        13                193%                28               127%                43                104%
        14                186%                29               125%                44                103%
        15                180%                30               123%                45                102%
</TABLE>

PROCEEDS PAYABLE ON DEATH

The actual Death Proceeds payable on the death of the last surviving Insured
will be the death benefit as described above, less any Policy Indebtedness, and
less any unpaid Policy Charges.  Under certain circumstances, the Death
Proceeds may be adjusted (see "Incontestability", "Error in Age or Sex", and
"Suicide").



                              RIGHT OF CONVERSION

The Policy Owner may at any time, upon written request within 24 months of the
Policy Date, transfer all sub-account Cash Values to the Fixed Account.  No
transfer charge will be assessed.



                          CHANGES OF INVESTMENT POLICY

The Company may materially change the investment policy of the Variable
Account.  The Company must inform the Policy Owners and obtain all necessary
regulatory approvals.  Any change must be submitted to the various state
insurance departments which may disapprove it if deemed detrimental to the
interests of the Policy Owners or if it renders the Company's operations
hazardous to the public.  A Policy Owner who objects may, upon written request,
transfer all sub-account Cash Values to the Fixed Account.  The Policy Owner
has the later of 60 days (6 months in Pennsylvania) from the date of the
investment policy change or 60 days (6 months in Pennsylvania) from being
informed of such change to make this transfer.  No transfer charge will be
assessed.

                                  GRACE PERIOD

- -Without Death Benefit Guarantees

If the Surrender Value on a Monthly Anniversary Day is not sufficient to cover
the current monthly deduction, and no Death Benefit Guarantee is in effect, a
Grace Period will be allowed for the payment of a premium of at least 4 times
the current monthly deduction.  The Company will send you a notice at the start
of the Grace Period at the last known address stating the amount of premium
required.  The Grace Period will end 61 days after the later of the day the
Company mails the notice and the Monthly Anniversary Date when the Surrender
Value was insufficient.  If the required amount is not paid by the end of the
Grace Period, this Policy will terminate without value.  The Company will pay
the Death Proceeds if the Death Proceeds become payable during the Grace
Period.

- - Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee

The Policy will not lapse if on each Monthly Anniversary Date, (1) is greater
than or equal to (2), where:

      1.  is the sum of all premiums paid to date less any Indebtedness and
          less any previous partial surrenders, and

      2.  is the sum of the Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee Premiums due since
          the Policy Date including such premium for the current Monthly
          Anniversary Date.

The Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee is not permanently lost when premium
payments fall below those required to maintain this benefit.  Payment of enough
premium to make (1) greater than or equal to (2) restores the benefit.  Any
increase or decrease in Specified Amount would increase or decrease the minimum
guaranteed amount, respectively.

The Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee Premium is shown on the Policy Data Page.
The Lifetime Death Benefit Guarantee Premium is the same as the IRS Guideline
Level Premium.





                                       28
<PAGE>   29
- - Limited Death Benefit Guarantee

During the Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Period, the Policy will not lapse if
on each Monthly Anniversary Date (1) is greater than or equal to (2), where:

      1.  is the sum of all premiums paid to date less any Indebtedness and
          less any previous partial surrenders, and

      2.  is the sum of the Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Premiums due since
          the Policy Date including such premium for the current Monthly
          Anniversary Date.

The Limited Death Benefit Guarantee is not permanently lost when premium
payments fall below those required to maintain this benefit.  Payment of enough
premium to make (1) greater than or equal to (2) restores the benefit.  Any
increase or decrease in Specified Amount would increase or decrease the minimum
guaranteed amount, respectively.

The Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Period runs from the Policy Date to the
Policy Anniversary on or next following the younger Insured's 75th birthday.

The Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Premium is shown on the Policy Data Page.
It is the percentage of the IRS Guideline Level Premium shown below.  The first
percentage in each cell is for the first three policy years, or to the end of
the Limited Death Benefit Guarantee Period, if less than three years; the
second percentage is for the remainder of the Limited Death Benefit Guarantee
period, if any.

                 AVERAGE OF INSUREDS ISSUE AGES UNDER OPTION 1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     POLICY SIZE         0-39          40-45          46            47            48           49         50-59        60+
        (000)          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       <S>               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
       100 249           90,50         70,50         70,52         70,54         70,56       70,58        70,60       40,60
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       250-499           50,50         45,50         45,52         45,54         45,56       45,58        35,60       30,60
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        500+             45,50         35,50         35,52         35,54         35,56       35,58        30,60       25,60
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                 AVERAGE OF INSUREDS ISSUE AGES UNDER OPTION 2*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     POLICY SIZE         0-39          40-45          46            47            48           49         50-59        60+
        (000)          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       <S>               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
       100 249           30,17         24,17         24,18         24,19         24,20       24,21        25,22       15,23
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       250-499           16,16         15,17         15,18         15,19         15,20       15,21        13,22       11,23
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        500+             13,16         12,17         12,18         12,19         12,20       12,21        11,22       10,23
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*   Shown as a percentage of the Option 2 IRS Guideline Level Premium.

                                 REINSTATEMENT

If the Grace Period ends and the Policy Owner has neither paid the required
premium nor surrendered the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value, the Policy
lapses.  The Policy Owner may reinstate the Policy provided both Insureds are
alive on the date of reinstatement by:

      1.     submitting a written request at any time within 3 years after the
             end of the Grace Period and prior to the Maturity Date;

      2.     providing evidence of insurability of both Insureds satisfactory
             to the Company;

      3.     paying sufficient premium to cover all policy charges that were
             due and unpaid during the Grace Period if the Policy terminated in
             the fourth or later policy year;

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

      5.     paying or reinstating any Indebtedness against the Policy which
             existed at the end of the Grace Period.





                                                     29
<PAGE>   30
The effective date of a reinstated Policy will be the Monthly Anniversary Day
on or next following the date the application for reinstatement is approved by
the Company.  If your Policy is reinstated, the Cash Value on the date of
reinstatement, but prior to applying any premiums or loan repayments received,
will be set equal to the lesser of:

      1.     the Cash Value at the end of the Grace Period; or

      2.     the Surrender Charge for the Policy Year in which the Policy was
             reinstated.

Unless the Policy Owner has provided otherwise, all amounts will be allocated
based on the underlying Mutual Fund allocation factors in effect at the start
of the Grace Period.



                            THE FIXED ACCOUNT OPTION

Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the Company's
General Account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and
the General Account has not been registered as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940.  Accordingly, neither the General Account nor
any interests therein are subject to the provisions of these Acts, and the
Company has been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission has not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus relating to the
Fixed Account option.  Disclosures regarding the General Account may, however,
be subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the federal securities
laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in
prospectuses.

As explained earlier, a Policy Owner may elect to allocate or transfer all or
part of the Cash Value to the Fixed Account and the amount allocated or
transferred becomes part of the Company's General Account.  The Company's
General Account consist of all assets of the Company other than those in the
Variable Account and in other separate accounts that have been or may be
established by the Company.  Subject to applicable law, the Company has sole
discretion over the investment of the assets of the General Account, and Policy
Owners do not share in the investment experience of those assets.  The Company
guarantees that the part of the Cash Value invested under the Fixed Account
option will accrue interest daily at an effective annual rate that the Company
declares periodically.  The Fixed Account crediting rate will not be less than
an effective annual rate of 4%.  Upon request the Company will inform a Policy
Owner of the then applicable rate.  The Company is not obligated to credit
interest at a higher rate.



                     CHANGES IN EXISTING INSURANCE COVERAGE

The Policy Owner may request certain changes in the insurance coverage under
the Policy.  Any request must be in writing and received at the Company's Home
Office.  No change will take effect unless the Cash Surrender Value, after the
change, is sufficient to keep the Policy in force for at least 3 months. Any
approved change will have an effective date of the Monthly Anniversary Day on
or next following the date the Company approves the application for the change.
Basic Coverage and Supplemental Coverage will change proportionally.  The
Company reserves the right to limit the number of Specified Amount changes to
one each Policy Year.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT INCREASES

After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may request an increase to the
Specified Amount.  Any increase will be subject to the following conditions:

      1.     satisfactory evidence of insurability of both Insureds is
             provided;

      2.     the increase is for a minimum of $10,000; and

      3.     age limits are the same as for a new issue.

SPECIFIED AMOUNT DECREASES

After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may also request a decrease to
the Specified Amount.  Any such decrease shall reduce insurance in the
following order:

      1.     insurance provided by the most recent increase;

      2.     the next most recent increases successively; and

      3.     insurance provided under the original application.





                                       30
<PAGE>   31
The Company will refuse a request for a decrease which would:

      1.     reduce the Specified Amount to less than the minimum issue amount;
             or

      2.     disqualify the Policy as a contract for life insurance.

CHANGES IN THE DEATH BENEFIT OPTION

After the first Policy Year, the Policy Owner may change the death benefit
option under the Policy.  If the change is from Option 1 to Option 2, the
Specified Amount will be decreased by the amount of the Cash Value.  Basic
Coverage and Supplemental Coverage will be decreased proportionally.  If the
change is from Option 2 to Option 1, the Specified Amount will be increased by
the amount of the Cash Value.  Basic Coverage and Supplemental Coverage will be
increased proportionally.  Evidence of insurability is not required for a
change from Option 2 to Option 1.  The Company reserves the right to require
evidence of insurability for a change from Option 1 to Option 2.  The effective
date of the change will be the Monthly Anniversary Date on or next following
the date the Company approves the request for change.  Only one change of
option is permitted per Policy Year.  A change in death benefit option will not
be permitted if it results in the total premiums paid exceeding the then
current maximum premium limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service
to qualify the Policy as a life insurance contract.

                            OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS

POLICY OWNER

While either Insured is living, all rights in this Policy are vested in the
Policy Owner named in the application or as subsequently changed, subject to
assignment, if any.

The Policy Owner may name a contingent Policy Owner or a new Policy Owner while
either Insured is living.  Any change must be in a written form satisfactory to
the Company and recorded at the Company's Home Office.  Once recorded, the
change will be effective when signed. The change will not affect any payment
made or action taken by the Company before it was recorded.  The Company may
require that the Policy be submitted for endorsement before making a change.

If the Policy Owner dies before both Insureds have died, and there is no
contingent Policy Owner, the Policy Owner's rights in this Policy belong to the
Policy Owner's estate.

BENEFICIARY

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

The Policy Owner may name a new Beneficiary while either Insured is living.
Any change must be in a written form satisfactory to the Company and recorded
at the Company's Home Office.  Once recorded, the change will be effective when
signed.  The change will not affect any payment made or action taken by the
Company before it was recorded.

If any Beneficiary predeceases the Insured, that Beneficiary's interest passes
to any surviving Beneficiary(ies), unless otherwise provided.  Multiple
Beneficiaries will be paid in equal shares, unless otherwise provided.  If no
named Beneficiary is living when Death Proceeds become payable, the Death
Proceeds shall be paid to the Policy Owner or the Policy Owner's estate.

ASSIGNMENT

While either Insured is living, the Policy Owner may assign his or her rights
in the Policy.  The assignment must be in writing, signed by the Policy Owner
and recorded by the Company at its Home Office.  Any assignment will not affect
any payments made or actions taken by the Company before it was recorded.  The
Company is not responsible for any assignment not submitted for recording, nor
is the Company responsible for the sufficiency or validity of any assignment.
The assignment will be subject to any Indebtedness.

