NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT 3
485BPOS, 1997-04-22
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<PAGE>   1

             As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                       Registration No. 33-24434
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                  REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                  ACT OF 1933

   
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 [x]
    

                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of Depositor)

                   ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

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

   GORDON E. MCCUTCHAN, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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

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

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

   
[ X ] on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
    
[   ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485 

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

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

   
       The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of securities by a
prior registration statement in accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Registrant filed its Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996, on February 25, 1997.
    
===============================================================================

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<PAGE>   2

                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3
                    REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                         PAGE
<S>        <C>                                                                                                     <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS

    Item    1.    Cover page........................................................................................3
    Item    2.    Definitions.......................................................................................4
    Item    3.    Synopsis or Highlights...........................................................................11
    Item    4.    Condensed Financial Information..................................................................12
    Item    5.    General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies............................14
    Item    6.    Deductions and Expenses..........................................................................16
    Item    7.    General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts................................................19
    Item    8.    Annuity Period...................................................................................22
    Item    9.    Death Benefit and Distributions..................................................................24
    Item   10.    Purchases and Contract Value.....................................................................28
    Item   11.    Redemptions......................................................................................30
    Item   12.    Taxes............................................................................................31
    Item   13.    Legal Proceedings................................................................................37
    Item   14.    Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.....................................37

Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Item   15.    Cover Page.......................................................................................40
    Item   16.    Table of Contents................................................................................40
    Item   17.    General Information and History..................................................................40
    Item   18.    Services.........................................................................................40
    Item   19.    Purchase of Securities Being Offered.............................................................40
    Item   20.    Underwriters.....................................................................................41
    Item   21.    Calculation of Performance.......................................................................41
    Item   22.    Annuity Payments.................................................................................42
    Item   23.    Financial Statements.............................................................................43

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION

    Item   24     Financial Statements and Exhibits................................................................78
    Item   25.    Directors and Officers of the Depositor..........................................................80
    Item   26.    Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant...................82
    Item   27.    Number of Contract Owners........................................................................91
    Item   28.    Indemnification..................................................................................91
    Item   29.    Principal Underwriter............................................................................92
    Item   30.    Location of Accounts and Records.................................................................98
    Item   31.    Management Services..............................................................................98
    Item   32.    Undertakings.....................................................................................99
</TABLE>

                                    2 of 102
<PAGE>   3

                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                  HOME OFFICE
                                P.O. BOX 182030
         COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2030, 1-800-826-3167, TDD 1-800-238-3035

                 INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
                   THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3
    

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

       Purchase payments are allocated to the Nationwide Variable Account-3
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company
(the "Company"). The Variable Account uses its assets to purchase shares at net
asset value in one or more of the following series of the underlying Mutual
Fund options:

                VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:

           -Asset Allocation Fund (Formerly "Multiple Strategy Fund")
           -Domestic Income Fund (Formerly "Domestic Strategic Income Fund")
           -Emerging Growth Fund
           -Enterprise Fund (Formerly "Common Stock Fund")
           -Global Equity Fund
           -Government Fund
           -Money Market Fund
           -Real Estate Securities Fund

   
       This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts issued by the
Nationwide Variable Account-3 before investing. You should read it and keep it
for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 1997,
containing further information about the Contracts and the Nationwide Variable
Account-3 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can
obtain a copy without charge from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by calling
the number listed above, or writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030.
    

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

   
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1997, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 34 THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.
    

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<PAGE>   4

                           GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

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

ANNUITANT- The person actually receiving annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payment involving life contingencies depends.
The Annuitant is named on the Data Page of the Contract unless changed. No
change of Annuitant may be made without the prior consent of the Company. This
person must be age 78 or younger at the time of Contract issuance.

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

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

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

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION-The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options are
available under the Contract.

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

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

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

COMPANY- Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY-The Contingent Beneficiary is the person who may be the
recipient of certain benefits under the Contract if the named Beneficiary is
not living at the time of the death of the Designated Annuitant.

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

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

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY-An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract as
shown on the Data Page of the Contract.

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

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

CONTRACT YEAR-Each year the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.

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

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

                                       2

                                    4 of 102

<PAGE>   5

DESIGNATED ANNUITANT-The person designated prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date to receive annuity payments. The Designated Annuitant is named on the Data
Page, unless changed. The Company reserves the right to reject any change of
the Designated Annuitant which has been made without the prior consent of the
Company. This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of contract
issuance.

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

ERISA-The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

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

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

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

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

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD-An interest rate declared for the Fixed Account
is guaranteed not to change for the duration of the Interest Rate Guarantee
Period. The interest rate declared will expire on the final day of a calendar
quarter during which the one year anniversary of the deposit or transfer into
the Fixed Account occurs; therefore, the initial Interest Rate Guarantee Period
for deposits or transfers to the Fixed Account may continue for up to three
months after a one year period has expired. Subsequent guarantee periods will
be for twelve months.

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

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

OWNER'S BENEFICIARY-The Owner's Beneficiary is named in the application and is
subject to change by the Owner. If the Owner wishes to name an Owner's
Beneficiary, he must do so in the application. The Owner's Beneficiary may be
the recipient of certain rights or benefits under this Contract when the Owner
dies before the Annuity Commencement Date. The Owner's right to name an Owner's
Beneficiary may be restricted under the provisions of the retirement or
deferred compensation plan for which this Contract is issued.

PLAN PARTICIPANT-The Plan Participant is the person for whom contributions are
being made to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity either through employer
contributions or employee salary reduction contributions.

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

   
QUALIFIED CONTRACTS- A Contract issued to fund a Qualified Plan.

QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
the provisions of Sections 401 or 403(a) of the Code. SUB-ACCOUNTS- Separate
and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which specific underlying
Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation Units and Annuity
Units are separately maintained.  
    

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

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

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

VARIABLE ACCOUNT-The Nationwide Variable Account-3, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate underlying Mutual Fund.

VARIABLE ANNUITY-An annuity providing for payments which vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.

                                       3

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<PAGE>   6

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS..............................................................................................2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES...........................................................................................6
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES.................................................................................6
SYNOPSIS...............................................................................................................9
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................10
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.....................................................................................12
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT..................................................................................................12
         Underlying Mutual Fund Options...............................................................................12
         Voting Rights................................................................................................13
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS.....................................................14
         Mortality Risk Charge........................................................................................14
         Expense Risk Charge..........................................................................................14
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.............................................................................14
         Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge..............................................................15
         Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge........................................................16
         Premium Taxes................................................................................................16
         Expenses of the Variable Account.............................................................................16
         Investments of the Variable Account..........................................................................17
         Right to Revoke..............................................................................................17
         Transfers....................................................................................................17
         Assignment...................................................................................................18
         Loan Privilege...............................................................................................18
         Contract Ownership Provisions................................................................................19
         Owner's Beneficiary Provisions...............................................................................20
         Beneficiary Provisions.......................................................................................20
         Substitution of Securities...................................................................................20
         Contract Owner Inquiries.....................................................................................20
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT...............................................................................20
         Value of an Annuity Unit.....................................................................................21
         Assumed Investment Rate......................................................................................21
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments.....................................................................21
         Annuity Commencement Date....................................................................................21
         Change in Annuity Commencement Date..........................................................................21
         Annuity Payment Options......................................................................................21
         Death of Contract Owner Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts.................................................22
         Death of the Designated Annuitiant Provisions - Non-Qualified Contracts......................................22
         Death of the Contract Owner/Designated Annuitant Provisions..................................................22
         Death Benefit Payment Provisions.............................................................................22
         Required Distribution Provisions for Non-Qualified Contracts.................................................23
         Required Distribution for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities.........................................23
         Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities...................................................24
         Generation-Skipping Transfers................................................................................25
GENERAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................25
         Contract Owner Services......................................................................................25
         Statements and Reports.......................................................................................26
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value...........................................................26
         Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit................................................................27
         Net Investment Factor........................................................................................27
         Valuation of Assets..........................................................................................27
         Determining the Contract Value...............................................................................27
         Surrender (Redemption).......................................................................................28
         Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract..........................................28
         Federal Tax Considerations...................................................................................29
         Federal Income Taxes.........................................................................................29
         Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Owners..........................................................29
         Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Owners......................................................30
         Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Annuities and Tax Sheltered Annuities.................................31
         Withholding..................................................................................................31
         Non-Resident Aliens..........................................................................................31
         Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes.................................................32
</TABLE>
    

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<PAGE>   7

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                   <C>
         Charge for Tax Provisions....................................................................................32
         Diversification..............................................................................................32
         Tax Changes..................................................................................................33
         Advertising..................................................................................................33
FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY..............................................................................................34
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.....................................................................................................35
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..............................................................35
APPENDIX..............................................................................................................36
</TABLE>
    

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<PAGE>   8

                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C> 
    Maximum Deferred Sales Charge(1)................................    7 %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME

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

                  0                                    7%
                  1                                    6%
                  2                                    5%
                  3                                    4%
                  4                                    3%
                  5                                    2%
                  6                                    1%
                  7                                    0%                 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2).......................    $30
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge...............................    1.25  %
    Administration Charge...........................................    0.05  %
    Total Variable Account Annual Expenses..........................    1.30  %
</TABLE>
   
1   During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
    Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") any amount in order for the
    contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code. Starting
    with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the Contract
    Owner may withdraw without a CDSC, the greater of (a) an amount equal to
    10% of that Purchase Payment or (b) any amount withdrawn in order for the
    Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code.
    Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of
    a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan or other Qualified Plan. This CDSC-free
    withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative; that is, free amounts not taken
    during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
    subsequent Contract Year (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" for
    additional waiver provisions).
    
2   The annual Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract
    Anniversary and in any year in which the entire Contract Value is
    surrendered on the date of Surrender. The Company waives or reduces the
    Contract Maintenance fee for certain Qualified Plans (see "Contract
    Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge").

                     UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
                        (After Expense Reimbursements)3

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  TOTAL UNDERLYING MUTUAL
                                                  MANAGEMENT FEES            OTHER EXPENSES              FUND EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                        <C>                        <C>   
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.00%                      0.60%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Asset Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.00%                      0.60%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Domestic Income Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.00%                      0.85%                      0.85%
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.37%                      0.23%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.00%                      1.20%                      1.20%
Investment Trust - Global Equity Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.33%                      0.27%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Government Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       0.00%                      0.60%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Money Market Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment 
Trust - Real Estate Securities Fund                    0.83%                      0.27%                      1.10%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3   The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying Mutual
    Fund level and are not direct charges against separate account assets or
    reductions from Contract Values. 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 unit values of
    the Variable Account. The following funds are subject to fee waivers or
    expense reimbursement arrangements:
    

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<PAGE>   9

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           FUND                        EXPENSES WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT OR WAIVER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       Advisory fees plus the cost of accounting services before 
Investment Trust - Asset Allocation Fund               expense reimbursement equalled 0.60%. The Funds net total
                                                       operating expenses were 0.60%, which is pursuant to an
                                                       agreement with the Advisor to limit ordinary business
                                                       expenses of the Fund to 0.60% per year of the average net
                                                       assets of the Fund by reducing the other expenses in excess 
                                                       of such limitation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       Advisory fees plus the cost of accounting services before 
Investment Trust - Domestic Income Fund                expense reimbursement equalled 0.69%. The Funds net total
                                                       operating expenses were 0.60%, which is pursuant to an
                                                       agreement with the Advisor to limit ordinary business
                                                       expenses of the Fund to 0.60% per year of the average net
                                                       assets of the Fund by reducing the other expenses in excess 
                                                       of such limitation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       Advisory fees plus the cost of accounting services before 
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund                     expense reimbursement equalled 0.58%. The Funds net total
                                                       operating expenses were 0.60%, which is pursuant to an
                                                       agreement with the Advisor to limit ordinary business
                                                       expenses of the Fund to 0.60% per year of the average net
                                                       assets of the Fund by reducing the other expenses in excess 
                                                       of such limitation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       Advisory fees plus the cost of accounting services before 
Investment Trust - Government Fund                     expense reimbursement equalled 0.59%. The Funds net total
                                                       operating expenses  were 0.60%, which is pursuant to an
                                                       agreement with the Advisor to limit ordinary business
                                                       expenses of the Fund to 0.60% per year of the average net
                                                       assets of the Fund by reducing the other expenses in excess 
                                                       of such limitation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                       Advisory fees plus the cost of accounting services before 
Investment Trust - Money Market Fund                   expense reimbursement equalled 0.70%. The Funds net total
                                                       operating expenses were 0.60%, which is pursuant to an
                                                       agreement with the Advisor to limit ordinary business
                                                       expenses of the Fund to 0.60% per year of the average net
                                                       assets of the Fund by reducing the other expenses in excess 
                                                       of such limitation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
  The information relating to the underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided
  by the underlying Mutual Fund and was not independently verified by the
  Company.

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<PAGE>   10

                                    EXAMPLE

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

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                If you surrender your       If you do not surrender your       If you annuitize your
                             Contract at the end of the      Contract at the end of the     Contract at the end of the
                               applicable time period          applicable time period         applicable time period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs. 5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.  1 Yr.  3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>   <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>   <C>      <C>      <C>    <C>    <C>      <C>   
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      93    114     142      240      21     65     111     240      *      65     111      240
Trust - Asset Allocation
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American 
Capital Life
InvestmenttTrust -           93    114     142      240      21     65     111     240      *      65     111      240
Domestic Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      95    121     155      266      24     73     125     266      *      73     125      266
Trust - Emerging Growth 
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      93    114     142      240      21     65     111     240      *      65     111      240
Trust - Enterprise Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      99    132     173      303      27     84     143     303      *      84     143      303
Trust - Global Equity Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      93    114     142      240      21     65     111     240      *      65     111      240
Trust - Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      93    114     142      240      21     65     111     240      *      65     111      240
Trust - Money Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      98    129     168      292      26     81     138     292      *      81     138      292
Trust - Real Estate
Securities Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

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

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example are to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly. The expenses of the Nationwide Variable Account-3
as well as those of the underlying Mutual Fund options are reflected in the
table. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable Account,
see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other Deductions". For
more complete information regarding expenses paid out of the assets of a
particular underlying Mutual Fund, see the prospectus for the underlying Mutual
Fund. Deductions for premium taxes may also apply but are not reflected in the
Example shown above (see "Premium Taxes").

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<PAGE>   11

                                    SYNOPSIS

   
       The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this
prospectus are designed for use in connection with the following types of
Contracts (1) Non-Qualified, (2) Individual Retirement Annuities, (3) Tax
Sheltered Annuities, and (4) Qualified.
    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                       9

                                   11 of 102

<PAGE>   12

                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                  Accumulation Unit Values (For an accumulation unit 
outstanding throughout the period)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           NUMBER OF UNITS
                                      BEGINNING            ENDING             AT THE END
             FUND                    UNIT VALUE          UNIT VALUE         OF THE PERIOD         YEAR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>  
Van Kampen American Capital           21.272421           23.907038             513,310           1996
Life Investment Trust -         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Allocation Fund-Q               16.406732           21.272421             606,415           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      17.253369           16.406732             749,168           1994           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      16.230095           17.253369             841,559           1993          
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      15.327503           16.230095             812,793           1992
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.222570           15.327503             704,818           1991           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.154424           12.222570             577,104           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.451221           12.154424             405,746           1989           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.451221             157,320           1988           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           21.272421           23.907038           1,010,988           1996
Life Investment Trust -         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Allocation Fund-NQ              16.406732           21.272421           1,070,729           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      17.253369           16.406732           1,250,980           1994           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      16.230095           17.253369           1,367,736           1993           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      15.327503           16.230095           1,273,695           1992           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.222570           15.327503           1,058,861           1991           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.154424           12.222570             876,452           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.451221           12.154424             672,660           1989           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.451221             295,223           1988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           15.854864           16.692636             165,684           1996
Life Investment Trust -         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Income Fund-Q                13.235145           15.854864             294,678           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      14.016253           13.235145             304,564           1994
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.208185           14.016253             363,127           1993           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.995055           12.208185             247,610           1992           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       9.189127           10.995055             175,620           1991           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.036383            9.189127              85,930           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.753229           10.036383              87,598           1989           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.753229              21,293           1988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           15.854864           16.692636             486,983           1996
Life Investment Trust -         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Income Fund-NQ               13.235145           15.854864             720,487           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      14.016253           13.235145             574,730           1994           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.208185           14.016253             705,552           1993           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.995055           12.208185             707,076           1992           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       9.189127           10.995055             587,343           1991           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.036383            9.189127             324,341           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.753229           10.036383             311,252           1989           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.753229              71,538           1988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           11.635151           13.395245              91,181           1996
Life Investment Trust -         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Growth Fund-Q                10.000000           11.635151              24,126           1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           11.635151           13.395245             173,307           1996
Life Investment Trust           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Growth Fund-NQ               10.000000           11.635151              79,497           1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Van Kampen American Capital           25.778191           31.749417             352,086           1996
Life Investment Trust           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprise Fund-Q                     19.065611           25.778191             425,489           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      19.993094           19.065611             549,470           1994           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      18.587100           19.993094             530,005           1993           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      17.522020           18.587100             495,092           1992           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      13.014276           17.522020             398,318           1991           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      14.154142           13.014276             218,497           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.682887           14.154142             104,326           1989           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.682887               3,717           1988
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           25.778191           31.749417             797,023           1996
Life Investment Trust           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprise Fund-NQ                    19.065611           25.778191             865,665           1995
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      19.993094           19.065611           1,141,284           1994           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      18.587100           19.993094           1,146,227           1993           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      17.522020           18.587100             926,595           1992           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      13.014276           17.522020             687,711            1991          
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      14.154142           13.014276             286,980           1990           
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.682887           14.154142             141,530           1989
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.682887              24,248           1988           
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                                       10

                                   12 of 102

<PAGE>   13

                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                  (CONTINUED)

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            NUMBER OF UNITS
                                       BEGINNING            ENDING            AT THE END
             FUND                     UNIT VALUE          UNIT VALUE         OF THE PERIOD           YEAR
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                   <C>                  <C>
Van Kampen American Capital           10.244062           11.800884              13,264              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Equity Fund-Q                  10.000000           10.244062               4,239              1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           10.244062           11.800884              20,602              1996
Life Investment Trust -            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Equity Fund-NQ                 10.000000           10.244062               5,677              1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           14.827943           14.944372             101,057              1996
Life Investment Trust -            ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Fund-Q                     12.821877           14.827943             187,304              1995
                                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.794291           13.620968             293,305              1993          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.260048           12.794291             171,646              1992          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.689640           12.260048              92,681              1991          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.689640              34,202              1990
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           14.827943           14.944372             315,546              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Fund-NQ                    12.821877           14.827943             427,994              1995
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      13.620968           12.821877             501,364              1994          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.794291           13.620968             720,049              1993          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.260048           12.794291             452,081              1992          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.689640           12.260048             257,611              1991          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.689640             119,020              1990
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           13.724323           14.208651             115,165              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Fund-Q*                  13.183559           13.724323             147,447              1995
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.879003           13.183559             277,679              1994
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.709641           12.879003             280,849              1993          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.458190           12.709641             264,988              1992          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      11.950917           12.458190             209,280              1991          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      11.217660           11.950917             207,210              1990          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.412806           11.217660             120,394              1989          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.412806               1,976              1988          
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           13.724323           14.208651             240,045              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Fund-NQ*                 13.183559           13.724323             326,438              1995
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.879003           13.183559             532,988              1994
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.709641           12.879003             583,001              1993          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      12.458190           12.709641             374,887              1992          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      11.950917           12.458190             415,122              1991          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      11.217660           11.950917             370,884              1990          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.412806           11.217660             188,561              1989          
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      10.000000           10.412806              57,764              1988
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           10.765351           14.931303               4,266              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate Securities Fund-Q         10.000000           10.765351               1,762              1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           10.765351           14.931303               5,129              1996
Life Investment Trust -            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate Securities Fund-NQ        10.000000           10.765351               2,808              1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
     *The 7 day yield on the Money Market Fund as of December 31,1996 was 3.57%
    

                                       11

                                   13 of 102

<PAGE>   14

                       NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

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

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account was established by the Company on October 7, 1987,
pursuant to the provisions of Ohio law, as the "Nationwide Variable Account-3".
The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust pursuant to the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such registration does not
involve supervision of the management of the Variable Account or the Company by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

       Purchase Payments are allocated within the Variable Account among one or
more Sub-Accounts made up of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund(s) designated
by the Contract Owner. There are two Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account
for each of the underlying Mutual Fund options which may be designated by the
Contract Owner. One such Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Fund shares
attributable to Accumulation Units under Qualified Contracts and one such
Sub-Account contains the underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to
Accumulation Units under Non-Qualified Contracts.