INCONTESTABILITY

The Company will not contest payment of the Death Proceeds based on the initial
Specified Amount after the Policy has been in force during the lifetimes of
both Insureds for 2 years from the Policy Date.  For any increase in Specified
Amount requiring evidence of insurability, the Company will not contest payment
of the Death Proceeds based on such an increase after it has been in force
during the lifetimes of both Insureds for 2 years from its effective date.





                                       31
<PAGE>   32
ERROR IN AGE OR SEX

If the age or sex of either Insured has been misstated, the affected benefits
will be adjusted by the ratio of the last monthly cost of insurance deducted to
the monthly cost of insurance that would have been deducted based on the true
age and sex of each Insured.

SUICIDE

If either Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from
the Policy Date, the Company will pay no more than the sum of the premiums
paid, less any Indebtedness and less any partial surrenders.  If either Insured
dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the date an
application is accepted for an increase in the Specified Amount, the Company
will pay no more than the amount paid for such additional benefit.

NONPARTICIPATING POLICIES

These are nonparticipating Policies on which no dividends are payable.  These
Policies do not share in the profits or surplus earnings of the Company.

                              LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

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

                          DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES

The Policies will be sold by licensed insurance agents in those states where
the Policies may lawfully be 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 Policies will be distributed by the General Distributor,
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.

NFS is a corporation which was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio on
April 8, 1965.  NFS is both a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser.
As such, it is the principal underwriter for several open-end investment
companies and for a number of separate accounts issued by the Company and
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("NLAIC") to fund the benefits of
variable insurance and annuity policies.  NFS also currently acts as the
investment adviser and/or administrator for the mutual fund portfolios sold
through NFS's registered representatives and for some of the mutual fund
portfolios which act as underlying investment options for the variable
insurance and annuity policies issued by the Company or NLAIC.

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 is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company.

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.

Gross first year commissions plus any expense allowance payments paid by the
Company on the sale of these policies provided by the General Distributor will
not exceed 80% of first year premiums up to the target premium plus 4% of any
excess premium payments.  Gross renewal commissions in years 2-10 paid by the
Company will not exceed 4% of actual premium payment, and will not exceed 1% in
years 11+.



                              CUSTODIAN OF ASSETS

The Company serves as the Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account.





                                       32
<PAGE>   33
                                  TAX MATTERS

POLICY PROCEEDS

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

Although the Company believes that the Policy is in compliance with Section
7702 of the Code, the manner in which Section 7702 should be applied to certain
features of a last survivor variable life insurance contract is not directly
addressed by Section 7702.  In the absence of final regulations or other
guidance issued under Section 7702, there is some uncertainty whether a last
survivor variable life insurance contract will satisfy the Section 7702
definition of a life insurance contract.

Section 7702A of the Code defines Modified Endowment Contracts as those
policies issued or materially changed on or after June 21, 1988 on which the
total premiums paid during the first seven years exceed the amount that would
have been paid if the policy provided for paid up benefits after seven level
annual premiums (see "Information about the Policies").  The Code provides for
taxation of surrenders, partial surrenders, loans, collateral assignments and
other pre-death distributions from Modified Endowment Contracts in the same way
annuities are taxed.  Modified Endowment Contract distributions are defined by
the Code as amounts not received as an annuity and are taxable to the extent
the Cash Value of the policy exceeds, at the time of distribution, the premiums
paid into the policy.  A 10% tax penalty generally applies to the taxable
portion of such distributions unless the Policy Owner is over age 59 1/2 or
disabled.

The Policies offered by this prospectus may or may not be issued as Modified
Endowment Contracts.  The Company will monitor premiums paid and will notify
the Policy Owner when the policy's non-modified endowment status is in
jeopardy.  If a policy is not a Modified Endowment Contract, a cash
distribution during the first 15 years after a policy is issued which causes a
reduction in death benefits may still become fully or partially taxable to the
Owner pursuant to Section 7702(f)(7) of the Code.  The Policy Owner should
carefully consider this potential effect and seek further information before
initiating any changes in the terms of the policy.  Under certain conditions, a
policy may become a Modified Endowment as a result of a material change or a
reduction in benefits as defined by Section 7702A(c) of the Code.

In addition to meeting the tests required under Sections 7702, Section 817(h)
of the Code requires that the investments of separate accounts such as the
Variable Account be adequately diversified.  Regulations issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury, set the standards for measuring the adequacy of this
diversification.  To be adequately diversified, each sub-account of the
Variable Account must meet certain tests.  The Company believes that the
investments of the Variable Account meet the applicable diversification
standards. The regulations provide that a variable life policy which does not
satisfy the diversification standards will not be treated as life insurance
under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the failure to satisfy
regulations was inadvertent, the failure is corrected, and the Policy 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 Policy Owner if the income,
for the period the policy was not diversified, had been received by the Policy
Owner.  If the failure to diversify is not corrected in this manner, the Policy
Owner of the life policy will be deemed the owner of the underlying securities
and will be taxed on the earnings of his or her account.

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

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

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





                                       33
<PAGE>   34
Federal estate tax is integrated with federal gift tax under a unified rate
schedule.  In general, estates less than $600,000 will not incur a federal
estate tax liability.  In addition, an unlimited marital deduction may be
available for federal estate and gift tax purposes.  The unlimited marital
deduction permits the deferral of taxes until the death of the surviving
spouse, when the death benefit would be available to pay taxes due and other
expenses incurred.

Generally 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.

If the Policy Owner (whether or not he or she is an Insured) transfers
ownership of the Contract to someone two or more generations younger, the
transfer may be subject to the generation-skipping transfer tax ("GSTT"), the
taxable amount being the value of the Policy.  The GSTT provisions generally
apply to transfers subject to estate and gift tax rules.  Individuals generally
are permitted an aggregate exemption of $1 million.  Since these rules are
complex, the Policy Owner should consult with a tax adviser for specific
information on the transfer of benefits to younger generations.

- -Taxation of Policy Split Option Rider

The Policy Split Option Rider permits a Policy to be split into two other
single life insurance contracts upon the occurrence of a divorce of the joint
Insureds or other certain changes in the federal estate tax law (see "Rider"
section).

A policy split could have adverse tax consequences.  It is not clear whether a
policy split will be treated as a nontaxable exchange under Section 1035 of the
Internal Revenue Code.  If a policy split is not treated as a nontaxable
exchange, a split could result in the recognition of taxable income in an
amount up to any gain in the Policy at the time of the split.  Additionally, it
is not clear whether, in all circumstances, the resulting individual contracts
would be treated as life insurance contracts for federal income tax purposes
and, if so treated, whether the individual contracts would be classified as
Modified Endowment Contracts.  Before the Policy Owner exercised rights
provided by the policy split option rider, it is important that a competent tax
adviser be consulted regarding the possible consequences of a policy split.

- -Estate and Generation Skipping Taxes

Ownership of this Policy may have federal estate tax consequences for the
insured taxpayers.  When the surviving Insured dies, the death benefit will
generally be included in the Insured's gross estate if (1) the proceeds were
payable to or for the benefit of the Insured's estate, or (2) the Insured held
incidents of ownership in the policy at death or within three years of death.
If the Policy Owner was not the last surviving Insured, the value of the Policy
would be included in the Policy Owner's estate.

Additionally, the transfer of the Policy or the designation of a beneficiary
may also have federal, state and/or local transfer and inheritance tax
consequences, including the imposition of gift, estate and generation skipping
transfer taxes.  For example, the transfer of the Policy to, the designation as
beneficiary, or the payment of proceeds to a person who is assigned to a
generation which is two or more generations below the generation of the Policy
Owner, may have generation skipping transfer tax considerations under Section
2601 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Federal estate, state and local estate, inheritance and other tax consequences
of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the circumstances of each
Policy Owner or Beneficiary.  A Policy Owner should consult with a competent
tax adviser for specific information regarding the applicability of such taxes.

TAXATION OF THE POLICY

Section 7702 of the Code provides that, if one of two alternative qualification
tests is met, a Policy will be treated as life insurance for federal tax
purposes.  The two tests are referred to as the Cash Value Accumulation Test
and the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test.

Under the Cash Value Accumulation Test, the terms of the Policy must,
generally, provide that the cash surrender value of the Policy, as defined in
Section 7702 of the Code, cannot at any time exceed the net single premium
required to fund the future benefits under the Policy.  The net single premium
under the Policy will vary according to the age, sex and underwriting
classification of the Insureds.  Under this test, premiums may be paid as long
as the death benefits is at least equal to the benefit that could be purchased
with a net single premium equal to the





                                       34
<PAGE>   35
Cash Value.  A table showing an example of the relationship between the Cash
Value and death benefit under this test is found in the "How the Death Benefit
Varies" section.

Under the Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test, the sum of the premiums
paid into the Policy cannot, at any time, exceed the guideline premium
limitation described in Section 7702 of the Code.  Additionally, a minimum
death benefit must be provided, based on the Cash Value.  A table showing the
required relationship between the Cash Value and the Death Benefit under this
test is found in the "How the Death Benefit Varies" section.  Policy Owners
selecting this test may also select either an Option 1 or Option 2 death
benefit.  A detailed explanation of the two options is found under the heading
"How the Death Benefit Varies."

The Policy Owners must choose one of these two qualifications tests on the
application.  Once elected, the qualification test cannot be changed for the
duration of the Policy.  If neither test is designated on the application, the
Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test with and Option 1 Death Benefit will
be assumed by the Company to have been selected.

The Policy should receive the same federal tax treatment as a fixed benefit
life insurance policy.  The Death Benefit paid under the Policy that satisfies
the statutory definition of life insurance is excludable from the gross income
of the beneficiary under Section 101 of the Code.

Regardless of which test is selected, the Company will monitor compliance with
statutory definition of life insurance for federal tax purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST AND GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE
CORRIDOR TEST

Section 7702(b)(1) of the Code provides that if one of two alternate tests are
met, a Policy will be treated as a life insurance for federal tax purposes.
The two tests are referred to as the Cash Value Accumulation Test and the
Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test.

The Cash Value Accumulation Test generally requires that under the terms of a
life insurance policy, the death benefit must be sufficient so that the cash
surrender value, as defined in Section 7702(f)(2), does not at any time exceed
the net single premium required to fund the future benefits under the policy.
The net single premium under the Policy will vary according to the age, sex and
underwriting classification of the Insureds.

Under the Cash Value Accumulation Test, there is no limit to the amount that
may be paid in premiums as long as there is sufficient death benefit in
relation to the Account Value at all times.  A table containing the applicable
percentage of Cash Value can be found in the "How the Death Benefit Varies"
section.

The Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test requires that the sum of the
premiums paid into the Contract does not at any time exceed the guideline
premium limitation.  Additionally, a minimum corridor of Death Benefit in
relation to Account Value must be maintained.

Policy Owners who elect this test are given the option of electing either an
Option 1 or Option 2 death benefit.  Please refer to "How The Death Benefit
Varies" for a detailed explanation.

The Policy Owners must make the election of death benefit qualification tests
on the application.  Once elected, the Death Benefit qualification test cannot
be changed for the duration of the Policy.  If no option is designated, the
guideline premium test Option 1 will be assumed by the Company to have been
selected.

Regardless of which test is selected, the Company will monitor compliance to
assure that the Policy meets the statutory definition of life insurance for
federal tax purposes.  The Policy should thus receive the same federal income
tax treatment as fixed benefit life insurance.  As a result, the Death Proceeds
payable under a Policy are excludable from gross income of the beneficiary
under Section 101 of the Code.

The Policy Owner elects either the Cash Value Accumulation Test or the
Guideline Premium/Cash Value Corridor Test in the application.  This election
is irrevocable.

TAXATION OF THE COMPANY

The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code.  Since the
Variable Account is not a separate entity from the Company and its operations
form a part of the Company, it will not be taxed separately as a "regulated
investment company" under Sub-chapter M of the Code.  Investment income and
realized capital gains on the assets of the Variable Account are reinvested and
taken into account in determining the value of Accumulation Units.  As a
result, such investment income and realized capital gains are automatically
applied to increase reserves under the Policies.





                                       35
<PAGE>   36
The Company does not initially expect to incur any Federal income tax liability
that would be chargeable to the Variable Account.  Based upon these
expectations, no charge is currently being made against the Variable Account
for federal income taxes.  If, however, the Company determines that on a
separate company basis such taxes may be incurred, it reserves the right to
assess a charge for such taxes against the Variable Account.

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

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The foregoing discussion is general and is not intended as tax advice.  Counsel
and other competent advisors should be consulted for more complete information.
This discussion is based on the Company's understanding of Federal income tax
laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service.  No
representation is made as to the likelihood of continuation of these current
laws and interpretations.



                                  THE COMPANY

The life insurance business, which includes product lines in health insurance
and annuities, is the only business in which the Company is engaged.

The Company markets its Policies through independent insurance brokers, general
agents, and registered representatives of registered NASD broker/dealer firms.

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

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

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

The Company serves as depositor for the 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 Variable Account - 8,
MFS Variable Account, Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide VLI
Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account - 2, Nationwide VLI Separate
Account - 3, the NACo Variable Account and the DC Variable Account, each of
which is a registered investment company.

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



                               COMPANY MANAGEMENT

Nationwide Life Insurance Company, together with Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company, Nationwide Indemnity Company, Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Nationwide Property and
Casualty Insurance Company, National Casualty Company, West Coast Life
Insurance Company, Scottsdale Indemnity Company and Nationwide General
Insurance Company and their affiliate companies comprise the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise.

The companies comprising the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise have substantially
common boards of directors and officers.  Nationwide Corporation is the sole
shareholder of Nationwide Life.





                                       36
<PAGE>   37
DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Director
              Name                Since    Principal Occupation
              ----                -----    --------------------
 <S>                               <C>     <C>
 Lewis J. Alphin                   1993    Farm Owner and Operator (1)
 Keith W. Eckel                    1996    Partner and Manager, Fred W. Eckel Sons and Eckel Farms, Inc.
                                           (1)
 Willard J. Engel                  1994    General Manager Lyon County Cooperative Oil Company (1)
 Fred C. Finney                    1992    Owner and Operator, Moreland Fruit Farm; Operator, Melrose
                                           Orchard (1)
 Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr. * +     1969    Chief Executive Officer, Fuellgraf Electric Company, Electrical
                                           Construction and Engineering Services (1)
 Joseph J. Gasper*+                1996    President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide Life Insurance
                                           Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
 Henry S. Holloway *+              1986    Farm Owner and Operator (1)
 D. Richard McFerson *+            1988    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Insurance
                                           Enterprise (2)
 David O. Miller *+                1985    Farm Owner and Land Developer; President, Owen Potato Farm,
                                           Inc.; Partner, M&M Enterprises (1)
 C. Ray Noecker                    1994    Farm Owner and Operator (1)
 James F. Patterson +              1989    Vice President, Pattersons, Inc. ;  President, Patterson Farms,
                                           Inc. (1)
 Arden L. Shisler *+               1984    Partner and Manager, Sweetwater Beef Farms; President and Chief
                                           Executive Officer, K&B Transport, Inc. (1)
 Robert L. Stewart                 1989    Farm Owner and Operator; Owner, Sunnydale Mining (1)
 Nancy C. Thomas *                 1986    Farm Owner and Operator, Da-Ma-Lor Farms (1)
 Harold W. Weihl                   1990    Farm Owner and Operator, Weihl Farm (1)
</TABLE>

 *Member, Executive Committee              +Member, Investment Committee

1)    Principal occupation for last five years.

2)    Prior to assuming this current position, Messrs. McFerson and Gasper held
      other executive management positions with the companies.

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

Messrs. Holloway, McFerson, Miller, Patterson and Shisler are directors of
Nationwide Corporation.  Messrs. Fuellgraf,  McFerson, Ms. Thomas and Mr. Weihl
are trustees of Nationwide Investing Foundation, a registered investment
company.  Mr. McFerson is trustee of Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
Financial Horizons Investment Trust and Nationwide Investing Foundation II,
registered investment companies.  Mr. Engel is a director of Western
Cooperative Transport.





                                       37
<PAGE>   38
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NAME                                      OFFICE HELD
 ----                                      -----------
 <S>                                       <C>
 D. Richard McFerson                       Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-Nationwide Insurance
                                           Enterprise
 Joseph J. Gasper                          President and Chief Operating Officer
 Gordon E. McCutchan                       Executive Vice President, Law and Corporate Services and
                                           Secretary
 Robert A. Oakley                          Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer
 Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                   Executive Vice President-Chief Investment Officer
 James E. Brock                            Senior Vice President - Life Company Operations
 W. Sidney Druen                           Senior Vice President and General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
 Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                   Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
 Richard A. Karas                          Senior Vice President - Sales and Financial Services
 Mark A. Folk                              Vice President and Treasurer
</TABLE>

Mr. Gasper is also President and Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company.  Mr. Galloway is also an officer of Nationwide
Mutual Insurance Company and Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
Each of the other officers listed above is also an officer of each of the
companies comprising the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise.  Each of the
executive officers listed above has been associated with the registrant in an
executive capacity for more than the past five years, except Mr. Folk who
joined the Registrant in 1993.  From 1983-1993, Mr. Folk served as a partner in
the accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

                     OTHER CONTRACTS ISSUED BY THE COMPANY

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

                                STATE REGULATION

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

                            REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS

The Company will mail to the Policy Owner, at the last known address of record,
an annual statement showing the amount of the current death benefit, the Cash
Value, and Cash Surrender Value, premiums paid and monthly charges deducted
since the last report, the amounts invested in the Fixed Account and in the
Variable Account and in each sub-account of the Variable Account, and any
Policy Indebtedness.

Policy Owners will also be sent annual and semi-annual reports containing
financial statements for the Variable Account as required by the 1940 Act.

In addition, Policy Owners will receive statements of significant transactions,
such as changes in Specified Amount, changes in death benefit option, changes
in future premium allocation, transfers among sub-accounts, premium payments,
loans, loan repayments, reinstatement and termination.





                                       38
<PAGE>   39
                                  ADVERTISING

The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating services,
including Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company.  The purpose of
these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying ability of
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.



                               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 material litigation of any nature.



                                    EXPERTS

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



                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT

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



                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

Legal matters in connection with the Policies described herein are being passed
upon by Druen, Rath & Dietrich, One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216.
All the members of such firm are employed by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company.





                                       39
<PAGE>   40
                                    APPENDIX

   ILLUSTRATIONS OF CASH VALUES, CASH SURRENDER VALUES, AND DEATH BENEFITS

The illustrations in this prospectus have been prepared to help show how values
under the Polices change with investment performance.  The illustrations
demonstrate how Cash Values, Cash Surrender Values and Death Benefits under a
Policy would vary over time if the hypothetical gross investment rates of
return were a uniform annual effective rate of either 0%, 6% or 12%.  If the
hypothetical gross investment rate of return averages 0%, 6% or 12% over a
period of years, but fluctuates above or below those averages for individual
years, the Cash Values,, Cash Surrender Values and Death Benefits may be
different.  For hypothetical returns of 0% and 6%, the illustrations also
illustrate when the Policies would go into default, at which time additional
premium payments would be required to continue the Policy in force.  The
illustrations also assume there is not Policy Indebtedness, no additional
premium payments are made, no Cash Values are allocated to the Fixed Account,
and there are no changes in the Specified Amount or Death Benefit option.

The amounts shown for the Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value and Death Benefit as
of each Policy Anniversary reflect the fact that the net investment return on
the assets held in the Variable Account sub-accounts is lower than the gross
return.  This is due to the charges made against the assets of the Variable
Account sub-accounts for assuming mortality and expense risks, recovering
premium taxes and providing for administration expenses.  On a current and
guaranteed basis, these charges are equivalent to an annual effective rate of
0.80% in the first ten policy years.  This charge varies starting at the
beginning of policy year eleven, depending upon the size of the cash value.  If
the cash value is less than $25,000, this charge remains at 0.80%.  If the cash
value is between $25,000 and $99,999, then this charge will be reduced to
0.50%.  If the cash value equals or exceeds $100,000, this charge is 0.30%.  In
addition, the net investment returns also reflect the deduction of underlying
Mutual Fund investment advisory fees and other expenses which are equivalent to
an annual effective rate of 1.00%.  This effective rate is based on the average
of the fund expenses for the preceding year for all mutual fund options
available under the policy as of April 30, 1996.

Taking account of the current charges for mortality and expense risks,
recovering premium taxes and providing for administrative an underlying Mutual
Fund expenses, gross annual rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to net
investment experience at constant annual rates of -1.80%, 4.20% and 10.20%,
respectively, in policy years one through ten, and varying thereafter.  Taking
account of guaranteed charges, gross annual rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12%
correspond to net investment experience at constant annual rate of -1.80%,
4.20% and 10.20%, respectively, in policy years one through ten, and varying
thereafter.

The illustrations also reflect the fact that the Company makes monthly charges
for providing insurance protection.  Current values reflect current cost of
insurance charges and guaranteed values reflect the maximum cost of insurance
charges guaranteed in the Policy.  The values shown are for policies which are
issued as standard.  Policies issued on a substandard basis would result in
lower Cash Values and Death Benefits than those illustrated.  Death Benefit
Option 1 has been assumed in all the illustrations.

In addition, the illustrations reflect the fact that the Company deducts an
annual administrative charge at the beginning of each Policy Year after the
first.  The illustrations also reflect the fact that no charges for federal or
state income taxes are currently made against the Variable Account.  If such a
charge is made in the future, it will require a higher gross investment return
than illustrated in order to produce the net after-tax returns shown in the
illustrations.