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

   
       Contract Owners may choose from among a number of different underlying
Mutual Fund options. More detailed information may be found in the current
prospectus for each underlying Mutual Fund offered. Such a prospectus for the
underlying Mutual Fund option(s) should be read in conjunction with this
prospectus. A copy of each prospectus may be obtained without charge from
Nationwide Life Insurance Company by calling 1-800-826-3167, TDD
1-800-238-3035, or writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030.
    

       The underlying Mutual Fund options may also be available to registered
separate accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable Account and other
separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may
arise between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts participating in the underlying Mutual Funds. A conflict may
occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts, differences in the voting instructions of
the Contract Owners and those of other companies, or some other reason. In the
event of a conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary to protect the
Contract Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of the
Variable Account from participation in the underlying Mutual Fund or Mutual
Funds which are involved in the conflict.

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 Funds 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 Fund's investment adviser.

       ASSET ALLOCATION FUND (FORMERLY "MULTIPLE STRATEGY FUND") (the "Asset
       Allocation Fund") seeks a high total investment return consistent with
       prudent risk through a fully managed investment policy utilizing equity
       securities, primarily common stocks of large capitalization companies,
       as well as investment grade intermediate and long-term debt securities
       and money market securities.

                                       12

                                   14 of 102

<PAGE>   15

       DOMESTIC INCOME FUND (FORMERLY "DOMESTIC STRATEGIC INCOME FUND") (the
       "Domestic Income Fund") seeks current income as its primary objective.
       Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. The Fund attempts to
       achieve these objectives through investment primarily in a diversified
       Fund of fixed-income securities. The Fund may invest in investment grade
       securities and lower rated and nonrated securities. Lower rated
       securities are regarded by the rating agencies as predominantly
       speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to meet
       principal and interest payments.

       EMERGING GROWTH FUND (the "Emerging Growth Fund") seeks capital
       appreciation by investing in a Fund of securities consisting principally
       of common stocks of small and medium sized companies considered by Van
       Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. ("the Adviser"), to be
       emerging growth companies. Under normal market conditions, at least 65%
       of the Fund's total assets will be invested in common stocks of small
       and medium sized companies (less than $2 billion of market
       capitalization), both domestic and foreign. The Fund may invest up to
       20% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers. Additionally,
       the Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its assets in restricted
       securities (i.e., securities which may not be sold without registration
       under the Securities Act of 1933) and in other securities not having
       readily available market quotations.

       ENTERPRISE FUND (FORMERLY "COMMON STOCK FUND") (the "Enterprise Fund")
       seeks capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of securities
       consisting principally of common stocks.

       GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (the "Global Equity Fund") seeks long term capital
       growth through investments in an internationally diversified Fund of
       equity securities of companies of any nation including the United
       States.  The Fund intends to be invested in equity securities of
       companies of at least three countries including the United States. Under
       normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets are so
       invested.  Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and
       warrants or options to acquire such securities.

       GOVERNMENT FUND (the "Government Fund") seeks to provide investors with
       a high current return consistent with preservation of capital. The
       Government Fund invests primarily in debt securities issued or
       guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. In
       order to hedge against changes in interest rates, the Government Fund
       may also purchase or sell options and engage in transactions involving
       interest rate futures contracts and options on such contracts.

       MONEY MARKET FUND (the "Money Market Fund") seeks protection of capital
       and high current income by investing in short-term money market
       instruments.

       REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND (the "Real Estate Securities Fund") seeks
       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, including common stocks and
       convertible securities, as well as non-convertible preferred stocks and
       debt securities of real estate industry companies. A "real estate
       industry company" is a company that derives at least 50% of its assets
       (marked to market), gross income or net profits from the ownership,
       construction, management or sale of residential, commercial or
       industrial real estate. Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of
       the Fund's total assets will be invested in Real Estate Securities,
       primarily equity securities of real estate investment trusts. The 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.

VOTING RIGHTS

       Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to Purchase
Payments or accumulated amounts allocated to the Variable Account.

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

                                       13

                                   15 of 102

<PAGE>   16

       The person having the voting interest under a Contract shall be the
Contract Owner. The number of shares held in the Variable Account which are
attributable to each Contract Owner is determined by dividing the Contract
Owner's interest in each respective Sub-Account of the Variable Account by the
net asset value of the underlying Mutual Fund corresponding to the Sub-Account.

       The number of shares which a Contract Owner has the right to vote will
be determined as of a date chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to
the meeting of the underlying Mutual Fund and voting instructions will be
solicited by written communication at least 21 days prior to such meeting.

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

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

             VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER
               DEDUCTIONSPURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

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

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

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

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

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

       No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for
these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts
is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions (see "Elimination of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section), deduct a Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments
made within 84 months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or the
amount surrendered. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, when it is
applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the sale of the
Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of
preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its distribution costs relating to the sale of the
Contracts from the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Any shortfall will be made
up from the General Account of the Company, which may indirectly include
portions of the Mortality and Expense Risk Charges, since the Company expects
to generate a profit from these charges.  Gross Distribution Allowances which
may be paid on the sale of these Contracts are not more than 6.00% of Purchase
Payments.

If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge will be deducted by the Company. For purposes of the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders under a Contract come first from the Purchase
Payments which have been on deposit under the Contract for the longest time
period. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of
earnings first.

                                       14

                                   16 of 102

<PAGE>   17

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

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

   
       During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without
a CDSC any amount in order to meet minimum distribution requirements under the
Code. Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the
Contract Owner may withdraw without a CDSC, the greater of (a) an amount equal
to 10% of that Purchase Payment may be withdrawn each year without imposition
of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. This free withdrawal privilege is
non-cumulative and must be used in the year available. Withdrawals may be
restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a Tax Sheltered
Annuity or other Qualified Plan. No sales charges are deducted on redemption
proceeds that are transferred to the Fixed Account option of this annuity. The
Contract Owner may be subject to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner withdraws
Purchase Payments prior to the age 59-1/2; please see "Non-Qualified Contracts"
to determine when the penalty will apply.
    

ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

       For Tax Sheltered Annuities purchased on or after May 1, 1992, Qualified
Contracts sold in conjunction with 401 cases on or after May 1, 1992 and
SEP-IRA Contracts issued after May 1, 1992, the Company will waive the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:

       A.     the Plan Participant experiences a case of hardship (as provided
              in Code Section 403(b) and as defined for purposes of Code
              Section 401(k));

       B.     the Plan Participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
              Section 72(m)(7));

       C.     the Plan Participant attains age 59 1/2 and has participated in
              the Contract for at least 5 years, as determined from the
              Contract Anniversary date;

       D.     the Plan Participant has participated in the Contract for at
              least 15 years as determined from the Contract Anniversary date;

       E.     the Plan Participant dies; or

       F.     the Contract is annuitized after 2 years from the inception of
              the Contract.

       For Non-Qualified Contracts and Individual Retirement Annuities the
Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:

       A.     the Designated Annuitant dies; or

       B.     the Contract Owner annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.

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

       Sales without commissions or other standard distribution expenses can
result in the elimination of sales charges.

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

                                       15

                                   17 of 102

<PAGE>   18

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

       Each year on the Contract Anniversary, the Company deducts an annual
Contract Maintenance Charge from the Contract Value to reimburse it for
administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
contract.

The Charges are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  AMOUNT                   TYPE OF CONTRACT ISSUED
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  <S>                <C>
                                     - Non-Qualified Plans
                                     - Individual Retirement Annuities
                  $30.00             - Qualified  Contracts (issued pursuant
                                       to a 401 plan prior to May 1, 1992).(1)           
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     - Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued on
                  $12.00               or after May 1, 1992.(2)                     
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     - Qualified Contracts (issued pursuant to a
              $30.00 to $0.00          401 plan on or after May 1, 1992.)(3)
                                      -SEP-IRA Contracts  sold on or after 
                                       May 1, 1992(3)
        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1    If additional Contracts are or were issued pursuant to a 401 plan funded
     by Contracts prior to May 1, 1992, such additional Contracts shall have a
     Contract Maintenance Charge of $30.00.

2    This charge may be lowered to reflect the Company's savings in
     administration of the plan.

3    Variances are based on internal underwriting guidelines which can result
     in reductions of charges in incremental amounts of $5.00. Underwriting
     considerations include the size of the group, the average participant
     account balance transferred to the Company, if any, and administrative
     savings.

       The Contract Maintenance Charge will be allocated between the Fixed
Account and Variable Account in the same percentages as the Purchase Payment
allocations are made. The Company also assesses an Administration Charge equal
on an annual basis to 0.05% of the daily net asset value of the Variable
Account. The deduction of the Administration Charge is made from each
Sub-Account in the same proportion that the Contract Value in each Sub-Account
bears to the total Contract Value in the Variable Account. These charges are
designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses. The Company
will monitor these charges to ensure that they do not exceed annual
administration expenses. In any Contract Year when a Contract is surrendered
for its full value on other than the Contract Anniversary, the Contract
Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of such surrender. The amount
of the Contract Maintenance Charge may not be increased by the Company. In no
event will reduction or elimination of the Contract Maintenance Charge be
permitted where such reduction or elimination will be unfairly discriminatory
to any person, or where it is prohibited by state law. 

PREMIUM TAXES

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

EXPENSES OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
       The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of expenses:
(1) administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts; (2) mortality risk charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity
purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) expense risk
charge associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk,
Contract Maintenance and Administration Charges described in this prospectus
will not be changed regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are
insufficient to cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.
For 1996, the Variable Account incurred total expenses equal to 1.5% of its
average net assets relating to the administrative, sales, mortality and expense
risk charges described above for all Contracts outstanding during that year.
    

       Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying
Mutual Funds are described in each underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus.

                                       16

                                   18 of 102

<PAGE>   19

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

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

RIGHT TO REVOKE

   
       Unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law, the Contract
Owner may revoke the Contract at any time between the Date of Issue and the
date 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a refund of the Contract
Value unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law. All Individual
Retirement Annuity refunds will be a return of Purchase Payments.
    

       In order to revoke the Contract, it must be mailed or delivered to the
Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this
prospectus. Mailing or delivery must occur on or before 10 days after receipt
of the Contract for revocation to be effective. In order to revoke the
Contract, if it has not been received, written notice must be mailed or
delivered to the Home Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on
page 1 of this prospectus.

       The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to
the Contract Value in each Sub-Account on the date of revocation. Any
additional amounts refunded to the Contract Owner will be paid by the Company.

TRANSFERS

       The Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Contract Value
from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account without penalty or adjustment.
Any such transfer must remain on deposit in the Fixed Account until the
expiration of the current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers from the
Fixed Account may not be made prior to the end of the then current Interest
Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period for any amount
allocated to the Fixed Account expires on the final day of a calendar quarter;
therefore the Interest Rate Guarantee Period for deposits or transfers to the
Fixed Account may continue for up to three months after a one year period has
expired. Transfers must also be made prior to the Annuitization Date. For all
transfers involving the Variable Account the Owner's Value in each Sub-Account
will be determined as of the date the transfer request is received in the Home
Office in good order.  The Company reserves the right to restrict transfers to
25% of the Variable Account Contract Value for any 12 month period.

       The Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the Variable
Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but will not
be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account that is
maturing. The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account will be
declared upon the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee
Period. The specific percentage will be declared upon the expiration date of
the Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers from the Fixed Account must be
made within 45 days after the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate
Guarantee Period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging
agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer from the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers may be made once per Valuation Day and may be made either in
writing or, in states allowing such transfers, by telephone. This telephone
exchange privilege is made available to Contract Owners automatically without
the Owner's election. The Company will employ procedures reasonably designed to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such
procedures may include any or all of the following, or such other procedures as
the Company may, from time to time, deem reasonable: requesting identifying
information, such as name, contract number, Social Security number, and/or
personal identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions, and
providing written confirmation thereof to both the Contract Owner and any agent
of record, at the last address of record. Although failure to follow such

                                       17

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<PAGE>   20

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 withdraw the telephone
exchange privilege upon 30 days' written notice to Contract Owners.

ASSIGNMENT

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

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

LOAN PRIVILEGE

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Owner of a Qualified Contract or
Tax Sheltered Annuity may receive a loan from their Contract Value, subject to
the terms of the Contract, the plan, and Section 72 of the Code, which impose
restrictions on loans.

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

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

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

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

       Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less
frequently than quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the
principal residence of the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years.
During the loan term, the outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn
interest at an annual rate as specified in

                                       18

                                   20 of 102

<PAGE>   21

   
the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of principal and interest in
amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will be allocated
between the Fixed and Variable Accounts in the same manner as a purchase
payment. Both loan repayments and purchase payments will be allocated to the
Contract in accordance with the most current allocation, unless the Contract
Owner and the Company agree otherwise on a case by case basis.
    

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

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

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

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

   
CONTRACT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

       Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract. IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS
OWNER, THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. Prior to the
Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may name a new Contract Owner in
Non-Qualified Contracts. Such change may be subject to state and federal gift
taxes and may also result in federal income taxation. Any change of Contract
Owner designation will automatically revoke any prior Contract Owner
designation. Once proper notice of the change is received and recorded by the
Company, the change will become effective as of the date the written request is
recorded. A change of Owner will not apply and will not be effective with
respect to any payment made or action taken by the Company prior to the time
that the change was received and recorded by the Company.

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change
in the Designated Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant, Owner's Beneficiary,
Beneficiary, or Contingent Beneficiary. Such a request must be made in writing
on a form acceptable to the Company and must be signed by both the Contract
Owner and the person to be named as Designated Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant,
or Owner's Beneficiary, as applicable. Such request must be received by the
Company at its Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any such change is
subject to underwriting and approval by the Company. If the Contract Owner is
not a natural person and there is a change of the Annuitant, such change shall
be treated as the death of a Contract Owner and Distributions shall be made as
if the Contract Owner died at the time of such change.

       On and after the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant shall become the
Contract Owner.
    

                                       19

                                   21 of 102

<PAGE>   22

   
OWNER'S BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

       Either the owner's estate or the Owner's Beneficiary may receive certain
benefits under the Contract if the Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant,
dies prior to the Annuitization Date. In order for a distribution to be paid to
either the Owner's estate or the Owner's Beneficiary, the Owner must have
elected such choice. If more than one Owner's Beneficiary survives the Contract
Owner, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Owner's
Beneficiary designation. If no Owner's Beneficiary is named or if no Owner's
Beneficiary survives a Contract Owner, and the Contract Owner has not elected
to have his estate receive the distribution, a distribution will be paid to the
Designated Annuitant. If a Contract Owner, who is also the Designated
Annuitant, dies before the Annuitization Date, then the Owner's Beneficiary
does not have any rights in the Contract; however, if the Owner's Beneficiary
is also the Beneficiary, the Owner's Beneficiary will have all the rights of a
beneficiary.

       Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Owner's Beneficiary prior to the Annuitization Date by written
notice to the Company. The change will take effect, upon receipt and recording
by the Company at its Home Office, whether or not the Contract Owner is living
at the time of recording, but without further liability as to any payment or
settlement made by the Company before receipt of such change.

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

       The Beneficiary is the person or persons who may receive certain
benefits under the Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the
Annuitization Date. If more than one Beneficiary survives the Annuitant, each
will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation.
If no Beneficiary survives the Designated Annuitant, all rights and interest of
the Beneficiary shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary, and if more than one
Contingent Beneficiary survives, each will share equally unless otherwise
specified in the Contingent Beneficiary designation. If no Contingent
Beneficiaries survive the Designated Annuitant, all rights and interest of the
Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the estate of the
last surviving Contract Owner.

       Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may
change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary during the lifetime of the
Designated Annuitant, by written notice to the Company. The change will take
effect, upon receipt and recording by the Company at its Home Office, whether
or not the Designated Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without
further liability as to any payment or settlement made by the Company before
receipt of such change.
    

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

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

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

         Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life Insurance
Company by writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030, or calling
1-800-826-3167, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                    ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT

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

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

                                       20

                                   22 of 102

<PAGE>   23

VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

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

ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

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

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

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

CHANGE IN ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

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

       If the Contract Owner requests in writing (see "Ownership Provisions"),
and the Company approves the request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be
deferred. The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value
if the Annuity Commencement Date is postponed beyond the first day of the
calendar month after the Designated Annuitant's 75th birthday or such other
Annuity Commencement Date provided under the Contract Owner's Qualified Plan.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

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

       Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of
       the Designated Annuitant, ceasing with the last payment due prior to the
       death of the Designated Annuitant. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE UNDER THIS
       OPTION FOR THE DESIGNATED ANNUITANT TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT
       IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, TWO ANNUITY
       PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, AND SO
       ON.

       Option 2-Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable monthly
       during the joint lifetimes of the Designated Annuitant and designated
       second person and continuing thereafter during the lifetime of the
       survivor. AS IS THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM
       NUMBER OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE
       DEATH OF THE LAST SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF
       PAYMENTS RECEIVED.

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

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                                   23 of 102

<PAGE>   24

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

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

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

   
       If the Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract fails to elect an Annuity
Payment Option no distribution will be made until an effective Annuity Payment
Option has been elected. Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans,
Individual Retirement Annuities or Tax Sheltered Annuities are subject to the
minimum distribution requirements set forth in the plan, Contract, or Code.

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER PROVISIONS - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

       For Non-Qualified Contracts, if the Contract Owner and the Designated
Annuitant are not the same person and such Contract Owner dies prior to the
Annuitization Date, then the Owner's Beneficiary, or the Owner's estate, as the
Owner may elect, receives the distribution. If there is no surviving Owner's
Beneficiary or the Owner has not elected to have the Owner's estate or an
Owner's Beneficiary to receive the distribution, the Designated Annuitant
receives the distribution. The entire interest in the Contract Value, less any
applicable deductions (which may include a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge),
must be distributed in accordance with the "Required Distribution Provisions-
Non-Qualified Contracts" provisions.