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





                                       40
<PAGE>   41


              $12,150 ANNUAL PREMIUM:  $1,000,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55
                  FEMALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                   GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
                           OPTION 1   CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                       12% HYPOTHETICAL        
                           GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN            GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN               GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN     
                           -----------------------            -----------------------               -----------------------     
          PREMIUMS                                                                                                              
          PAID PLUS                  CASH                             CASH                                     CASH             
POLICY    INTEREST      CASH         SURR       DEATH       CASH      SURR        DEATH         CASH           SURR      DEATH  
YEAR       AT 5%       VALUE        VALUE      BENEFIT      VALUE     VALUE      BENEFIT        VALUE         VALUE     BENEFIT 
           -----       -----        -----      -------      -----     -----      -------        -----         -----     ------- 
  <S>      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>      
   1        12,758     10,279         393    1,000,000     10,913     1,028    1,000,000        11,548        1,663    1,000,000
   2        26,153     20,271      10,385    1,000,000     22,169    12,283    1,000,000        24,143       14,257    1,000,000
   3        40,218     29,966      20,080    1,000,000     33,765    23,879    1,000,000        37,871       27,986    1,000,000
   4        54,986     39,351      29,960    1,000,000     45,697    36,306    1,000,000        52,831       43,439    1,000,000
   5        70,493     48,410      39,513    1,000,000     57,959    49,062    1,000,000        69,124       60,227    1,000,000
   6        86,775     57,127      48,725    1,000,000     70,544    62,141    1,000,000        86,866       78,463    1,000,000
   7       103,872     65,480      57,571    1,000,000     83,437    75,528    1,000,000       106,178       98,269    1,000,000
   8       121,823     73,434      66,019    1,000,000     96,613    89,199    1,000,000       127,182      119,768    1,000,000
   9       140,671     80,946      74,026    1,000,000    110,039   103,119    1,000,000       150,012      143,092    1,000,000
  10       160,462     87,974      81,549    1,000,000    123,678   117,253    1,000,000       174,814      168,388    1,000,000
  11       181,243     95,394      89,463    1,000,000    138,461   132,530    1,000,000       202,767      196,836    1,000,000
  12       203,063    102,270      97,821    1,000,000    153,469   149,021    1,000,000       233,196      228,748    1,000,000
  13       225,973    108,579     107,097    1,000,000    168,693   167,210    1,000,000       266,357      264,874    1,000,000
  14       250,030    114,303     112,820    1,000,000    184,124   182,642    1,000,000       302,540      301,057    1,000,000
  15       275,289    119,405     119,405    1,000,000    199,744   199,744    1,000,000       342,063      342,063    1,000,000
  16       301,810    124,081     124,081    1,000,000    215,749   215,749    1,000,000       385,469      385,469    1,000,000
  17       329,658    128,364     128,364    1,000,000    232,191   232,191    1,000,000       433,223      433,223    1,000,000
  18       358,899    132,293     132,293    1,000,000    249,134   249,134    1,000,000       485,847      485,847    1,000,000
  19       389,601    135,941     135,941    1,000,000    266,671   266,671    1,000,000       543,938      543,938    1,000,000
  20       421,839    139,433     139,433    1,000,000    284,942   284,942    1,000,000       608,175      608,175    1,000,000
  21       455,688    141,916     141,916    1,000,000    303,264   303,264    1,000,000       678,856      678,856    1,000,000
  22       491,230    143,254     143,254    1,000,000    321,556   321,556    1,000,000       756,794      756,794    1,000,000
  23       528,549    143,297     143,297    1,000,000    339,734   339,734    1,000,000       842,964      842,964    1,000,000
  24       567,734    141,863     141,863    1,000,000    357,697   357,697    1,000,000       938,531      938,531    1,000,000
  25       608,878    138,711     138,711    1,000,000    375,313   375,313    1,000,000     1,044,300    1,044,300    1,096,515
  26       652,080    133,520     133,520    1,000,000    392,403   392,403    1,000,000     1,160,438    1,160,438    1,218,460
  27       697,441    125,870     125,870    1,000,000    408,739   408,739    1,000,000     1,287,910    1,287,910    1,352,305
  28       745,071    115,223     115,223    1,000,000    424,034   424,034    1,000,000     1,427,758    1,427,758    1,499,146
  29       795,082    100,946     100,946    1,000,000    437,972   437,972    1,000,000     1,581,108    1,581,108    1,660,164
  30       847,594     82,319      82,319    1,000,000    450,212   450,212    1,000,000     1,749,171    1,749,171    1,836,630
</TABLE>                                                                 

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)      NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)      CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES.

(3)      NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
         INVESTMENT RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE
         PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN.  ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION.  THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR
THE TRUST THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE
YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.





                                       41
<PAGE>   42
              $12,150 ANNUAL PREMIUM:  $1,000,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55
                  FEMALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                   GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
                          OPTION 1   GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                       12% HYPOTHETICAL        
                           GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN            GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN               GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN     
                           -----------------------            -----------------------               -----------------------     
          PREMIUMS                                                                                                              
          PAID PLUS                  CASH                             CASH                                     CASH             
POLICY    INTEREST      CASH         SURR       DEATH       CASH      SURR        DEATH         CASH           SURR      DEATH  
YEAR       AT 5%       VALUE        VALUE      BENEFIT      VALUE     VALUE      BENEFIT        VALUE         VALUE     BENEFIT 
           -----       -----        -----      -------      -----     -----      -------        -----         -----     ------- 
  <S>      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>       
   1        12,758     10,274         388    1,000,000      10,908     1,022    1,000,000       11,543        1,657   1,000,000
   2        26,153     20,247      10,361    1,000,000      22,144    12,258    1,000,000       24,116       14,231   1,000,000
   3        40,218     29,902      20,016    1,000,000      33,697    23,812    1,000,000       37,800       27,914   1,000,000
   4        54,986     39,218      29,827    1,000,000      45,555    36,164    1,000,000       52,678       43,287   1,000,000
   5        70,493     48,169      39,272    1,000,000      57,698    48,801    1,000,000       68,841       59,944   1,000,000
   6        86,775     56,720      48,317    1,000,000      70,097    61,695    1,000,000       86,377       77,975   1,000,000
   7       103,872     64,826      56,918    1,000,000      82,715    74,806    1,000,000      105,380       97,472   1,000,000
   8       121,823     72,426      65,012    1,000,000      95,492    88,078    1,000,000      125,936      118,522   1,000,000
   9       140,671     79,439      72,519    1,000,000     108,352   101,432    1,000,000      148,126      141,206   1,000,000
  10       160,462     85,776      79,350    1,000,000     121,207   114,781    1,000,000      172,038      165,612   1,000,000
  11       181,243     91,756      85,825    1,000,000     134,400   128,468    1,000,000      198,240      192,308   1,000,000
  12       203,063     96,851      92,402    1,000,000     147,401   142,953    1,000,000      226,427      221,978   1,000,000
  13       225,973    100,950      99,467    1,000,000     160,100   158,617    1,000,000      256,743      255,260   1,000,000
  14       250,030    103,926     102,443    1,000,000     172,366   170,883    1,000,000      289,355      287,872   1,000,000
  15       275,289    105,608     105,608    1,000,000     184,029   184,029    1,000,000      324,434      324,434   1,000,000
  16       301,810    105,765     105,765    1,000,000     194,861   194,861    1,000,000      362,161      362,161   1,000,000
  17       329,658    104,079     104,079    1,000,000     204,550   204,550    1,000,000      402,723      402,723   1,000,000
  18       358,899    100,126     100,126    1,000,000     212,689   212,689    1,000,000      446,328      446,328   1,000,000
  19       389,601    93,387       93,387    1,000,000     218,779   218,779    1,000,000      493,249      493,249   1,000,000
  20       421,839    83,268       83,268    1,000,000     222,248   222,248    1,000,000      543,882      543,882   1,000,000
  21       455,688    69,102       69,102    1,000,000     222,455   222,455    1,000,000      598,804      598,804   1,000,000
  22       491,230    50,147       50,147    1,000,000     218,675   218,675    1,000,000      658,831      658,831   1,000,000
  23       528,549    25,541       25,541    1,000,000     210,064   210,064    1,000,000      725,081      725,081   1,000,000
  24       567,734       (*)          (*)    1,000,000     195,569   195,569    1,000,000      799,054      799,054   1,000,000
  25       608,878       (*)          (*)    1,000,000     173,771   173,771    1,000,000      882,752      882,752   1,000,000
  26       652,080       (*)          (*)    1,000,000     142,711   142,711    1,000,000      978,740      978,740   1,027,677
  27       697,441       (*)          (*)    1,000,000      99,684    99,684    1,000,000    1,085,069    1,085,069   1,139,323
  28       745,071       (*)          (*)    1,000,000      40,930    40,930    1,000,000    1,200,974    1,200,974   1,261,022
  29       795,082       (*)          (*)    1,000,000         (*)       (*)    1,000,000    1,327,126    1,327,126   1,393,483
  30       847,594       (*)          (*)    1,000,000         (*)       (*)    1,000,000    1,464,218    1,464,218   1,537,428
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)   NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)   GUARANTEED VALUES REFLECT GUARANTEED COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES.

(3)   NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS INVESTMENT
      RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN.  ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION.  THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR
THE TRUST THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE
YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.





                                       42
<PAGE>   43
              $14,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM:  $1,000,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55
                  FEMALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                   GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
                           OPTION 2   CURRENT VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                       12% HYPOTHETICAL        
                           GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN            GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN               GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN     
                           -----------------------            -----------------------               -----------------------     
          PREMIUMS                                                                                                              
          PAID PLUS                  CASH                             CASH                                     CASH             
POLICY    INTEREST      CASH         SURR       DEATH       CASH      SURR        DEATH         CASH           SURR      DEATH  
YEAR       AT 5%       VALUE        VALUE      BENEFIT      VALUE     VALUE      BENEFIT        VALUE         VALUE     BENEFIT 
           -----       -----        -----      -------      -----     -----      -------        -----         -----     ------- 
  <S>      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>       
   1        14,700     11,941       1,616    1,011,941     12,675      2,350   1,012,675        13,410        3,085   1,013,410
   2        30,135     23,563      13,238    1,023,563     25,762     15,437   1,025,762        28,049       17,724   1,028,049
   3        46,342     34,853      24,528    1,034,853     39,259     28,934   1,039,259        44,020       33,695   1,044,020
   4        63,359     45,797      35,988    1,045,797     53,160     43,351   1,053,160        61,434       51,625   1,061,434
   5        81,227     56,375      47,082    1,056,375     67,456     58,164   1,067,456        80,408       71,116   1,080,408
   6        99,988     66,567      57,791    1,066,567     82,137     73,361   1,082,137       101,072       92,296   1,101,072
   7       119,688     76,345      68,085    1,076,345     97,182     88,922   1,097,182       123,557      115,297   1,123,557
   8       140,372     85,671      77,927    1,085,671    112,558    104,814   1,112,558       147,994      140,250   1,147,994
   9       162,090     94,492      87,265    1,094,492    128,218    120,990   1,128,218       174,518      167,291   1,174,518
  10       184,895    102,758      96,047    1,102,758    144,110    137,399   1,144,110       203,273      196,561   1,203,273
  11       208,840    111,427     105,232    1,111,427    161,243    155,048   1,161,243       235,528      229,333   1,235,528
  12       233,982    119,461     114,814    1,119,461    178,585    173,939   1,178,585       270,500      265,854   1,270,500
  13       260,381    126,831     125,282    1,126,831    196,103    194,554   1,196,103       308,418      306,869   1,308,418
  14       288,100    133,509     131,960    1,133,509    213,762    212,214   1,213,762       349,534      347,985   1,349,534
  15       317,205    139,451     139,451    1,139,451    231,512    231,512   1,231,512       394,109      394,109   1,394,109
  16       347,765    144,877     144,877    1,144,877    249,568    249,568   1,249,568       442,707      442,707   1,442,707
  17       379,853    149,822     149,822    1,149,822    267,969    267,969   1,267,969       495,760      495,760   1,495,760
  18       413,546    154,332     154,332    1,154,332    286,770    286,770   1,286,770       553,753      553,753   1,553,753
  19       448,923    158,492     158,492    1,158,492    306,066    306,066   1,306,066       617,263      617,263   1,617,263
  20       486,070    162,444     162,444    1,162,444    326,018    326,018   1,326,018       686,987      686,987   1,686,987
  21       525,073    165,195     165,195    1,165,195    345,623    345,623   1,345,623       762,485      762,485   1,762,485
  22       566,027    166,588     166,588    1,166,588    364,683    364,683   1,364,683       844,146      844,146   1,844,146
  23       609,028    166,452     166,452    1,166,452    382,976    382,976   1,382,976       932,380      932,380   1,932,380
  24       654,179    164,593     164,593    1,164,593    400,240    400,240   1,400,240     1,027,608    1,027,608   2,027,608
  25       701,588    160,756     160,756    1,160,756    416,138    416,138   1,416,138     1,130,226    1,130,226   2,130,226
  26       751,368    154,608     154,608    1,154,608    430,236    430,236   1,430,236     1,240,585    1,240,585   2,240,585
  27       803,636    145,735     145,735    1,145,735    441,987    441,987   1,441,987     1,358,971    1,358,971   2,358,971
  28       858,518    133,627     133,627    1,133,627    450,720    450,720   1,450,720     1,485,597    1,485,597   2,485,597
  29       916,144    117,733     117,733    1,117,733    455,683    455,683   1,455,683     1,620,638    1,620,638   2,620,638
  30       976,651     97,490      97,490    1,097,490    456,069    456,069   1,456,069     1,764,267    1,764,267   2,764,267
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)      NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)      CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES.

(3)      NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
         INVESTMENT RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE
         PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN.  ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION.  THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR
THE TRUST THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE
YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.





                                       43
<PAGE>   44
              $14,000 ANNUAL PREMIUM:  $1,000,000 SPECIFIED AMOUNT
                   MALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55
                  FEMALE: NON-TOBACCO: PREFERRED ISSUE: AGE 55

                   GUIDELINE PREMIUM/CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST
                          OPTION 2   GUARANTEED VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                0% HYPOTHETICAL                   6% HYPOTHETICAL                       12% HYPOTHETICAL        
                           GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN            GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN               GROSS INVESTMENT RETURN     
                           -----------------------            -----------------------               -----------------------     
          PREMIUMS                                                                                                              
          PAID PLUS                  CASH                             CASH                                     CASH             
POLICY    INTEREST      CASH         SURR       DEATH       CASH      SURR        DEATH         CASH           SURR      DEATH  
YEAR       AT 5%       VALUE        VALUE      BENEFIT      VALUE     VALUE      BENEFIT        VALUE         VALUE     BENEFIT 
           -----       -----        -----      -------      -----     -----      -------        -----         -----     ------- 
  <S>      <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>        <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>    
   1        14,700     11,936       1,611    1,011,936    12,670      2,345    1,012,670        13,404        3,079   1,013,404
   2        30,135     23,539      13,214    1,023,539    25,737     15,412    1,025,737        28,022       17,697   1,028,022
   3        46,342     34,788      24,463    1,034,788    39,189     28,864    1,039,189        43,946       33,621   1,043,946
   4        63,359     45,660      35,851    1,045,660    53,012     43,204    1,053,012        61,275       51,467   1,061,275
   5        81,227     56,123      46,831    1,056,123    67,182     57,890    1,067,182        80,110       70,818   1,080,110
   6        99,988     66,139      57,363    1,066,139    81,665     72,889    1,081,665       100,551       91,775   1,100,551
   7       119,688     75,654      67,394    1,075,654    96,411     88,151    1,096,411       122,696      114,436   1,122,696
   8       140,372     84,598      76,854    1,084,598   111,349    103,605    1,111,349       146,629      138,885   1,146,629
   9       162,090     92,878      85,650    1,092,878   126,380    119,152    1,126,380       172,419      165,192   1,172,419
  10       184,895    100,389      93,678    1,100,389   141,388    134,677    1,141,388       200,130      193,419   1,200,130
  11       208,840    107,497     101,302    1,107,497   156,750    150,555    1,156,750       230,355      224,160   1,230,355
  12       233,982    113,591     108,945    1,113,591   171,826    167,180    1,171,826       262,659      258,013   1,262,659
  13       260,381    118,542     116,993    1,118,542   186,455    184,906    1,186,455       297,096      295,548   1,297,096
  14       288,100    122,205     120,656    1,122,205   200,448    198,899    1,200,448       333,704      332,155   1,333,704
  15       317,205    124,390     124,390    1,124,390   213,558    213,558    1,213,558       372,472      372,472   1,372,472
  16       347,765    124,843     124,843    1,124,843   225,461    225,461    1,225,461       413,319      413,319   1,413,319
  17       379,853    123,226     123,226    1,123,226   235,724    235,724    1,235,724       456,060      456,060   1,456,060
  18       413,546    119,097     119,097    1,119,097   243,788    243,788    1,243,788       500,377      500,377   1,500,377
  19       448,923    111,942     111,942    1,111,942   248,984    248,984    1,248,984       545,830      545,830   1,545,830
  20       486,070    101,206     101,206    1,101,206   250,567    250,567    1,250,567       591,889      591,889   1,591,889
  21       525,073    86,330       86,330    1,086,330   247,744    247,744    1,247,744       637,950      637,950   1,637,950
  22       566,027    66,764       66,764    1,066,764   239,692    239,692    1,239,692       683,350      683,350   1,683,350
  23       609,028    41,964       41,964    1,041,964   225,546    225,546    1,225,546       727,356      727,356   1,727,356
  24       654,179    11,337       11,337    1,011,337   204,349    204,349    1,204,349       769,098      769,098   1,769,098
  25       701,588       (*)          (*)          (*)   174,940    174,940    1,174,940       807,453      807,453   1,807,453
  26       751,368       (*)          (*)          (*)   135,876    135,876    1,135,876       840,942      840,942   1,840,942
  27       803,636       (*)          (*)          (*)    85,404     85,404    1,085,404       867,682      867,682   1,867,682
  28       858,518       (*)          (*)          (*)    21,450     21,450    1,021,450       885,344      885,344   1,885,344
  29       916,144       (*)          (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)          (*)       891,298      891,298   1,891,298
  30       976,651       (*)          (*)          (*)       (*)        (*)          (*)       882,728      882,728   1,882,728
</TABLE>

ASSUMPTIONS:

(1)      NO POLICY LOANS AND NO PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS HAVE BEEN MADE.

(2)      CURRENT VALUES REFLECT CURRENT COST OF INSURANCE CHARGES.

(3)      NET INVESTMENT RETURNS ARE CALCULATED AS THE HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
         INVESTMENT RETURN LESS ALL CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS SHOWN IN THE
         PROSPECTUS APPENDIX.

THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF
PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RATES OF RETURN.  ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN MAY BE MORE
OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE
INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY AN OWNER, PREVAILING RATES AND RATES OF
INFLATION.  THE DEATH BENEFIT AND CASH VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE DIFFERENT
FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL RATES OF RETURN AVERAGED 0%, 6%, AND 12% OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY NATIONWIDE LIFE OR
THE TRUST THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE
YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.





                                      44
<PAGE>   45

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


                          Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors and Contract Owners of
  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2
  Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

     We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 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 VLI Separate Account-2 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 VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                               DECEMBER 31, 1995

<TABLE>
ASSETS:
  Investments at market value:
<S>                                                                                        <C>
    The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. (DrySRGro)
         62,614 shares (cost $1,038,589) ............................................      $  1,083,848
    Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         271,861 shares (cost $4,342,422) ...........................................         4,676,009
    Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
         1,479,252 shares (cost $24,428,367) ........................................        28,505,182
    Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidGro)
         1,134,365 shares (cost $33,508,734) ........................................        33,123,460
    Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc)
         825,519 shares (cost $9,365,281) ...........................................         9,947,503
    Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidOSeas)
         676,060 shares (cost $10,850,506) ..........................................        11,526,815
    Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidAsMgr)
         1,172,533 shares (cost $16,833,524) ........................................        18,514,290
    Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio (FidContP)
         195,404 shares (cost $2,668,754) ...........................................         2,692,665
    Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund (NWCapApp)
         212,307 shares (cost $2,582,301) ...........................................         2,861,899
    Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NWGvtBd)
         467,280 shares (cost $4,984,922) ...........................................         5,308,298
    Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NWMyMkt)
         25,831,056 shares (cost $25,831,056) .......................................        25,831,056
    Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund (NWSmCoFd)
         30,450 shares (cost $339,903) ..............................................           347,742
    Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)
         1,926,298 shares (cost $20,615,292) ........................................        22,229,482
    Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBGro)
         351,272 shares (cost $8,083,142) ...........................................         9,083,899
    Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBLtdMat)
         211,743 shares (cost $2,994,517) ...........................................         3,114,733
    Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBPart)
         216,170 shares (cost $2,643,081) ...........................................         2,859,928
    Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
         342,871 shares (cost $3,867,584) ...........................................         4,059,588
    Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
         397,052 shares (cost $5,971,306) ...........................................         5,955,777
    Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)
         349,048 shares (cost $4,730,069) ...........................................         5,078,650
    Strong VIP - Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. (StDisc2)
         403,468 shares (cost $4,727,581) ...........................................         5,422,616
    Strong VIP - Strong International Stock Fund II, Inc. (StIntStk2)
         9,631 shares (cost $97,747) ................................................            98,431
    Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)
         672,585 shares (cost $10,088,689) ..........................................        11,460,850
    TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
         217,142 shares (cost $1,372,140) ...........................................         1,528,680
    TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
         868,667 shares (cost $8,887,302) ...........................................        10,476,124
    TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt)
         208,270 shares (cost $1,082,648) ...........................................         1,110,078
    Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR)
         244,680 shares (cost $3,489,920) ...........................................         3,528,286
    Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd)
         182,821 shares (cost $1,985,685) ...........................................         2,036,622
    Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund (VKACRESec)
         28,825 shares (cost $299,720) ..............................................           309,583
    Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
         158,334 shares (cost $1,656,897) ...........................................         1,686,256
    Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)
         273,996 shares (cost $3,188,845) ...........................................         3,427,686
                                                                                           ------------
             Total assets ...........................................................       237,886,036
                                                                                              
    ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ................................................................           816,393
                                                                                           ------------   
    CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........................................................      $237,069,643
                                                                                           ============
</TABLE> 


<PAGE>   3
Contract owners' equity represented by:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           UNITS         UNIT VALUE
                                                                                         ---------       ----------
<S>                                                                                      <C>             <C>           <C>
 Single Premium contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990:
   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio .......................................           13,681       $26.373971    $    360,822
   Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ..............................................            9,046        30.259267         273,725
   Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio .........................................            3,417        21.685282          74,099
   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio ............................................            9,048        17.526172         158,577
   Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio ....................................            1,075        18.081878          19,438
   Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund ........................................            2,984        19.357639          57,763
   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ...........................................            9,556        14.287454         136,531
   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ...........................................            1,195        22.138653          26,456
   Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio ........................................            5,776        22.976381         132,712
   Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio .........................            4,610        15.906671          73,330
   Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund .........................................            1,656        11.503363          19,050
   Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ....................................              319        18.309087           5,841
   TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth ..................................................            8,480        25.381408         215,234
   Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund ....................................            4,617        12.839256          59,279
   Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund ................................................               23        14.458585             333
   Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund ....................            4,203        10.784280          45,326