DEATH OF THE DESIGNATED ANNUITANT PROVISIONS - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

       If the Contract Owner and Designated Annuitant are not the same person,
and the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death
Benefit will be payable to the Beneficiary or the Contingent Beneficiary, as
specified in the "Beneficiary Provisions", unless there is a surviving
Contingent Annuitant. In such case, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the
Annuitant and no Death Benefit is payable.

       The Beneficiary may elect to receive such Death Benefits in the form of:
(1) a lump sum distribution; (2) election of an annuity payout; or (3) any
distribution that is permitted under state and federal regulations and is
acceptable by the Company. Such election must be received by the Company within
90 days of the Annuitant's death. The Code requires that any election to
receive an annuity rather than a lump sum payment must be made within 60 days
after the lump sum becomes payable (generally, the election must be made within
60 days after the death of an Owner or the Designated Annuitant). If the
election is made more than 60 days after the lump sum first becomes payable,
the election would be ignored for tax purposes, and the entire amount of the
lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the election is made within the
60 day period, each Distribution would be taxable when it is paid.

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable shall be paid according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.

DEATH OF THE CONTRACT OWNER/ DESIGNATED ANNUITANT PROVISIONS

       If any Contract Owner and Designated Annuitant are the same person, and
such person dies before the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable
to the Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last
surviving Contract Owner's estate, as specified in the Beneficiary Provisions
and in accordance with the appropriate "Required Distributions Provisions."

       If the Designated Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any
benefit that may be payable shall be paid according to the Annuity Payment
Option selected.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT PROVISIONS

       The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation
Date coincident with or next following the date the Company receives in writing
at the Home Office the following three items: (1) proper proof of the
Annuitant's death; (2) an election specifying the distribution method; and (3)
any applicable state required form(s).
    

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<PAGE>   25

   
       If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the calendar
month after his 75th birthday the dollar amount of the death benefit will be
the greater of: (1) the Contract Value; or, (2) the sum of all purchase
payments, less any amounts surrendered.

       If the Contract Owner has (1) requested an Annuity Commencement Date
later than the first day of the calendar month after the Designated Annuitant's
75th birthday; (2) the Company has approved the request; and (3) the Annuitant
dies after his or her 75th birthday, the dollar amount of the Death Benefit
will be equal to the Contract Value.

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any payment that may
be payable will be determined according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

       Upon the death of any Owner or Contract Owner or (including an
Designated Annuitant who becomes the Owner of the Contract on the Annuitization
Date) (each of the foregoing "a deceased Owner"), certain distributions for
Non-Qualified Contracts issued on or after January 19, 1985, are required by
Section 72(s) of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Contract to the
contrary, the following distributions shall be made in accordance with such
requirements:

       1.  If any deceased Owner died on or after the Annuitization Date and
           before the entire interest under the Contract has been distributed,
           then the remaining portion of such interest shall be distributed at
           least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect as of
           the date of such deceased Owner's death.

       2.  If any deceased Owner died prior to the Annuitization Date, then
           the entire interest in the Contract (consisting of either the Death
           Benefit or the Contract Value reduced by certain charges as set
           forth elsewhere in the Contract) shall be distributed within 5
           years of the death of the deceased Owner, provided however:

           (a)   If any portion of such interest is payable to or for the
                 benefit of a natural person who is a surviving Contract
                 Owner, Owner's Beneficiary, Designated Annuitant, Contingent
                 Annuitant, Beneficiary, or Contingent Beneficiary as the case
                 may be (each a "designated beneficiary"), such portion may,
                 at the election of the designated beneficiary, be distributed
                 over the life of such designated beneficiary, or over a
                 period not extending beyond the life expectancy of such
                 designated beneficiary, provided that payments begin within
                 one year of the date of the deceased Owner's death (or such
                 longer period as may be permitted by federal income tax
                 regulations), and

           (b)   If the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the
                 deceased Owner, such spouse may elect to become the Owner of
                 this Contract, in lieu of a Death Benefit, and the
                 distributions required under these distribution rules will be
                 made upon the death of such spouse.

       In the event that this Contract is owned by a person that is not a
natural person (e.g., a trust or corporation), then, for purposes of these
distribution provisions, (i) the death of the Designated Annuitant shall be
treated as the death of any Owner, (ii) any change of the Designated Annuitant
shall be treated as the death of any Owner, and (iii) in either case the
appropriate distribution required under these distribution rules shall be made
upon such death or change, as the case may be. The Designated Annuitant is the
primary annuitant as defined in Section 72(s)(6)(B) of the Code.

       These distribution provisions shall not be applicable to any Contract
that is not required to be subject to the provisions of 72(s) of the Code by
reason of Section 72(s)(5) or any other law or rule (including Tax Sheltered
Annuities, Individual Retirement Annuities, and Qualified Plans.)

         Upon the death of a "deceased Owner", the designated beneficiary must
elect a method of distribution which complies with these above distribution
provisions and which is acceptable to the Company. Such election must be
received by the Company within 90 days of the deceased Owner's death. The Code
requires that any election to receive an annuity rather than a lump sum payment
must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable (generally, the
election must be made within 60 days after the death of an Owner or the
Annuitant). If the election is made more than 90 days after the lump sum first
becomes payable, the election would be ignored for tax purposes, and the entire
amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the election is
made within the 60 day period, each Distribution would be taxable when it is
paid.
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

   
       The entire interest of an Designated Annuitant under a Qualified
Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract will be distributed in a manner
consistent with the Minimum Distribution Incidental Benefit (MDIB)
    

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<PAGE>   26

   
provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and regulations thereunder, as
applicable, and will be paid, notwithstanding anything else contained herein,
to the Designated Annuitant under the Annuity Payments Option selected, over a
period not exceeding:

       A.    the life of the Designated Annuitant or the lives of the
             Designated Annuitant and the Designated Annuitant's Designated
             Beneficiary; or

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

       If the Designated Annuitant's entire interest in a Qualified Plan or Tax
Sheltered Annuity is to be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments
over a period described in (A) or (B), above, such payments will commence no
later than (i) the first day of April following the calendar year in which the
Designated Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 or (ii) when the Designated Annuitant
retires, whichever is later (the "required beginning date"). However, provision
(ii) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% Owner (as defined in Section
416 of the Code) with respect to the plan year ending in the calendar year in
which the employee attains the age of 70 1/2.

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

       (a)   the Designated Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the
             Beneficiary and such spouse elects to receive Distribution of the
             account in substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a
             period not exceeding his or her life expectancy) and commencing 
             not later than December 31 of the year in which the Designated 
             Annuitant would have attained age 70-1/2; or

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

       If the Owner/Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced,
Distribution must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used
prior to his or her death, except that a surviving spouse may treat a tax
Sheltered Annuity as his or her own to the extend permitted by law.

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

       If the amounts distributed to the Designated Annuitant are less than
those mentioned above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the
amount that should have been distributed for that year over the amount that was
actually distributed for that year.
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

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

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

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

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

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

(b)    The Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse and
       such Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the account in
       nearly equal payments over his or her life (or a period

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<PAGE>   27

       not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not later than
       December 31 of the year following the year in which the Owner dies.

   
       No Distribution will be required from this Contract if Distributions
otherwise required from this Contract are being withdrawn from another
Individual Retirement Annuity or Individual Annuity Account of the Contract
Owner.

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

       If the amounts distributed to the Owner's Beneficiary are less than
those mentioned above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the
amount that should have been distributed for that year over the amount that
actually was distributed for that year.
    

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

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

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFERS

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

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

                              GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

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

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

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

   
       DOLLAR COST AVERAGING-The Contract Owner may direct the Company to
automatically transfer funds from the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account to any other Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly basis
or as frequently as otherwise authorized by the Company. This service is
intended to allow the Contract Owner to utilize Dollar Cost Averaging, a
long-term investment program which provides for regular, level investments over
time. The Company makes no guarantees that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in
a profit or protect against loss. To qualify for Dollar Cost Averaging there
must be a minimum total Contract Value of $15,000. Transfers for purposes of
Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money Market Sub-Account or the
Fixed Account. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer is $100. In
addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers from the Fixed Account must
be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account 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
    

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"Transfers"). A written election of this service, on a form provided by the
Company, must be completed by the Contract Owner in order to begin transfers.
Once elected, transfers from the Money Market Sub-Account or the Fixed Account
will be processed monthly until either the value in the Money Market
Sub-Account or the Fixed Account is completely depleted or the Contract Owner
instructs the Company in writing to cancel the transfers.

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

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

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

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

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

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

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

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

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

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

       The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced not later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase, if the application and all information necessary for
processing the purchase order are complete upon receipt by the Company, and the
Company may retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5 business days while
attempting to complete an incomplete application. If the application cannot be
made complete within 5 days, the prospective purchaser will be

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informed of the reasons for the delay and the Purchase Payment will be returned
immediately unless the prospective purchaser specifically consents to the
Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is made complete.
Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis of the
Accumulation Unit Value next computed for the appropriate Sub-Account after the
additional Purchase Payment is received.

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

VALUE OF A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT

       The value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account
was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when underlying Mutual Fund shares in that
Sub-Account were available for purchase. The value for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for each
Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net
Investment Factor for the Sub-Account during the subsequent Valuation Period.
The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation
Period to Valuation Period. The number of Accumulation Units will not change as
a result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

       The Net Investment Factor for any Valuation Period is determined by
dividing (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:

(a)    is the net of:

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

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

(b)    is the net of:

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

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

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

       For underlying Mutual Funds 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 for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge, and any charge or credit for tax reserves.

VALUATION OF ASSETS

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

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

       The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units attributable to the
Contract plus any amount credited to the Fixed Account is the Contract 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
Purchase Payment is received by the Company. If part or all of the Contract
Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the Contract
Value, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account
and an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the
Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.

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SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

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

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

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

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED PLAN OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
       The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. Contract Owners should
consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax advisor to discuss in
detail the taxation and the use of the Contracts.

       Section 72 of the Code governs federal income taxation of annuities in
general. That section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts;
(2) Individual Retirement Annuities; (3) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (4)
Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed below.

       Distributions to participants from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered
Annuities are generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is
excludable from income based on the ratio between the after tax investment of
the Owner/Designated Annuitant in the Contract and the value of the Contract at
the time of the withdrawal or Annuitization.

       Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities and Contracts owned
by Individual Retirement Accounts are also generally taxed when received. The
portion of each such payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between
the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments to all such Contracts
exceeds prior non-taxable Distributions from such Contracts, and the total
account balances in such Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The Owner
of such Individual Retirement Annuities or the Designated Annuitant under
Contracts held by Individual Retirement Accounts must annually report to the
Internal Revenue Service the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the
amount of any Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments
for all years exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total
balance in all Individual Retirement Annuities and Accounts.

       A change of the Designated Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant may be
treated by the Internal Revenue Service as a taxable transaction.
    

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NATURAL PERSONS AS OWNERS

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

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

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<PAGE>   32

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

       Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty tax, equal to 10% of the
portion of any Distribution that is includable in gross income, if such
Distribution is made prior to attaining age 59/1/2. The penalty tax does not
apply if the Distribution is attributable to the Contract Owner's death,
disability or is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made
over the life or life expectancy of the Contract Owner (or the joint lives or
joint life expectancies of the Contract Owner and the beneficiary selected by
the Contract Owner to receive payment under the Annuity Payment Option selected
by the Contract Owner) or for the purchase of an immediate annuity, or is
allocable to an investment in the Contract before August 14, 1982. A Contract
Owner wishing to begin taking Distributions to which the 10% tax penalty does
not apply should forward a written request to the Company. Upon receipt of a
written request from the Contract Owner, the Company will inform the Contract
Owner of the procedures pursuant to Company policy and subject to limitations
of the Contract including but not limited to first year withdrawals. Such
election shall be irrevocable and may not be amended or changed.

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

       The Code requires that any election to receive an annuity rather than a
lump sum payment must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable
(generally, the election must be made within 60 days after the death of an
Owner or the Annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days after the
lump sum first becomes payable, the election would be ignored for tax purposes,
and the entire amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the
election is made within the 60 day period, each Distribution would be taxable
when it is paid.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NON-NATURAL PERSONS AS OWNERS

       The foregoing discussion of the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts
applies to Contracts owned (or, pursuant to Section 72(u) of the Code, deemed
to be owned) by individuals; it does not apply to Contracts where one or more
non-individuals is an Owner.

       As a general rule, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships,
trusts, and similar entities ("Non-Natural Persons"), rather than by one or
more individuals, are not treated as annuity contracts for most purposes under
the Code; in particular, they are not treated as annuity contracts for purposes
of Section 72. Therefore, the taxation rules for Distributions, as described
above, do not apply to Non-Qualified Contracts owned by Non-Natural Persons.
Rather, the following rules will apply:

       The income earned under a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a
Non-Natural Person is taxed as ordinary income during the taxable year that it
is earned, and is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out of
the Contract to the Owner.
    

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       The foregoing Non-Natural Person rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. First, for this purpose, a Contract that is owned by a Non-Natural
Person as an agent for an individual is treated as owned by the individual.
This exception does not apply, however, to a Non-Natural Person who is an
employer that holds the Contract under a non-qualified deferred compensation
arrangement for one or more employees.

       The Non-Natural Person rules also do not apply to a Contract that is (a)
acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the decedent;
(b) issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and individual
retirement plans; (c) used in connection with certain structured settlements;
(d) purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
retirement plans; or (e) an immediate annuity.

QUALIFIED PLANS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

       The Contract may be purchased as a Qualified Contract, an Individual
Retirement Annuity or a Tax Sheltered Annuity. The Contract Owner should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of a
Contract as an Individual Retirement Annuity.

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

       Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) Code, a Contract that is issued as a
Tax-Sheltered Annuity is required to limit the amount of the Purchase Payment
for any year to an amount that does not exceed the limit set forth in Section
402(g) of the Code ($7,000), as it is from time to time increased to reflect
increases in the cost of living. This limit may be reduced by any deposits,
contributions or payments made to any other Tax-Sheltered Annuity or other
plan, contract or arrangement by or on behalf of the Owner.

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

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

       2.     a required minimum distribution.

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

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

WITHHOLDING

       The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to
the extent that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner
or other payee. The Contract Owner or other payee is entitled to elect not to
have federal income tax withheld from any such Distribution, but may be subject
to penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld during a
calendar year. However, if the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Company
that the Contract Owner or other payee has furnished an incorrect taxpayer
identification number, or if the Contract Owner or other payee fails to provide
a taxpayer identification number, the Distributions may be subject to back-up
withholding at the statutory rate, which is presently 31%, and which cannot be
waived by the Contract Owner or other payee.

NON-RESIDENT ALIENS

       Distributions to nonresident aliens (NRAs) are generally subject to
federal income tax and tax withholding, at a statutory rate of thirty percent
(30%) of the amount of income that is distributed. The Company may be required
to withhold such amount from the Distribution and remit it to the Internal
Revenue Service. Distributions to certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in
certain instances, zero tax and withholding rates, if the United States has
entered into an applicable treaty. However, in order to obtain the benefits of
such treaty provisions, the NRA must give to the Company sufficient proof of
his or her residency and citizenship in the form and manner prescribed by the
Internal Revenue Service. In addition, for any Distribution made after December
31, 1997, the NRA must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from
the Internal Revenue Service, and furnish that number to the Company prior to
the Distribution. If the
    

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<PAGE>   34

   
Company does not have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and (for
Distributions after December 31, 1997) a proper Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number prior to any Distribution, the Company will be required
to withhold 30% of the income, regardless of any treaty provision.

         A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes to the Company that such payment is effectively
connected to the recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United
States and that such payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for
United States federal income tax purposes. Any such Distributions will be
subject to the rules set forth in the section entitled "Withholding."

FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES

       A transfer of the Contract from one Contract Owner to another, or the
payment of a Distribution under the Contract to someone other than a Contract
Owner, may constitute a gift for federal gift tax purposes. Upon the death of
the Contract Owner, the value of the Contract may be included in his or her
gross estate, even if a all or a portion of the value is also subject to
federal income taxes.

       The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or
any other payment or Distribution constitutes a "direct skip" as defined in
Section 2612 of the Code, and the amount of the generation skipping transfer
tax, if any, resulting from such direct skip. A direct skip may occur when
property is transferred to, or a Death Benefit or other Distribution is made to
(a) an individual who is two or more generations younger than the Owner; or (b)
certain trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Code (generally, trusts
that have no beneficiaries who are not 2 or more generations younger than the
Owner). If the Owner is not an individual, then for this purpose only, "Owner"
refers to any person who would be required to include the Contract, Death
Benefit, Distribution, or other payment in his federal gross estate at his
death, or who is required to report the transfer of the Contract, Death
Benefit, Distribution, or other payment for federal gift tax purposes.

       If the Company determines that a generation skipping transfer tax is
required to be paid by reason of such direct skip, the Company is required to
reduce the amount of such Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment by such
tax liability, and pay the tax liability directly to the Internal Revenue
Service.

       Federal estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax consequences,
and state and local estate, inheritance, succession, generation skipping
transfer, and other tax consequences, of owning or transferring a Contract, and
of receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment, depend on the
circumstances of the person owning or transferring the Contract, or receiving a
Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment.

CHARGE FOR TAX PROVISIONS

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

DIVERSIFICATION

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

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

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<PAGE>   35

   
TAX CHANGES

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

       The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding
of federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue
Service, is general and is not intended as tax advice. Statutes, regulations,
and rulings are subject to interpretation by the courts. The courts may
determine that a different interpretation than the currently favored
interpretation is appropriate, thereby changing the operation of the rules that
are applicable to annuity contracts.

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

THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
ANNUITY CONTRACTS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
    

ADVERTISING

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

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

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

       A "yield" and "effective yield" may also be advertised for the Money
Market Portfolio Sub-Account. "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and
interest income earned over a specific seven-day period (which period will be
stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of the offering price of
the Sub-Account's units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is
assumed that the Sub-Account generates the same level of net income over a
52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but includes the
effect of assumed compounding calculated under rules prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The effective yield will be slightly higher
than yield due to this compounding effect.

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

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<PAGE>   36

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

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

       The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The
purpose of these ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying
ability of the Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment
experience or financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may
advertise these ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include
in certain advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations,
individuals or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contract.
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.