 Single Premium contracts issued on or after April 16, 1990:
   The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ...........................           10,235        14.242220         145,769
   Dreyfus Stock Index Fund .....................................................           57,341        13.621789         781,087
   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio .......................................          508,482        21.648958      11,008,105
   Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ..............................................          435,011        20.999607       9,135,060
   Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio .........................................          124,646        22.388295       2,790,611
   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio ............................................          299,548        12.667544       3,794,537
   Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio ....................................          354,042        17.721708       6,274,229
   Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio .......................................           63,736        11.071965         705,683
   Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund ...................................           16,446        14.444672         237,557
   Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund ........................................          221,416        16.104612       3,565,819
   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ...........................................        1,202,213        12.028786      14,461,163
   Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund ..........................................           18,120        11.410311         206,755
   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ...........................................          136,950        19.154939       2,623,269
   Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio ........................................          167,819        16.264834       2,729,548
   Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio .........................           80,410        13.684722       1,100,388
   Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio ......................................           59,329        13.495873         800,697
   Oppenheimer - Bond Fund ......................................................           91,827        16.056725       1,474,441
   Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund .........................................          103,965        11.413379       1,186,592
   Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund .......................................          124,127        16.404926       2,036,294
   Strong VIP - Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. ..................................          130,968        16.214896       2,123,632
   Strong VIP - Strong International Stock Fund II, Inc. ........................            2,862        10.226632          29,269
   Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ....................................          162,203        18.074367       2,931,717
   TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced ................................................           38,974        12.914886         503,345
   TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth ..................................................          229,772        17.116040       3,932,787
   TCI Portfolios - TCI International ...........................................           41,356        10.403803         430,260
   Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund ....................................          118,139        14.230388       1,681,164
   Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund ................................................           55,939        14.170551         792,686
   Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund ....................           12,834        10.765797         138,168
   Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ..............................           68,691        10.661502         732,349
   Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio ..............................           93,602        12.430586       1,163,528

 Multiple Payment contracts and Flexible Premium contracts:
   The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. ...........................           65,138        14.401809         938,105
   Dreyfus Stock Index Fund .....................................................          282,759        13.775382       3,895,113
   Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio .......................................          771,429        22.215745      17,137,870
   Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio ..............................................        1,116,041        21.256059      23,722,633
   Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio .........................................          339,950        20.852993       7,088,975
   Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio ............................................          554,741        13.645033       7,569,459
   Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio ....................................          764,633        15.982529      12,220,769
   Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio .......................................          179,024        11.099135       1,987,012
   Nationwide SAT - Capital Appreciation Fund ...................................          178,373        14.713230       2,624,443
   Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund ........................................          112,463        14.984933       1,685,251
   Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund ...........................................          887,531        11.714295      10,396,800
   Nationwide SAT - Small Company Fund ..........................................           12,345        11.420759         140,989
   Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund ...........................................        1,076,286        18.192762      19,580,615
   Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio ........................................          389,800        15.962482       6,222,175
   Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio .........................          148,223        13.096811       1,941,249
   Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio ......................................          151,517        13.591346       2,059,320
   Oppenheimer - Bond Fund ......................................................          170,613        15.164813       2,587,314
   Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund .........................................          411,619        11.542134       4,750,962
   Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund .......................................          188,985        16.100377       3,042,730
   Strong VIP - Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. ..................................          199,781        16.514850       3,299,353
   Strong VIP - Strong International Stock Fund II, Inc. ........................            6,756        10.236021          69,155
   Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. ....................................          463,043        18.408627       8,523,986
   TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced ................................................           77,950        13.155049       1,025,436
   TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth ..................................................          391,898        16.149061       6,328,785
   TCI Portfolios - TCI International ...........................................           64,755        10.477472         678,469
   Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund ....................................          114,539        15.612002       1,788,183
   Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund ................................................           93,956        13.253457       1,245,242
   Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund ....................           11,685        10.792212         126,107
   Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio ..............................           89,255        10.687672         953,928
   Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio ..............................          181,701        12.461074       2,264,190
                                                                                            ======       ==========    ------------
                                                                                                                       $237,069,643
                                                                                                                       ============
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
===============================================================================


<PAGE>   4
================================================================================

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

        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 .........................          $   6,764,208            3,376,057           974,676
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
    Gain (loss) on investments:
         Proceeds from redemption of mutual fund shares ............            163,574,836          184,340,809       115,961,691
         Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...........................           (154,208,870)        (184,441,475)     (113,135,035)
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
         Realized gain (loss) on investments .......................              9,365,966             (100,666)        2,826,656
         Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ...........             17,134,325           (3,604,010)        1,224,589
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
              Net gain (loss) on investments .......................             26,500,291           (3,704,676)        4,051,245
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
                   Net investment activity .........................             33,264,499             (328,619)        5,025,921
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
    
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
    Purchase payments received from contract owners ................            106,694,208           77,172,455        31,008,045
    Surrenders (note 2d) ...........................................             (4,970,867)          (1,308,994)         (559,275)
    Death benefits (note 4) ........................................               (143,265)             (15,398)         (360,580)
    Policy loans (net of repayments) (note 5) ......................             (2,529,830)          (2,980,396)       (1,781,013)
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
                   Net equity transactions .........................             99,050,246           72,867,667        28,307,177
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
    
EXPENSES:
    Deductions for surrender charges (note 2d) .....................               (364,725)            (116,899)          (24,490)
    Redemptions to pay cost of insurance charges
         and administrative charges (notes 2b and 2c) ..............            (14,110,656)          (5,382,393)       (1,539,443)
    Deductions for asset charges (note 3) ..........................             (1,747,342)            (879,737)         (430,173)
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
                   Total expenses ..................................            (16,222,723)          (6,379,029)       (1,994,106)
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
    
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ..............................            116,092,022           66,160,019        31,338,992
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........................            120,977,621           54,817,602        23,478,610
                                                                              -------------         ------------      ------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ..............................          $ 237,069,643          120,977,621        54,817,602
                                                                              =============          ===========        ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
===============================================================================


<PAGE>   5
================================================================================

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

     The Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2 (the Account) was established
pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the Company) on May 7, 1987. The Account has been registered as a unit
investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

     The Company offers Modified Single Premium and Flexible Premium Variable
Life Insurance Policies through the Account. The primary distribution for the
contracts is through the brokerage community; however, other distributors may be
utilized.

   (b) The Contracts

     Prior to December 31, 1990, only contracts without a front-end sales
charge, but with a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, were
offered for purchase. Beginning December 31, 1990, contracts with a front-end
sales charge, a contingent deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are
offered for purchase. See note 2 for a discussion of policy charges, and note 3
for asset charges.

     Contract owners may invest in the following:

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

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

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

          Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidEqInc)
          Fidelity VIP - Growth Portfolio (FidGro)
          Fidelity VIP - High Income Portfolio (FidHiInc)
          Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidOSeas)

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

          Fidelity VIP-II - Asset Manager Portfolio (FidAsMgr)
          Fidelity VIP-II - Contrafund Portfolio (FidContP)

     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 - Small Company Fund (NWSmCoFd)
          Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NWTotRet)

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

          Neuberger & Berman - Growth Portfolio (NBGro)
          Neuberger & Berman - Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio (NBLtdMat)
          Neuberger & Berman - Partners Portfolio (NBPart)

Funds of the Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds (Oppenheimer);

          Oppenheimer - Bond Fund (OppBdFd)
          Oppenheimer - Global Securities Fund (OppGlSec)
          Oppenheimer - Multiple Strategies Fund (OppMult)

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

          Strong VIP - Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. (StDisc2)
          Strong VIP - Strong International Stock Fund II, Inc. (StIntStk2)
          Strong VIP - Strong Special Fund II, Inc. (StSpec2)


<PAGE>   6
     Portfolios of the TCI Portfolios, Inc. (TCI Portfolios);

          TCI Portfolios - TCI Balanced (TCIBal)
          TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth (TCIGro)
          TCI Portfolios - TCI International (TCIInt)

     Funds of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust (Van Eck) (formerly Van Eck
     Investment Trust);

          Van Eck - Gold and Natural Resources Fund (VEGoldNR)
          Van Eck - Worldwide Bond Fund (VEWrldBd) (formerly Van Eck - Global 
                    Bond Fund (VEGlobBd))

     Fund of the Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust (Van Kampen
     American Capital);

          Van Kampen American Capital - Real Estate Securities Fund 
          (VKACRESec)

     Portfolios of the Warburg Pincus Trust (Warburg Pincus);

          Warburg Pincus - International Equity Portfolio (WPIntEq)
          Warburg Pincus - Small Company Growth Portfolio (WPSmCoGr)

     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 policy charges (see
notes 2 and 3). 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. Fund purchases and sales are
accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). The
cost of investments sold is determined on a specific identification basis, and
dividends (which include capital gain distributions) are accrued as of the
ex-dividend date.

  (d) Federal Income Taxes

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

     Currently, no charge is being made to the Account for Federal income taxes,
or reserves for such taxes, which may be attributed to the Account. However, the
Company reserves the right to make such charges in the future.

  (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

(2) POLICY CHARGES

  (a) Deductions from Premiums

     On multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, the Company
deducts a charge for state premium taxes equal to 2.5% of all premiums received
to cover the payment of these premium taxes. The Company also deducts a sales
load from each premium payment received not to exceed 3.5% of each premium
payment. The Company may at its sole discretion reduce this sales loading.

  (b) Cost of Insurance

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

  (c) Administrative Charges

     For single premium contracts, the Company deducts an annual administrative
charge which is determined as follows:

     Contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990:
          Purchase payments totalling less than $25,000 - $10/month
          Purchase payments totalling $25,000 or more - none


<PAGE>   7
     Contracts issued on or after April 16, 1990:
          Purchase payments totalling less than $25,000 - $90/year ($65/year in
          New York)
          Purchase payments totalling $25,000 or more - $50/year

     For multiple payment contracts, the Company currently deducts a monthly
administrative charge of $5 (may deduct up to $7.50, maximum) to recover policy
maintenance, accounting, record keeping and other administrative expenses.

     For flexible premium contracts, the Company currently deducts a monthly
administrative charge of $25 during the first policy year and $5 per month
thereafter (may deduct up to $7.50, maximum) to recover policy maintenance,
accounting, record keeping and other administrative expenses. Additionally, the
Company deducts an increase charge of $2.04 per year per $1,000 applied to any
increase in the specified amount during the first 12 months after the increase
becomes effective.

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

  (d) Surrenders

     Policy surrenders result in a redemption of the contract value from the
Account and payment of the surrender proceeds to the contract owner or designee.
The surrender proceeds consist of the contract value, less any outstanding
policy loans, and less a surrender charge, if applicable. The charge is
determined according to contract type.

     For single premium contracts, the charge is determined based upon a
specified percentage of the original purchase payment. For single premium
contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990, the charge is 8% in the first year and
declines to 0% after the ninth year. For single premium contracts issued on or
after April 16, 1990, the charge is 8.5% in the first year, and declines to 0%
after the ninth year.

     For multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, the amount
charged is based upon a specified percentage of the initial surrender charge,
which varies by issue age, sex and rate class. The charge is 100% of the initial
surrender charge in the first year, declining to 0% after the ninth year.

     The Company may waive the surrender charge for certain contracts in which
the sales expenses normally associated with the distribution of a contract are
not incurred.

  (3) ASSET CHARGES

     For single premium contracts, the Company deducts a charge from the
contract to cover mortality and expense risk charges related to operations, and
to recover policy maintenance and premium tax charges. For contracts issued
prior to April 16, 1990, the charge is equal to an annual rate of .95% during
the first ten policy years, and .50% thereafter. A reduction of charges on these
contracts is possible in policy years six through ten for those contracts
achieving certain investment performance criteria. For single premium contracts
issued on or after April 16, 1990, the charge is equal to an annual rate of
1.30% during the first ten policy years, and 1.00% thereafter.

     For multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts the Company
deducts a charge equal to an annual rate of .80%, with certain exceptions, to
cover mortality and expense risk charges related to operations.

     The above charges are assessed through the daily unit value calculation.

(4) DEATH BENEFITS

     Death benefits result in a redemption of the contract value from the
Account and payment of the death benefit proceeds, less any outstanding policy
loans (and policy charges), to the legal beneficiary. The excess of the death
benefit proceeds over the contract value on the date of death is paid by the
Company's general account.

(5) POLICY LOANS (NET OF REPAYMENTS)

     Contract provisions allow contract owners to borrow up to 90% (50% during
first year of single premium contracts) of a policy's cash surrender value. For
single premium contracts issued prior to April 16, 1990, 6.5% interest is due
and payable annually in advance. For single premium contracts issued on or after
April 16, 1990, multiple payment contracts and flexible premium contracts, 6%
interest is due and payable in advance on the policy anniversary when there is a
loan outstanding on the policy.


<PAGE>   8
     At the time the loan is granted, the amount of the loan is transferred from
the Account to the Company's general account as collateral for the outstanding
loan. Collateral amounts in the general account are credited with the stated
rate of interest in effect at the time the loan is made, subject to a guaranteed
minimum rate. Loan repayments result in a transfer of collateral, including
interest, back to the Account.

(6) SCHEDULE I

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

          - Beginning unit value - Jan. 1

          - Reinvested dividends and capital gains (This amount reflects the
            increase in the unit value due to dividend and capital gain
            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.)

          - Asset charges
            (This amount reflects the decrease in the unit value due to the
            charges discussed in note 3.)

          - Ending unit value - Dec. 31

          - Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.
===============================================================================


<PAGE>   9
===============================================================================

                                                                     Schedule I

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

            SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO APRIL 16, 1990

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIDEQINC        FIDGRO          FIDHIINC       FIDOSEAS
                                                 --------        ------          --------       --------
1995

<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>         
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   $19.708533      22.566466       18.151674       16.131866   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            1.542607        .124738        1.314664         .123427   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            5.341041       7.828480        2.410020        1.428229   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                     (.218210)      (.260417)       (.191076)       (.157350)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     $26.373971      30.259267       21.685282       17.526172   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                 34%             34%             19%             9%      
============================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   $18.583057      22.785679       18.612185       16.009316   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            1.395798       1.371061        1.706032         .082663   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            (.087894)     (1.381165)      (1.991707)        .196908   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                     (.182428)      (.209109)       (.174836)       (.157021)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     $19.708533      22.566466       18.151674       16.131866   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                  6%            (1)%            (2)%             1%      
============================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   $15.870837      19.270345       15.591886       11.777024   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains             .463717        .428707        1.282532         .275295   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            2.415095       3.287237        1.901458        4.091447   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                     (.166592)      (.200610)       (.163691)       (.134450)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     $18.583057      22.785679       18.612185       16.009316   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                 17%            18%              19%             36%     
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FIDASMGR        NWGVTBD          NWMYMKT        NWTOTRET
                                                --------        -------          -------        --------
<S>                                             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   15.607540       16.457035       13.652006       17.312690
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .327932        1.167149         .768745        1.720678
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           2.304058        1.903991         .000000        3.293404
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.157652)       (.170536)       (.133297)       (.188119)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     18.081878       19.357639       14.287454       22.138653
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                 16%            18%              5%             28%
==========================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   16.778042       17.168348       13.267517       17.291720
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .815806        1.079469         .512535         .875020
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                          (1.832732)      (1.633239)        .000000        (.688478)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.153576)       (.157543)       (.128046)       (.165572)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     15.607540       16.457035       13.652006       17.312690
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                (7)%            (4)%             3%              0%
==========================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   13.992516       15.826033       13.035884       15.738275
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .649736        1.013212         .357335         .643850
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           2.280467         .488744         .000000        1.067081
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.144677)       (.159641)       (.125702)       (.157486)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                     16.778042       17.168348       13.267517       17.291720
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*                                 20%             8%              2%              10%
==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>

*  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as asset charges do not
   include the policy charges discussed in note 2.


<PAGE>   10
                                                          Schedule I, Continued

                        NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

             SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED PRIOR TO APRIL 16, 1990

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            NBGRO       NBLTDMAT     OPPGLSEC     STSPEC2      TCIGRO
                                         ----------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $17.608267    14.475203    11.358489    14.690448    19.544976
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .623265      .804090      .298934      .761035      .022491
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                     4.945641      .771696     (.045712)    3.013032     6.032555
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.200792)    (.144318)    (.108348)    (.155428)    (.218614)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $22.976381    15.906671    11.503363    18.309087    25.381408
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     unit value*(a)                          30%          10%           1%          25%          30%
=======================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $18.709214    14.635617    12.162716    14.315226    19.964524
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     2.255334      .618309      .214436      .411358      .002137
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                    (3.185612)    (.641424)    (.903773)     .103258     (.236035)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.170669)    (.137299)    (.114890)    (.139394)    (.185650)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $17.608267    14.475203    11.358489    14.690448    19.544976
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                      (6)%          (1)%        (7)%           3%         (2)%
=======================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $17.686598     13.856975       **           **       18.270571
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .409995       .569917                               .049805
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                      .782366       .345457                              1.825395
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.169745)     (.136732)                             (.181247)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $18.709214     14.635617                             19.964524
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                       6%            6%                                     9%
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          VEGOLDNR     VEWRLDBD    VKACRESEC
                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            11.677805    12.443161    10.000000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     .115292     1.008475      .092106
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                    1.160549     1.138120      .740132
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                             (.114390)    (.131171)    (.047958)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              12.839256    14.458585    10.784280
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     unit value*(a)                         10%          16%         8%(b)
============================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            12.382561    12.729709       **
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     .062321      .051271
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                    (.652194)    (.220753)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                             (.114883)    (.117066)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              11.677805    12.443161
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     (6)%         (2)%
============================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1             7.583732        **          **
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     .035765
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                    4.857738
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                             (.094674)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              12.382561
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                      63%
============================================================================
</TABLE>

*  An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

   (a) Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and

   (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

** This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


<PAGE>   11
===============================================================================
                                                          Schedule I, Continued

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          DRYSRGRO      DRYSTKLX      FIDEQINC      FIDGRO      FIDHIINC     FIDOSEAS     FIDASMGR
                                         ----------    -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $10.722275     10.088849    16.234159    15.715602    18.805616    11.700527    15.350115
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .392053        .36133     1.269479      .086841     1.361583      .089493      .322418
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                     3.289798      3.326196     4.390826     5.444880     2.491513     1.033414     2.260958
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.161906)     (.154595)    (.245506)    (.247716)    (.270417)    (.155890)    (.211783)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $14.242220     13.621789    21.648958    20.999607    22.388295    12.667544    17.721708
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                      33%           35%          33%          34%          19%           8%          15%
==================================================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $10.702403     10.131165    15.360584    15.923752    19.350153    11.652241    16.559029
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .276372       .283260     1.152726      .957853     1.773098      .060146      .804872
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                     (.117327)     (.195255)    (.073161)    (.966373)   (2.069306)     .144272    (1.806726)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.139173)     (.130321)    (.205990)    (.199630)    (.248329)    (.156132)    (.207060)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $10.722275     10.088849    16.234159    15.715602    18.805616    11.700527    15.350115
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                      0%            0%            6%          (1)%         (3)%          0%          (7)%
==================================================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 **       $10.000000    13.165400    13.515048    16.267831     8.602313    13.859040
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                   1.497818      .383884      .300564     1.337665      .201014      .643313
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                  (1.334006)    2.000061     2.300317     1.977956     2.983042     2.252405
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                            (.032647)    (.188761)    (.192177)    (.233299)    (.134128)    (.195729)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                            $10.131165    15.360584    15.923752    19.350153    11.652241    16.559029
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                                   1%(b)         17%          18%          19%          35%          19%
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FIDCONTP     NWCAPAPP     NWGVTBD
                                         ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            10.000000    11.312336    13.739287
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     .142783      .642275      .972265
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                     .998389     2.653961     1.587542
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                             (.069207)    (.163900)    (.194482)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              11.071965    14.444672    16.104612
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                    11%(b)        28%          17%
============================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                **       11.563943    14.383265
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                  .182742      .902346
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                 (.286826)   (1.366016)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                          (.147523)    (.180308)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                           11.312336    13.739287
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                                  (2)%        (4)%
============================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 **      10.688742    13.305926
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                  .260088      .849957
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                  .755302      .410720
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                          (.140189)    (.183338)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                           11.563943    14.383265
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                                   8%           8%
============================================================================
</TABLE>


 *   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

         (a) Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note
             2; and

         (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year
             indicated.

**   This investment option was not available or was not utilized.
===============================================================================


<PAGE>   12
===============================================================================
                                                          Schedule I, Continued

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           NWMYMKT      NWSMCOFD     NWTOTRET      NBGRO       NBLTDMAT     NBPART       OPPBDFD
                                         -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------  -----------   ----------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $11.534440    10.000000    15.031721    12.508337    12.496729    10.018146    13.903136
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .648458      .017459     1.489410      .442496      .693794      .081860      .956955
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                      .000000     1.418328     2.856936     3.508824      .664378     3.550382     1.391543
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.154112)    (.025476)    (.223128)    (.194823)    (.170179)    (.154515)    (.194909)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $12.028786    11.410311    19.154939    16.264834    13.684722    13.495873    16.056725
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       4%         14%(b)        27%          30%           10%         35%          15%
=================================================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $11.249231       **        15.066007    13.336899    12.679406    10.000000    14.362878
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .433762                   .760244     1.607088      .535454      .000000      .809172
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                      .000000                  (.597472)   (2.269450)    (.555628)     .072562    (1.086058)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.148553)                 (.197058)    (.166200)    (.162503)    (.054416)    (.182856)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $11.534440                 15.031721    12.508337    12.496729    10.018146    13.903136
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       3%                        0%         (6)%         (1)%         0%(b)        (3)%
=================================================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1            $11.092030       **        13.761364    12.652864    12.047601       **        12.872824
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains      .303567                   .561430      .293188      .495297                   .894915
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                      .000000                   .931322      .556715      .298894                   .774891
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                              (.146366)                 (.188109)    (.165868)    (.162386)                 (.179752)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31              $11.249231                 15.066007    13.336899    12.679406                 14.362878
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       1%                        9%           5%           5%                       12%
=================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             OPPGLSEC     OPPMULT      STDISC2
                                            ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               11.309050    13.693997    12.144445
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains        .297396     1.103154      .211667
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                       (.045694)    1.805769     4.042004
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                (.147373)    (.197994)    (.183220)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 11.413379    16.404926    16.214896
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                         1%          20%          34%
===============================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               12.152136    14.148115    13.003547
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains        .214078      .720350      .971167
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                       (.900362)    (.993926)   (1.670283)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                (.156802)    (.180542)    (.159986)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 11.309050    13.693997    12.144445
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       (7)%         (3)%         (7)%
===============================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               10.000000    12.362293    10.796269
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains        .000000      .546245      .809234
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                       2.187580     1.411883     1.546688
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                (.035444)    (.172306)    (.148644)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                 12.152136    14.148115    13.003547
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value* (a)                       22%(b)        14%         20%
===============================================================================
</TABLE>