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

                            FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                                                Date Fund
                                                                                                                 Added to
                                                 1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund           Variable
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS                       12/31/96             12/31/96           to 12/31/96            Account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
Van Kampen American Capital Life                    3.99%                6.16%                8.11%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset Allocation Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   -3.12%                5.77%                3.05%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                    6.73%                 N/A                14.26%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   14.76%                9.55%               12.04%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                    6.80%                 N/A                 4.07%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   -7.48%                0.74%                3.17%               1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   -4.87%               -0.75%                1.23%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   30.30%                 N/A                23.24%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Real Estate 
Securities Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

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<PAGE>   37

                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                                                                                                Date Fund
                                                                                                                 Added to
                                                 1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund           Variable
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS                       12/31/96             12/31/96           to 12/31/96            Account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                   <C>                 <C>                  <C>  
Van Kampen American Capital Life                  12.09%                 9.03%              10.37%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset Allocation Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   4.98%                 8.46%               5.82%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                  14.83%                 N/A                21.16%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                  22.86%                12.35%              14.07%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                  14.90%                 N/A                11.28%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   0.49%                3.76%                5.66%               1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                   3.23%                 2.37%               3.88%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                  38.40%                 N/A                30.27%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Real Estate 
Securities Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

       In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants
in lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance
pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
substantial jury awards or settlements. In October, 1996, a policyholder of
Nationwide Life filed a complaint in Alabama state court against Nationwide
Life and an agent of Nationwide Life (Wayne M. King v. Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and Danny Nix) related to the sale of a whole life policy on
a "vanishing premium" basis and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive
damages. In February, 1997, Nationwide Life was named as a defendant in a
lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court also related to the sale of whole life
policies on a "vanishing premium" basis (John H. Snyder v. Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. and Nationwide Life
Insurance Co.). The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to represent a national
class of Nationwide Life policyholders and claims unspecified compensatory and
punitive damages. This lawsuit is in an early state and has not been certified
as a class action. Nationwide Life intends to defend these cases vigorously.
There can be no assurance that any future litigation relating to pricing and
sales practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

       The General Distributor, Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.,
is not engaged in any litigation of any material nature.
    

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            PAGE
<S>                                                                                         <C>
General Information and History..............................................................1
Services.....................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................................1
Underwriters.................................................................................2
Calculation of Performance...................................................................2
Annuity Payments.............................................................................3
Financial Statements.........................................................................4
</TABLE>

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<PAGE>   38

                                    APPENDIX

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

                           FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

       The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company,
other than those in the Nationwide Variable Account-3 and any other segregated
asset account. Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed
Account by election of the Contract Owner at the time of purchase.

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

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

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

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

TRANSFERS

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

                                       36

                                   38 of 102

<PAGE>   39

                      ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-FIXED ACCOUNT

FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

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

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

                                       37

                                   39 of 102
<PAGE>   40
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
                                  MAY 1, 1997
    
             INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ISSUED
                      BY THE NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3
                      OF NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
       This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It
contains information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the
prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1,
1997. The prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by
writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030, or calling
1-800-826-3167, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   PAGE
<S>                                                                                                                 <C>
General Information and History.....................................................................................1
Services............................................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered................................................................................1
Underwriters........................................................................................................2
Calculation of Performance..........................................................................................2
Annuity Payments....................................................................................................3
Financial Statements................................................................................................4
</TABLE>

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
       Nationwide Variable Account-3 is a separate investment account of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a member of the
"Nationwide Insurance Enterprise" and all of the Company's common stock is
owned by Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding company. NFS
has two classes of common stock outstanding with different voting rights
enabling Nationwide Corporation (the holder of all of the outstanding Class B
Common Stock) to control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is a holding company as
well. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
(95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%), the ultimate
controlling persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise is one of America's largest insurance and financial
services family of companies, with combined assets of over $67.5 billion as of
December 31, 1996.
    

SERVICES

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

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

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

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

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

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

                                       1

                                   40 of 102

<PAGE>   41
       Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to
the first Contract Anniversary. Transfers must also be made prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date.

UNDERWRITERS

       The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
American Capital Marketing Inc., 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, Texas 77056. No
underwriting commissions are paid by the Company to the Distributor, only sales
commissions.

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE

   
       Any current yield quotations of the Money Market Portfolio Sub-Account,
subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of 1933, shall consist of a seven
calendar day historical yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of a
percent. The yield shall be calculated by determining the net change, exclusive
of capital changes, in the value of hypothetical pre-existing account having a
balance of one accumulation unit at the beginning of the base period,
subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from Contract Owner
accounts, and dividing the net change in account value by the value of the
account at the beginning of the period to obtain a base period return, and
multiplying the base period return by 365/7 (366/7) or (366/7) in a leap year.
As of December 31, 1996, the Money Market Portfolio Sub-Account's seven-day
current unit value yield was 3.57%. The Money Market Portfolio Sub-Account's
effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of assumed
compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield quotations
of the Fund, and the period ending December 31, 1996 was 3.63%.
    

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

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

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

       The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average
annual total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar
quarter preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for
publication. Both the standardized average annual total return and the
nonstandardized average annual total return will be based on the rolling
calendar quarters and will cover at least the cumulative calendar year and
periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the time the
underlying Mutual Fund has been

                                       2

                                   41 of 102

<PAGE>   42
available within the Variable Account, if the underlying Mutual Fund has not
been available with the Variable Account for one of the prescribed periods.

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

       Below are the quotations of standardized average annual total return and
non-standardized total return for each of the Sub-Accounts available within the
Variable Account.

                            FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Date Fund
                                                                                                         Added to
                                         1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund           Variable
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS               12/31/96             12/31/96           to 12/31/96            Account
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Van Kampen American Capital Life            3.99%                 6.16%                8.11%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset
Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           -3.12%                 5.77%                3.05%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            6.73%                 N/A                 14.26%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           14.76%                 9.55%               12.04%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            6.80%                 N/A                  4.07%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           -7.48%                 0.74%                3.17%              1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           -4.87%                -0.75%                1.23%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           30.30%                  N/A                23.24%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Real Estate
Securities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                        Date Fund
                                                                                                         Added to
                                         1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund           Variable
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS               12/31/96             12/31/96           to 12/31/96            Account
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                    <C>                <C>                  <C>
Van Kampen American Capital Life           12.09%                 9.03%              10.37%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset
Allocation Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            4.98%                 8.46%               5.82%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           14.83%                N/A                 21.16%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           22.86%                12.35%              14.07%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           14.90%                N/A                 11.28%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            0.49%                 3.76%               5.66%               1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            3.23%                 2.37%               3.88%               5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           38.40%                N/A                 30.27%               7-3-95
Investment Trust - Real Estate
Securities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
ANNUITY PAYMENTS
   See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.

                                       3

                                   42 of 102

<PAGE>   43

<PAGE>   1


                          Independent Auditors' Report
                          ----------------------------

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and
   Contract Owners of Nationwide Variable Account-3:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Variable Account-3 as of December 31,
1996, 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, 1996, by correspondence
with the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our 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 Variable Account-3 as of December 31, 1996,
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 7, 1997




<PAGE>   2



                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS# EQUITY

                               December 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                            <C>
Assets:

   Investments at market value:

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Asset Allocation Fund
         3,212,716 shares (cost $37,037,288)                                                                    $36,464,328

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Domestic Income Fund
         1,362,055 shares (cost $10,945,612)                                                                     10,910,059

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Emerging Growth Fund
         259,361 shares (cost $3,425,148)                                                                         3,542,872

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Enterprise Fund
         2,244,657 shares (cost $32,594,775)                                                                     36,498,130

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Global Equity Fund
         34,275 shares (cost $388,090)                                                                              399,643

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Government Fund
         722,861 shares (cost $6,246,071)                                                                         6,259,977

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Money Market Fund
         5,073,275 shares (cost $5,073,275)                                                                       5,073,275

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund
         9,542 shares (cost $124,612)                                                                               141,026
                                                                                                                -----------
            Total investments                                                                                    99,289,310

   Accounts receivable                                                                                                  404
                                                                                                                -----------
            Total assets                                                                                         99,289,714
                                                                                                                ===========
Contract owners' equity                                                                                         $99,289,714
                                                                                                                ===========
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   3


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contract owners' equity represented by:                           Units             Unit Value
<S>                                                              <C>               <C>                 <C>
                                                                ----------          ----------
   Contracts in accumulation phase:

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Asset Allocation Fund:
         Tax qualified                                             513,310          $23.907038          $12,271,722
         Non-tax qualified                                       1,010,988           23.907038           24,169,729

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Domestic Income Fund:
         Tax qualified                                             165,684           16.692636            2,765,703
         Non-tax qualified                                         486,983           16.692636            8,129,030

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Emerging Growth Fund:
         Tax qualified                                              91,181           13.395245            1,221,392
         Non-tax qualified                                         173,307           13.395245            2,321,490

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Enterprise Fund:
         Tax qualified                                             352,086           31.749417           11,178,525
         Non-tax qualified                                         797,023           31.749417           25,305,016

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Global Equity Fund:
         Tax qualified                                              13,264           11.800884              156,527
         Non-tax qualified                                          20,602           11.800884              243,122

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Government Fund:
         Tax qualified                                             101,057           14.944372            1,510,233
         Non-tax qualified                                         315,546           14.944372            4,715,637

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Money Market Fund:
         Tax qualified                                             115,165           14.208651            1,636,339
         Non-tax qualified                                         240,045           14.208651            3,410,716

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT -
      Real Estate Securities Fund:
         Tax qualified                                               4,266           14.931303               63,697
         Non-tax qualified                                           5,179           14.931303               77,329
                                                                ==========           =========
   Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
         Non-tax qualified                                                                                  113,507
                                                                                                        -----------
                                                                                                        $99,289,714
                                                                                                        ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.




<PAGE>   4



                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS# EQUITY

                  Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1996              1995             1994
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
<S>                                                                         <C>                <C>              <C>
Investment activity:
   Reinvested capital gains and dividends                                    $11,250,803        10,887,325       10,126,858
   Mortality, expense and administration charges (note 2)                     (1,335,708)       (1,294,825)      (1,377,454)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
      Net investment activity                                                  9,915,095         9,592,500        8,749,404
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
   Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold                                      44,991,214        40,426,461       46,483,900
   Cost of mutual fund shares sold                                           (43,680,536)      (40,641,053)     (45,783,206)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
      Realized gain (loss) on investments                                      1,310,678          (214,592)         700,694
   Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments                             1,290,651        13,497,708      (14,166,680)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
      Net gain (loss) on investments                                           2,601,329        13,283,116      (13,465,986)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
         Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
            equity resulting from operations                                  12,516,424        22,875,616       (4,716,582)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------

Equity transactions:
   Purchase payments received from contract owners                             4,521,793         3,278,740        5,550,286
   Redemptions                                                               (19,642,633)      (20,264,414)     (15,199,321)
   Annuity benefits                                                              (15,629)          (14,594)          (9,959)
   Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2)                                   (97,006)         (107,947)        (116,547)
   Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2)                                   (155,505)         (405,272)        (342,156)
   Adjustments to maintain reserves                                                1,215            (2,440)            (215)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
         Net equity transactions                                             (15,387,765)      (17,515,927)     (10,117,912)
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------


Net change in contract owners' equity                                         (2,871,341)        5,359,689      (14,834,494)
Contract owners' equity beginning of period                                  102,161,055        96,801,366      111,635,860
                                                                             -----------        ----------      -----------
Contract owners' equity end of period                                       $ 99,289,714       102,161,055       96,801,366
                                                                            ============       ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to financial statements.




<PAGE>   5



                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         Nationwide Variable Account-3 (the Account) was established pursuant
         to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life
         Insurance Company (the Company) on October 7, 1987. The Account has
         been registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment
         Company Act of 1940.

         The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual
         Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary
         distribution for the contracts is through the brokerage
         community; however, other distributors may be utilized.

     (b) The Contracts

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

         Contract owners in either the accumulation or the payout phase may
         invest in the following funds of the Van Kampen American Capital
         Life Investment Trust (Van Kampen American Capital LIT):

              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Asset Allocation Fund
                (formerly Van Kampen American Capital - Multiple Strategy Fund)
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Domestic Income Fund
                (formerly Van Kampen American Capital - Domestic Strategic 
                Income Fund)
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Emerging Growth Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Enterprise Fund
                (formerly Van Kampen American Capital - Common Stock Fund)
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Global Equity Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Government Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Money Market Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate Securities Fund

         At December 31, 1996, contract owners have invested in all of the
         above funds. The contract owners' equity is affected by the
         investment results of each fund, equity  transactions  by contract
         owners and certain contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying
         financial statements  include only contract owners' purchase
         payments pertaining to the variable portions of their contracts
         and exclude any purchase payments for fixed dollar benefits, the
         latter being included in the accounts of the Company.

     (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

         The market value of the underlying  mutual funds is based on the
         closing net asset value per share at December 31, 1996. The cost of
         investments sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
         Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the
         order to buy or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded
         on the ex-dividend date.

     (d) Federal Income Taxes

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

         The Company does not provide for income taxes within the  Account.
         Taxes are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination
         or withdrawal.




<PAGE>   6



     (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.

     (f) Reclassifications

         Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform with
         the current year presentation.

(2)  Expenses

     The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
     from the contract owners. However, if any part of the contract value of
     such contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain
     exceptions, deduct from the contract owner's contract value a contingent
     deferred sales charge, not to exceed 6% (3% after 36 months) of the
     lesser of the total of all purchase payments made within 72 months prior
     to the date of the request for surrender, or the amount surrendered.
     (For contracts issued in the State of New York, the contingent deferred
     sales charge will not exceed 7% of purchase payments, such charge
     declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase payment has been held in
     the contract for seven years.) No sales  charges are deducted on
     redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment options of
     the Company.

     The following contract charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an annual
     contract maintenance charge of $35 ($30 for contracts issued in the State
     of New York) which is satisfied by surrendering  units; and (b) a
     mortality risk charge, an expense risk charge and an administration
     charge assessed through the daily unit value  calculation  equal to an
     annual rate of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%, respectively.

(3)  Schedule I

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

         *    Beginning unit value - Jan. 1

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

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

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

         *    Ending unit value - Dec. 31

         *    Percentage increase (decrease) in unit value.

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



<PAGE>   7



                                                                    Schedule I
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

                      TAX QUALIFIED and NON-TAX QUALIFIED

                       SCHEDULES OF CHANGES IN UNIT VALUE

                  Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
          (Underlying Mutual Funds of Van Kampen American Capital LIT)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Asset       Domestic    Emerging                    Global                   Money     Real Estate
                             Allocation      Income      Growth      Enterprise     Equity     Government    Market     Securities
                                Fund          Fund        Fund          Fund         Fund         Fund        Fund         Fund
                             ----------     --------    --------     ----------     ------     ----------    ------      --------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
1996
   Beginning unit value -
     Jan. 1                  $21.272421    15.854864    11.635151    25.778191     10.244062    14.827943   13.724323    10.765351
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and dividends       3.405803     1.422257      .000000     3.485963       .356685      .956297     .667515      .287350
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)      (.478818)    (.376119)    1.929521     2.865166      1.346052     (.648124)    .000000     4.033978
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.292368)    (.208366)    (.169427)    (.379903)     (.145915)    (.191744)   (.183187)    (.155376)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                 $23.907038    16.692636    13.395245    31.749417     11.800884    14.944372   14.208651    14.931303
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                      12%           5%          15%          23%           15%           1%          4%          39%
==================================================================================================================================
1995
   Beginning unit value -
     Jan. 1                  $16.406732    13.235145    10.000000    19.065611     10.000000    12.821877   13.183559    10.000000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
     gains and dividends       2.391189     1.250586      .000000     3.443612       .000000      .953483     .716291      .091958
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)      2.721948     1.560777     1.705967     3.564450       .309001     1.235082     .000000      .739393
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.247448)    (.191644)    (.070816)    (.295482)     (.064939)    (.182499)   (.175527)    (.066000)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                 $21.272421    15.854864    11.635151    25.778191     10.244062    14.827943   13.724323    10.765351
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
     (decrease) in unit
     value*(a)                      30%          20%       16%(b)          35%         2%(b)          16%          4%        8%(b)
==================================================================================================================================
1994
   Beginning unit value -
     Jan. 1                  $17.253369    14.016253         **      19.993094          **      13.620968   12.879003         **
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Reinvested capital
    gains and dividends        1.980194     1.376728                  2.272837                    .835320     .474206
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Unrealized gain (loss)     (2.608938)   (1.981901)                (2.944375)                 (1.464669)    .000000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Contract charges            (.217893)    (.175935)                 (.255945)                  (.169742)   (.169650)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Ending unit value -
     Dec. 31                 $16.406732    13.235145                 19.065611                  12.821877   13.183559
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Percentage increase
    (decrease) in unit
    value*(a)                      (5)%         (6)%                      (5)%                       (6)%          2%
==================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

  *An annualized rate of return cannot be determined as:

      (a) Contract charges do not include the annual contract
          maintenance charge discussed in note 2; and

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

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

See note 3.





<PAGE>   44

<PAGE>   1


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


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company) as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.  These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the 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, 1996 and 1995, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 

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

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 31, 1997
<PAGE>   2





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

                                        Assets                                                1996               1995
                                        ------                                          -----------------   ----------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>                 <C>       
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9): 
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturity securities (cost $11,970,878 in 1996; $11,862,556 in 1995)             $12,304,639          12,485,564
      Equity securities (cost $43,890 in 1996; $23,617 in 1995)                                  59,131              29,953
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                         5,272,119           4,602,764
   Real estate, net                                                                             265,759             229,442
   Policy loans                                                                                 371,816             336,356
   Other long-term investments                                                                   28,668              61,989
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                               4,789              32,792
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             18,306,921          17,778,860
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Cash                                                                                             43,784               9,455
Accrued investment income                                                                       210,182             212,963
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,366,509           1,020,356
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (notes 1 and 2)                485,707             506,677
Other assets (note 6)                                                                           426,441             388,214
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                    26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================

                         Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                         ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                           $17,179,060          16,358,614
Policyholders' dividend accumulations                                                           361,401             348,027
Other policyholder funds                                                                         60,073              65,297
Accrued federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                       30,170              35,301
   Deferred                                                                                     162,212             246,627
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                                192,382             281,928
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Dividend payable to shareholder (notes 1 and 2)                                                 485,707                   -
Other liabilities                                                                               423,047             234,147
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                            26,926,702          18,591,108
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                             45,628,372          35,879,121
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 6, 9 and 15)

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5, 12 and 13):
   Capital shares, $1 par value.  Authorized 5,000,000 shares, issued and
      outstanding 3,814,779 shares                                                                3,815               3,815
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                   527,874             657,118
   Retained earnings                                                                          1,432,593           1,583,275
   Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                       173,592             384,304
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                              2,137,874           2,628,512
                                                                                        -----------------   ----------------
                                                                                            $47,766,246          38,507,633
                                                                                        =================   ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   3


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   1996            1995            1994
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>    
Revenues (note 16):
   Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $   400,902        286,534         217,245
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                              198,642        199,106         176,658
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                 1,357,759      1,294,033       1,210,811
   Realized losses on investments  (note 5)                                            (326)        (1,724)        (16,527)
   Other income                                                                      35,861         20,702          11,312
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,992,838      1,798,651       1,599,499
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                            1,160,580      1,115,493         992,667
   Provision for policyholders' dividends on participating policies (note 12)        40,973         39,937          38,754
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                133,394         82,695          85,568
   Other operating expenses (note 13)                                               342,394        272,954         240,652
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                  1,677,341      1,511,079       1,357,641
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense           315,497        287,572         241,858
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 7):
   Current                                                                          116,512         88,700          73,559
   Deferred                                                                          (5,623)        11,108           5,030
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
                                                                                    110,889         99,808          78,589
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------
      Income from continuing operations                                             204,608        187,764         163,269

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense of
   $4,453, $7,446 and $10,915 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively) (note 2)         11,324         24,714          20,459
                                                                              ---------------  --------------  -------------

      Net income                                                                $   215,932        212,478         183,728
                                                                              ===============  ==============  =============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   4


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($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>      
1994:
   Balance, beginning of year                       $3,815      406,089       1,194,519             6,745       1,611,168
   Capital contribution                                  -      200,000               -                 -         200,000
   Net income                                            -            -         183,728                 -         183,728
   Adjustment for change in accounting for
      certain investments in debt and equity
      securities, net (note 4)                           -            -               -           212,553         212,553
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (338,971)       (338,971)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1995:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      606,089       1,378,247          (119,673)      1,868,478
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -       51,029               -            (4,111)         46,918
   Dividends to shareholder                              -            -          (7,450)                -          (7,450)
   Net income                                            -            -         212,478                 -         212,478
   Unrealized gains on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -           508,088         508,088
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

1996:
   Balance, beginning of year                        3,815      657,118       1,583,275           384,304       2,628,512
   Capital contribution (note 13)                        -           25               5                 -              30
   Dividends to shareholder                              -     (129,269)       (366,619)          (39,819)       (535,707)
   Net income                                            -            -         215,932                 -         215,932
   Unrealized losses on securities available-
      for-sale, net                                      -            -               -          (170,893)       (170,893)
                                                ----------- ------------- --------------- ----------------- ---------------
   Balance, end of year                             $3,815      527,874       1,432,593           173,592       2,137,874
                                                =========== ============= =============== ================= ===============

</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   5


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                       1996            1995            1994
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>             <C>    
  Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                                    $    215,932        212,478         183,728
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
        activities:
           Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                         (422,572)      (321,327)       (242,431)
           Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            133,394         82,695          85,568
           Amortization and depreciation                                                  6,962         10,234           3,603
           Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                                 (284)         3,250          16,094
           Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)                                  7,603        (30,673)          9,946
           Decrease (increase) in accrued investment income                               2,781        (16,999)        (12,808)
           (Increase) decrease in other assets                                          (38,876)        39,880        (102,676)
           Increase in policy liabilities                                               305,755        135,937         118,361
           Increase in policyholders' dividend accumulations                             13,374         12,639          15,298
           (Decrease) increase in accrued federal income tax payable                     (5,131)        30,836          (5,714)
           Increase in other liabilities                                                188,900         26,851             506
           Other, net                                                                   (61,679)         1,832         (29,595)
                                                                                 ---------------  --------------- ---------------
              Net cash provided by operating activities                                 346,159        187,633          39,880
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                          1,162,766        634,553         544,843
     Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                299,558        107,345         228,308
     Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -        564,450         491,862
     Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                          309,050        207,832         190,574
     Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                   18,519         48,331          46,713
     Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets          22,795         53,587         120,506
     Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                  (1,573,640)    (1,942,413)     (1,816,370)
     Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired                              -       (593,636)       (410,379)
     Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                    (972,776)      (796,026)       (471,570)
     Cost of real estate acquired                                                        (7,862)       (10,928)         (6,385)
     Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                             (57,740)       (75,910)        (65,302)
     Short-term investments, net                                                         28,003         77,837         (89,376)
     Purchase of affiliate (note 13)                                                          -              -        (155,000)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------
              Net cash used in investing activities                                    (771,327)    (1,724,978)     (1,391,576)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- ---------------

  Cash flows from financing activities:
     Proceeds from capital contributions                                                     30              -         200,000
     Dividends paid to shareholder                                                      (50,000)        (7,450)              -
     Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                      2,293,933      2,809,385       3,547,976
     Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
        product account balances                                                     (1,784,466)    (1,258,758)     (2,412,595)
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------
              Net cash provided by financing activities                                 459,497      1,543,177       1,335,381
                                                                                ---------------- --------------- --------------

  Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                        34,329          5,832         (16,315)

                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, beginning of year                                                                 9,455          3,623          19,938
                                                                                 ---------------- --------------- ---------------
  Cash, end of year                                                               $      43,784          9,455           3,623
                                                                                 ================ =============== ===============
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
<PAGE>   6




               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business
         ----------------------------------------

         Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) is a wholly owned subsidiary
         of Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). Wholly owned subsidiaries
         of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (NLAIC),
         Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau and subsidiaries (ELICW),
         National Casualty Company (NCC), West Coast Life Insurance Company
         (WCLIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. (formerly Nationwide
         Financial Services, Inc.), Nationwide Investment Services Corporation
         (formerly PEBSCO Securities Corporation) (NISC) and NWE, Inc. NLIC and
         its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         Nationwide Corp. formed Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) in
         November 1996 as a holding company for NLIC and the other companies of
         the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer or distribute long-term
         savings and retirement products. On January 27, 1997, Nationwide Corp.
         contributed to NFS the common stock of NLIC and three marketing and
         distribution companies. NFS is planning an initial public offering of
         its Class A common stock during the first quarter of 1997.

         In anticipation of the restructuring described above, on September 24,
         1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend payable January 1,
         1997 to Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common
         stock of certain subsidiaries (ELICW, NCC and WCLIC) that do not offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. In addition,
         during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and another affiliate effective January 1, 1996. These
         subsidiaries and all accident and health and group life insurance
         business have been accounted for as discontinued operations for all
         periods presented. See notes 2 and 13.

         In addition, as part of the restructuring described above, NLIC intends
         to make an $850,000 distribution to NFS which will then make an
         equivalent distribution to Nationwide Corp.

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products to retail and institutional customers and is subject to
         competition from other financial services providers 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 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, 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 reinsurance and credit and collection
              policies and by providing for any amounts deemed uncollectible.
<PAGE>   7



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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)      Discontinued Operations
         -----------------------

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies that offer or distribute long-term savings and
         retirement products. Prior to the contribution by Nationwide Corp. to
         NFS of the outstanding common stock of NLIC and other companies, NLIC
         effected certain transactions with respect to certain subsidiaries and
         lines of business that were unrelated to long-term savings and
         retirement products.

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend to
         Nationwide Corp. consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock
         of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC and WCLIC. ELICW writes group
         accident and health and group life insurance business and maintains it
         offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC is a property and casualty company
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), an affiliate.
         NCC maintains its offices in Scottsdale, Arizona. WCLIC writes high
         dollar term life insurance policies and is located in San Francisco,
         California. ELICW, NCC and WCLIC have been accounted for as
         discontinued operations for all periods presented. NLIC did not
         recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of these subsidiaries.

         A summary of the combined results of operations, including the results
         of the accident and health and group life insurance business ELICW
         assumed from NLIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of ELICW, NCC and
         WCLIC as of and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is
         as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

               <S>                                                               <C>             <C>           <C>   
               Revenues                                                          $   668,870       422,149        84,226
               Net income                                                             11,324        26,456        11,753
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                         3,029,293     2,967,326     2,537,692
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims     2,543,586     2,460,649     2,179,263
</TABLE>

         During 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 13 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. NLIC has
         discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
         and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
         cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated companies
         and will cease writing any new business prior to December 31, 1997.
         NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business is
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         NLIC did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the accident
         and health and group life insurance business. The assets, liabilities,
         results of operations and activities of discontinued operations are
         distinguished physically, operationally and for financial reporting
         purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities, results of operations
         and activities of NLIC.
<PAGE>   8
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         A summary of the results of operations, net of amounts ceded to ELICW
         and NMIC in 1996, and assets and liabilities of NLIC's accident and
         health and group life insurance business as of and for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    1996           1995          1994
                                                                                ------------   -----------   -----------

<S>                                                                                 <C>            <C>           <C>    
               Revenues                                                             $      -       354,788       362,476
               Net income (loss)                                                           -        (1,742)        8,706
               Assets, consisting primarily of investments                           259,185       239,426       234,082
               Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims       259,185       239,426       234,082
</TABLE>

(3)      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. Annual Statements for NLIC and its insurance
         subsidiaries, filed with the department of insurance of each insurance
         company's state of domicile, are prepared on the basis of accounting
         practices prescribed or permitted by each department. Prescribed
         statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
         National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as
         state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted
         statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not
         so prescribed. The Company has no material permitted statutory
         accounting practices.

         In preparing the 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 consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
              and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries that are
              classified and reported as discontinued operations are not
              consolidated but rather are reported as "Investment in
              Subsidiaries Classified as Discontinued Operations" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets and "Income for
              Discontinued Operations" in the accompanying consolidated
              statements of income. 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, 1996 or 1995.
<PAGE>   9
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued



              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate 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. Impairment
              losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
              indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
              flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
              assets' carrying amount.

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

         (c)  Revenues and Benefits
              ---------------------

              INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed annuities, annuities without life contingencies
              and guaranteed investment contracts. Universal life insurance
              products include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
              Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
              products consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of
              insurance, policy administration and surrender charges that have
              been earned and assessed against policy account balances during
              the period. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense
              include interest credited to policy account balances and benefits
              and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy
              account balances.

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

              ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCTS: 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. All accident and health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (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
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. For traditional life 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. 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 3(b).
<PAGE>   10

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         (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.

         (f)  Future Policy Benefits
              ----------------------

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

              Future policy benefits for traditional life 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 and claims for collectively renewable
              long-term disability policies and group long-term disability
              policies 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. All health insurance
              business is accounted for as discontinued operations. See note 2.

         (g)  Participating Business
              ----------------------

              Participating business represents approximately 52% in 1996 (54%
              in 1995 and 55% in 1994) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              78% in 1996 (79% in 1995 and 79% in 1994) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 40% in 1996 (47% in 1995 and 51%
              in 1994) 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.

         (h)  Federal Income Tax
              ------------------

              The Company, with the exception of ELICW, files a consolidated
              federal income tax return with NMIC, the majority shareholder of
              Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated tax return group
              have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in effect, for each
              member to bear essentially the same federal income tax liability
              as if separate tax returns were filed. Through 1994, ELICW filed a
              consolidated federal income tax return with Employers Insurance of
              Wausau A Mutual Company, an affiliate. Beginning in 1995, ELICW
              files a separate federal income tax return.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
              liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
              attributable to differences between the financial statement
              carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
              respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
<PAGE>   11
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (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. All of the Company's accident
              and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
              affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
              notes 2 and 13.

         (j)  Reclassification
              ----------------

              Certain items in the 1995 and 1994 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
              presentation.


(4)      Change in Accounting Principle
         ------------------------------

         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 (SFAS)
         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 $6,299,665
         and $6,721,714, 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                                         $ 422,049
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                            (95,044)
             Deferred federal income tax                                               (114,452)
                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                      $ 212,553
                                                                                    ==============
</TABLE>


(5)      Investments
         -----------

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follows as of December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
                                                                      cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                  ------------    ----------    -----------    -----------  
<S>                                                                <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>    
             1996:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   275,696         4,795        (1,340)        279,151
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        6,242           450            (2)          6,690
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         100,656         2,141          (857)        101,940
                 Corporate securities                                7,999,310       285,946       (33,686)      8,251,570
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,588,974        91,438       (15,124)      3,665,288
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,970,878       384,770       (51,009)     12,304,639
               Equity securities                                        43,890        15,571          (330)         59,131
                                                                   ------------    ----------   ------------   ------------ 
                                                                   $12,014,768       400,341       (51,339)     12,363,770
                                                                   ============    ==========   ============   ============ 
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   12
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              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>    
             1995:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of 
                   U.S. government corporations and agencies       $   310,186        12,764           (1)         322,949
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions        8,655         1,205           (1)           9,859
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments         101,414         4,387          (66)         105,735
                 Corporate securities                                7,888,440       473,681      (25,742)       8,336,379
                 Mortgage-backed securities                          3,553,861       165,169       (8,388)       3,710,642
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                11,862,556       657,206      (34,198)      12,485,564
               Equity securities                                        23,617         6,382          (46)          29,953
                                                                   ------------    ----------   -----------  ---------------
                                                                   $11,886,173       663,588      (34,244)      12,515,517
                                                                   ============    ==========   ===========  ===============
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1996, 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                                         $     440,235          444,214
                Due after one year through five years                               3,937,010        4,053,152
                Due after five years through ten years                              2,809,813        2,871,806
                Due after ten years                                                 1,194,846        1,270,179
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                    8,381,904        8,639,351

             Mortgage-backed securities                                             3,588,974        3,665,288
                                                                                ---------------   --------------
                                                                                  $11,970,878       12,304,639
                                                                                ===============   ==============
</TABLE>


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

                                                                                   1996            1995
                                                                              ---------------  --------------

             <S>                                                                  <C>              <C>    
             Gross unrealized gains                                               $349,002         629,344
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                       (81,939)       (138,914)
             Deferred federal income tax                                           (93,471)       (171,649)
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                   173,592         318,781

             Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net, of
                subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations (note 2)              -          65,523
                                                                              ---------------  --------------
                                                                                  $173,592         384,304
                                                                              ===============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   13
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


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

                                                                          1996             1995            1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
             <S>                                                     <C>               <C>            <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                               $(289,247)         876,332       (675,373)
                Equity securities                                           8,905              (26)        (1,927)
             Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                         -           75,626       (398,183)
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                                                                        $(280,342)         951,932     (1,075,483)
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $299,558, $107,345 and $228,308, respectively.
         During 1996, gross gains of $6,606 ($4,838 and $3,045 in 1995 and 1994,
         respectively) and gross losses of $6,925 ($2,147 and $21,280 in 1995
         and 1994, respectively) were realized on those sales.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25,429 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
         $3,535.

         As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board'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 $3,320,093, resulting in a gross unrealized gain
         of $155,940.

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1996 amounted to $26,805 ($27,712 in 1995) and
         consisted of $248 ($6,982 in 1995) in fixed maturity securities,
         $20,633 ($14,740 in 1995) in real estate and $5,924 ($5,990 in 1995) in
         other long-term investments.

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of
         $30,338 as of December 31, 1996 ($30,482 as of December 31, 1995) and
         valuation allowances of $15,219 as of December 31, 1996 ($25,819 as of
         December 31, 1995).

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired (under SFAS NO. 114 - ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR
         IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN as amended by SFAS NO. 118 - ACCOUNTING BY
         CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN-INCOME RECOGNITION AND DISCLOSURE)
         as of December 31, 1996 was $51,765 ($44,409 as of December 31, 1995),
         which includes $41,663 ($23,975 as of December 31, 1995) of impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate for which the related valuation allowance
         was $8,485 ($5,276 as of December 31, 1995) and $10,102 ($20,434 as of
         December 31, 1995) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
         there was no valuation allowance. During 1996, the average recorded
         investment in impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately
         $39,674 ($22,181 in 1995) and interest income recognized on those loans
         was $2,103 ($387 in 1995), which is equal to interest income recognized
         using a cash-basis method of income recognition.

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

                                                                                   1996           1995
                                                                               -------------  --------------

<S>                                                                                <C>             <C>   
             Allowance, beginning of year                                          $49,128         46,381
                  Additions charged to operations                                    4,497          7,433
                  Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                  (2,587)        (4,686)
                                                                               -------------  -------------  
             Allowance, end of year                                                $51,038         49,128
                                                                               =============  ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   14

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          1996             1995           1994
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ------------
        <S>                                                           <C>              <C>            <C>          
             Gross investment income:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                   Fixed maturity securities                          $   917,135          685,787        647,927
                   Equity securities                                        1,291            1,330            509
                 Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                     -          201,808        185,938
                 Mortgage loans on real estate                            432,815          395,478        372,734
                 Real estate                                               44,332           38,344         40,170
                 Short-term investments                                     4,155           10,576          6,141
                 Other                                                      3,998            7,239          2,121
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  --------------
                       Total investment income                          1,403,726        1,340,562      1,255,540
             Less investment expenses                                      45,967           46,529         44,729
                                                                     ---------------   -------------  ---------------  
                       Net investment income                           $1,357,759        1,294,033      1,210,811
                                                                     ===============   =============  ==============
</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>
                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------
        <S>                                                          <C>           <C>           <C>    
             Securities available-for-sale:
                Fixed maturity securities                              $(3,462)        4,213        (7,296)
                Equity securities                                        3,143         3,386         1,422
             Mortgage loans on real estate                              (4,115)       (7,091)      (20,446)
             Real estate and other                                       4,108        (2,232)        9,793
                                                                     ------------  ------------  ------------ 
                                                                      $   (326)       (1,724)      (16,527)
                                                                     ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6,161 and $5,592
         as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, 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 87% and 87% of the total liability for future
         policy benefits as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
         average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
         approximately 6.3%, 6.6% and 6.5% for the years ended December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

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

              Interest rates:  Interest rates vary as follows:
              --------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   Year of issue                Interest rates
                   -----------------   ----------------------------------------

                   <S>                <C>                
                   1996                6.6%, not graded
                   1984-1995           6.0% to 10.5%, not graded
                   1966-1983           6.0% to 8.1%, graded over 20 years to 4.0% to 6.6%
                   1965 and prior      generally lower than post 1965 issues

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   15
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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.

         The Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to cede a portion
         of its general account individual annuity business to The Franklin Life
         Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due from Franklin were
         $240,451 and $245,255 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
         The contract is immaterial to the Company's results of operations. The
         ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
         obligation to the policyholder. Under the terms of the contract,
         Franklin has established a trust as collateral for the recoveries. The
         trust assets are invested in investment grade securities, the market
         value of which must at all times be greater than or equal to 102% of
         the reinsured reserves.

         The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates as
         described in note 13. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
         to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.

(7)      Federal Income Tax
         -------------------

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1996
         and 1995 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996               1995
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
            <S>                                                         <C>                 <C>    
             Deferred tax assets:
                Future policy benefits                                        $175,571            149,192
                Liabilities in Separate Accounts                               188,426            129,120
                Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                   23,366             25,165
                Other policyholder funds                                         7,407              7,424
                Other assets and other liabilities                              53,757             41,847
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax assets                              448,527            352,748
                  Less valuation allowances                                     (7,000)            (7,000)
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Net deferred tax assets                                      441,527            345,748
                                                                        =================   ===============

             Deferred tax liabilities:
                Deferred policy acquisition costs                              399,345            299,579
                Fixed maturity securities                                      133,210            227,345
                Deferred tax on realized investment gains                       37,597             40,634
                Equity securities and other long-term investments                8,210              3,780
                Other                                                           25,377             21,037
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                  Total gross deferred tax liabilities                         603,739            592,375
                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
                                                                              $162,212            246,627
                                                                        =================   ===============
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
         has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                1996                    1995                    1994
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                      Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------

             <S>                                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C> 
             Computed (expected) tax expense          $110,424     35.0        $100,650     35.0         $84,650     35.0
             Tax exempt interest and dividends
                received deduction                        (212)    (0.1)            (18)    (0.0)           (130)    (0.1)
             Other, net                                    677      0.3            (824)    (0.3)         (5,931)    (2.5)
                                                   ------------  --------   ------------- --------   ------------- --------
               Total (effective rate of each year)    $110,889     35.2       $  99,808     34.7         $78,589     32.5
                                                   ============  ========   ============= ========   ============= ========
</TABLE>

         Total federal  income tax paid was $115,839,  $51,840 and $83,239  
         during the years ended  December 31, 1996,  1995 and 1994, 
         respectively.


 (8)     Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
         -----------------------------------------------------

         SFAS 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.

         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 is provided to make the fair value disclosures
         more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.

         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, which includes certain surrender
              charges.
<PAGE>   17
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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 analyses. 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 insurance, universal life
              insurance 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.

              COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 9.

           Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
           subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts
           were as follows as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           1996                            1995
                                                             ------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
                                                                 amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                             ------------------------------   --------------- ---------------
               <S>                                             <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>       
               Assets
               ------
               Investments:
                  Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                 $12,304,639     12,304,639        12,485,564      12,485,564
                     Equity securities                              59,131         59,131            29,953          29,953
                  Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,272,119      5,397,865         4,602,764       4,961,655
                  Policy loans                                     371,816        371,816           336,356         336,356
                  Short-term investments                             4,789          4,789            32,792          32,792
               Cash                                                 43,784         43,784             9,455           9,455
               Assets held in Separate Accounts                 26,926,702     26,926,702        18,591,108      18,591,108

               Liabilities
               -----------
               Investment contracts                             13,914,441     13,484,526        13,229,360      12,876,798
               Policy reserves on life insurance contracts       2,971,337      2,775,991         2,836,323       2,733,486
               Policyholders' dividend accumulations               361,401        361,401           348,027         348,027
               Other policyholder funds                             60,073         60,073            65,297          65,297
               Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         26,926,702     26,164,213        18,591,108      18,052,362
</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.
<PAGE>   18
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $327,456 extending into
         1997 were outstanding as of December 31, 1996.

         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 21% (20% in 1995) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1995) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1996.

         The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
         reinsurer as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. See note 6.

         The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             Apartment
                                                Office       Warehouse         Retail         & other           Total
                                              ------------  -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------
              <S>                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>                 
               1996:
                 East North Central             $139,518        119,069         549,064         215,038        1,022,689
                 East South Central               33,267         22,252         172,968          90,623          319,110
                 Mountain                         17,972         43,027         113,292          73,390          247,681
                 Middle Atlantic                 129,077         54,046         160,833          18,498          362,454
                 New England                      33,348         43,581         161,960               -          238,889
                 Pacific                         202,562        325,046         424,295         110,108        1,062,011
                 South Atlantic                  103,889        134,492         482,934         385,185        1,106,500
                 West North Central              126,467          2,441          75,180          40,529          244,617
                 West South Central              104,877        120,314         197,090         304,256          726,537
                                              -------------   -------------   -------------   --------------  ------------
                                                $890,977        864,268       2,337,616       1,237,627        5,330,488
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            58,369
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $5,272,119
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 <S>                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>              <C>    
               1995:
                 East North Central             $138,965        101,925         514,995         175,213          931,098
                 East South Central               21,329         13,053         180,858          82,383          297,623
                 Mountain                              -         17,219         138,220          45,274          200,713
                 Middle Atlantic                 116,187         64,813         158,252          10,793          350,045
                 New England                       9,559         39,525         148,449               1          197,534
                 Pacific                         183,206        233,186         374,915         105,419          896,726
                 South Atlantic                  106,246         73,541         446,800         278,265          904,852
                 West North Central              133,899         14,205          78,065          36,651          262,820
                 West South Central               69,140         92,594         190,299         267,268          619,301
                                              ------------  ------------    -------------   -------------   --------------
                                                $778,531        650,061       2,230,853       1,001,267        4,660,712
                                              ============  =============   =============   =============
                    Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                            57,948
                                                                                                            --------------
                         Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                             $4,602,764
                                                                                                            ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   19
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(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.

         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, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $7,381, $10,478 and
         $10,063, respectively.

         The Company's net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1996 and
         1995 was $1,075 and $1,392, respectively.

         The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan as a whole for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
         the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a
         whole for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                    <C>                  <C>               <C>   
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)       $   75,466           64,524            64,740
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation             105,511           95,283            73,951
              Actual return on plan assets                             (210,583)        (249,294)          (21,495)
              Net amortization and deferral                             101,795          143,353           (62,150)
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                     $   72,189           53,866            55,046
                                                                   ===============  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>


         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1996             1995              1994
                                                                   ---------------  ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                           6.00%            7.50%             5.75%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.25%            6.25%             4.50%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets         6.75%            8.75%             7.00%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   20
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
         follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
              <S>                                                          <C>               <C>      
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                 Vested                                                      $1,338,554         1,236,730
                 Nonvested                                                       11,149            26,503
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                             $1,349,703         1,263,233
                                                                           ===============   ===============

              Net accrued pension expense:
                 Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to       
                    date                                                     $1,847,828         1,780,616
                 Plan assets at fair value                                    1,947,933         1,738,004
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                    Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
                       obligation                                               100,105           (42,612)
                 Unrecognized prior service cost                                 37,870            42,845
                 Unrecognized net gains                                        (201,952)          (63,130)
                 Unrecognized net asset at transition                            37,158            41,305
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $   (26,819)          (21,592)
                                                                           ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1996              1995
                                                                           ---------------   ---------------

              <S>                                                              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                                   6.50%             6.00%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels                   4.75%             4.25%
</TABLE>

         Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are
         invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and ELICW.

(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.

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

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995 was $34,884 and $33,537, respectively, and the net
         periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1996, 1995 and 1994
         was $3,286, $3,132 and $4,284, respectively.
<PAGE>   21
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        1996          1995          1994
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------

            <S>                                                                       <C>              <C>           <C>  
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the year)   $  6,541         6,235         8,586
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation             13,679        14,151        14,011
             Actual return on plan assets                                               (4,348)       (2,657)       (1,622)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates              173         2,966           568
             Net amortization and deferral                                               1,830        (1,619)        1,622
                                                                                     -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                                                       $17,875        19,076        23,165
                                                                                     ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             1996              1995
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>   
             Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
                Retirees                                                                  $   92,954            88,680
                Fully eligible, active plan participants                                      23,749            28,793
                Other active plan participants                                                83,986            90,375
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                      200,689           207,848
                Plan assets at fair value                                                     63,044            54,325
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                   Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation      (137,645)         (153,523)
                Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                               1,654             1,827
                Unrecognized net gains                                                       (23,225)           (1,038)
                                                                                        ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                           $(159,216)         (152,734)
                                                                                        ===============   ===============
</TABLE>

         Actuarial  assumptions  used for the  measurement  of the APBO as of 
         December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the NPPBC for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1996          1996         1995         1995         1994
                                                      APBO         NPPBC         APBO        NPPBC         NPPBC
                                                   ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
             <S>                                     <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>  

             Discount rate                            7.25%         6.65%        6.75%        8.00%        7.00%
             Long-term rate of return on plan
                 assets, net of tax                     -           4.80%         -           8.00%         N/A
             Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                        11.00%        11.00%       11.00%       10.00%       12.00%
                 Ultimate rate                        6.00%         6.00%        6.00%        6.00%        6.00%
                 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, 1996 by $701 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
         1996 by $83.

(12)     Shareholder's Equity, 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 company subsidiaries exceed the minimum risk-based capital
         requirements.
<PAGE>   22
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The statutory capital shares and surplus of NLIC as of December 31,
         1996, 1995 and 1994 was $1,000,647, $1,363,031 and $1,262,861,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $73,218, $86,529 and $76,532,
         respectively.

         NLIC is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may pay
         without prior approval by the Department of Insurance of the State of
         Ohio (the Department). NLIC's dividend of the outstanding shares of
         common stock of certain companies which was declared on September 24,
         1996 and the anticipated $850,000 dividend (as discussed in note 1) are
         deemed extraordinary under Ohio insurance laws. As a result of such
         dividends, any dividend paid by NLIC during the 12-month period
         immediately following the $850,000 dividend would also be an
         extraordinary dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such
         dividend could be paid without prior regulatory approval.

         In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
         restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
         amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
         before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
         Company and its stockholder.

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

(13)     Transactions With Affiliates
         ----------------------------

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $9,065,
         $8,986 and $8,133, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $101,584, $107,112, and $100,601 in 1996,
         1995 and 1994, respectively. The allocations are based on techniques
         and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory guidelines.
         Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include individual
         employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies, salary expense,
         commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the participating
         companies that are within industry guidelines and practices. The
         Company believes these allocation methods are reasonable. In addition,
         the Company does not believe that expenses recognized under the
         intercompany agreements are materially different than expenses that
         would have been recognized had the Company operated on a stand alone
         basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under the cost sharing
         agreement were $15,111 and $1,186 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively.

         The Company also 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 1996 and
         1995 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
         repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
         could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.
<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         Intercompany reinsurance contracts exist between NLIC and, respectively
         NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health and group life
         insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance basis. NLIC
         entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because the
         accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated to
         NLIC's long-term savings and retirement products. Accordingly, the
         accident and health and group life insurance business has been
         accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are retained by
         the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the reinsurer.
         Under the terms of NLIC's agreements, the investment risk associated
         with changes in interest rates is borne by NMIC or ELICW, as the case
         may be. Risk of asset default is retained by NLIC, although a fee is
         paid by NMIC or ELICW, as the case may be, to NLIC for the NLIC's
         retention of such risk. The agreements will remain in force until all
         policy obligations are settled. However, with respect to the agreement
         between NLIC and NMIC, either party may terminate the contract on
         January 1 of any year with prior notice. The ceding of risk does not
         discharge the original insurer from its primary obligation to the
         policyholder. NLIC believes that the terms of the modified coinsurance
         agreements are consistent in all material respects with what NLIC could
         have obtained with unaffiliated parties.

         Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 are included in ELICW's results of
         operations for 1996 which, combined with the results of WCLIC and NCC,
         are summarized in note 2. Amounts ceded to ELICW in 1996 include
         premiums of $224,224, net investment income and other revenue of
         $14,833, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $246,641. Amounts
         ceded to NMIC in 1996 include premiums of $97,331, net investment
         income of $10,890, and benefits, claims and other expenses of $100,476.

         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 $4,789 and $9,654 as of December 31,
         1996 and 1995, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         On April, 5 1996, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares, with shareholder equity value of $30, of NISC to NLIC. NLIC
         contributed an additional $500 to NISC on August 30, 1996.

         On March 1, 1995, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to
         NLIC. Farmland merged into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The
         contribution resulted in a direct increase to consolidated
         shareholder's equity of $46,918. As discussed in note 2, WCLIC is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Effective December 31, 1994, NLIC purchased all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock 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. As discussed in note 2, ELICW is
         accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies
         which are also subsidiaries of Nationwide Corp. Total commissions and
         fees paid to these affiliates for the years ended December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994 were $76,922, $57,280 and $50,168, respectively.

(14)     Bank Lines of Credit
         --------------------

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, established a $600,000 revolving
         credit facility which provides for a $600,000 loan over a five year
         term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national financial
         institutions. The credit facility provides for several and not joint
         liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or NMIC. NLIC
         and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial institutions to
         maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously existing line of
         credit agreements were canceled.
<PAGE>   24
               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(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.

(16)     Segment Information
         -------------------

         The Company has three primary segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
         Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
         of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
         invest in mutual funds managed by the Company and independent
         investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
         tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
         contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified
         interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating
         on a tax-deferred basis. The Life Insurance segment consists of
         insurance products that provide a death benefit and may also allow the
         customer to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis. In addition, the
         Company reports corporate expenses and investments, and the related
         investment income supporting capital not specifically allocated to its
         product segments in a Corporate and Other segment. In addition, all
         realized gains and losses, investment management fees and other revenue
         earned from mutual funds, other than the portion allocated to the
         variable annuities and life insurance segments, are reported in the
         Corporate and Other segment.

         During 1996, 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 from continuing
         operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
         December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and assets as of December 31, 1996,
         1995 and 1994, by business segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              1996              1995              1994
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
             <S>                                                        <C>                <C>               <C>    
              Revenues:
                   Variable Annuities                                      $    284,638          189,071           132,687
                   Fixed Annuities                                            1,092,566        1,051,970           939,868
                   Life Insurance                                               435,657          409,135           383,150
                   Corporate and Other                                          179,977          148,475           143,794
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                           $  1,992,838        1,798,651         1,599,499
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
                 expense:
                   Variable Annuities                                            90,244           50,837            24,574
                   Fixed Annuities                                              135,405          137,000           138,950
                   Life Insurance                                                67,242           67,590            53,046
                   Corporate and Other                                           22,606           32,145            25,288
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                          $     315,497          287,572           241,858
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============

              Assets:

                   Variable Annuities                                        25,069,725       17,333,039        11,146,465
                   Fixed Annuities                                           13,994,715       13,250,359        11,668,973
                   Life Insurance                                             3,353,286        3,027,420         2,752,283
                   Corporate and Other                                        5,348,520        4,896,815         3,678,303
                                                                        -----------------  ---------------   ---------------
                                                                            $47,766,246       38,507,633        29,246,024
                                                                        =================  ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   25
<TABLE>


                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE I

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                               Consolidated Summary of Investments -
                                             Other Than Investments in Related Parties
                                                                 
                                                      As of December 31, 1996
                                                         ($000's omitted)
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                           Column A                                 Column B         Column C          Column D
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
                                                                                                    Amount at which
                                                                                                     shown in the
                                                                                                     consolidated
                      Type of Investment                              Cost         Market value      balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------    --------------   -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                <C>               <C>      
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities     $  3,757,887        3,834,762           3,834,762
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                  6,242            6,690               6,690
      Foreign governments                                              100,656          101,940             101,940
      Public utilities                                               1,798,736        1,843,938           1,843,938
      All other corporate                                            6,307,357        6,517,309           6,517,309
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale        11,970,878       12,304,639          12,304,639
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                           43,501           50,405              50,405
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                          389            8,726               8,726
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                    43,890           59,131              59,131
                                                                ---------------    --------------   -----------------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                   5,327,317                            5,272,119 (1)
Real estate, net:
   Investment properties                                               253,383                              217,611 (1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                     57,933                               48,148 (1)
Policy loans                                                           371,816                              371,816
Other long-term investments                                             27,370                               28,668 (2)
Short-term investments                                                   4,789                                4,789
                                                                ---------------                      ----------------
          Total investments                                        $18,057,376                           18,306,921
                                                                ===============                      ================
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
     impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
     depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
     See note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

(2) Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains of investments
    in limited partnerships.

</TABLE>






See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                                               SCHEDULE III

                                    NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                            Supplemental Insurance Information

                                          As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                           and for each of the years then ended

                                                     ($000's omitted)

- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column B          Column C            Column D           Column E          Column F
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------   -----------------  ---------------
                                       Deferred       Future policy                            Other policy
                                        policy      benefits, losses,                           claims and         
                                     acquisition        claims and      Unearned premiums    benefits payable    Premium
             Segment                    costs         loss expenses            (1)                 (2)           revenue
- ----------------------------------- --------------  ------------------  -----------------    ----------------  --------------

<C>                                 <C>             <C>                 <C>                    <C>                <C>    
1996: Variable Annuities               $   791,611                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      242,421          14,952,877                                    687          24,030
      Life Insurance                       414,417           1,995,802                                395,739         174,612
      Corporate and Other                  (81,940)            230,381                                 25,048               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,366,509          17,179,060                                421,474         198,642
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1995: Variable Annuities                   571,283                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      221,111          14,221,622                                    455          32,774
      Life Insurance                       366,876           1,898,641                                383,983         166,332
      Corporate and Other                 (138,914)            238,351                                 28,886               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                      $1,020,356          16,358,614                                413,324         199,106
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 

1994: Variable Annuities                   395,397                   -                                      -               -
      Fixed Annuities                      198,639          12,633,253                                    240          20,134
      Life Insurance                       327,079           1,806,762                                371,984         156,524
      Corporate and Other                   74,445             233,569                                 26,927               -
                                    --------------  ------------------                       ----------------  -------------- 
             Total                     $   995,560          14,673,584                                399,151         176,658
                                    ==============  ==================                       ================  ============== 
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
             Column A                  Column G          Column H            Column I           Column J          Column K
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------    ----------------  -------------- 
                                         Net                               Amortization           Other
                                      investment    Benefits, claims,      of deferred          operating        
                                        income          losses and            policy            expenses          Premiums
             Segment                     (3)       settlement expenses  acquisition costs          (3)            written
- ----------------------------------- -------------- -------------------  -----------------   -----------------  -------------- 

1996: Variable Annuities               $   (21,449)              4,624             57,412             132,357
      Fixed Annuities                    1,050,557             838,533             38,635              79,737
      Life Insurance                       174,002             211,386             37,347              78,965
      Corporate and Other                  154,649             106,037                  -              51,335
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,357,759           1,160,580            133,394             342,394
                                    ============== ===================  =================   ================= 

1995: Variable Annuities                   (17,640)              2,881             26,264             109,089
      Fixed Annuities                    1,002,718             804,980             29,499              80,260
      Life Insurance                       171,255             201,986             31,021              68,832
      Corporate and Other                  137,700             105,646             (4,089)             14,773
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,294,033           1,115,493             82,695             272,954
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  

1994: Variable Annuities                   (13,415)              2,277             22,135              83,701
      Fixed Annuities                      903,572             702,082             29,849              69,975
      Life Insurance                       166,329             191,006             29,495              69,861
      Corporate and Other                  154,325              97,302              4,089              17,115
                                    -------------- -------------------  -----------------   ----------------- 
             Total                      $1,210,811             992,667             85,568             240,652
                                    ============== ===================  =================   =================  
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Unearned premiums are included in Column C amounts.

(2)  Column E agrees to the sum of the Balance Sheet captions, Policyholders'
     dividend accumulations and Other policyholder funds.

(3)  Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are based
     on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating results
     would change by segment if different methods were applied.


</TABLE>

See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   27


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

                              NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                  Reinsurance

                                    As of December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                     and for each of the years then ended

                                                ($000's omitted)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
           Column A                  Column B           Column C           Column D          Column E          Column F
- -------------------------------   ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
                                                                                                              Percentage
                                                        Ceded to         Assumed from                         of amount
                                   Gross amount      other companies   other companies      Net amount      assumed to net
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>                <C>                <C>               <C> 
1996:
Life insurance in force              $47,071,264          6,633,567            288,593        40,726,290           0.7%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        225,615             29,282              2,309           198,642           1.2%
   Accident and health insurance         291,871            305,789             13,918                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   517,486            335,071             16,227           198,642           8.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1995:
Life Insurance in force              $41,087,025          8,935,743            391,174        32,542,456           1.2%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        221,257             24,360              2,209           199,106           1.1%
   Accident and health insurance         298,058            313,036             14,978                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   519,315            337,396             17,187           199,106           8.6%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============


1994:
Life Insurance in force              $35,926,633          7,550,623            829,742        29,205,752           2.8%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============

Premiums:
   Life insurance                        198,705             24,912              2,865           176,658           1.6%
   Accident and health insurance         303,435            321,696             18,261                 -         N/A
                                  ----------------- -----------------  ----------------   ----------------  ---------------
          Total                      $   502,140            346,608             21,126           176,658          12.0%
                                  ================= =================  ================   ================  ===============
<FN>

- ----------
Note:  The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
       traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
       excludes deposits on invesment products and universal life insurance
       products.
</TABLE>


See accompanying independent auditors' report.
<PAGE>   28

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                 SCHEDULE V

                                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                                 
                                                 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                                                 
                                           Years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
                                                         ($000's omitted)

- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                    Column A                         Column B               Column C               Column D      Column E
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   -----------------------------   ------------ -------------
                                                    Balance at     Charged to                                   Balance at
                                                   beginning of     costs and      Charged to     Deductions      end of
                  Description                         period        expenses     other accounts      (1)          period
- -------------------------------------------------  ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
<S>                                                <C>            <C>            <C>              <C>          <C>   
1996:
Valuation  allowances - mortgage loans on real
   estate                                              $49,128          4,497               -          2,587        51,038
Valuation allowances - real estate                      25,819        (10,600)              -              -        15,219
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $74,947         (6,103)              -          2,587        66,257
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1995:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities             -          8,908               -          8,908             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               46,381          7,433               -          4,686        49,128
Valuation allowances - real estate                      27,330         (1,511)              -              -        25,819
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $73,711         14,830               -         13,594        74,947
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============


1994:
Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities         4,800         (4,800)              -              -             -
Valuation  allowances  - mortgage  loans on real
   estate                                               42,150         20,445               -         16,214        46,381
Valuation allowances - real estate                      31,357         (4,027)              -              -        27,330
                                                   ------------   ------------   --------------   ------------ -------------
     Total                                             $78,307         11,618               -         16,214        73,711
                                                   ============   ============   ==============   ============ =============
<FN>

- ----------
(1)  Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation allowance.
</TABLE>



See accompanying independent auditors' report.

<PAGE>   45

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              (a)   Financial Statements:
              <S>                                                                                         <C>
                    (1)    Financial statements and schedule included                                     Page
                           in prospectus
                           (Part A):

                           Condensed Financial Information.                                                 12

                    (2)    Financial statements and schedule included
                           in Part B:

                           Those financial statements and schedule                                          42
                           required by Item 23 to be included in Part B
                           have been incorporated therein by reference
                           to the prospectus (Part A).

              Nationwide Variable Account-3:

                           Independent Auditors' Report.                                                    42

                           Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract                                    43

                           Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1996.

                           Statements of Operations and Changes in                                          45
                           Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                           December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

                           Notes to Financial Statements.                                                   46

                           Schedules of Changes in Unit Value.                                              48

              Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

                           Independent Auditors' Report.                                                    49

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December                                       50
                           31, 1996 and 1995.

                           Consolidated Statements of Income for the                                        51
                           years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
                           1994.

                           Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's                                         52
                           Equity for the years ended December 31,
                           1996, 1995 and 1994.

                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for                                        53
                           the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
                           and 1994.

                           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                                      54

                           Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of Investments -
                           Other Than Investments in Related Parties                                        73

                           Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance                                           74
                           Information

                           Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                                        75

                           Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                                   76
</TABLE>
    

                                   78 of 102

<PAGE>   46

Item 24.      (b) Exhibits

<TABLE>
                          <S>    <C>
                           (1)   Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
                                 Directors authorizing the establishment of the
                                 Registrant, adopted October 7, 1987- Filed with
                                 pre-effective amendment no. 1 to the
                                 registration statement, and hereby incorporated
                                 by reference.

                           (2)   Not Applicable

                           (3)   Underwriting or Distribution contract
                                 between the Registrant and Principal
                                 Underwriter - Filed with pre-effective
                                 amendment no. 1 to the registration
                                 statement, and hereby incorporated by
                                 reference.

                           (4)   The form of the variable annuity contract -
                                 Filed with post-effective amendment no. 1
                                 to the registration statement, and hereby
                                 incorporated by reference.

                           (5)   Variable Annuity Application - Filed with
                                 pre-effective amendment no. 1 to the
                                 registration statement, and hereby
                                 incorporated by reference.

                           (6)   Articles of Incorporation of Depositor -
                                 Filed with pre-effective amendment no. 1
                                 to the registration statement, and hereby
                                 incorporated by reference.

                           (7)   Not Applicable

                           (8)   Not Applicable

                           (9)   Opinion of Counsel - Filed with pre-
                                 effective amendment no. 1 to the
                                 registration statement, and hereby
                                 incorporated by reference.

                          (10)   Not Applicable

                          (11)   Not Applicable

                          (12)   Not Applicable

                          (13)   Performance Advertising Calculation Schedule -
                                 Filed previously with registration statement,
                                 and hereby incorporated by reference.
</TABLE>

                                   79 of 102

<PAGE>   47

Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
                          <S>                                      <C>
                          Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
                          519 Bethel Church Road
                          Mount Olives, NC  28365

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

                          Willard J. Engel                                       Director
                          1100 East Main Street
                          Marshall, MN 56258

                          Fred C. Finney                                         Director
                          1558 West Moreland Road
                          Wooster, OH 44691

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

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

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

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

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

                          C. Ray Noecker                                         Director
                          2770 Winchester Southern S.
                          Ashville, OH 43103

                          James F. Patterson                                     Director
                          8765 Mulberry Road
                          Chesterland, OH  44026
</TABLE>
    

                                   80 of 102

<PAGE>   48
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
                          <S>                                      <C>
                          Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
                          1356 North Wenger Road
                          Dalton, OH  44618

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

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

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

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

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

                          Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                       Executive Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                           Chief Investment Officer
                          Columbus, OH  43215

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

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

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

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

                          Michael D. Bleiweiss                                Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                         Individual Annuity Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
    

                                   81 of 102

<PAGE>   49
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR
                          <S>                                    <C>
                          Matthew S. Easley                                  Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                   Life Marketing and Administrative Service
                          Columbus, OH  43215

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

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

                          R. Dennis Noice                                     Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                               Retail Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215

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

Item 26.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR
              OR REGISTRANT.
              *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are 
                    filed

              **    Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated
                    financial statements

              ***   Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial
                    statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries

              ****  other subsidiaries


                                   82 of 102

<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                                       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                                       CHART) UNLESS
                                                       STATE             OTHERWISE                  
                        COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
         <S>                                       <C>                                 <C>
         Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

         Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                                       worldwide

         American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager

         Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company

         The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

         California Cash Management Company          California                        Investment Securities Agent

         Colonial County Mutual insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
         Company

         Colonial Insurance Company of               California                        Insurance Company
         California

         Columbus Insurance Brokerage and             Germany                          Insurance Broker
         Service GMBH

         Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency Insurance Services         California                        Insurance  Broker
         of California

         Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.            Alabama                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker

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

         Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.           Kentucky                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Massachusetts,        Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
         Inc.

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

         Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.     Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.            Arizona                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Insurance Broker

         Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         Countrywide Services Corporation             Delaware                         Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                       Management Services
</TABLE>

                                   83 of 102

<PAGE>   51
   

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

     **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
         Wausau

         F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency

         Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Insurance Company

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

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

         Financial Horizons Distributors              Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency

         Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

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

      *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust       Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
         Corporation

         Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business

         Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada           Nevada                          Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services

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

         Gates, McDonald Health Plus, Inc.              Ohio                           Managed Care Organization

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

                                                                                       Supplement Insurance

         Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

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

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

         Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

         Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency

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

     **  National Casualty Company                    Michigan                         Insurance Company

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

     **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                         Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company
</TABLE>
    

                                   84 of 102

<PAGE>   52
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                                       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                                       CHART) UNLESS
                                                       STATE             OTHERWISE                   
                        COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
     <S>                                           <C>                                 <C>
     **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                           Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator

         Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency

         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
         Company

      *  Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent

         Nationwide Communications, Inc.                Ohio                           Radio Broadcasting Business

         Nationwide Community Urban                     Ohio                           Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
         Redevelopment Corporation                                                     City of Columbus, Ohio

         Nationwide Corporation                         Ohio                           Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring,
                                                                                       or otherwise disposing of shares, bonds,
                                                                                       and other evidences of indebtedness,
                                                                                       securities, and contracts of other
                                                                                       persons, associations, corporations,
                                                                                       domestic or foreign and to form or
                                                                                       acquire the control of other
                                                                                       corporations

         Nationwide Development Company                 Ohio                           Owns, leases and manages commercial real 
                                                                                       estate

         Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                         Insurance Agency

         Distributors Agency, Inc.

         Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                         Holding Company

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

      *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Foundation

         Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Inc.

         Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company

      *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Foundation II

         Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Market

         Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent

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

     **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company              Ohio                           Life Insurance Company

         Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company

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

         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Company
</TABLE>
    

                                   85 of 102

<PAGE>   53
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                                       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                                       CHART) UNLESS
                                                       STATE             OTHERWISE                  
                        COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
      <S>                                          <C>                                 <C>
         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                    Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments.

         Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company

         Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.              Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments.

      *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

         Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                       Group

         Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

         NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments

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

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

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

         Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization
</TABLE>
    

                                   86 of 102

<PAGE>   54
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                                       (SEE ATTACHED
                                                                       CHART) UNLESS
                                                       STATE             OTHERWISE                  
                        COMPANY                   OF ORGANIZATION        INDICATED                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
     <S>                                           <C>                                 <C>
         Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance organization

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

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

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

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

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

         Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Excess and surplus lines insurance company

         Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and surplus lines insurance company
         Company

         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group

         Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

         Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company

         Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Limited

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

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

         Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company

         Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

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

                                   87 of 102

<PAGE>   55
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                         (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                                           UNLESS OTHERWISE
                      COMPANY                   STATE OF ORGANIZATION          INDICATED              PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>                         <C>
*   MFS Variable Account                                 Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                       Account

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

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

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

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

*   Nationwide DCVA II                                   Ohio          Nationwide Life             Issuer of Annuity
                                                                       Separate Account            Contracts

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

*   Nationwide VLI Separate Account                      Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                       Account                     Policies

*   Nationwide Variable Account-3                        Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                       Account                     Policies

*   Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2                    Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                       Account                     Policies

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

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

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

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

*   Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3                    Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                       Account                     Policies

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

*   Nationwide VL Separate Account-B                     Ohio          Nationwide Life and         Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                       Annunity Separate           Policies
                                                                       Account

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

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

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

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

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

*   Nationwide Variable Account-8                        Ohio          Nationwide Life Separate    Issuer off Annuity Contracts
                                                                       Account
</TABLE>
    

                                   88 of 102

<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                               (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                  |      EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     |
                                                  |           A MUTUAL COMPANY             |
                                                  |             (EMPLOYERS)                |
                                                  |                                        |========================================
                                                  | Contribution Note         Cost         |
                                                  | -----------------         ----         |
                                                  | Casualty                  $400,000,000 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    SAN DIEGO LOTUS      |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|     CORPORATION         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 748,212    |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
|100%          $29,000,000|       |100%          $18,683,300|       |100%          $176,763,000|     ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------     ||  ---------------------------
                                                                                 |                   ||
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ||
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|     WAUSAU BUSINESS     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES   |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |    OF KENTUCKY, INC.    |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 100 Shares  |  |  ||  |        COMPANIES        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------              |  |  ||  |        AGENCY OF        |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ||==|        TEXAS, INC.      |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |  ||  |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |  ||  |                         |
|WSC-100%      $33,800,000|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $145,852    |  |  ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS   |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |      WAUSAU GENERAL      |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 8,750      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 200,000     |  |  ||  |     COMPANIES ANNUITY   |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |  ||  |         AGENCY OF       |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ====|         TEXAS, INC.     |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |                         |
|WSC-100%      $69,560,006|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $39,000,000 |  |      |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|   GREATER LA CROSSE     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL   |  |      |     AMERICAN MARINE     |
|   HEALTH PLANS, INC.    |   |   |    OF NEW YORK, INC.    |   |   |       UNDERWRITERS       |  |      |    UNDERWRITERS, INC.   |
|Common Stock: 3,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 20         |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |------|                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-33.3%     $861,761   |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |     COMPANIES AGENCY    |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |     OF ILLINOIS, INC.   |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 250        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |  |      |WSC-100%      $2,500     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |  |------|                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |  |      |                         |
|                         |       |                         |   |   |                          |  |      |                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |       |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33 1/3%     $6,215,459|  |      |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |                                 |      
                                                                |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                                                                |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |  |      |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
                                                                |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |  |      |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
                                                                |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|  |      |Common Stock: 1,000      |
                                                                |   |------------              |  |      |------------  Shares     |
                                                                ----|                          |  -------|                         |
                                                                    |                          |         |                         |
                                                                    |              Cost        |         |Companies        Cost    |
                                                                    |              ----        |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
                                                                    |WSC-33 1/3%   $500,000    |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
                                                                    ----------------------------         ---------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   57
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:    3,136 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-24.5%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-24.5%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-7.7%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-7.7%        $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       ||    |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |        |           NECKURA            |
|      INSURANCE COMPANY       |       ||    |    |         AND CASUALTY         |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Guaranty Fund                 |       ||    |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |=========    |----|Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--------|Common Stock:    6,000        |
|Certificate                   |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------     Shares       |
|-----------      Cost         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |Neckura-         ----         |
|Casualty         $500,000     |             |    |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |        |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                              |                                             |    
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|        F & B, INC.           |             |    |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |        |         NECKURA LIFE         |
|                              |             |    |     COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1 Share      |             |    |          (COLONIAL)          |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |             |----|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--------|Common Stock:   4,000         |
|                 Cost         |             |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------    Shares        |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                Cost          |
|Farmland                      |             |    |                 ----         |         |        |                ----          |
|Mutual-100%      $10          |             |    |Casualty-100%    $11,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                             |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|  NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS     |             |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|     INSURANCE COMPANY        |             |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|------------     Shares       |             |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |------------------|------------     Shares       |         |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%   $26,714,335  |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:                |                  |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|-------------                 |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,567  |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |          SCOTTSDALE          |         |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                                  |        SURPLUS LINES         |         |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
                                                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |              GmbH            |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
                                                  |                              |         |--------|------------                  |
                                                  |        "NEWLY FORMED"        |         |        |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                 ----         |
                                                  |                              |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  |                              |         |        |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                                 |                         |        
                                                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                                  |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |         |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
                                                  |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |         |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
                                                  |           COMPANY            |         |        |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |         |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
                                                  |------------     Shares       |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                                  |         SVM SALES            |                  |          AUTO DIREKT         |
                                                  |            GmbH              |                  |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |                  |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
                                                  |------------                  |                  |------------                  |
                                                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  |                              |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                              (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
        |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                      ||                     |                                                                                      
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
        |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
        |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
        |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
        |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |Common Stock:    90 Shares    |                                                  
        |------------------            |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
        |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
        |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
        |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%    $9,000       |                                                  
        |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
        --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
                                             |                                                      
                                             |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                             |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                  |           THE BEAK AND       |
                                             |    |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.     |                  |         WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                             |    |Common Stock:    14,750       |                  |                              |
                                             |    |------------     Shares       |                  |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |
                                             -----|                 Cost         |------------------|------------                  |
                                                  |                 ----         |                  |                 Cost         |
                                                  |Casualty-100%    $11,510,000  |                  |                 ----         |
                                                  |Other Capital:                |                  |NW Comm-100%     $531,000     |
                                                  |-------------                 |                  |                              |
                                                  |Casualty-Ptd.      1,000,000  |                  |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------



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

March 6, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)
                                                NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |     ADVISORY SERVICES     |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|        (NW LIFE)          |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 68,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life--100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv.--100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life--100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
| NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|    COMPANY OF NEW YORK    |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock:             |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life--100%             |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| (Proposed)                |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDIA--100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |  |  |                           |==||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life--90%              |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual--10%            |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
                               |                                 ||                               
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|      INVESTORS, LTD.      |  |  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |__|  |                           |__||                               
|                           |     |                           |                                   
|                           |     |                           |                                   
| NW Life--97.6%            |     |                           |                                   
| NW Mutual--2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |              |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                |
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                                     |                                |                             |
 ---------------------------     --------------------------       -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |   |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |    |      WEST COAST LIFE        |    |    NATIONAL CASUALTY       |
|    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |   |                           |    |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |    |         COMPANY            |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |           (NC)             |
| Common Stock: Control     |   | Common Stock: 1           |    | Common Stock: 1,000,000     |    | Common Stock: 100          |
| ------------  -------     |   | ------------  Share       |    | ------------  Shares        |    | ------------  Shares       |
|                           |   |                           |    |                             |    |                            |
|                           |   |               Cost        |    |               Cost          |    |                Cost        | 
| Class A     Public--100%  |   |               ----        |    |               ----          |    |                ----        |
| Class B     NW Corp--100% |   | NW Corp.--100% $1,339,218 |    | NW Corp.--100% $152,946,930 |    | NW Corp.--100% $73,442,439 |
 ---------------------------     ---------------------------      -----------------------------      ---------------------------- 
             |                                                                                                     |
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                   |
                             |                                                  |                                  |
                ---------------------------                       ---------------------------        ----------------------------
               | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |                     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER       |    |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.     |
               |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |                     |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.   |    |         (INACTIVE)         |
               |         (PEBSCO)          |                     |             (NEA)           |    |                            |
               | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||                 | Common Stock: 500           |    |                            |
               | ------------  Shares      |  ||                 | ------------  Shares        |    |                            |
               |                           |  ||                 |                             |    |                            |
               | NFS--100%                 |  ||                 | NFS--100%                   |    | NFS--100%                  |
                ---------------------------   ||                  -----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||  
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  
               |          ALABAMA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%      $5,000     |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 || 
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF ARIZONA, INC      |  ||
               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $1,000      |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||
               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||
               |                           |  ||  |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |--||
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |          MONTANA          |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|       OF OHIO, INC.       |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $500        |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                           |
               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||  |                           |
               |                           |  ||  |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||  | Common Stock: 500         |  ||  |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               | ------------  Shares      |--||  | ------------  Shares      |  ||==|     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
               |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                           |
               |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                           |
               |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                           |
               | PEBSCO--100%  $1,000      |  ||  | NEA--100%     $500        |  ||  |                           |
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------
                                              ||                                 ||
                ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   ----------------------------
               |                           |  ||  |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||  |                            |
               |                           |  ||  |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||  |                            |
               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||  |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||  |      NEA VALUEBUILDER      |
               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |      INVESTOR SERVICES     |
               |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |__||==|        OF TEXAS, INC.      |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               Cost        |      |                            |
               |                           |      |               ----        |      |                            |
               |                           |      | NEA--100%     $1,000      |      |                            |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ----------------------------

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   61
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.      |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |         (NW HMO)             |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP.--100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   250,000      |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES--100%     $106,947    |  |  | NW CORP.--100%  $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc.--100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |     KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |  |  |          NATIONWIDE          |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |  |  |                              |  |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |  |  | Common Stock:   1,000        |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NW HMO          Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | Gates--100%     $93,750     |     | ELIOPW--80%  $2,700,000      |  |  | Inc.--99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |      GATES, MCDONALD        |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | NW CORP.--100%  $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    -- Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association -- Double Line

                                                                                Partnership Interest    -- Dotted Line



                                                                                                             March 6, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   62
   
    
Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
   
              The number of contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of February 28, 1997 was 210 and 214, respectively.
    
Item 28.      INDEMNIFICATION

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

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

                                   91 of 102

<PAGE>   63

   
Item 29.    PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

            (a)   INVESTMENT COMPANIES FOR WHICH VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN
                  CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS INC. ACTS AS PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
                  OR DEPOSITOR AS OF APRIL 1, 1997
<TABLE>
                  <S>                        <C>
                  Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust 
                  Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Trust
                  Van Kampen American Capital Insured Tax Free Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free High Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital California Insured Tax Free Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Municipal Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Intermediate Term Municipal Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital New York Tax Free Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Trust 
                  Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Short-Term Global Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Equity Trust 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Utility Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Balanced Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Value Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Great American Companies Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Growth Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Prospector Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Aggressive Growth Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Foreign Securities Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Tax Free Money Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Comstock Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Corporate Bond Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Equity Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Limited Maturity Government Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Global Managed Assets Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Government Securities Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Government Target Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund 
                  Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund
</TABLE>
    

                                   92 of 102

<PAGE>   64

   
              Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust 
                Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Domestic Income Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Government Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Money Market Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Asset Allocation Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Portfolio
                Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Portfolio
              Van Kampen American Capital Pace Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital Real Estate Securities Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital Reserve Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital Tax -Exempt Trust
                Van Kampen American Capital High Yield Municipal Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital U.S. Government Trust for Income
              Van Kampen American Capital World Portfolio Series Trust
                Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Fund
              Van Kampen American Capital Global Government Securities Fund

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Emerging Markets Municipal Income Trust                                                   Series 1
Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                           Series 1 through 387
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Discount)                                                Series 5 through 13
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Short Intermediate Term)                                 Series 1 through 106
1009 Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Term)                                  Series 5 through 89
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Limited Term)                                            Series 9 through 86
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                                     Series 1 through 3
Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered Maturity)                          Series 1 and 2
Insured Tax Free Bond Trust                                                               Series 1 through 6
Insured Tax Free Bond Trust (Limited Term)                                                Series 1
Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                       Series 1 through 93
Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust-Intermediate                                          Series 1
Investors' Corporate Income Trust                                                         Series 1 through 12
Investors' Governmental Securities Income Trust                                           Series 1 through 7 
Van Kampen Merritt International Bond Income Trust                                        Series 1 through 21
Alabama Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                               Series 1
Alabama Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1 through 9
Arizona Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                               Series 1 through 16
Arizona Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1 through 18
Arkansas Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1 through 2
Arkansas Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1
California Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                Series 1 through 164
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                          Series 1
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (1st Intermediate Series)                      Series 1 through 3
California Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                            Series 1 through 21
California Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered)                        Series 1 through 22
Colorado Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1 through 83
Colorado Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 18
Connecticut Insured Municipals Income Trust                                               Series 1 through 34
Connecticut Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                           Series 1
Delaware Investor's Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 and 2
Florida Insured Municipal Income Trust - Intermediate                                     Series 1 and 2
Florida Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1 through 113
Florida Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                               Series 1 and 2
</TABLE>
    



                                   93 of 102

<PAGE>   65

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Florida Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Laddered)                           Series 1 through 13
Georgia Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1 through 83
Georgia Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                               Series 1 through 16
Hawaii Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                Series 1
Indiana Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1
Investors' Quality Municipals Trust (AMT)                                                 Series 1 through 9
Kansas Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                Series 1 through 11
Kentucky Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 59
Louisiana Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                 Series 1 through 17
Maine Investor's Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                 Series 1
Maryland Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 81
Massachusetts Insured Municipals Income Trust                                             Series 1 through 34
Massachusetts Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                       Series 1
Michigan Financial Institutions Trust                                                     Series 1
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1 through 143
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                            Series 1
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust (1st Intermediate Series)                        Series 1 through 3
Michigan Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 30
Michigan Select Trust                                                                     Series 1
Minnesota Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                 Series 1 through 60
Minnesota Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                             Series 1 through 21
Mississippi Insured Municipals Income Trust                                               Series 1
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1 through 100
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                            Series 1
Missouri Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 15
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust
  (Intermediate Laddered Maturity)                                                        Series 1
Nebraska Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1 through 9
New Mexico Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                Series 1 through 18
New Jersey Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                Series 1 through 118
New Jersey Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                            Series 1 through 22
New Jersey Insured Municipals Income Trust
 (Intermediate Laddered Maturity)                                                         Series 1 and 4
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust-Intermediate                                     Series 1 through 6
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust (Limited Term)                                   Series 1
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1 through 140
New York Insured Tax-Free Bond Trust                                                      Series 1
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust
 (Intermediate Laddered Maturity)                                                         Series 1 through 17
New York Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                              Series 1
North Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                        Series 1 through 91
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                      Series 1 through 106
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                                Series 1 and 2
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust (Intermediate Term)                                  Series 1
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust
 (Intermediate Laddered Maturity)                                                         Series 3 through 6
Ohio Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                  Series 1 through 16
Oklahoma Insured Municipal Income Trust                                                   Series 1 through 17
Oregon Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                Series 1 through 53
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust - Intermediate                               Series 1 through 6
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust                                              Series 1 through 228
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust (Premium Bond Series)                        Series 1
Pennsylvania Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                          Series 1 through 14
South Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                        Series 1 through 85
Stepstone Growth Equity and Treasury Securities Trust                                     Series 1
</TABLE>
    

                                   94 of 102

<PAGE>   66

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
Tennessee Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                   Series 1-3 and 5-39
Texas Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                       Series 1 through 40
Texas Insured Municipal Income Trust (Intermediate Ladder)                                  Series 1
Virginia Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust                                                Series 1 through 76
Van Kampen American Capital Equity Opportunity Trust                                        Series 1 through 56
Van Kampen American Capital Utility Income Trust                                            Series 1 through 8 
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust                                            Series 1 through 66
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust (Intermediate Term)                        Series 1 through 65
Van Kampen Merritt Select Equity Trust                                                      Series 1
Van Kampen Merritt Select Equity and Treasury Trust                                         Series 1
Washington Insured Municipals Income Trust                                                  Series 1
West Virginia Insured Municipals Income Trust                                               Series 1 through 7
Principal Financial Institutions Trust                                                      Series 1
Internet Trust                                                                              Series 1 through 5
Michigan Real Estate Income and Growth Trust                                                Series 1
Strategic Ten Trust, United States                                                          Series 1 through 15
Strategic Ten Trust, United Kingdom                                                         Series 1 through 13
Strategic Ten Trust, Hong Kong                                                              Series 1 through 13
Strategic Five Trust, United States                                                         Series 1 through 9
Global Fifteen Trust                                                                        Series 1 through 2
Global Thirty Trust                                                                         Series 1 through 4
Great International Firms Trust                                                             Series 1 through 4
Undervalued Growth Opportunities Trust                                                      Series 1
Emerging Growth and Treasury                                                                Series 1
Global Blue Chip Trust                                                                      Series 1
Renaissance Trust                                                                           Series 1
Blue Chip Opportunity and Treasury Trust                                                    Series 1 through 4
Wheat First Strategic Opportunity Unit Trust                                                Series 1
Baby Boomer Opportunity Trust                                                               Series 1 through 2
Global Energy Trust                                                                         Series 1 through 3
Latin American Trust                                                                        Series 1
Brand Name Equity Trust                                                                     Series 1 through 3
Global Health Care Trust                                                                    Series 1
Global Precious Metals Trust                                                                Series 1
</TABLE>

              OFFICERS

                 VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NAME                       OFFICE                                        LOCATION
         ----                       ------                                        --------
         <S>                        <C>                                           <C>
         Don G. Powell              Chairman & Chief Executive Officer            Houston, TX

         William R. Molinari        President & Chief Operating                   Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Officer

         Ronald A. Nyberg           Executive Vice President & General            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel

         William R. Rybak           Executive Vice President & Chief              Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Financial Officer

         Paul R. Wolkenberg         Executive Vice President                      Houston, TX

         Robert A. Broman           Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Gary R. DeMoss             Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Keith K. Furlong           Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Douglas B. Gehrman         Sr. Vice President                            Houston, TX
</TABLE>
    

                                   95 of 102

<PAGE>   67

   
<TABLE>
         <S>                        <C>                                           <C>
         Richard D. Humphrey        Sr. Vice President                            Houston, TX
         Scott E. Martin            Sr. Vice President, Deputy General            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Secretary
         Debra A. Nichols           Sr. Vice President                            Houston, TX
         Charles G. Millington      Sr. Vice President & Treasurer                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Robert S. West             Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         John H. Zimmermann, III    Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Timothy K. Brown           1st Vice President                            Laguna Niguel, CA
         James S. Fosdick           1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Edward F. Lynch            1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Mark R. McClure            1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Mark T. McGannon           1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         James J. Ryan              1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Michael L. Stallard        1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         David M. Swanson           1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Laurence J. Althoff        Vice President & Controller                   Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         James K. Ambrosio          Vice President                                Massapequa, NY
         Patricia A. Bettlach       Vice President                                St. Louis, MO
         Carol S. Biegel            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Linda Mae Brown            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         William F. Burke, Jr.      Vice President                                Mendham, NJ
         Loren Burket               Vice President                                Plymouth, MN
         Thomas M. Byron            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Glenn M. Cackovic          Vice President                                Laguna Niguel, CA
         Joseph N. Caggiano         Vice President                                New York, NY
         Richard J. Charlino        Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Eleanor M. Cloud           Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Dominick Cogliandro        Vice President & Asst. Treasurer              New York, NY
         Michael Colston            Vice President                                Louisville, KY
         Suzanne Cummings           Vice President                                Houston, TX
         David B. Dibo              Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Howard A. Doss             Vice President                                Tampa, FL
         Jonathan Eckhard           Vice President                                Boulder, CO
         Charles Edward Fisher      Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         William J. Fow             Vice President                                Redding, CT
         Charles Friday             Vice President                                Gibsonia, PA
         Nori L. Gabert             Vice President, Assoc. General                Houston, TX
                                    Counsel & Asst. Secretary
         Erich P. Gerth             Vice President                                Dallas, TX
         Daniel Hamilton            Vice President                                Houston, TX
         John A. Hanhauser          Vice President                                Philadelphia, PA
         Eric J. Hargens            Vice President                                Orlando, FL
         J. Christopher Jackson     Vice President, Assoc. General                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Asst. Secretary
         Lowell Jackson             Vice President                                Norcross, GA
         Dana R. Klein              Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Ann Marie Klingenhagen     Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Frederick Kohly            Vice President                                Miami, FL
         David R. Kowalski          Vice President & Director                     Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    of Compliance
         S. William Lehew III       Vice President                                Charlotte, NC
         Robert C. Lodge            Vice President                                Philadelphia, PA
</TABLE>
    

                                   96 of 102

<PAGE>   68

   
<TABLE>
         <S>                        <C>                                           <C>
         Walter Lynn                Vice President                                Flower Mound, TX
         Michele L. Manley          Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Kevin S. Marsh             Vice President                                Bellevue, WA
         Carl Mayfield              Vice President                                Lakewood, CO
         Ruth L. McKeel             Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         John Mills                 Vice President                                Kenner, LA
         Robert Muller, Jr.         Vice President                                Houston, TX
         Ronald E. Pratt            Vice President                                Marietta, GA
         Craig S. Prichard          Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Walter E. Rein             Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Michael W. Rohr            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         James B. Ross              Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Heather R. Sabo            Vice President                                Richmond, Va
         Stephanie Scarlata         Vice President                                Lynbrook, NY
         Lisa A. Schomer            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Ronald J. Schuster         Vice President                                Tampa, FL
         Kimberly M. Spangler       Vice President                                Atlanta, GA
         Darren D. Stabler          Vice President                                Phoenix, AZ
         Christopher J. Staniforth  Vice President                                Leawood, KS
         William C. Strafford       Vice President                                Granger, IN
         James C. Taylor            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         John F. Tierney            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Curtis L. Ulvestad         Vice President                                Red Wing, MN
         Sandra A. Waterworth       Vice President and Assistant                  Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Secretary 
         Steven T. West             Vice President                                Wayne, PA
         Weston B. Wetherell        Vice President, Assoc. General                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Asst. Secretary
         James R. Yount             Vice President                                Seattle, WA
         Richard P. Zgonina         Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         James J. Boyne             Asst. Vice President & Asst.                  Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Secretary
         Eric J. Bridges            Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Richard B. Callaghan       Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Stephen M. Cutka           Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Nicholas Dalmaso           Asst. Vice President & Asst.                  Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Secretary
         Gerald A. Davis            Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Jerome M. Dybzinski        Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Melissa B. Epstein         Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
         Huey P. Falgout, Jr.       Asst. Vice President & Asst. Secretary        Houston, TX
         Rocco Fiordelisi III       Asst. Vice President                          St. Louis, MO
         Robert D. Gorski           Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Walter C. Gray             Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Joseph Hays                Asst. Vice President                          Philadelphia, PA
         Susan J. Hill              Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Hunter Knapp               Asst. Vice President                          Laguna, CA
         Natalie N. Hurdle          Asst. Vice President                          New York, NY
         Laurie L. Jones            Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
         Brian T. Levinson          Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
         Peggy E. Moro              Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         David R. Niemi             Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Daniel J. O'Keefe          Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Allison Okun               Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
</TABLE>
    

                                   97 of 102

<PAGE>   69

   
<TABLE>
         <S>                        <C>                                           <C>
         David B. Partain           Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Christine K. Putong        Asst. Vice President & Asst. Secretary        Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Michael Quinn              Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         David P. Robbins           Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Thomas J. Sauerborn        Asst. Vice President                          New York, NY
         Andrew J. Scherer          Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Jeffrey C. Shirk           Asst. Vice President                          Philadelphia, PA
         Traci T. Sorensen          Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Gary Steele                Asst. Vice President                          Philadelphia, PA
         David H. Villarreal        Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Kathleen M. Wennerstrum    Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Barbara A. Withers         Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Melinda K. Yeager          Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
         David C. Goodwin           Asst. Secretary                               Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Gina M. Scumaci            Asst. Secretary                               Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Elizabeth M. Brown         Officer                                       Houston, TX
         John Browning              Officer                                       Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Leticia George             Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Gina Grippo                Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Sarah Kessler              Officer                                       Oakbrook Terrace, IL
         Francis McGarvey           Officer                                       Houston, TX
         William D. McLaughlin      Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Becky Newman               Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Rosemary Pretty            Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Colette Saucedo            Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Frederick Shepherd         Officer                                       Houston, TX
         Larry Vickrey              Officer                                       Houston, TX
         John Yovanovic             Officer                                       Houston, TX
</TABLE>

                                   DIRECTORS
                                   ---------

                 VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                       OFFICE                         LOCATION
- ----                                       ------                         --------
<S>                                        <C>                            <C>
Don G. Powell                              Chairman & CEO                 2800 Post Oak Blvd.
                                                                          Houston, TX 77056

William R. Molinari                        President & COO                One Parkview Plaza
                                                                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Ronald A. Nyberg                           Executive Vice President       One Parkview Plaza
                                           & General Counsel              Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

William R. Rybak                           Executive Vice President       One Parkview Plaza
                                           & CFO                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
</TABLE>
    

Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43216

Item 31.      MANAGEMENT SERVICES

              Not Applicable

                                   98 of 102

<PAGE>   70

Item 32.      UNDERTAKINGS

              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

              (a)   file a post-effective amendment to this registration
                    statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the
                    audited financial statements in the registration statement
                    are never more than 16 months old for so long as payments
                    under the variable annuity contracts may be accepted;

              (b)   include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                    Contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                    applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                    Information, or (2) a post card or similar written
                    communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                    the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                    Additional Information; and

              (c)   deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                    financial statements required to be made available under
                    this form promptly upon written or oral request.
   
              The Registrant represents that any of the Contracts which are
              issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code are issued by the
              Company through the Registrant in reliance upon, and in
              compliance with, a no-action letter issued by the Staff of the
              Securities and Exchange Commission to the American Council of
              Life Insurance (publicly available November 28, 1988) permitting
              withdrawal restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with
              Section 403(b)(11) of the Code.

              The Depositor represents that the fees and the charges deducted
              under the Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to
              the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and
              the risks assumed by the Company.
    

                                   99 of 102

<PAGE>   71




                                   Offered by
                       Nationwide Life Insurance Company



                                   NATIONWIDE
                             LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



                                   NATIONWIDE
                              VARIABLE ACCOUNT - 3



                              INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED
                           VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT



                                   PROSPECTUS
   
                                  MAY 1, 1997
    










                                   100 of 102

<PAGE>   72

                 ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS'
                    REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and 
Contract Owners of the Nationwide Variable Account-3:
   
The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated January 31, 1997 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1996, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
    
We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to
our firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information.

                                                         KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
   
Columbus, Ohio
April 22, 1997
    


                                   101 of 102

<PAGE>   73

                                   SIGNATURES
   
       As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3, certifies that it
meets the requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this
Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 22nd
day of April, 1997.
    
                                      NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3            
                              ------------------------------------------------
                                              (Registrant)


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


                                         By /s/ JOSEPH P. RATH
                               ------------------------------------------------
                                                Joseph P. Rath
                                                Vice President
   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 22nd
day of April, 1997.
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SIGNATURE                                       TITLE
<S>                                              <C>                                             <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------                          
Lewis J. Alphin


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


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


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


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


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


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


DIMON RICHARD McFERSON                                Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
- -------------------------------------------------                                          
Dimon Richard McFerson                           Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


HAROLD W. WEIHL                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------                          
Harold W. Weihl
</TABLE>

                                   102 of 102
<PAGE>   74
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY



         KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned as
directors and/or officers of NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, and NATIONWIDE
LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY, both Ohio corporations, which have filed or
will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the provisions
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, various Registration Statements and
amendments thereto for the registration under said Act of Individual Deferred
Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with MFS Variable Account, Nationwide
Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-3,
Nationwide Variable Account-4, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
Variable Account-6, Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable Account, Nationwide
Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA
Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate
Account-C and Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q; and the registration of fixed
interest rate options subject to a market value adjustment offered under some or
all of the aforementioned individual Variable Annuity Contracts in connection
with Nationwide Multiple Maturity Separate Account and Nationwide Multiple
Maturity Separate Account-A, and the registration of Group Flexible Fund
Retirement Contracts in connection with Nationwide DC Variable Account,
Nationwide DCVA-II, and NACo Variable Account; and the registration of Group
Common Stock Variable Annuity Contracts in connection with Separate Account No.
1; and the registration of variable life insurance policies in connection with
Nationwide VLI Separate Account, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide
VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A and Nationwide VL
Separate Account-B, hereby constitutes and appoints Dimon Richard McFerson,
Joseph J. Gasper, W. Sidney Druen, and Joseph P. Rath, and each of them with
power to act without the others, his/her attorney, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for and in his/her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities, to approve, and sign such Registration Statements and
any and all amendments thereto, with power to affix the corporate seal of said
corporation thereto and to attest said seal and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorneys, and
each of them, full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and
thing requisite to all intents and purposes as he/she might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming that which said attorneys, or any of
them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This instrument may
be executed in one or more counterparts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have herewith set their names and
seals as of this 2nd day of April, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                 <C>
/s/ Lewis J. Alphin                                                 /s/ David O. Miller
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin, Director                                           David O. Miller, Director

/s/ Keith W. Eckel                                                  /s/ C. Ray Noecker
- -------------------------------------------------                   -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel, Director                                            C. Ray Noecker, Director

/s/ Willard J. Engel                                                /s/ Robert A. Oakley
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel, Director                                          Robert A. Oakley, Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer

/s/ Fred C. Finney                                                  /s/ James F. Patterson
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney, Director                                            James F. Patterson, Director

/s/ Charles L. Fuellgraf                                            /s/ Arden L. Shisler
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr., Director                                 Arden L. Shisler, Director

/s/ Joseph J. Gasper                                                /s/ Robert L. Stewart
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper, President and Chief Operating Officer             Robert L. Stewart, Director
and Director

/s/ Henry S. Holloway                                               /s/ Nancy C. Thomas
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway, Chairman of the Board, Director                  Nancy C. Thomas, Director

/s/ Dimon Richard McFerson                                          /s/ Harold W. Weihl
- -------------------------------------------------                   --------------------------------------------------
Dimon Richard McFerson, Chairman and Chief Executive                Harold W. Weihl, Director
Officer-Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
</TABLE>






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