 *   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

     (a) Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2;
         and

     (b) This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**   This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


<PAGE>   13
                                                          Schedule I, Continued

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           SINGLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 16, 1990

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         STINTSTK2     STSPEC2      TCIBAL        TCIGRO       TCIINT     VEGOLDNR      VEWRLDBD
                                        -----------   ---------   ----------    ----------   ----------   ----------   ---------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1           $10.000000    14.552799    10.801955    13.226279     9.392654    12.988341    12.237880
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains     .041085      .753037      .305779      .015219      .000000      .127947      .990055
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                     .209467     2.978850     1.961461     4.076606     1.136602     1.287916     1.118852
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                             (.023920)    (.210319)    (.154309)    (.202064)    (.125453)    (.173816)    (.176236)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31             $10.226632    18.074367    12.914886    17.116040    10.403803    14.230388    14.170551
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                     2%(b)         24%          20%          29%          11%          10%          16%
================================================================================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               **       $14.230663    10.876445    13.557427    10.000000    13.820369    12.563474
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                  .407898      .260556      .001450      .000000      .069418      .050533
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                  .103521     (.194370)    (.160376)    (.554327)    (.726294)    (.218292)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                          (.189283)    (.140676)    (.172222)    (.053019)    (.175152)    (.157835)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                          $14.552799    10.801955    13.226279     9.392654    12.988341    12.237880
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                                    2%         (1)%         (2)%         (6)%(b)      (6)%         (3)%
================================================================================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1               **       $11.518529    10.232336    12.451309        **        8.494453    11.809827
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                  .057229      .193813      .033826                   .039957      .949184
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                 2.823424      .587650     1.241015                  5.430795     (.037350)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                          (.168519)    (.137354)    (.168723)                 (.144836)    (.158187)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                          $14.230663    10.876445     13.557427                13.820369    12.563474
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                                   24%           6%            9%                      63%           6%
================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           VKACRESEC     WPINTEQ      WPSMCOGR
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
1995

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1              10.000000    10.000000    10.000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains       .091962      .077347      .000000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                       .739397      .650501     2.501606
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                               (.065562)    (.066346)    (.071020)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                10.765797    10.661502    12.430586
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)                       8%(b)         7%(b)       24%(b)
==============================================================================

1994

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 **            **          **
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges           
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)
==============================================================================

1993

Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 **            **          **
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
     in unit value*(a)
==============================================================================
</TABLE>

*   An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

     (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2;
          and

     (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**   This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


<PAGE>   14
                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DrySRGro               DryStkIx         FidEqInc         FidGro         FidHiInc     
                                               --------               --------         --------         ------         --------     

<S>                                            <C>                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>          
1995
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.788547              10.151919       16.576413       15.828463       17.428943    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .396430                .364933        1.297971         .087506        1.262495    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           3.317353               3.354508        4.496038        5.494030        2.316172    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.100521)              (.095978)       (.154677)       (.153940)       (.154617)   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $14.401809              13.775382       22.215745       21.256059       20.852993    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                                 33%                     36%             34%             34%             20%      
====================================================================================================================================

1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.715005              10.143796       15.606442       15.958341       17.844401    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .278073                .284601        1.172669         .960381        1.635883    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           (.118575)              (.195976)       (.073581)       (.966828)      (1.910067)   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.085956)              (.080502)       (.129117)       (.123431)       (.141274)   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $10.788547              10.151919       16.576413       15.828463       17.428943    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                      
in unit value* (a)                                 1%                      0%              6%             (1)%            (2)%      
====================================================================================================================================

1993
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.000000              10.000000       13.308899       13.476298       14.926526    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .031142               1.499665         .389191         .299849        1.227974    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            .703426              (1.335764)       2.026087        2.300419        1.821967    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.019563)              (.020105)       (.117735)       (.118225)       (.132066)   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $10.715005              10.143796       15.606442       15.958341       17.844401    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                                      
in unit value* (a)                                7%(b)                  1%(b)            17%             18%              20%      
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               FidOSeas        FidAsMgr        FidContP        NWCapApp        NWGvtBd
                                               --------        --------        --------        --------        -------

<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
1995
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  12.540728       13.774855       10.000000       11.465403       12.720514
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains           .095965         .289466         .143118         .653781         .903001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                          1.111417        2.035460         .998657        2.696528        1.472503
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                   (.103077)       (.117252)       (.042640)       (.102482)       (.111085)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    13.645033       15.982529       11.099135       14.713230       14.984933
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                                 9%              16%            11%(b)           28%             18%
========================================================================================================================

1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  12.426854       14.785784           **          11.662121       13.250482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains           .064174         .719044                         .184927         .833925
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           .152413       (1.615920)                       (.289863)      (1.261429)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                   (.102713)       (.114053)                       (.091782)       (.102464)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    12.540728       13.774855                       11.465403       12.720514
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                                       
in unit value* (a)                                 1%             (7)%                                (2)%            (4)%
========================================================================================================================

1993
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                   9.128094       12.312732           **          10.725293       12.196370
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains           .213405         .571816                         .261975         .781559
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                          3.173177        2.008516                         .761628         .376228
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                   (.087822)       (.107280)                       (.086775)       (.103675)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    12.426854       14.785784                       11.662121       13.250482
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                                         
in unit value* (a)                                36%              20%                             9%              9%
========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


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

**   This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


<PAGE>   15
                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NWMyMkt        NWSmCoFd         NWTotRet         NBGro          NBLtdMat     
                                                -------        --------         --------         -----          --------     

1995

<S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>           
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $11.176411      10.000000       14.205723       12.214794       11.900389     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .629782        .017475        1.413734         .432461         .661221     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            .000000       1.418968        2.703396        3.432609         .635177     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.091898)      (.015684)       (.130091)       (.117382)       (.099976)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $11.714295      11.420759       18.192762       15.962482       13.096811     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
in unit value* (a)                                  5%           14%(b)           28%             31%              10%       
=============================================================================================================================


1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.845265          **          14.167308       12.959107       12.014277     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .419275                         .717782        1.562441         .507651         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            .000000                        (.565055)      (2.207122)       (.526553)        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.088129)                       (.114312)       (.099632)       (.094986)       
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $11.176411                       14.205723       12.214794       11.900389         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
in unit value* (a)                                  3%                              0%            (6)%            (1)%              
=============================================================================================================================


1993
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.639809          **          12.875439       12.232618       11.358230     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .291848                        .527331         .283612         .467224     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            .000000                        .873117         .541815         .283278     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.086392)                      (.108579)       (.098938)       (.094455)    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $10.845265                      14.167308       12.959107       12.014277     
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                                                                               
in unit value* (a)                                  2%                             10%             6%              6%        
=============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NBPart          OppBdFd        OppGlSec        OppMult          StDisc2
                                                 ------          -------        --------        -------          -------

1995

<S>                                            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.038887       13.065574       11.379737       13.372968       12.307607
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .082096         .902009         .299595        1.079776         .215562
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                           3.565899        1.310232        (.045711)       1.766931        4.106245
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.095536)       (.113002)       (.091487)       (.119298)       (.114564)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $13.591346       15.164813       11.542134       16.100377       16.514850
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
in unit value* (a)                                  35%            16%              1%              20%             34%
=========================================================================================================================


1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  $10.000000       13.430475       12.167250       13.747705       13.112678
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains            .000000         .759284         .214589         .702216         .983647
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                            .072401       (1.018698)       (.905246)       (.968729)      (1.689193)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                    (.033514)       (.105487)       (.096856)       (.108224)       (.099525)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                    $10.038887       13.065574       11.379737       13.372968       12.307607
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)
in unit value* (a)                                  0%             (3)%            (6)%            (3)%            (6)%
=========================================================================================================================


1993
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                       **         $11.976650       10.000000       11.952042       10.832134
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                            .835328         .000000         .529802         .814568 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                            .721678        2.189077        1.368631        1.557980
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                                    (.103181)       (.021827)       (.102770)       (.092004)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                                    $13.430475       12.167250       13.747705       13.112678
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                                
in unit value* (a)                                                  12%            22%(b)          15%              21%
=========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


*    An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

  (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and

  (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**   This investment option was not available or was not utilized.


<PAGE>   16
                                                           SCHEDULE I, CONTINUED

                       NATIONWIDE VLI SEPARATE ACCOUNT-2

           MULTIPLE PAYMENT CONTRACTS AND FLEXIBLE PREMIUM CONTRACTS

                      SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUES

                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              StIntStk2       StSpec2         TCIBal          TCIGro           TCIInt  
                                              ---------       -------         -------         ------           ------  

<S>                                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>      
1995
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                $10.000000      14.748256       10.948128       12.417011        9.412116 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains          .041121        .764407         .310910         .014289         .000000 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                          .209625       3.027469        1.992508        3.834812        1.142911 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                  (.014725)      (.131505)       (.096497)       (.117051)       (.077555)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                  $10.236021      18.408627       13.155049       16.149061       10.477472 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                               2%(b)           25%             20%             30%             11%   
=======================================================================================================================


1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                    **         $14.350073       10.968814       12.664593       10.000000 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                         .412806         .263602         .001356         .000000 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                         .103139        (.196764)       (.149703)       (.555221)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                                 (.117762)       (.087524)       (.099235)       (.032663)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                                 $14.748256       10.948128       12.417011        9.412116 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)                       
in unit value* (a)                                               3%              0%             (2)%           (6)%(b)  
=======================================================================================================================

                                                     
1993                                          
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                    **         $11.556788       10.267347       11.572833           **    
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains                         .057587         .195102         .031592                 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                                        2.840017         .591395        1.156915                 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                                 (.104319)       (.085030)       (.096747)                
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                                 $14.350073       10.968814       12.664593                 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                                              24%              7%              9%                    
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               VEGoldNR        VEWrldBd        VKACRESec       WPIntEq        WPSmCoGr
                                               --------        --------        ---------       -------        --------

<S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>      
1995
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 14.178501       11.388987       10.000000       10.000000       10.000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains          .140115         .923751         .092168         .077521         .000000
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                         1.410450        1.041904         .740443         .651025        2.504833
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                  (.117064)       (.101185)       (.040399)       (.040874)       (.043759)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                   15.612002       13.253457       10.792212       10.687672       12.461074
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                                10%            16%             8%(b)           7%(b)          25%(b)
=======================================================================================================================


1994
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                 15.011706       11.633841           **               **             **
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains          .075618         .046884
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                         (.791458)       (.201583)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                  (.117365)       (.090155)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                   14.178501       11.388987
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease)              
in unit value* (a)                                (6)%           (2)%
=======================================================================================================================

                                            
1993                                        
Beginning unit value - Jan. 1                  9.180337       10.880964           **               **             **
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvested dividends and capital gains          .043340         .876895
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized gain (loss)                         5.884613        (.034094)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset charges                                  (.096584)       (.089924)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ending unit value - Dec. 31                   15.011706       11.633841
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage increase (decrease) 
in unit value* (a)                                64%             7%
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE>


*    An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

  (a)  Asset charges do not include the policy charges discussed in note 2; and

  (b)  This investment option was not utilized for the entire year indicated.

**   This investment option was not available.


See note 6.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




<PAGE>   46

<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>




© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission