NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT 3
485BPOS, 1998-04-30
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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. 12 [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

     DENNIS W. CLICK, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect 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, 1998 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.


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


<PAGE>   2


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                         PAGE
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<S>          <C>                                                                                                   <C>
   
    Item    1.   Cover page.........................................................................................3
    Item    2.   Definitions........................................................................................4
    Item    3.   Synopsis or Highlights............................................................................10
    Item    4.   Condensed Financial Information...................................................................11
    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.................................................22
    Item    8.   Annuity Period....................................................................................23
    Item    9.   Death Benefit and Distributions...................................................................24
    Item   10.    Purchases and Contract Value.....................................................................28
    Item   11.    Redemptions......................................................................................29
    Item   12.    Taxes............................................................................................30
    Item   13.    Legal Proceedings................................................................................36
    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.......................................................................................39
    Item   16.    Table of Contents................................................................................39
    Item   17.    General Information and History..................................................................39
    Item   18.    Services.........................................................................................39
    Item   19.    Purchase of Securities Being Offered.............................................................39
    Item   20.    Underwriters.....................................................................................39
    Item   21.    Calculation of Performance.......................................................................39
    Item   22.    Annuity Payments.................................................................................40
    Item   23.    Financial Statements.............................................................................41

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
    Item   24.    Financial Statements and Exhibits................................................................73
    Item   25.    Directors and Officers of the Depositor..........................................................75
    Item   26.    Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant...................77
    Item   27.    Number of Contract Owners........................................................................87
    Item   28.    Indemnification..................................................................................87
    Item   29.    Principal Underwriter............................................................................87
    Item   30.    Location of Accounts and Records.................................................................94
    Item   31.    Management Services..............................................................................94
    Item   32.    Undertakings.....................................................................................94
                                                                                                                   --
</TABLE>
    



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<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

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

   
The Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts described in this prospectus are
Flexible Purchase Payment Contracts (collectively referred to as the
"Contracts"). Reference throughout the prospectus to such Contracts will also
mean Certificates issued under Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts. The
Contracts are sold for use in retirement plans which may qualify for special
federal tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). The
Contracts are sold as either: Non-Qualified Contracts; IRAs; SEP IRAs; Tax
Sheltered Annuities; or Qualified Contracts. 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"). Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options are issued only for the
purpose of funding benefits of variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies issued by insurance companies. The Variable Account uses its
assets to purchase shares at Net Asset Value in one or more of the following
series of Underlying Mutual Fund options:

               VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST:

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

This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know about
the Contracts issued by the Variable Account before investing. You should read
it and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998, containing further information about the Contracts and the Variable
Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You
can obtain a copy without charge from the Company by calling 1-800-826-3167, TDD
1-800-238-3035, or by writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030.

THE BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN EVERY
JURISDICTION. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR CONTRACT FOR SPECIFIC BENEFIT INFORMATION.
    

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

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1998, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 35 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.

                                       1

                                    3 of 101
<PAGE>   4

                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS
   
ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization date.

ANNUITANT- The person designated to receive annuity payments during
Annuitization and upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving
life contingencies depends. This person must be age 78 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance. The Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date
with the consent of the Company.

ANNUITIZATION- The period during which annuity payments are received.

ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments 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. The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner
with the consent of the Company.
    

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 person who may be the recipient of certain benefits under the
Contract when the Designated Annuitant dies 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 ANNUITANT- The person who may be the recipient of certain rights or
benefits under the Contract if the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date.
If a Contingent Annuitant is named on the application, all provisions of the
Contract which are based on the death of the Annuitant will be based on the
death of the last survivor of the Annuitant and the Contingent Annuitant. The
Contract Owner's right to name a Contingent Annuitant may be restricted under
the provisions of any retirement or deferred compensation plan for which this
Contract is issued. A Contingent Annuitant may be named only if the Contract
Owner and Annuitant are different people or if the Contract Owner is a
non-natural person. A Contingent Annuitant may not be named for Contracts issued
as Qualified Contracts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

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

CONTINGENT OWNER- A Contingent Owner succeeds to the rights of the Contract
Owner upon the Contract Owner's death before Annuitization. For Contracts issued
in the state of New York, references throughout this prospectus to "Contingent
Owner" will mean "Owner's Beneficiary." A Contingent Owner may not be named for
Contracts issued as Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs or Tax Sheltered
Annuities.
    

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

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

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

CONTRACT VALUE- The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units plus any amount
held 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 Data Page of the
Contract.

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


                                       2
                                    4 of 101
<PAGE>   5
DISTRIBUTION- Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

   
INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD- The interval of time during which an interest
rate credited to the Fixed Account is guaranteed to remain the same. For new
Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable
Account, this period begins upon the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the
end of the calendar quarter at least one year (but not more than 15 months) from
deposit or transfer. At the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new
interest rate is declared with an Interest Rate Guarantee Period starting at the
end of the prior period and ending at the end of the calendar quarter one year
later.

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

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

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


PLAN PARTICIPANT- The person for whom contributions are being made to a
Qualified Contract 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 among the Sub-Accounts.

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

QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
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.

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND - A registered open-end management investment company in
which the assets of the Sub-Accounts will be invested.

VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Home Office are
open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of
trading of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the current Variable Account
Cash Value might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD- The period of time commencing at the close of a Valuation Date
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 are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.
    
                                       3
                                    5 of 101
<PAGE>   6

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                                                  <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.............................................................2
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..........................................................6
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES................................................6
EXAMPLE...............................................................................7
SYNOPSIS..............................................................................8
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................................9
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY....................................................12
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.................................................................12
         Underlying Mutual Fund Options..............................................12
         Voting Rights...............................................................13
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS........................................14
         Expenses of the Variable Account............................................14
         Mortality Risk Charge.......................................................14
         Expense Risk Charge.........................................................14
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge............................................14
         Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge..................................15
         Contract Maintenance Charge.................................................16
         Administration Charge.......................................................16
         Premium Taxes...............................................................16
         Investments of the Variable Account.........................................16
         Right to Revoke.............................................................16
         Transfers...................................................................17
         Assignment..................................................................18
         Loan Privilege..............................................................18
         Contract Ownership..........................................................19
         Owner's Beneficiary.........................................................19
         Beneficiary.................................................................20
         Substitution of Securities..................................................20
         Contract Owner Inquiries....................................................20
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT............................................................20
         Annuitization...............................................................20
         Fixed Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments.......................20
         Variable Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments....................20
         Variable Payment Annuity - Assumed Investment Rate..........................21
         Variable Payment Annuity - Value of an Annuity Unit.........................21
         Variable Payment Annuity - Exchanges Among Underlying Mutual Fund Options...21
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments....................................21
         Annuity Commencement Date...................................................21
         Annuity Payment Options.....................................................21
         Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts...........................22
         Death of the Annuitiant - Non-Qualified Contracts...........................22
         Death of the Contract Owner/ Annuitant......................................22
         Death Benefit Payment.......................................................22
         Required Distribution for Non-Qualified Contracts...........................23
         Required Distribution for Qualified Plans or Tax Sheltered Annuities........23
         Required Distributions for IRAs and SEP IRAs................................24
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................25
         Contract Owner Services.....................................................25
         Statements and Reports......................................................25
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value..........................26
         Value of an Accumulation Unit...............................................26
         Net Investment Factor.......................................................26
         Determining the Contract Value..............................................27
         Surrender (Redemption)......................................................27
         Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract.........27
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS...........................................................28
         Federal Income Taxes........................................................28
         Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners................28
         Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners............28
         Qualified Plans, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax Sheltered Annuities.................30
         Withholding ................................................................30
</TABLE>
    
                                       4
                                    6 of 101

<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
         Non-Resident Aliens.........................................................30
         Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes................31
         Charge for Tax..............................................................31
         Diversification.............................................................31
         Tax Changes.................................................................31
         Advertising.................................................................32
   
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY...........................................33
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES..........................................................34
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................................34
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................35
APPENDIX.............................................................................36
</TABLE>
    

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                                    7 of 101
<PAGE>   8


   
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
       Maximum CONTINGENT Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC")(1)...........      7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         RANGE OF CDSC OVER TIME

 Number of Completed Years from Date            CDSC Percentage
         of Purchase Payment
<S>               <C>                                  <C>
                  0                                    7%
                  1                                    6%
                  2                                    5%
                  3                                    4%
                  4                                    3%
                  5                                    2%
                  6                                    1%
                  7                                    0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2).................     $30
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges.....................    1.25    %
       Administration Charge..................................    0.05    %
       Total Variable Account Annual Expenses.................    1.30    %

1    During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
     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 "Waiver of CDSC").
    

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

                     UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
             (as a percentage of Underlying Mutual Fund net assets,
                          after expense reimbursement)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         (After Expense Reimbursements)3
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         TOTAL MUTUAL
                                                  MANAGEMENT FEES            OTHER EXPENSES              FUND EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                        <C>                        <C>  
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.50%                      0.10%                      0.60%
Investment Trust- Asset Allocation Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.50%                      0.10%                      0.60%
Investment Trust -Domestic Income Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.70%                      0.15%                      0.85%
Investment Trust -Emerging Growth Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.50%                      0.10%                      0.60%
Investment Trust -Enterprise Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        1.00%                      0.20%                      1.20%
Investment Trust - Global Equity Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.50%                      0.10%                      0.60%
Investment Trust -Government Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life                        0.50%                      0.10%                      0.60%
Investment Trust - Money Market Portfolio*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life 
Investment  Trust  -  Morgan  Stanley  Real            1.00%                      0.07%                      1.07%
Estate Securities Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

3   The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the Underlying Mutual
    Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable Account assets or
    reductions from Contract Values. These Underlying Mutual Fund expenses are
    taken into consideration in computing each Underlying Mutual Fund's Net
    Asset Value, which is the share price used to calculate the unit values of
    the Variable Account. The Management Fees and
    


                                       6
                                    8 of 101
<PAGE>   9


   
     Other Expenses are more fully described in the prospectus for each
     individual Underlying Mutual Fund. The information relating to the
     Underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided by the Underlying Mutual Fund
     and was not independently verified by the Company. Except as otherwise
     noted, the Management Fees and Other Expenses are not currently subject to
     fee waivers or expense reimbursements.

*The investment advisers for the indicated Underlying Mutual Funds have
voluntarily agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or other
expenses resulting in a reduction of total expenses. Absent any partial
reimbursement, "Management Fees" and "Other Expenses" would have been 0.50% and
0.21% for Asset Allocation Portfolio, 0.50% and 0.55% for Domestic Income
Portfolio, 0.70% and 1.44% for Emerging Growth Portfolio, 0.50% and 0.16% for
Enterprise Portfolio, 1.00% and 5.78% for Global Equity Portfolio, 0.50% and
0.24% for Government Portfolio, and 0.50% and 0.48% for Money Market Portfolio.

                                     EXAMPLE

    The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be
    incurred under this Contract assuming a $1000 investment 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 maximum $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      91    110     138      239      21     65     111     239      *      65     111      239
Trust -  Asset Allocation
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment
Trust  Domestic Income       91    110     138      239      21     65     111     239      *      65     111      239
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      94    117     151      265      24     72     124     265      *      72     124      265
Trust  -
Emerging Growth Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital  Life Investment     91    110     138      239      21     65     111     239      *      65     111      239
Trust  -
Enterprise Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital  Life Investment     97    128     169      302      27     83     142     302      *      83     142      302
Trust  -
Global Equity Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      91    110     138      239      21     65     111     239      *      65     111      239
Trust  - Government
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital  Life Investment     91    110     138      239      21     65     111     239      *      65     111      239
Trust  -
Money Market Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment      96    124     163      288      26     79     136     288      *      79     136      288
Trust - Morgan Stanley
Real Estate Securities
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

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

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The expenses of the
Variable Account as well as those of the Underlying Mutual Fund options are
reflected in the Example. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the
Variable Account, see "Variable Account Charges and Other Deductions". For more
complete information regarding expenses paid out of the assets of the Underlying
Mutual Fund options, see the prospectus for each 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>   10


                                    SYNOPSIS

   
The Contracts can be categorized as follows: (1) Non-Qualified; (2) IRAs; (3)
SEP IRAs; (4) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (5) Qualified.
    

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 Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000
without the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase Payments
and Contract Value").

   
The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from the Contract Value a CDSC 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. The Company will
also assess an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the
daily net assets of the Variable Account. These charges are to reimburse the
Company for administrative expenses related to the issue and maintenance of the
Contracts (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 assets of the Variable Account for mortality risks 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 assets of the Variable
Account as compensation for the Company's risk by undertaking not to increase
administrative charges on the Contracts regardless of the actual administrative
costs (see "Expense Risk Charge").

Upon Annuitization, the selected Annuity Payment Option will begin (see "Annuity
Payment Options"). However, if the net amount to be applied to any Annuity
Payment Option at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the Contract Value
may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any annuity
payment would be less than $20, the Company will 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").

Taxation of the Contracts will depend on the type of Contract issued (see
"Federal Tax Considerations"). In addition, the Company will charge against the
Purchase Payments or the Contract Value the amount of any premium taxes levied
by a state or any other governmental entity (see "Premium Taxes").

The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
Contract is returned to the Company in a timely manner, the Company will void
the Contract and refund the Contract Value in full unless otherwise required by
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges. All
IRAs, and SEP IRA refunds will be a return of Purchase Payments (see "Right to
Revoke").
    

                                       8
                                   10 of 101
<PAGE>   11
   

                         CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Accumulation Unit Values for an accumulation unit outstanding throughout the
period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             NUMBER OF
                                 ACCUMULATION UNIT  ACCUMULATION UNIT    ACCUMULATION UNITS
                                VALE AT BEGINNING    VALUE AT END OF          AT END OF
             FUND                    OF PERIOD            PERIOD               PERIOD                YEAR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                 <C>                   <C>                  <C> 
Van Kampen American Capital           23.907038           28.743704             422,523              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               21.272421           23.907038             513,310              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Allocation Portfolio-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           23.907038           28.743704             771,497              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               21.272421           23.907038           1,010,988              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Allocation Portfolio-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           16.692636           18.437191             124,140              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               15.854864           16.692636             165,684              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Income Portfolio-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           16.692636           18.437191             329,087              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               15.854864           16.692636             486,983              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic Income Portfolio-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           13.395245           15.921536              58,542              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               11.635151           13.395245              91,181              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Growth Portfolio-Q           10.000000           11.635151              24,126              1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           13.395245           15.921536             158,887              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust                 11.635151           13.395245             173,307              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Growth Portfolio-NQ          10.000000           11.635151              79,497              1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           31.749417           40.944001             316,766              1997
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust                 25.778191           31.749417             352,086              1996
                                ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprise Portfolio-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
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                                       9
                                   11 of 101
<PAGE>   12
   
                         CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                   (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ACCUMULATION                              NUMBER OF
                                 UNIT VALUE AT   ACCUMULATION UNIT     ACCUMULATION UNITS
                                 BEGINNING OF     VALUE AT END OF            AT END
             FUND                    PERIOD            PERIOD              OF PERIOD                YEAR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>                  <C>                     <C> 
Van Kampen American Capital           31.749417        40.944001             666,789                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust                 25.778191        31.749417             797,023                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprise Portfolio-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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           11.800884        13.493564              20,265                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               10.244062        11.800884              13,264                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Equity Portfolio-Q             10.000000        10.244062               4,239                1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           11.800884        13.493564              32,094                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               10.244062        11.800884              20,602                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Equity Portfolio-NQ            10.000000        10.244062               5,677                1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           14.944372        16.168107              61,597                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               14.827943        14.944372             101,057                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Portfolio-Q                12.821877        14.827943             187,304                1995
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      13.620968        12.821877             227,201                1994
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      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           14.944372        16.168107             228,036                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               14.827943        14.944372             315,546                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Portfolio-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           14.208651        14.734706             108,657                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               13.724323        14.208651             115,165                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Portfolio-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           14.208651        14.734706             356,149                1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               13.724323        14.208651             240,045                1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market Portfolio-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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
                                       10
                                   12 OF 101



<PAGE>   13


                                             CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                                       (CONTINUED)


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ACCUMULATION                              NUMBER OF
                                 UNIT VALUE AT   ACCUMULATION UNIT     ACCUMULATION UNITS
                                 BEGINNING OF     VALUE AT END OF            AT END
             FUND                    PERIOD            PERIOD              OF PERIOD                YEAR
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>                    <C>                   <C> 
Van Kampen American Capital           14.931303        17.901858              9,466                 1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               10.765351        14.931303              4,266                 1996
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Real Estate            10.000000        10.765351              1,762                 1995
Securities Portfolio-Q
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital           14.931303        17.901858             29,364                 1997
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Investment Trust -               10.765351        14.931303              5,179                 1996
                                ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Real Estate            10.000000        10.765351              2,808                 1995
Securities Portfolio-NQ
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
 *The 7 day yield on the Money Market Portfolio as of December 31,1997 was 3.81%
    

                                       11

                                   13 of 101
<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 43215. The Company is a provider of life insurance, annuities and
retirement products. It is admitted to do business in all states, the District
of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Contracts are distributed by the General
Distributor, Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Variable Account was established by the Company on October 7, 1987, pursuant
to Ohio law. The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with
the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"). Such registration does not involve supervision of the
management of the Variable Account or of the Company by the SEC.

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 of the Variable Account,
whether or not realized, are credited to or charged against the Variable Account
without regard to other income, gains or losses of the Company.

Purchase Payments are allocated among one or more Sub-Accounts corresponding to
one or more of the Underlying Mutual Funds 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

A Contract Owner may choose from among a number of different Underlying Mutual
Fund options. The Underlying Mutual Fund options are NOT available to the
general public directly. The Underlying Mutual Funds are available as investment
options in variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued
by life insurance companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain
qualified pension or retirement plans.

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

Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options available in the Variable Account
are issued only for the purpose of funding benefits for variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by insurance companies.
The Underlying Mutual Funds 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 interests of the Variable account and one or more of the other
separate accounts in which the Underlying Mutual Funds participate. A conflict
may occur due to a number of reasons including a change in law affecting the
operations of variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts or
differences in the voting instructions of the Contract Owners and those of other
companies. In the event of a conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary
to protect Contract Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of
the Variable Account from participation in the Underlying Mutual Fund(s)
involved in the conflict.

More detailed information may be found in the current prospectus for each
Underlying Mutual Fund. Prospectuses for the Underlying Mutual Funds should be
read in conjunction with this prospectus. A copy of each prospectus may be
obtained without charge from the Company by calling 1-800-826-3167, TDD
1-800-238-3035, or by writing P. O. Box 182030, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030. THERE
CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.
    

                                       12

                                   14 of 101

<PAGE>   15

   
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. Shares of the Trust are purchased by insurance companies to fund
benefits under variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts.
Van Kampen American Capital Asset Management, Inc. serves as the Portfolio's
investment adviser.

ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "MULTIPLE STRATEGY 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.

DOMESTIC INCOME PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "DOMESTIC STRATEGIC INCOME FUND") seeks
current income as its primary objective. Capital appreciation is a secondary
objective. The Portfolio attempts to achieve these objectives through investment
primarily in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities. The Portfolio
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 PORTFOLIO seeks capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio
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 Portfolio'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 Portfolio may invest up to 20%
of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers. Additionally, the
Portfolio 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 PORTFOLIO (FORMERLY "COMMON STOCK FUND") seeks capital appreciation
by investing in a portfolio of securities consisting principally of common
stocks.

GLOBAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO seeks long term capital growth through investments in an
internationally diversified portfolio 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 Portfolio's total assets are
so invested. Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and
warrants or options to acquire such securities.

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIO seeks to provide investors with a high current return
consistent with preservation of capital. The Government Portfolio 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 Portfolio may also purchase or sell options and engage in
transactions involving interest rate futures contracts and options on such
contracts.

MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks protection of capital and high current income by
investing in short-term money market instruments.

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

VOTING RIGHTS

Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to amounts allocated
to the Sub-Accounts.

In accordance with its view of applicable law, the Company will vote the shares
of the Underlying Mutual Funds at regular and special meetings of the
shareholders. These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions
    

                                       13
                                   15 of 101

<PAGE>   16

   
received from Contract Owners. If the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder
should be amended or if the present interpretation changes permitting the
Company to vote the shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds in its own right, the
Company may elect to do so.

The Contract Owner is the person who has the voting interest under the Contract.
The number of Underlying Mutual Fund Shares attributable to each Contract Owner
is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest in each respective
Sub-Account by the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Fund corresponding
to the Sub-Account. The number of shares which may be voted will be determined
as of the date chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to the meeting
of the Underlying Mutual Fund. Each person having a voting interest will receive
periodic reports relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material and a
form with which to give voting instructions.

Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication at least 21 days
prior to such meeting. Underlying Mutual Fund shares 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.

                  VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

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

All of the charges described in this section apply to Variable Account
allocations. Allocations to the Fixed Account are subject to CDSC and Premium
Tax deductions, if applicable, but are not subject to charges exclusive to the
Variable Account; e.g. the Mortality Risk Charge, the Expense Risk Charge, and
the Administration Charge.


MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

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 assets of the Variable Account. By guaranteeing the Contract's
annuity rate, the Company assumes the Mortality Risk. These guarantees cannot
change regardless of the death rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of
the general population.

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

The Company deducts an Expense Rick 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 assets of the Variable Account. The Company will not increase
charges for administration of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC")

No deduction for sales charges is made from the Purchase Payments for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value is surrendered, the
Company will, with certain exceptions deduct a CDSC (see "Waiver of CDSC"). The
CDSC will not exceed the lesser of:

     1.   7% of the amount surrendered; or

     2.   7% of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 7 years prior to
          the date of the surrender request.

The CDSC, 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 CDSC. 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.
    

                                       14
                                   16 of 101

<PAGE>   17

   
If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered, a CDSC will be deducted by
the Company. For purposes of calculating the CDSC, surrenders under a Contract
come first from the oldest Purchase Payment made to the Contract, then the next
oldest Purchase Payment and so forth. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually
treated as a withdrawal of earnings first.

The CDSC applies to the withdrawal of Purchase Payments as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    NUMBER OF COMPLETED                          CDSC
     YEARS FROM DATE OF                       PERCENTAGE
      PURCHASE PAYMENT
<S>          <C>                                  <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; or (b) any amount withdrawn in order to meet
Distribution requirements under the code. This free withdrawal privilege is
non-cumulative. Free amounts not taken during any given Contract Year cannot be
taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year. 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 (see "Non-Qualified Contracts-Natural Persons
as Contract Owners").

WAIVER OF CDSC

For Tax Sheltered Annuities issued 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 CDSC 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 IRAs the Company will waive the CDSC when:

     (a)  the 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 affiliated insurance companies, of the type
and class which the Company determines is eligible for such exchange, the
Company will waive the CDSC on the first Contract.

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

In no event will waiver of the CDSC be permitted where the waiver will be
unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by state law.
    

                                       15
                                    17 of 101
<PAGE>   18


CONTRACT MAINTENANCE 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>                                                    <C>
                                                                      - Non-Qualified Plans
                                                                      - IRAs
                                                                      - Qualified  Contracts (issued pursuant to a
                                      $30.00                            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 issued prior to May 1, 1992, the additional Contracts will have a
     Contract Maintenance Charge of $30.00.
2    This charge may be lowered to reflect savings in administration of the
     Contracts.
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. 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 the surrender. The amount of the Contract Maintenance
Charge may not be increased by the Company. In no event will reduction or waiver
of the Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted where the reduction or waiver
will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by
state law. 

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE 

The Company deducts an Administration Charge equal on an annual basis to 0.05%
of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Administration Charge is
designed only to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses. 

PREMIUM TAXES 

The Company will charge against the Contract Value any premium taxes
levied by a state or any other government entity upon Purchase Payments received
by the Company. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is
subject to change. The method used to recoup premium tax will be determined by
the Company at its sole discretion in compliance with state law. The Company
currently deducts such charges from the Contract Value either at: (1) the time
the contract is surrendered; (2) Annuitization; or (3) such earlier date as the
Company may become subject to such taxes.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Contract Owner may have Purchase Payments allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Shares of the respective Underlying Mutual Fund options specified
by the Contract Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the respective
Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner may
change the allocation of Purchase Payments or may exchange amounts among the
Sub-Accounts. Such transactions may be subject to conditions imposed by the
Underlying Mutual Funds, as well as those set forth in the Contract.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
Contract is returned to the Company in a timely manner, the Company will void
the Contract and refund the Contract Value in full, unless otherwise required by
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges.
All IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be a return of Purchase Payments.
    


                                       16
                                   18 of 101
<PAGE>   19

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 Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Variable Account
value to the Fixed Account, without penalty or adjustment. However, the Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any 12 month period. All amounts
transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed Account
until the expiration of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. In
addition, 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 during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to
the Fixed Account occurs. For all transfers involving the Variable Account, the
Contract 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. Once the Contract
has been Annuitized, transfers may only be made on each anniversary of the
Annuitization date.

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

Transfers may be made once per Valuation Day and may be made either in writing
or, in states allowing such transfers, by telephone. The telephone exchange
privilege is made available to Contract Owners automatically without the
Contract Owner's election. The Company will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures
may include the following: requesting identifying information, such as name,
contract number, Social Security number, and/or personal identification number;
tape recording all telephone transactions; or providing written confirmation
thereof to both the Contract Owner and any agent of record, at the last address
of record; or other procedures as the Company may deem reasonable. Although the
Company's failure to follow such reasonable procedures may result in the
Company's liability for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
transfers, the Company will not be liable for following instructions
communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Any losses
incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine will be borne by the Contract
Owner.

Contracts described in this prospectus may be sold to individuals who
independently utilize the services of a firm or individual engaged in market
timing. Generally, such firms or individuals obtain authorization from multiple
Contract Owners to make transfers and exchanges among the Sub-Accounts on the
basis of perceived market trends. Because of the unusually large transfers of
funds associated with some of these transactions, the ability of the Company or
Underlying Mutual Funds to process such transactions may be compromised, and the
execution of such transactions may possibly disadvantage or work to the
detriment of other Contract Owners not utilizing market timing services.

Accordingly, the right to exchange Contract Values among the Sub-Accounts may be
subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing firm or
any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange transactions
on behalf of multiple Contract Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OWNERS
TO EXCHANGE CONTRACT VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY BY THE
CONTRACT OWNER, OR BY THE CONTRACT OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF RECORD AS
AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the Company
may, among other things, not accept:

     (1)   the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a
           power of attorney on behalf or more than one Contract Owner; or
    
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                                   19 of 101
<PAGE>   20

   
     (2)  the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Contract Owners
          who have executed preauthorized transfer or exchange forms which are
          submitted by market timing firms or other third parties on behalf of
         more than one Contract Owner at the same time.

The Company will not impose any such restrictions or otherwise modify exchange
rights unless such action is reasonably intended to prevent the use of such
rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially impair the contract
rights of other Contract Owners.

ASSIGNMENT

The Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may assign some or all rights
under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Annuitant prior to the
Annuitization Date. Once proper notice of the assignment is recorded by the Home
Office, the assignment will become effective as of the date the written request
was signed. The Company is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences
of any assignment. The Company will not be liable for any payment or other
settlement made by the Company before recording of the assignment. Where
necessary for the proper administration of the terms of the Contract, an
assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received sufficient
direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper allocation of
Contract rights under the assignment.

Any portion of the Contract Value, which is pledged or assigned, will be treated
as a Distribution and will be included in gross income to the extent that the
cash value exceeds the investment in the Contract for the taxable year in which
it was pledged or assigned. In addition, any Contract Value assigned may be
subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount which is included in gross
income. All rights in the Contract are personal to the Contract Owner and may
not be assigned without written consent of the Company. Assignment of the entire
Contract Value may cause the portion of the Contract Value exceeding the total
investment in the Contract and previously taxed amounts to be included in gross
income for federal income tax purposes each year that the assignment is in
effect.

IRAs, SEP IRAs, Qualified Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuities may not be
assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred except under conditions as may be
allowed by law.
    

LOAN PRIVILEGE

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner of a Qualified Contract or
Tax Sheltered Annuity may receive a loan from the Contract Value subject to the
terms of the Contract, the plan, and the Code, which may 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, unless a lower minimum amount is mandated by state law. 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
in this provision. For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may only
be secured by 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. The Company will transfer to the collateral fixed account the
Sub-Account's Accumulation units in proportion to the assets in each option
until the required balance is reached or all such Accumulation Units are
exhausted. Any additional requested collateral will 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 will be credited with interest at
a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company for the term
of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral fixed account
will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of
loan application or loan issuance.
    

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


                                       18
                                   20 of 101
<PAGE>   21


   
agreement. Loan repayments will consist of principal and interest in amounts set
forth in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will be allocated among the
Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Contract, unless the Contract Owner and the
Company agree to amend the Contract at a later date on a case by case basis.

Any amounts distributed will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding,
plus accrued interest if:

       (1)  the Contract is surrendered;

       (2)  the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies; or

       (3)  the Contract Owner who is not the Annuitant dies prior to
            Annuitization.

In addition, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding
loans plus accrued interest if the annuity payments begin while the loan is
outstanding. 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, will be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest will
continue to accrue on the loan after default. 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. 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 a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity 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 loan's terms or
procedures if there is a change in applicable law. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a loan processing fee.

IRAs and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for loans.

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP

Unless the Contract otherwise provides, the Contract Owner has all rights under
the Contract. PURCHASERS NAMING SOMEONE OTHER THAN THEMSELVES AS OWNER 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 recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. A change of Contract 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 recorded by the Home Office.

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change in the
Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant, Owner's Beneficiary, Beneficiary, or
Contingent Beneficiary. The request must be made in writing on a form acceptable
to the Company and must be signed by the Contract Owner. The request must be
received at the Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any change is
subject to review and approval by the Company. If the Contract Owner is not a
natural person and there is a change of the Annuitant, Distributions will be
made as if the Contract Owner died at the time of the change.

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

OWNER'S BENEFICIARY

Either the Contract 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 Contract Owner's estate or the Contract Owner's
Beneficiary, the Contract 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 Annuitant. If a Contract Owner, who is also
the 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.
    

                                       19
                                   21 of 101

<PAGE>   22

   
Subject to the terms of any existing assignment recorded at the Home Office, 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
recording at the 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 the change.

BENEFICIARY

The Beneficiary is the person(s) 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 Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary will vest in the
Contingent Beneficiary. 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 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 Annuitant
by written notice to the Company. Once proper notice of the change is recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed, whether or not the 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 the change.

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

If shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options are no longer available for
investment by the Variable Account or if, in the judgment of the Company's
management, further investment in the Underlying Mutual Fund shares is
inappropriate, the Company may eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more
Sub-Accounts, or substitute shares of another underlying mutual fund for
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 SEC.

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

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

                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT

ANNUITIZATION

Annuitization is irrevocable once payments have begun. When making an
Annuitization election, the Annuitant must choose:

     (1) an Annuity Payout Option; and

     (2) either a Fixed Payment Annuity, Variable Payment Annuity or an
available combination.

If a variable payment option is chosen, all amounts in the Fixed Account must be
moved to a Variable Sub-Account prior to the Annuitization Date.

Payments under a Fixed Payment Annuity are guaranteed by the Company as to the
dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of each
payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will vary depending on the performance
of the selected Underlying Mutual Fund options. The dollar amount of each
variable payment could be higher or lower than a previous payment.

FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first Fixed Annuity Payment will be determined by applying the portion of
the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the Fixed Annuity
table then in effect for the Annuity Payment Option elected, after deducting any
applicable premium taxes from the total Contract Value. This will be done at the
Annuitization Date on an age last birthday basis. Subsequent Fixed Annuity
Payments will remain level unless the Annuity Payment Option elected provides
otherwise. The Company does not credit discretionary interest to Fixed Annuity
Payments during the annuity payment period.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first Variable Annuity Payment will be determined by applying the portion of
the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the Variable Annuity
table then effect for the Annuity Payment Option elected, after deducting any
applicable premium taxes from the total Contract Value. This will be done at the
    

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<PAGE>   23

   
Annuitization Date on an age last birthday basis. The dollar amount of the first
Variable Annuity Payment is divided by the value of an Annuity Unit as of the
Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity Units representing each
monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units remains fixed during the
annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second and subsequent Variable
Annuity 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.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

A 3.5% assumed investment rate is built into the Variable Payment Annuity
purchase rate basis 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 net
investment rate is at the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be
level.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

The value of an Annuity Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the Annuity Unit value from 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 Variable Payment Annuity purchase rate basis in the
Contracts (see "Net Investment Factor").

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - EXCHANGES AMONG UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

During the annuity payment period, exchanges among the Underlying Mutual Fund
options may only be made by written request and the exchange will take place on
the anniversary of the Annuitization Date.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Annuity payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected.
However, if the net amount available to apply under any Annuity Payment Option
is less than $500, the Company will have the right to pay such amount in one
lump sum in lieu of periodic annuity payments. In addition, if the payments to
be provided would be or become less than $20, the Company will have the right to
change the frequency of payments to intervals that 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

An Annuity Commencement Date will be selected. Such date will be the first day
of a calendar month unless otherwise agreed upon. The date 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 or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan, Annuitization may
occur during the first 2 years subject to approval by the Company.

The annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner in writing
subject to approval by the Company.

The annuity Commencement Date may be deferred in writing subject to approval by
the Company. 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 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 Annuitization Date, elect one of the following Annuity Payment
Options:

     (1) Life Annuity- An annuity payable periodically, but at least annually,
     during the lifetime of the annuitant, ending with the last payment due
     prior to the death of the Annuitant. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE ANNUITANT DIES
     BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, THE ANNUITANT WILL RECEIVE ONLY ONE
     ANNUITY PAYMENT. THE ANNUITANT WILL ONLY RECEIVE TWO ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF HE
     OR SHE DIES BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE AND SO ON.

     (2) Joint and Last survivor Annuity- An annuity payable periodically, but
     at least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and
     designated second individual and continuing thereafter during the lifetime
     of
    

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<PAGE>   24



   
     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.

     (3) Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payment Guaranteed- An annuity
     payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant. If the Annuitant dies
     before all of the guaranteed payments have been made, payments will
     continue to be made for the remainder of the selected guaranteed period to
     a designee chosen by the Contract Owner at the time the Annuity Payment
     Option was elected.

     Alternatively, the designee may elect to receive the present value of any
     remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value will be
     computed as of the date on which the Company receives notice of the
     Annuitant's death.


Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states. The
Contract Owner may request an alternative option in writing prior to
Annuitization.

For Non-Qualified Contracts, no Distribution will be made until an effective
Annuity Payment Option has been elected. Qualified Contracts, IRAs, SEP IRAs and
Tax Sheltered Annuities are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements
set forth in the plan, Contract, or Code.

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

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

DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

If the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same, and the 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"
provision, 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 the Death Benefits:

       (1)  in a lump sum distribution;

       (2)  as an annuity payout; or

       (3) any other distribution permitted by law and approved by the Company.

An election must be received by the Company within 60 days of the Annuitant's
death. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable will be paid according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.

DEATH OF THE CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT

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

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

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT


The Death Benefit value is determined as of the Valuation Date at or next
following the date the Home Office receives:

         (1)   proper proof of the Annuitant's death;

         (2)   an election specifying the distribution method; and

         (3)   any state required forms(s)
    


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If the Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the calendar month after his or
her 75th birthday the dollar amount of the Death Benefit will be the greatest
of:

         (1) the Contract Value; or

         (2) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less any amounts surrendered.

If the Annuitant dies on or after the first day of the calendar month after his
or her 75th birthday and prior to Annuitization, the Death Benefit will equal
the Contract Value.

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, payment will be made
according to the Annuity Payment Option selected.


REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

Upon the death of any Contract Owner (including an Annuitant who becomes the
Contract Owner of the Contract on the Annuitization Date) certain distributions
for Non-Qualified Contracts are required by Section 72(s) of the Code.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Contract to the contrary, the following
distributions will be made in accordance with such requirements:

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

       2.  If any Contract Owner dies 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) will be distributed within 5 years
           of the death of the Contract Owner, provided however:

           (a)   any interest payable to or for the benefit of a natural person
                 (referred to herein as a "designated beneficiary"), may be
                 distributed over the life of the designated beneficiary or
                 over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
                 designated beneficiary. Payments must begin within one year of
                 the date of the Contract Owner's death unless otherwise
                 permitted by federal income tax regulations; and

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

           (a)   the death of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any
                 Contract Owner;

           (b)   any change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any
                 Contract Owner; and

           (c)  in either case the appropriate Distribution required under these
                distribution rules will be made upon the death or change, as the
                case may be. The Annuitant is the primary annuitant as defined
                in Section 72(s)(6)(B) of the Code.

These distribution provisions will 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.

Upon the death of a Contract Owner, the designated beneficiary must elect a
method of Distribution which complies with the above distribution provisions and
which is acceptable to the Company. The election must be received by the Company
within 60 days of the Contract Owner's death.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

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

    
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       (a)   the life of the Annuitant or the joint lives of the Annuitant and
             the Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the selected Annuity
             Payment Option; or

       (b)   a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Annuitant
             or the joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and the Annuitant's
             designated beneficiary under the selected Annuity Payment Option.

If the 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 on the "required
beginning date" which is the later of:

         (a)   the first day of April following the calendar year in which the
               Annuitant attains age 70 1/2; or

         (b)   when the Annuitant retires.

However, provision (b) 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 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 Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary
         and the spouse elects to receive Distribution of the Contract 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 Annuitant would have attained age
         70 1/2; or

         (b) the Annuitant names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving
         spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the
         Contact 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 Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced, the Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death.

Payments commencing on the required beginning date will not be less than the
lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the Annuitant
by the life expectancy of the Annuitant, or the joint life expectancies of the
Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary (whichever is applicable
under the applicable Minimum Distribution or MDIB provisions). Life expectancy
and joint life expectancies are computed by the use of return multiples
contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations. If amounts distributed
to the 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 IRAS OR SEP IRAS

Distribution from an IRA or SEP IRA must begin not later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the Contract Owner attains
age 70 1/2. Distribution may be payable in a lump sum or in substantially equal
payments over: (a) the Contract Owner's life or the lives of the Contract 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 designated beneficiary.

If the Contract 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 Contract Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and
    the spouse elects to:

       (i) treat the annuity as an IRA or SEP IRA established for his or her 
           benefit; or
       (ii)receive Distribution of the Contract 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 Contract Owner would have attained age 70 1/2; or

(b) The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving
    spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the Contract
    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 Contract Owner dies.

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

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If the Contract 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, may 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 of an IRA or SEP IRA 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. IRA and SEP IRA Distributions will
not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of a lump sum Distribution from a
Qualified Plan. If the Contract 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.

                               GENERAL INFORMATION


CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

ASSET REBALANCING-The Contract Owner may direct the automatic reallocation of
Contract Values to the Sub-Accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset
Rebalancing will occur every three months or on another frequency authorized by
the Company. 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 reallocation will occur on the first business day
after that day. Asset Rebalancing requests must be in writing on a form provided
by the Company. The Contract Owner may want to contract a financial adviser to
discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing. Asset Rebalancing may be subject to
employer imposed limitations or restrictions for Contracts issued to a Qualified
Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan. The Company reserves the right to
discontinue establishing new Asset Rebalancing programs upon 30 days written
notice. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for this
service.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING- If the Contract Value is $15,000 or more, the Contract
Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer amounts from the Money
Market Portfolio or the Fixed Account to any other Sub-Account. Dollar Cost
Averaging will occur on a monthly basis or on another frequency permitted by the
Company. Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term investment program which provides
for regular, level investments over time. There is no guarantee that Dollar Cost
Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss. The minimum monthly
transfer is $100. Transfers will be processed until either the value in the
originating funds is exhausted or the Contract Owner instructs the Home Office
to cancel the transfers.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Dollar Cost
Averaging programs. The Company also reserves a right to assess a processing fee
for this service.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS- A Contract Owner may elect in writing to begin receiving
withdrawals of a specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The withdrawals will be taken from the
Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account on a prorated basis. Unless directed
otherwise by the Contract Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes.
In addition, a 10% penalty tax may be assessed by the IRS if the Contract Owner
is under age 59 1/2, unless the Contract Owner has made an irrevocable election
of distributions of substantially equal payments. Withdrawals may be
discontinued at any time by notifying the Home Office in writing.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Systematic
Withdrawal programs. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing
fee for this service. Systematic Withdrawals are not available prior to the
expiration of the ten day free look provision of the Contract (see "Right to
Revoke").

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address, any
statements and reports required by law. Contract Owners should promptly notify
the Company of any address change. Statements are mailed detailing the
Contract's quarterly activity. The Company will also send a confirmation
statement to Contract Owners each time a transaction is made affecting the
Contract Value. However, instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of
transactions made pursuant to some types of recurring payments plans (such as a
dollar cost averaging program or salary reduction arrangement), the Contract
Owner may receive confirmation of
    

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such transactions in their quarterly statements. The Contract Owner should
review the information in these statements carefully. All errors or corrections
must be reported the Company immediately to assure proper crediting to the
Contract. The Company will assume all transactions are accurately reported on
quarterly statements or confirmation statements unless the Contract Owner
notifies the Home Office within 30 days after receipt of the statement. The
Company will also send to Contract owners a semi-annual report as of June 30 and
an annual report as of December 31, containing financial statements for the
Variable Account.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account and/or one or more
Sub-Accounts 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, the 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, 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 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 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. 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 business days, the prospective purchaser will
be informed of the reasons for the delay and the Purchase Payment will be
returned immediately unless the prospective purchaser specifically consents to
the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is 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; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Presidents' Day; Good
Friday; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving; and Christmas.

VALUE OF AN ACCUMULATION UNIT

The Accumulation Unit value for any 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. Though the number of Accumulation Units
will not change as a result of investment experience, the value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase of decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation
Period.

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; and

       (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 Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund held in
       the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately preceding
       Valuation Period.

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

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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 the Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Accumulation Units and amounts
allocated and credited to the Fixed Account. The number of Accumulation Units
credited to each Sub-Account is determined by dividing the net amount allocated
to the Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit value for the Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the 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 and
an appropriate amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same
proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in each of the Sub-Accounts and
the Fixed Account bears to the total Contract Value.

SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

Prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant,
the Company will allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. The request for surrender must be made in writing and must
include the Contract when surrendering the Contract in full. In some cases the
Company will require additional documentation. The Company may require that the
signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock exchange or other
depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty.

When requested, the Company will 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 CDSC (see "CDSC"). 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 amounts surrendered from the Sub-Accounts within 7
days. However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of
any payment for any Valuation Period when: (1) the New York Stock Exchange
("Exchange") is closed; (2) trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3) 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)
the SEC, by order, permits such suspension or postponement for the protection of
security holders. The applicable rules and regulations of the SEC will 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 Contract 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 Annuitant:

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

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

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

     B.   The surrender limitations described in Section A above also 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


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          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 and/or
            retroactive disqualification of a Qualified Contract or Tax
            Sheltered Annuity.

A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To assist
in preventing disqualification in the event of a ten day free look, the Company
will agree to transfer the proceeds to another contract which meets the
requirements of Section 403(b) of the 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 401(k)(2)(B),
Code Section 403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject
to legislative change and/or reinterpretation. Distributions pursuant to
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders will not be considered to be a violation of
the restrictions stated in this provision.

The contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the plan
terms and tax provisions of the Code 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) IRAs,
including SEP IRAs; (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 formula required by the Code. The formula
required by the Code excludes from income an amount equal to the investment in
the Contract divided by the number of anticipated payments, as determined
pursuant to Section 72(d) of the Code, until the full investment in the contract
is recovered; thereafter, all Distributions are fully taxable. 

Distributions from IRAs and SEP IRAs and Contracts owned by Individual
Retirement Accounts are generally taxed when received. The portion of each
payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between the amount by which
nondeductible Purchase Payments to all Contracts exceeds prior non-taxable
Distributions from the Contracts, and the total account balances in the
Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The owner of such IRAs or SEP IRAs or
the Annuitant under Contracts held by Individual Retirement Accounts must
annually report to the IRS 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 IRAs, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Accounts.

A change of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant may be treated by the IRS as a
taxable transaction.
    

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT 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 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 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 

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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.

   
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. These 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 the 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. The election will 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 the payments begin within one year from the death of
the Contract Owner. If the Contingent Owner or other named recipient is the
surviving spouse, the 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 on the date
of the Contract Owner's death (see "Required Distribution for Qualified Plans
and Tax Sheltered Annuities"). If the Contract Owner is not a natural person,
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 in lieu of 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 a
Contract Owner or the Annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days
after the lump sum first becomes payable, the election will be ignored for tax
purposes, and the entire amount of the lump sum will be subject to immediate
tax. If the election is made within the 60 day period, each Distribution will be
taxable when it is paid.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NON-NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT 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.

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
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 Contract Owner.

The foregoing non-natural person rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. 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.
    


                                       29
                                   31 of 101
<PAGE>   32
   
The non-natural person rule 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, IRAS, SEP IRA AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

Contract Owners seeking information regarding eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and the tax consequences of
distributions from Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs and other
plans that receive favorable tax treatment should seek competent advice; the
terms of such plans may limit the rights available under the Contracts.

Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) of the 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 Contract Owner.

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

          (a)  one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
               payments made:

               (i)  over the life (or life expectancy) of the Contract Owner;

               (ii) over the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
                    Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's designated
                    beneficiary; or

              (iii) for a specified period of ten years or more; or

          (b)  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 Distributions 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 certain types of Distributions, but may be
subject to penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld
during a calendar year. However, if the IRS 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 IRS.
Distributions to certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in certain instances,
zero tax and withholding rates, if the United States has entered into an
applicable treaty. However, in order to obtain the benefits of such treaty
provisions, the NRA must give to the Company sufficient proof of his or her
residency and citizenship in the form and manner prescribed by the IRS. For
Distributions, the NRA must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
from the IRS, and furnish that number to the Company prior to the Distribution.
If the Company does not have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and 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 the payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and that
    
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<PAGE>   33

   
the payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United States
federal income tax purposes. Any 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 for
federal estate tax purposes even if all, a portion, or none 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 thereby determine the amount of the generation skipping
transfer tax, if any, resulting from the 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
Contract 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 Contract Owner). If the Contract Owner is not an individual,
then for this purpose only, "Contract Owner" refers to any person who would be
required to include the Contract, Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment
in his or her federal gross estate at his or her 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 a direct skip, the Company is required by Section 2603 of
the Code to reduce the amount of the Death Benefit, Distribution, or other
payment by the tax liability, and pay the tax liability directly to the IRS.

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

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 Sub-Accounts 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 IRS 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 Contract Owner or the Company pays an amount to
the IRS. The amount will be based on the tax that would have been paid by the
Contract Owner if the income, for the period the contract was not diversified,
had been received by the Contract Owner. If the failure to diversify is not
corrected in this manner, the Contract 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 IRS have suggested, from time to time, that the number of
Underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of transfer opportunities
available under a variable product may be relevant in determining whether the
product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No formal guidance has been
issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the Treasury issue additional rules
or regulations limiting the number of Underlying Mutual Funds, transfers between
Underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of Underlying Mutual Funds or changes in
investment objectives of Underlying Mutual Funds such that the 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.

TAX CHANGES

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 considered numerous legislative proposals that, if enacted, could
change the tax treatment of the Contracts. It is reasonable to believe that such
proposals 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 may
affect the tax consequences of the Contract.
    


                                       31
                                   33 of 101
<PAGE>   34

The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the IRS, 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 of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Account's
standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by
the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return"
illustrates the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment
of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods, or for a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund option has been available in the
Variable Account if the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not been available for
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," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund
option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund options which
have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of the prescribed periods, the
nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the investment performance
such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved (reduced by the same
charges except the CDSC) had such Underlying Mutual Fund options been available
in the Variable Account for the periods quoted. THE CDSC IS NOT REFLECTED
BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE DESIGNED FOR LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE CDSC, IF
REFLECTED, WOULD DECREASE THE LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE SHOWN. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT
OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED BECAUSE THAT AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF
A TYPICAL CONTRACT THAN DOES THE $1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS.

The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations reflected below are calculated as described in this section using
Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the period ended December 31, 1997.
However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results than
shown below. The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the
Company are based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be
more or less than the original cost.

A "yield" and "effective yield" may also be advertised for Van Kampen American
Capital Life Investment Trust Money Market Portfolio ("Money Market Portfolio").
"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 Money Market Portfolio's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
Money Market Portfolio 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 SEC. 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 relative to the performance of other variable annuity Sub-Accounts
or Underlying Mutual Fund options with similar or different objectives, or the
investment industry as a whole. Other investments to which the Sub-Accounts may
be compared include, but are not limited to: precious metals; real estate;
stocks and bonds; closed-end funds; CDs; bank money market deposit accounts and
passbook savings; and the Consumer Price Index. 
    

The Sub-Accounts 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 


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<PAGE>   35




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 charges or other fees.
    

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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                                         STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
                                         1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund          Date Fund
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS               12/31/97             12/31/97           to 12/31/97          Established
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>     
Van Kampen American Capital Life           11.83%                9.07%                 9.17%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset
Allocation Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            2.05%                5.60%                 3.56%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           10.46%                N/A                  15.74%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           20.56%               14.20%                13.58%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            5.49%                N/A                   7.59%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           -0.21%                1.50%                 3.07%              1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           -4.70%               -0.40%                 1.21%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life           11.49%                  N/A                21.59%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Morgan Stanley
Real Estate Securities Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

                                       33
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<PAGE>   36


                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                         1 Year to            5 Years to          Life of Fund          Date Fund
        SUB-ACCOUNT OPTIONS               12/31/97             12/31/97           to 12/31/97          Established
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                 <C>                  <C>     
Van Kampen American Capital Life            19.93%              11.84%                11.34%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Asset
Allocation Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            10.15%               8.34%                 6.28%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Domestic Income
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            18.56%               N/A                  20.15%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Emerging Growth
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            28.66%              28.78%                15.52%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Enterprise
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            14.04%               N/A                  12.40%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Global Equity
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life             7.89%               7.76%                 6.55%              1-2-90
Investment Trust - Government
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life             3.40%               3.49%                 3.84%              5-6-88
Investment Trust - Money Market
Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life            19.59%               N/A                  25.94%              7-3-95
Investment Trust - Real Estate
Securities Portfolio
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                           YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

The Company has developed a plan to address issues related to the year 2000. The
problem relates to many existing computer programs using only two digits to
identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed
without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not
corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by
or at the Year 2000. The Company has been evaluating its exposure to the Year
2000 issue through a review of all of its operating systems as well as
dependencies on the systems of other users since 1996. The Company expects all
system changes and replacements needed to achieve Year 2000 compliance to be
completed by the end of 1998. Compliance testing will be completed in the first
quarter of 1999.

Operating expenses in 1997 include approximately $45 million on technology
projects, which includes costs related to Year 2000 and the development of a new
policy administration system for traditional life insurance products and other
system enhancements. The Company anticipates spending a comparable amount in
1998 on technology projects, including Year 2000 initiatives. These expenses do
not have an effect on the assets of the Variable Account and are not charged
through to the Contract Owner.

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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.

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

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance pricing
and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial
jury awards or settlements. In February, 1997, Nationwide Life was named as a
defendant in a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court related to the sale of
whole life policies on a "vanishing premium" basis (John H. Snyder v. 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. In April, 1997, a motion to dismiss the
Snyder complaint in its entirety was filed by the defendants, and the plaintiff
has opposed such motion.

In November 1997, two plaintiffs, one who was the owner of a variable life
insurance contract and another who was the owner of a variable annuity contract,
commenced an action against Nationwide Life Insurance Company
    

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                                   36 of 101
<PAGE>   37




   
and the American Century group of defendants (Robert Young and David D. Distad
v. Nationwide Life Insurance Company et al.). In this action, plaintiffs seek to
represent a class of variable insurance contract owners and variable annuity
contract owners whom they claim were allegedly misled when purchasing these
variable contracts into believing that some portion of their premiums were
invested in a publicly traded mutual fund when, in fact, the premium monies were
invested in a mutual fund whose shares may only be purchased by insurance
companies. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory, treble and punitive
damages. In January 1998, both Nationwide Life Insurance Company and American
Century filed motion to dismiss the entire complaint. Plaintiff's counsel have
opposed these motions and the federal court in Texas heard arguments on the
motions to dismiss in April, 1998. This lawsuit is in an early stage and has not
been certified as a class action. Nationwide Life Insurance Company intends to
defend this case vigorously.

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

          TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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


                                       35
                                   37 of 101
<PAGE>   38


                                    APPENDIX

   
Purchase payments under the Fixed Account of the Contract and transfers to the
Fixed Account 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 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 SEC has not reviewed
the disclosures in this prospectus which related to the Fixed Account.
Disclosures regarding the Fixed Account and the general account may be subject
to certain 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 Variable Account and any other segregated asset account. Fixed
Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account by election of
the Contract Owner.

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 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 includes compensation for mortality and
expense risks borne by the Company in connection with Fixed Account Contracts.
The amount of investment income allocated to the Contracts will vary from year
to year at the sole discretion of the Company at such rate(s) as the Company
prospectively declares. The guaranteed rate for any Purchase Payment will remain
in effect for a period of not less than twelve months. However, the Company
guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than 3.0% per year. ANY
INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0%
PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED AT 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 the Fixed Account Contract Value will not be less
than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
interest credited as described above, less any applicable charges including
CDSC.

TRANSFERS
For transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account, refer to the
"Transfers" provision of the prospectus.

    

                                       36
                                   38 of 101
<PAGE>   39

                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                   MAY 1, 1998
                   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
additional information than set forth in the prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 1998. The prospectus may be
obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by writing P. O. Box 182030,
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2030, or by calling 1-800-826-3167, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    

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

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
Nationwide Variable Account-3 ("Variable Account") is a separate investment
account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a
member of the "Nationwide Insurance Enterprise." 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 $83.2 billion as of
December 31, 1997.
    

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 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 audited financial statements 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. The 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").
    

UNDERWRITERS

   
The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Van Kampen
American Capital Distributors, 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, subject to Rule 482
of the 1933 Act, will consist of a seven calendar day historical yield, carried
at least to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield will 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
    


                                       1

                                   39 of 101

<PAGE>   40

   
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. At December 31, 1997,
the Money Market Portfolio's seven-day current unit value yield was 3.81%. The
Money Market Portfolio'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 Money Market Portfolio. At December 31, 1997, the Money
Market Portfolio's effective yield was 3.88%.

The Money Market Portfolio'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 Money
Market Portfolio 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 no guarantee that the Net Asset Values will remain
constant. It should be noted that a Contract Owner's investment in the Money
Market Portfolio 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 will include quotations of standardized average
annual total return, calculated in accordance with standard method prescribed by
rules of the SEC, 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 CDSC 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 CDSC.
Reflecting the CDSC would decrease the level of the performance advertised. The
CDSC 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
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, is not 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.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

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

                                       2
                                   40 of 101
<PAGE>   41

<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,
1997, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity for each of the years in the two year period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1997, 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 referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Variable
Account-3 as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its
changes in contract owners' equity for each of the years in the two year period
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Columbus, Ohio

February 6, 1998



<PAGE>   2
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                        <C>
   Investments at market value:

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Asset Allocation Fund
         2,883,503 shares (cost $33,015,552) ..........................................    $34,342,522

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Domestic Income Fund
         1,014,923 shares (cost $8,317,886) ...........................................      8,373,111

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Emerging Growth Fund
         210,443 shares (cost $2,953,349) .............................................      3,461,794

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Enterprise Fund
         2,224,853 shares (cost $34,380,523) ..........................................     40,292,094

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Global Equity Fund
         64,286 shares (cost $787,255) ................................................        706,508

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Government Fund
         528,831 shares (cost $4,598,397) .............................................      4,717,176

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Money Market Fund
         6,873,994 shares (cost $6,873,994) ...........................................      6,873,994

      Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio
         43,857 shares (cost $668,768) ................................................        695,137
                                                                                           -----------

            Total investments .........................................................     99,462,336

   Accounts receivable ................................................................          1,792
                                                                                           -----------

            Total assets ..............................................................     99,464,128

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ......................................................................            130
                                                                                           -----------

CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ...............................................................    $99,463,998
                                                                                           ===========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        ANNUAL
Contract owners' equity represented by:            UNITS      UNIT VALUE                RETURN
                                                 --------     ----------                -------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>           <C>            <C>
   Contracts in accumulation phase:

Van Kampen American Capital LIT  -
Asset Allocation Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................        422,523    $ 28.743704   $12,144,876     20%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        771,497      28.743704    22,175,681     20%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Domestic Income Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................        124,140      18.437191     2,288,793     10%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        329,087      18.437191     6,067,440     10%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Emerging Growth Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................         58,542      15.921536       932,079     19%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        158,887      15.921536     2,529,725     19%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Enterprise Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................        316,766      40.944001    12,969,667     29%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        666,789      40.944001    27,301,009     29%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Global Equity Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................         20,265      13.493564       273,447     14%
   Non-tax qualified ....................         32,094      13.493564       433,062     14%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Government Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................         61,597      16.168107       995,907      8%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        228,036      16.168107     3,686,910      8%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - .......               
Money Market Fund:
   Tax qualified ........................        108,657      14.734706     1,601,029      4%
   Non-tax qualified ....................        356,149      14.734706     5,247,751      4%

Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Morgan
Stanley Real Estate Securities Portfolio:
   Tax qualified ........................          9,466      17.901858       169,459     20%
   Non-tax qualified ....................         29,364      17.901858       525,670     20%
                                                 =======      =========

   Reserves for annuity contracts in payout phase:
         Tax qualified ...................                                      1,862
         Non-tax qualified ...............                                    119,631
                                                                            ---------
                                                                          $99,463,998
                                                                          ===========
</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, 1997 AND 1996
          (UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS OF VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIT)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               TOTAL                    ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
                                                   ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                        1997           1996             1997             1996
                                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..........................    $  2,882,784        3,360,097        1,323,309        1,341,790
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ............................      (1,297,462)      (1,335,708)        (447,791)        (474,565)
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Net investment activity .....................       1,585,322        2,024,389          875,518          867,225
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........      42,955,530       44,991,214       10,382,595        7,543,626
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............     (40,204,323)     (43,680,536)     (10,464,852)      (7,373,798)
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .........       2,751,207        1,310,678          (82,257)         169,828
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments       4,412,174        1,290,651        1,899,930         (771,268)
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ..............       7,163,381        2,601,329        1,817,673         (601,440)
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Reinvested capital gains ......................       9,294,629        7,890,706        3,495,122        3,904,620
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ........      18,043,332       12,516,424        6,188,313        4,170,405
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .............................       2,333,844        4,521,793          523,984        1,749,286
Transfers between funds .......................              --               --       (2,491,298)         569,459
Redemptions ...................................     (20,007,928)     (19,642,633)      (6,275,268)      (5,641,778)
Annuity benefits ..............................         (17,547)         (15,629)          (5,559)          (4,967)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...         (88,218)         (97,006)         (34,597)         (39,849)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....         (92,750)        (155,505)         (28,394)         (40,707)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............           3,551            1,215              525              548
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
    Net equity transactions ...................     (17,869,048)     (15,387,765)      (8,310,607)      (3,408,008)
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........         174,284       (2,871,341)      (2,122,294)         762,397
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...      99,289,714      102,161,055       36,465,197       35,702,800
                                                   ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD .........    $ 99,463,998       99,289,714       34,342,903       36,465,197
                                                   ============     ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DOMESTIC INCOME FUND                 EMERGING GROWTH FUND
                                                     ------------------------------     -------------------------------
                                                         1997             1996                1997            1996
                                                     -------------   --------------     --------------  ---------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>                <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..........................       $    660,199          960,965               --               --
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ............................           (115,033)        (168,344)         (41,179)         (31,824)
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Net investment activity .....................            545,166          792,621          (41,179)         (31,824)
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........          5,623,192       10,853,804        1,698,623          613,503
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............         (5,435,881)     (10,480,762)      (1,524,002)        (504,539)
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .........            187,311          373,042          174,621          108,964
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments             90,778         (643,962)         390,722           60,368
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ..............            278,089         (270,920)         565,343          169,332
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
Reinvested capital gains ......................                 --               --               --               --
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ........            823,255          521,701          524,164          137,508
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .............................            610,662          278,859          249,000          241,262
Transfers between funds .......................         (1,206,000)      (1,182,910)        (598,377)       2,204,446
Redemptions ...................................         (2,740,231)      (4,766,789)        (252,006)        (240,314)
Annuity benefits ..............................             (2,452)          (2,143)              --               --
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...             (8,049)         (11,508)          (2,828)          (2,168)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....            (14,395)         (38,823)          (1,043)          (3,638)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............                265             (327)              12              116
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
    Net equity transactions ...................         (3,360,200)      (5,723,641)        (605,242)       2,199,704
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------

NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........         (2,536,945)      (5,201,940)         (81,078)       2,337,212
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...         10,910,269       16,112,209        3,542,882        1,205,670
                                                      ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD .........        $ 8,373,324       10,910,269        3,461,804        3,542,882
                                                      ============     ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ENTERPRISE FUND               GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
                                                   ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                       1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..........................     $   189,025         232,282           5,587           6,175
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ............................        (513,606)       (470,375)         (9,313)         (3,470)
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
  Net investment activity .....................        (324,581)       (238,093)         (3,726)          2,705
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........      11,862,498       9,455,987         515,818         124,295
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............      (9,510,386)     (8,515,268)       (435,109)       (107,858)
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .........       2,352,112         940,719          80,709          16,437
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments       2,008,216       2,724,396         (92,300)          9,508
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ..............       4,360,328       3,665,115         (11,591)         25,945
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Reinvested capital gains ......................       5,615,976       3,979,511         123,625           5,796
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ........       9,651,723       7,406,533         108,308          34,446
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .............................
Transfers between funds .......................         654,999       1,190,561          81,259          90,019
Redemptions ...................................         614,166         149,486         244,625         274,622
Annuity benefits ..............................      (7,063,843)     (5,475,218)       (125,840)       (100,167)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...          (1,685)         (1,156)             -               -
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....         (32,010)        (31,954)           (747)           (259)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............         (31,955)        (38,948)           (750)           (601)
                                                          2,287           2,520               5               8
    Net equity transactions ...................    ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                     (5,858,041)     (4,204,709)        198,552         263,622
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........       3,793,682       3,201,824         306,860         298,068
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...      36,499,067      33,297,243         399,649         101,581
                                                   ------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD .........     $40,292,749      36,499,067         706,509         399,649
                                                   ============    ============    ============    ============

</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         GOVERNMENT FUND                MONEY MARKET FUND
                                                   ----------------------------     ---------------------------
                                                       1997             1996              1997         1996
                                                   -------------   ------------     -------------- ------------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..........................     $  327,154        505,751            359,396       311,457
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ............................        (68,546)      (100,796)           (94,990)      (85,315)
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
  Net investment activity .....................        258,608        404,955            264,406       226,142
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........      2,763,818      3,885,427          9,957,418    12,421,752
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............     (2,748,960)    (4,199,470)        (9,957,418)  (12,421,752)
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .........         14,858       (314,043)                -             -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments        104,873       (102,999)                -             -
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ..............        119,731       (417,042)                -             -
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
Reinvested capital gains ......................             -              -                  -             -
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ........        378,339        (12,087)           264,406       226,142
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .............................
Transfers between funds .......................         47,775        188,736             90,587       761,285
Redemptions ...................................       (624,152)    (1,241,489)         3,600,877      (907,221)
Annuity benefits ..............................     (1,327,694)    (1,803,207)        (2,137,248)   (1,519,865)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...         (4,790)        (4,541)            (3,061)       (2,822)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....         (4,561)        (6,182)            (5,021)       (5,045)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............         (7,902)       (23,417)            (8,068)       (9,369)
                                                           257             98                212        (1,746)
    Net equity transactions ...................    -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
                                                    (1,921,067)    (2,890,002)         1,538,278    (1,684,783)
                                                   -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...     (1,542,728)    (2,902,089)         1,802,684    (1,458,641)
                                                     6,260,114      9,162,203          5,071,510     6,530,151
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD .........    -----------   ------------       ------------  ------------
                                                    $4,717,386      6,260,114          6,874,194     5,071,510
                                                   ===========   ============       ============  ============
                                                                                                   (Continued)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            REAL ESTATE
                                                        SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                       1997             1996
                                                   -------------   ------------
<S>                                                <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..........................     $  18,114            1,677
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ............................        (7,004)          (1,019)
                                                   ----------       ----------
  Net investment activity .....................        11,110              658
                                                   ----------       ----------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .........       151,568           92,820
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ...............      (127,715)         (77,089)
                                                   ----------       ----------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .........        23,853           15,731
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments         9,955           14,608
                                                   ----------       ----------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ..............        33,808           30,339
                                                   ----------       ----------
Reinvested capital gains ......................        59,906              779
                                                   ----------       ----------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ........       104,824           31,776
                                                   ----------       ----------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .............................
Transfers between funds .......................        75,578           21,785
Redemptions ...................................       460,159          133,607
Annuity benefits ..............................       (85,798)         (95,295)
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...            -                -
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ....          (405)             (41)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ..............          (243)              (2)
                                                          (12)              (2)
    Net equity transactions ...................    ----------       ----------
                                                      449,279           60,052
                                                   ----------       ----------
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY .........
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ...       554,103           91,828
                                                      141,026           49,198
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD .........    ----------       ----------
                                                   $  695,129          141,026
                                                   ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

                See accompanying notes to financial statements.

<PAGE>   7
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

(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 - Morgan Stanley Real Estate 
           Securities Portfolio
             (formerly Van Kampen American Capital LIT - Real Estate
             Securities Fund)

         At December 31, 1997, 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, 1997. 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>   8
     (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 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
period 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)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund
     Companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the
     services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
     communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various
     other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to
     an affiliate of the Company.






<PAGE>   42

<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), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, 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,
1997. 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, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.



                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 30, 1998

<PAGE>   2



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                                        -----------------------------------
                                        ASSETS                                                1997               1996
                                        ------
                                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>                 <C>  
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                                               $13,204.1           $12,304.6
    Equity securities                                                                            80.4                59.1
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                          5,181.6             5,272.1
  Real estate, net                                                                              311.4               265.8
  Policy loans                                                                                  415.3               371.8
  Other long-term investments                                                                    25.2                28.7
  Short-term investments                                                                        358.4                 4.8
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                             19,576.4            18,306.9
                                                                                           ----------           ---------

Cash                                                                                            175.6                43.8
Accrued investment income                                                                       210.5               210.2
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,665.4             1,366.5
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations                                  -                 485.7
Other assets                                                                                    438.4               426.5
Assets held in Separate Accounts                                                             37,724.4            26,926.7
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                            $59,790.7           $47,766.3
                                                                                           ==========           =========

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

Future policy benefits and claims                                                           $18,702.8           $17,600.6
Other liabilities                                                                               885.6             1,101.1
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts                                                     37,724.4            26,926.7
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                             57,312.8            45,628.4
                                                                                           ----------           ---------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 7 and 13)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $1 par value.  Authorized 5.0 million shares;
    3.8 million shares issued and outstanding                                                     3.8                 3.8
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                    914.7               527.9
  Retained earnings                                                                           1,312.3             1,432.6
  Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                        247.1               173.6
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                              2,477.9             2,137.9
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                            $59,790.7           $47,766.3
                                                                                           ==========           =========

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   3


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                            (in millions of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Years ended December 31,
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                  1997            1996           1995
                                                                              -------------   -------------  --------------

<S>                                                                            <C>             <C>            <C>      
Revenues:
  Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $   545.2       $   400.9      $   286.6
  Traditional life insurance premiums                                              205.4           198.6          199.1
  Net investment income                                                          1,409.2         1,357.8        1,294.0
  Realized gains (losses) on investments                                            11.1            (0.3)          (1.7)
  Other                                                                             46.5            35.9           20.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
                                                                                 2,217.4         1,992.9        1,798.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances                             1,016.6           982.3          950.3
  Other benefits and claims                                                        178.2           178.3          165.2
  Policyholder dividends on participating policies                                  40.6            41.0           39.9
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                167.2           133.4           82.7
  Other operating expenses                                                         384.9           342.4          273.0
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
                                                                                 1,787.5         1,677.4        1,511.1
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense            429.9           315.5          287.6

Federal income tax expense                                                         150.2           110.9           99.8
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Income from continuing operations                                              279.7           204.6          187.8

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense
  of $4.5 and $7.4 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)                                   -              11.3           24.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Net income                                                                 $   279.7       $   215.9      $   212.5
                                                                              ==========      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   4


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                            (in millions of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Unrealized
                                                                                            gains
                                                                                           (losses)
                                                           Additional                   on securities       Total
                                                Common       paid-in       Retained       available-    shareholder's
                                                 stock       capital       earnings     for-sale, net       equity
                                              ----------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>            <C>
December 31, 1994                                 $3.8       $ 606.2       $1,378.2         $(119.7)       $1,868.5

  Capital contribution                             -            51.0            -              (4.1)           46.9
  Net income                                       -             -            212.5             -             212.5
  Dividends to shareholder                         -             -             (7.5)            -              (7.5)
  Unrealized gains on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -             508.1           508.1
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1995                                  3.8         657.2        1,583.2           384.3          2628.5

  Net income                                       -             -            215.9             -             215.9
  Dividends to shareholder                         -          (129.3)        (366.5)          (39.8)         (535.6)
  Unrealized losses on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -            (170.9)         (170.9)
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1996                                  3.8         527.9        1,432.6           173.6         2,137.9

  Capital contribution                             -           836.8            -               -             836.8
  Net income                                       -             -            279.7             -             279.7
  Dividends to shareholder                         -          (450.0)        (400.0)            -            (850.0)
  Unrealized gains on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -              73.5            73.5
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1997                                 $3.8       $ 914.7       $1,312.3         $ 247.1        $2,477.9
                                              ========      ========       ========        ========       =========

</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   5


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           Years ended December 31,
                                                                                ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                     1997           1996            1995
                                                                                ------------------------------ ---------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>    

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                     $    279.7      $   215.9       $   212.5
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                            1,016.6          982.3           950.3
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            (487.9)        (422.6)         (321.3)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               167.2          133.4            82.7
      Amortization and depreciation                                                    (2.0)           7.0            10.2
      Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                                 (11.1)          (0.3)            3.3
      (Increase) decrease in accrued investment income                                 (0.3)           2.8           (16.9)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                             (12.7)         (38.9)           39.9
      (Decrease) increase in policy liabilities                                       (23.1)        (151.0)          123.9
      Increase in other liabilities                                                   230.6          191.4            27.0
      Other, net                                                                      (10.9)         (61.7)            1.8
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                                   1,146.1          858.3         1,113.4
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                             993.4        1,162.8           634.6
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                 574.5          299.6           107.3
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                  -              -             564.4
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                           437.3          309.0           207.8
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                    34.8           18.5            48.3
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets           22.7           22.8            53.6
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                   (2,828.1)      (1,573.6)       (1,942.4)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired                           -              -            (593.6)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                     (752.2)        (972.8)         (796.0)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                        (24.9)          (7.9)          (10.9)
  Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                              (62.5)         (57.7)          (75.9)
  Short-term investments, net                                                        (354.8)          28.0            77.8
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash used in investing activities                                      (1,959.8)        (771.3)       (1,725.0)
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from capital contributions                                                 836.8            -               -
  Cash dividends paid                                                                   -            (50.0)           (7.5)
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                        2,488.5        1,781.8         1,883.7
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                       (2,379.8)      (1,784.5)       (1,258.7)
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                           945.5          (52.7)          617.5
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
Net increase in cash                                                                  131.8           34.3             5.9

Cash, beginning of year                                                                43.8            9.5             3.6
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash, end of year                                                                $    175.6      $    43.8       $     9.5
                                                                                ===========      =========       =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   6

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995


(1)      ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

         Prior to January 27, 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) was
         wholly owned by Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). On that
         date, Nationwide Corp. contributed the outstanding shares of NLIC's
         common stock to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS), a holding
         company formed by Nationwide Corp. in November 1996 for NLIC and the
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. On March 11
         1997, NFS completed an initial public offering of its Class A common
         stock.

         During 1996 and 1997, Nationwide Corp. and NFS completed certain
         transactions in anticipation of the initial public offering that
         focused the business of NFS on long-term savings and retirement
         products. On September 24, 1996, NLIC declared a dividend payable to
         Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of certain subsidiaries that do not offer or
         distribute long-term savings or 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 two affiliates effective January 1, 1996. These subsidiaries,
         through December 31, 1996, and all accident and health and group life
         insurance business have been accounted for as discontinued operations
         for all periods presented. See notes 11 and 15. Additionally, NLIC paid
         $900.0 million of dividends, $50.0 million to Nationwide Corp. on
         December 31, 1996 and $850.0 million to NFS, which then made an
         equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., on February 24, 1997.

         NFS contributed $836.8 million to the capital of NLIC during March
         1997.

         Wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity
         Insurance Company (NLAIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.,
         Nationwide Investment Services Corporation and NWE, Inc. NLIC and its
         subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
         Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
         examinations by those departments.

(2)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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



<PAGE>   7


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

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

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

         (a)  CONSOLIDATION POLICY

              The 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 from
              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, 1997 or 1996.

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

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances. 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.


<PAGE>   8



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (c)  REVENUES AND BENEFITS

              INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed annuities. 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.

         (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 sales expenses have been deferred. For
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs
              are adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses
              on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as described in
              note 2(b). For traditional life insurance products, these deferred
              policy acquisition costs are predominantly being amortized with
              interest over the premium paying period of the related policies in
              proportion to the ratio of actual annual premium revenue to the
              anticipated total premium revenue. Such anticipated premium
              revenue was estimated using the same assumptions as were used for
              computing liabilities for future policy benefits.

         (e)  SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

              Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. For all but $365.5 million of separate
              account assets, 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 4.


<PAGE>   9


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (g)  PARTICIPATING BUSINESS

              Participating business represents approximately 50% in 1997 (52%
              in 1996 and 54% in 1995) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              77% in 1997 (78% in 1996 and 79% in 1995) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 27% in 1997 (40% in 1996 and 47%
              in 1995) of life insurance statutory premiums. The provision for
              policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales and is
              included in "Future policy benefits and claims" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         (h)  FEDERAL INCOME TAX

              The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
              Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (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.

              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.

         (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 11 and 15.

         (j)  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

              STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 130 - REPORTING
              COMPREHENSIVE INCOME was issued in June 1997 and is effective for
              fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The statement
              establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
              income and its components in a full set of financial statements.
              Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a
              period except those resulting from investments by shareholders and
              distributions to shareholders and includes net income.
              Comprehensive income would be reported in addition to earnings
              amounts currently presented. The Company will adopt the statement
              and begin reporting comprehensive income in the first quarter of
              1998.

         (k)  RECLASSIFICATION

              Certain items in the 1996 and 1995 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
              presentation.


<PAGE>   10


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued




(3)      INVESTMENTS

         The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
         fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997 and
         1996 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
             (in millions of dollars)                                 cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                 --------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>              <C> 
             December 31, 1997:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies            $     305.1    $     8.6      $    -        $     313.7
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          1.6          -             -                1.6
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments            93.3          2.7          (0.2)            95.8
                 Corporate securities                                  8,698.7        355.5         (11.5)         9,042.7
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,634.2        118.6          (2.5)         3,750.3
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  12,732.9        485.4         (14.2)        13,204.1
               Equity securities                                          67.8         12.9          (0.3)            80.4
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                                                                   $  12,800.7    $   498.3      $  (14.5)     $  13,284.5
                                                                  ============    =========     =========      ===========

             December 31, 1996:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies            $     275.7    $     4.8      $   (1.3)     $     279.2
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          6.2          0.5           -                6.7
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments           100.7          2.1          (0.9)           101.9
                 Corporate securities                                  7,999.3        285.9         (33.7)         8,251.5
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,589.0         91.4         (15.1)         3,665.3
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  11,970.9        384.7         (51.0)        12,304.6
               Equity securities                                          43.9         15.6          (0.4)            59.1
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                                                                   $  12,014.8    $   400.3      $  (51.4)     $  12,363.7
                                                                  ============    =========     =========      ===========
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997, 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
             (in millions of dollars)                                               cost          fair value
                                                                              --------------      ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>        
             Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
               Due in one year or less                                            $     419.2      $     422.1
               Due after one year through five years                                  4,573.5          4,708.4
               Due after five years through ten years                                 2,772.6          2,879.7
               Due after ten years                                                    1,333.4          1,443.6
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
                                                                                      9,098.7          9,453.8
             Mortgage-backed securities                                               3,634.2          3,750.3
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
                                                                                  $  12,732.9      $  13,204.1
                                                                                  ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   11

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                                1997          1996
                                                                                 -----------     ----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>   
             Gross unrealized gains                                                 $ 483.8        $349.0
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                         (103.7)        (81.9)
             Deferred federal income tax                                             (133.0)        (93.5)
                                                                                   --------       -------
                                                                                    $ 247.1        $173.6
                                                                                   ========       =======
</TABLE>

         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>


             (in millions of dollars)                                         1997          1996           1995
                                                                          -----------   -------------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                      $137.5       $(289.2)       $876.3
               Equity securities                                                (2.7)          8.9           -
             Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                          -             -            75.6
                                                                             -------       -------       -------
                                                                              $134.8       $(280.3)      $ 951.9
                                                                             =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1997,
         1996 and 1995 were $574.5 million, $299.6 million and $107.3 million,
         respectively. During 1997, gross gains of $9.9 million ($6.6 million
         and $4.8 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively) and gross losses of
         $18.0 million ($6.9 million and $2.1 million in 1996 and 1995,
         respectively) were realized on those sales. In addition, gross gains of
         $15.1 million and gross losses of $0.7 million were realized in 1997
         when the Company paid a dividend to NFS, which then made an equivalent
         dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities having an
         aggregate fair value of $850.0 million.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25.4 million 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 $3.5
         million.

         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 nearly 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 $3.32 billion,
         resulting in a gross unrealized gain of $155.9 million.

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired as of December 31, 1997 was $19.9 million ($51.8 million as
         of December 31, 1996), which includes $3.9 million ($41.7 million as of
         December 31, 1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
         the related valuation allowance was $0.1 million ($8.5 million as of
         December 31, 1996) and $16.0 million ($10.1 million as of December 31,
         1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which there was no
         valuation allowance. During 1997, the average recorded investment in
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $31.8 million
         ($39.7 million in 1996) and interest income recognized on those loans
         was $1.0 million ($2.1 million in 1996), which is equal to interest
         income recognized using a cash-basis method of income recognition.


<PAGE>   12


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


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

             (in millions of dollars)                                               1997          1996
                                                                                ------------- -------------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>
             Allowance, beginning of year                                            $51.0         $49.1
               (Reductions) additions charged to operations                           (1.2)          4.5
               Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                       (7.3)         (2.6)
                                                                                    ------        ------
             Allowance, end of year                                                  $42.5         $51.0
                                                                                    ======        ======
</TABLE>

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $45.1
         million as of December 31, 1997 ($30.3 million as of December 31, 1996)
         and valuation allowances of $11.1 million as of December 31, 1997
         ($15.2 million as of December 31, 1996).

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1997 amounted to $19.4 million ($26.8 million
         for 1996) and consisted of $3.0 million ($0.2 million in 1996) in
         securities available-for-sale, $16.4 million ($20.6 million in 1996) in
         real estate and none ($5.9 million in 1996) in other long-term
         investments.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                      1997             1996           1995
                                                                        -----------      ---------      ---------   
<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>            <C>      
             Gross investment income:
               Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturity securities                                $  911.6        $  917.1       $  685.8
                 Equity securities                                             0.8             1.3            1.3
               Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                      -               -            201.8
               Mortgage loans on real estate                                 457.7           432.8          395.5
               Real estate                                                    42.9            44.3           38.3
               Short-term investments                                         22.7             4.2           10.6
               Other                                                          21.0             4.0            7.2
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Total investment income                                 1,456.7         1,403.7        1,340.5
             Less investment expenses                                         47.5            45.9           46.5
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Net investment income                                  $1,409.2        $1,357.8       $1,294.0
                                                                          ========        ========       ========
</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>

             (in millions of dollars)                                       1997            1996           1995
                                                                         ---------       ---------       --------    
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>  
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                    $ 3.6           $(3.5)         $ 4.2
               Equity securities                                              2.7             3.2            3.4
             Mortgage loans on real estate                                    1.6            (4.1)          (7.1)
             Real estate and other                                            3.2             4.1           (2.2)
                                                                           ------          ------         ------
                                                                            $11.1           $(0.3)         $(1.7)
                                                                           ======          ======         ======
</TABLE>

         Fixed  maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6.2 million as 
         of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 were on deposit with various
         regulatory agencies as required by law.


<PAGE>   13



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(4)      FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND CLAIMS

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts
         represents approximately 86% and 87% of the total liability for future
         policy benefits as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
         average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
         approximately 6.1%, 6.3% and 6.6% for the years ended December 31,
         1997, 1996 and 1995, 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 by issue year and were 6.9%
              and 6.6% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest rates have
              generally ranged from 6.0% to 10.5% for previous issue years.

              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
         $220.2 million and $240.5 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
         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 11. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
         to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.


(5)      FEDERAL INCOME TAX

         The  Company's current federal income tax liability was $60.1 million 
         and $30.2 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.


<PAGE>   14


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1997
         and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                        1997            1996
                                                                          ----------      ----------  
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>  
             Deferred tax assets:
               Future policy benefits                                       $200.1          $183.0
               Liabilities in Separate Accounts                              242.0           188.4
               Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                  19.0            23.4
               Other assets and other liabilities                             59.2            53.7
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax assets                             520.3           448.5
                 Less valuation allowance                                     (7.0)           (7.0)
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Net deferred tax assets                                     513.3           441.5
                                                                           -------          ------

             Deferred tax liabilities:
               Deferred policy acquisition costs                             480.5           399.3
               Fixed maturity securities                                     193.3           133.2
               Deferred tax on realized investment gains                      40.1            37.6
               Equity securities and other long-term investments               7.5             8.2
               Other                                                          22.2            25.4
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax liabilities                        743.6           603.7
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Net deferred tax liability                                 $230.3          $162.2
                                                                           =======          ======
</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, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

         Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing
         operations for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           (in millions of dollars)                                   1997            1996            1995
                                                                   ---------       ---------       ---------  
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C> 
           Currently payable                                         $121.7          $116.5           $88.7
           Deferred tax expense (benefit)                              28.5            (5.6)           11.1
                                                                     ------          ------          ------
                                                                     $150.2          $110.9           $99.8
                                                                     ======          ======          ======
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           1997                     1996                     1995
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
         (in millions of dollars)                     Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                   ----------------------   ------------- --------   ------------- --------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
         Computed (expected) tax expense               $150.5      35.0         $110.4      35.0         $100.6      35.0
         Tax exempt interest and dividends
           received deduction                             -         0.0           (0.2)     (0.1)           -         0.0
         Other, net                                      (0.3)     (0.1)           0.7       0.3           (0.8)     (0.3)
                                                       ------      ----         ------      ----         ------      ----
             Total (effective rate of each year)       $150.2      34.9         $110.9      35.2         $ 99.8      34.7
                                                       ======      ====         ======      ====         ======      ====
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax paid was $91.8 million,  $115.8 million and 
         $51.8 million during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively.



<PAGE>   15


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(6)      FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

              MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE, NET: 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 mortgage loans in default is the estimated fair
              value of the underlying collateral.

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

              SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES: The fair value of assets
              held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which includes certain surrender
              charges.

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


<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              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.

              COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 13.

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


                                                                         1997                              1996
                                                             ------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
               (in millions of dollars)                          amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                             ------------------------------   --------------- ---------------

<S>                                                             <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>    
               Assets:
                 Investments:
                   Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                  $13,204.1      $13,204.1         $12,304.6       $12,304.6
                     Equity securities                               80.4           80.4              59.1            59.1
                   Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,181.6        5,509.7           5,272.1         5,397.9
                   Policy loans                                     415.3          415.3             371.8           371.8
                   Short-term investments                           358.4          358.4               4.8             4.8
                 Cash                                               175.6          175.6              43.8            43.8
                 Assets held in Separate Accounts                37,724.4       37,724.4          26,926.7        26,926.7

               Liabilities:
                 Investment contracts                            14,708.2       14,322.1          13,914.4        13,484.5
                 Policy reserves on life insurance contracts      3,345.4        3,182.4           3,392.8         3,197.5
                 Liabilities related to Separate Accounts        37,724.4       36,747.0          26,926.7        26,164.2


</TABLE>


(7)      RISK DISCLOSURES

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

         LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
         environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
         competition, reduce demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. The Company mitigates this risk by 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: 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>   17

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


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

         FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         consolidated balance sheets.

         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 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 $341.4 million
         extending into 1998 were outstanding as of December 31, 1997. The
         Company also had $63.9 million of commitments to purchase fixed
         maturity securities outstanding as of December 31, 1997.

         SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 20% (21% in 1996) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1996) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1997. As of December
         31, 1997, 46% (44% in 1996) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed retail
         properties.

         The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
         reinsurer as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. See note 4.

(8)      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 year of service. Benefits are based upon the highest average annual
         salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten years
         of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
         employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
         affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.

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


<PAGE>   18

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
         Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
         Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan (the 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, 1997,  1996 and 1995 were $7.5 million, $7.4
         million and $10.5 million, respectively.

         The Company had no net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1997
         ($1.1 million as of December 31, 1996).

         The net periodic pension cost for the Retirement Plan as a whole for
         the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the Nationwide
         Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the
         year ended December 31, 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (in millions of dollars)                                   1997             1996              1995
                                                                     -----------      -----------       -----------  

<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>     
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)        $   77.3         $   75.5          $   64.5
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation              118.6            105.5              95.3
              Actual return on plan assets                              (328.0)          (210.6)           (249.3)
              Net amortization and deferral                              196.4            101.8             143.4
                                                                      --------         --------          --------
                                                                      $   64.3         $   72.2          $   53.9
                                                                      ========         ========          ========
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        1997             1996              1995
                                                                    -----------      -----------       -----------  

<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                           6.50%            6.00%             7.50%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.75%            4.25%             6.25%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets         7.25%            6.75%             8.75%
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the Retirement Plan as a 
         whole as of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (in millions of dollars)                                           1997              1996
                                                                             -----------       -----------  
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C> 
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                Vested                                                         $1,547.5          $1,338.6
                Nonvested                                                          13.5              11.1
                                                                               --------         ---------
                                                                               $1,561.0          $1,349.7
                                                                               ========         =========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date     $2,033.8          $1,847.8
                Plan assets at fair value                                       2,212.9           1,947.9
                                                                              ---------         ---------
                  Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation           179.1             100.1
                Unrecognized prior service cost                                    34.7              37.9
                Unrecognized net gains                                           (330.7)           (202.0)
                Unrecognized net asset at transition                               33.3              37.2
                                                                              ---------         ---------
                                                                              $   (83.6)        $   (26.8)
                                                                              =========         =========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   19


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                1997              1996
                                                                             -----------       -----------  

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

</TABLE>
         Assets of the Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts
         of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW).

(9)      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 (APBO), however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996 was $36.5 million and $34.9 million, respectively, and
         the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1997, 1996 and
         1995 was $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                                         1997             1996
                                                                                          -----------       -----------  
<S>                                                                                        <C>               <C>    
             Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
               Retirees                                                                    $   93.3          $   93.0
               Fully eligible, active plan participants                                        31.6              23.7
               Other active plan participants                                                 113.0              84.0
                                                                                           --------          --------
                 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                                237.9             200.7
               Plan assets at fair value                                                       69.2              63.0
                                                                                           --------          --------
                 Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation         (168.7)           (137.7)
               Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                                 1.5               1.7
               Unrecognized net losses (gains)                                                  1.6             (23.2)
                                                                                           --------          --------
                                                                                            $(165.6)          $(159.2)
                                                                                           ========          ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   20


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                            1997          1996          1995
                                                              -----------   ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>  
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
               service during the year)                          $  7.0        $  6.5        $  6.2
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
               benefit obligation                                  14.0          13.7          14.2
             Actual return on plan assets                          (3.6)         (4.3)         (2.7)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition
               obligation of affiliates                             0.2           0.2           3.0
             Net amortization and deferral                         (0.5)          1.8          (1.6)
                                                                -------        ------        ------
                                                                  $17.1         $17.9         $19.1
                                                                =======        ======        ======
</TABLE>

         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO and the
         NPPBC for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 1997          1996          1995
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>     
             APBO:
               Discount rate                                  6.70%         7.25%         6.75%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                                12.13%        11.00%        11.00%
                 Ultimate rate                                6.12%         6.00%         6.00%
                 Uniform declining period                   12 Years      12 Years      12 Years

             NPPBC:
               Discount rate                                  7.25%         6.65%         8.00%
               Long term rate of return on plan
                 assets, net of tax                           5.89%         4.80%         8.00%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                                11.00%        11.00%        10.00%
                 Ultimate rate                                6.00%         6.00%         6.00%
                 Uniform declining period                    12 Years      12 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>

         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,
         1997 by $0.4 million and have no impact on the NPPBC for the year ended
         December 31, 1997.

(10)     SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS
         AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

         Ohio, NLIC's and NLAIC'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 NLAIC each exceed
         the minimum risk-based capital requirements.


<PAGE>   21


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The statutory capital and surplus of NLIC as of December 31, 1997, 1996
         and 1995 was $1.13 billion, $1.00 billion and $1.36 billion,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $111.7 million, $73.2 million and
         $86.5 million, respectively.

         As a result of the $850.0 million dividend paid on February 24, 1997,
         any dividend paid by NLIC during the twelve-month period immediately
         following the $850.0 million dividend would be an extraordinary
         dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such dividend could
         be paid without prior regulatory approval. The Company has no reason to
         believe that any reasonably foreseeable dividend to be paid by NLIC
         would not receive the required 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 shareholder.

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

(11)     TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

         As part of the restructuring described in note 1, NLIC paid a dividend
         valued at $485.7 million to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997
         consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock of ELICW, National
         Casualty Company (NCC) and West Coast Life Insurance Company (WCLIC).
         Also, on February 24, 1997, NLIC paid a dividend to NFS, and NFS paid
         an equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities
         having an aggregate fair value of $850.0 million. The Company
         recognized a gain of $14.4 million on the transfer of securities.

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $8.4
         million, $9.1 million and $9.0 million, 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 $85.8 million, $101.6 million and $107.1
         million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The allocations are based
         on techniques and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory
         guidelines. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include
         individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies,
         salary expense, commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the
         participating companies that are within industry guidelines and
         practices. The Company believes these allocation methods are
         reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
         recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
         than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated
         on a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under
         the cost sharing agreement were $20.5 million and $15.1 million as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996, 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 1997 and
         1996 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>   22

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Intercompany reinsurance agreements 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 the Company'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 the Company's agreements, the investment
         risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by ELICW or
         NMIC, as the case may be. Risk of asset default is retained by the
         Company, although a fee is paid by ELICW or NMIC, as the case may be,
         to the Company for the Company'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. The Company believes that the terms of
         the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material
         respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
         parties. Amounts ceded to NMIC and ELICW for the years ended December
         31, 1997 and 1996 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   1997                          1996
                                                        ----------------------------  ----------------------------
             (in millions of dollars)                       NMIC          ELICW           NMIC          ELICW
                                                        -------------- -------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>    
             Premiums                                       $ 91.4         $199.8         $ 97.3        $224.2
             Net investment income and other revenue        $ 10.7         $ 13.4         $ 10.9        $ 14.8
             Benefits, claims and other expenses            $100.7         $225.9         $100.5        $246.6

</TABLE>

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as a common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $211.0 million and $4.8 million as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and are included in
         short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         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 $46.9 million. As discussed in note 15, WCLIC
         is accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies,
         which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to
         these affiliates for the three years ended December 31, 1997 were $66.1
         million, $76.9 million and $57.3 million, respectively.

(12)     BANK LINES OF CREDIT

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, entered into a $600.0 million
         revolving credit facility which provides for a $600.0 million 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. In September 1997,
         the credit agreement was amended to include NFS as a party to and
         borrower under the agreement.


<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(13)     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.

(14)     SEGMENT INFORMATION

         The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
         Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
         of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
         invest in mutual funds managed by 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 Fixed Annuities segment also includes the
         fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts. 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 and
         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.

         The following table summarizes revenues and income from continuing
         operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and assets as of December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995, by segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (in millions of dollars)                                         1997               1996             1995
                                                                           -------------      ------------     ------------   
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>  
              Revenues:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $    404.0        $    284.6       $    189.1
                  Fixed Annuities                                               1,141.4           1,092.6          1,052.0
                  Life Insurance                                                  473.1             435.6            409.1
                  Corporate and Other                                             198.9             180.1            148.5
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $  2,217.4        $  1,992.9       $  1,798.7
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========

              Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
                expense:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $    150.9        $     90.3       $     50.8
                  Fixed Annuities                                                 169.5             135.4            137.0
                  Life Insurance                                                   70.9              67.2             67.6
                  Corporate and Other                                              38.6              22.6             32.2
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $    429.9        $    315.5       $    287.6
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========

              Assets:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $ 35,278.7        $ 25,069.7       $ 17,333.0
                  Fixed Annuities                                              14,436.3          13,994.7         13,250.4
                  Life Insurance                                                3,901.4           3,353.3          3,027.4
                  Corporate and Other                                           6,174.3           5,348.6          4,896.8
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $ 59,790.7        $ 47,766.3       $ 38,507.6
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   24



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(15)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
         contribution by Nationwide Corp. of the outstanding common stock of
         NLIC to NFS, 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
         payable to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 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 with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of NMIC. 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 in the
         accompanying consolidated financial statements through December 31,
         1996. The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of
         these subsidiaries.

         Also, 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 11 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. The Company 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. NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business
         is accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         The Company 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 the Company.

         A summary of the results of operations of discontinued operations for
         the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                               1997           1996          1995
                                                                                -------------- ------------- ------------

<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
             Revenues                                                             $    -         $   668.9     $   776.9
             Net income                                                           $    -         $    11.3     $    24.7
</TABLE>

         A summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as 
         of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                               1997           1996          1995
                                                                                -------------- ------------- -------------

<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C> 
             Assets, consisting primarily of investments                            $247.3        $3,288.5      $3,206.7
             Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims        $247.3        $2,802.8      $2,700.0
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   43


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
<S>           <C>                                                                                       <C>
Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

   
              (a)   Financial Statements:
                    (1)    Financial statements included                                                  Page
                           in prospectus
                           (Part A):
                           Condensed Financial Information.                                                 11
                    (2)    Financial statements included
                           in Part B:
                           Those financial statements                                                       41
                           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.                                                    41
                           Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract                                    42
                           Owners' Equity as of December 31, 1997.
                           Statements of Operations and Changes in                                          44
                           Contract Owners' Equity for the years ended
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Notes to Financial Statements.                                                   45
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company:
                           Independent Auditors' Report.                                                    48
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December                                       49
                           31, 1997and 1996.
                           Consolidated Statements of Income for the                                        50
                           years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
                           1995.
                           Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's                                         51
                           Equity for the years ended December 31,
                           1997, 1996 and 1995.
                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for                                        52
                           the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
                           and 1995.
                           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                                      53



                           Schedule I - Consolidated
                           Summary of Investments -
                           Other Than Investments in Related Parties                                        97

                           Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance                                           98
                           Information

                           Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                                        99

                           Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                                   100
    

</TABLE>
                                   73 of 101

<PAGE>   44


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 24.      (b) Exhibits
<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>


                                   74 of 101
<PAGE>   45


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

   
                          A. I. Bell                                             Director
                          4121 North River Road West
                          Zanesville, OH 43701
    

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

   
                          Willard J. Engel                                       Director
                          300 East Marshall 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

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

   
                          David O. Miller                           Chairman of the Board and Director
                          115 Sprague Drive
                          Hebron, OH 43025


                          Yvonne L. Montgomery                                   Director
                          2859 Paces Ferry Road
                          Atlanta, GA 30339

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

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

                                   75 of 101

<PAGE>   46

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

   
                          Dennis W. Click                              Vice President and Secretary
                          One Nationwide Plaza
                          Columbus, OH  43215
    

                          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

                          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

   
                          Susan A. Wolken                              Senior Vice President - Life
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Company Operations
                          Columbus, OH 43215
    

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

                                   76 of 101

<PAGE>   47


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

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
</TABLE>


                                   77 of 101
<PAGE>   48
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                      STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                 OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                        INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                  <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                         Inactive


        Colonial County Mutual Insurance              Texas                            Insurance Company
        Company
        Colonial Insurance Company of               Wisconsin                          Insurance Company
                                                    ---------
        Wisconsin

        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 Georgia, Inc.            Georgia                           Insurance Broker
        Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                            Insurance Broker
        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                            Local Recording Agent (P&C)
                                                                                       ---------------------------
        Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                            Group and Variable Contract Agent
                                                                                       ---------------------------------
        Inc.
        Cooperative Service Company                  Nebraska                          Insurance Agency
        Countrywide Services Corporation             Delaware                          Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                       Management Services
        EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU A             Wisconsin                          Mutual Insurance Company
        Mutual Company
    
</TABLE>


                                   78 of 101
<PAGE>   49
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                      STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                 OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                        INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>
    **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                          Life Insurance Company
        Wausau
        F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                            Insurance Agency
        Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                            Mutual 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                          Commercial Health and Medicare Supplement
                                                                                       Insurance
   
        Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                            Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency
        Irvin L. Schwartz and Associates, Inc.         Ohio                            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                   Wisconsin                          Insurance Company
        National Casualty Company of America,     Great Britain                        Insurance Company
        Ltd.
    **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                          Insurance Administrative Services
        Administration Company
    **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                            Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator
</TABLE>

                                   79 of 101
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                      STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                 OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                    PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                        INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>

        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 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/Dispatch LLC                        Ohio                            Engaged in related Arena development Activity
    
        Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                          Insurance Agency
        Distributors Agency, Inc.
   
        Nationwide Financial Services Capital        Delaware                          Statutory Business Trust
        Trust
        Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                          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 General Insurance Company           Ohio                            Insurance Company
        Nationwide Global Holdings, Inc.               Ohio                            Holding Company for Enterprise International
                                                                                       Operations
        Nationwide Health Plans, Inc.                  Ohio                            Health Maintenance Organization
    *   Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                            Reinsurance Company
        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                            Membership Non-Profit Corporation
        Foundation
        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                            Performs shares services functions for the
        Services, Ltd.                                                                 Enterprise
        Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                            Membership Non-Profit Corporation
        Inc.
        Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                          Investment Company
    *   Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                        Investment Company
        Foundation II
        Nationwide Investing Foundation III            Ohio                            Investment Company

    
</TABLE>

                                   80 of 101

<PAGE>   51

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>
        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                            Offers Preferred Provider Organization and
                                                                                       Other Related Products and Services
   
        Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                            Mutual Insurance Company
        Company
        Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                            Mutual 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
</TABLE>

                                   81 of 101

<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>
         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

   
         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                           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
   
         TIG Countrywide Insurance Group             California                        Independent Agency Personal Lines Underwriter

         Wausau (Bermuda) Ltd.                        Bermuda                          Rent-a-captive Reinsurer
    
         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
</TABLE>

                                   82 of 101

<PAGE>   53


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION          OTHERWISE INDICATED
                        COMPANY                                                                             PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                              <C>                  <C>              <C>
      *  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide DC Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
         Nationwide DCVA-II                             Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Separate Account No. 1                         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account
      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account
      *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account
         Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Separate Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
         Account                                                     Account
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
         Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
   
      *  Nationwide Variable Account-9                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                     Account
    
      *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance 
         Account-A                                                   Separate Account                  Policies
         Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance 
         Account-B                                                   Separate Account                  Policies
   
         Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance 
         Account-C                                                   Separate Account                  Policies
    
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance 
                                                                     Account                           Policies
                                                                     
</TABLE>
                                   83 of 101

<PAGE>   54
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>             <C>                              <C>
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                     Account                         Policies
      *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance 
                                                                     Account                           Policies

   
         Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance 
                                                                     Account                           Policies
    
</TABLE>
                                   84 of 101

<PAGE>   55
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         (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 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|  KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.  |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|                         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
| 80%          $1,828,478 |       |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%     $1,461,761 |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |         |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |         |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |         |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |         |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                                     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |         |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |         |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |         |Common Stock: 1,000      |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |         |------------  Shares     |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |         |                         |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |         |                         |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |         |Companies        Cost    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |                          |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |         |                         |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33-1/3%     $6,215,459|         |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                        
                              |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------                                    
                              |   |         WAUSAU          |   |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |                                    
                              |   |     (BERMUDA) LTD.      |   |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |                                    
                              |   | Common Stock:  120,000  |   |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|                                    
                              |   | -------------  Shares   |   |   |------------              |                                    
                              ----|                         |   ----|                          |                                    
                                  |                         |       |                          |                                    
                                  |                Cost     |       |              Cost        |                                    
                                  |                ----     |       |              ----        |                                    
                                  | WSC-100%      $5,000,000|       |WSC-33-1/3%   $500,000    |                                    
                                  ---------------------------       ----------------------------                                    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:   10,330 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-18.6%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-18.6%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-6.8%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-6.8%        $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 WINCONSIN     |         |        |       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%    $41,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       |     |                                             |        
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    COOPERATIVE SERVICE       |       |     |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|          COMPANY             |       |     |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    600 Shares   |       |     |    |            (SIC)             |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |       |     |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |--------     |----|------------     Shares       | ----    |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Farmland         $3,506,173   |             |    |                 ----         |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Mutual-100%                   |             |    |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS      |             |    |          SCOTTSDALE          |    |    |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY         |             |    |        SURPLUS LINES         |    |    |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |    |    |        |              GmbH            |
|------------     Shares       |------------ |    | Common Stock:    100,000     |    |    |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
|                              |             |    | ------------     Shares      | ---|    |--------|------------                  |
|                    Cost      |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%      ----      |             |    |                   Cost       |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:   $26,714,335  |             |    |                   ----       |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
|-------------                 |             |    | SIC-100%          $6,000,000 |    |    |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,576  |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
|    NATIONAL CASUALTY         |             |    |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |    |    |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
|          COMPANY             |             |    |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |    |    |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
|           (NC)               |             |    |           COMPANY            |    |    |        |                              |
|Common Stock:    100 Shares   |             |    |Common Stock:    10,000       |    |    |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
|------------                  |-------------     |------------     Shares       |-----    ---------|------------                  |
|                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Casualty-100%    $67,442,439  |                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                                                                            |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    NCC OF AMERICA, LTD.      |                  |         SVM SALES            |         |        |          AUTO DIREKT         |
|        (INACTIVE)            |                  |            GmbH              |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
|                              |                  |------------                  |----------------- |------------                  |
|                              |                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|NC-100%                       |                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|                              |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   57
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (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          |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |          (Inactive)          |
  |     |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |------------------            |     |----|                              |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%                 |                                                  
  |     |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |       TIG COUNTRYWIDE        |     |    |         THE BEAK AND         |                                                  
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |       WIRE CORPORATION       |                                                  
  |     |Common Stock     12,500       |     |    |                              |                                                  
   -----|------------     Shares       |     |    |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     -----|------------                  |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $215,273,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,419,000   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    |                              |                                                  
  |                                          |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------
  |     |     NATIONWIDE INSURANCE     |     |    |  NATIONWIDE/DISPATCH LLC     |
  |     |   ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LTD.  |     |    |                              |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |
  |     |Single Member Limited         |     |    |                              |
  - - - |Liability Company             |     - - -|                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |Casualty-100%                 |          |Casualty-90%                  |
        |                              |          |                              |
        --------------------------------          |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------

Subsidiary Companies      -- Solid Line
Contractual Association   -- Double Lines
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line

December 31, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   58
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              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, INC.  |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 66,000      |  |  | 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  |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |  INVESTORS SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5 Shares    |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------              |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv. -100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDAI -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     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|      PROPERTIES, LTD.     |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------                    - -|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life -90%              |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| NW Mutual-10%             |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|        NATIONWIDE         |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|       PROPERTIES, LTD.    |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    - -|  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |     |                           |==||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life -97.6%            |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual -2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------   ||                               
                                                                 ||                               
                                   ---------------------------   ||                               
                                  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
                                  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
                                  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
                                  |                           |  ||                               
                                  |                           |__||                               
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
                                   ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   59
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)
                                               NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE (R)
<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   |                     |
                                                   |    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |                     | 
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Common Stock: Control     |                     |
                                                   | ------------  -------     |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Class A     Public--100%  |                     |
                                                   | Class B     NW Corp--100% |                     |
                                                    ---------------------------                      |
                                                                  |                                  |     
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------                 | 
              |                               |                                    |                 |
 ---------------------------    ---------------------------         ---------------------------      |   ------------------------- 
|    IRVIN L. SCHWARTZ      |  | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |       |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |     |  |    NATIONWIDE GLOBAL    |
|       & ASSOCIATES        |  |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |       |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |     |  |      HOLDINGS, INC.     |
|                           |  |         (PEBSCO)          |       |             (NEA)         |     |  |                         | 
| Common Stock: Control     |  | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||   | Common Stock: 500         |= || |  | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
| ------------  -------     |  | ------------  Shares      |  ||   | ------------  Shares      |  || |--| ------------            | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |                         | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             Cost        | 
| Class A     Other -100%   |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             ----        | 
| Class B     NFS -100%     |  | NFS -100%                 |  ||   | NFS -100%                 |  || |  | NW Corp-100%  $7,000,00 | 
- ----------------------------   ----------------------------   ||   ----------------------------   || |  --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   || |                              
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  || |  --------------------------  
                               |          ALABAMA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  || |  |   MRM INVESTMENT, INC.  | 
                               |                           |  ||   |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  || |  |                         | 
                               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  || |  |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--|| __ | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    | -----------             | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |             Cost        | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%      $5,000     |  ||    |             ----        | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    | NW Corp.-100% $7,000,000| 
                                                              ||                                  ||    --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                               |         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      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |          MONTANA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||    |      OF OHIO, INC.      | 
                               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         |
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $500        |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||     -------------------------  
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||    |    OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    | 
                               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                               |                           |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |                           |  ||   |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||    |   INVESTOR SERVICES     | 
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||    |     OF TEXAS, INC.      | 
                               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||   | Common Stock: 100         |  ||    |                         | 
                               |                           |==||   | ------------  Shares      |--||=== |                         |
                               |                           |       |                           |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               Cost        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               ----        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       | NEA -100%     $1,000      |        |                         | 
                                ---------------------------         ---------------------------         --------------------------  
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

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












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |          NATIONWIDE          |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |    HEALTH PLANS, INC. (NHP)  |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | 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:   200          |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NHP             Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES -100%     $106,947    |     | ELIOW -100%     $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc. -100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                                                         |
           |    -----------------------------                                        |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |                                       |  |            NATIONWIDE        |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |                                       |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |                                       |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |                                       |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |                                       |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |                                          |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |                                          |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |                                          | NHP             ----         |
           |   | Gates -100%     $93,750     |                                          | Inc. -99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------                                            ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |       GATESMCDONALD         |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | Gates -100%     $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    --   Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association  --  Double Line
                                                                                
                                                                                Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line




     
                                                                                                         December 31, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   61






Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

   
              The number of contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of January 31, 1998 was 175 and 174, respectively.
    


Item 28.      INDEMNIFICATION
              Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
              Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation
              Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of
              any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
              party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
              proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
              investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
              director, officer or employee of the Company, against expenses,
              including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
              settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
              connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and
              under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law
              of the State of Ohio. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
              arising under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted
              to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant
              to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in
              the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
              indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
              by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
              officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
              defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
              director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
              securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the
              opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
              precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
              question whether such indemnification by it is against public
              policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

   
Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

              (a)  Investment Companies For Which Van Kampen American Capital
                   Distributors Inc. Acts As Principal Underwriter Or Depositor
                   as of March 24, 1998

                   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 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 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 Senior Floating Rate Fund
                   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 Growth and Income Fund
                   Van Kampen American Capital Harbor Fund
                   Van Kampen American Capital High Income Corporate Bond Fund
                   Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust
                   Van Kampen American Capital Asset Allocation Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Domestic Income Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Emerging Growth Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Enterprise Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Global Equity Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Government Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Growth and Income Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Money Market Portfolio
                   Van Kampen American Capital Strategic Stock Portfolio
    


                                   87 of 101
<PAGE>   62
   
          Morgan Stanley Real Estate Securities 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
          Morgan Stanley Fund, Inc.
                Morgan Stanley Aggressive Equity Fund
                Morgan Stanley American Value Fund
                Morgan Stanley Asian Growth Fund
                Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Fund
                Morgan Stanley Global Equity Allocation Fund
                Morgan Stanley Global Fixed Income Fund
                Morgan Stanley Government Obligations Money Market Fund
                Morgan Stanley High Yield Fund
                Morgan Stanley International Magnum Fund
                Morgan Stanley Latin American Fund
                Morgan Stanley Money Market Fund
                Morgan Stanley U.S. Real Estate Fund
                Morgan Stanley Value Fund
                Morgan Stanley Worldwide High Income Fund
Insured Municipals Income Trust
Arizona Insured Municipals Income Trust
California Insured Municipals Income Trust
Colorado Insured Municipals Income Trust
Connecticut Insured Municipals Income Trust
Florida Insured Municipals Income Trust
Georgia Insured Municipals Income Trust
Kentucky Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust
Maryland Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust
Massachusetts Insured Municipals Income Trust
Michigan Insured Municipals Income Trust
Minnesota Insured Municipals Income
Missouri Insured Municipals Income Trust
New Jersey Insured Municipals Income Trust
New York Insured Municipals Income Trust
North Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust
Ohio Insured Municipals Income Trust
Pennsylvania Insured Municipals Income Trust
South Carolina Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust
Tennessee Insured Municipals Income Trust
Virginia Investors' Quality Tax-Exempt Trust
Van Kampen American Capital Insured Income Trust
Internet Trust
Strategic Ten Trust, United States Portfolio
Strategic Ten Trust, United Kingdom
Strategic Ten Trust, Hong Kong
Strategic Five Trust, United States Portfolio
Strategic Thirty Trust Global Portfolio
Great International Firms Trust
Blue Chip Opportunity and Treasury Trust
Blue Chip Opportunity Trust
Baby Boomer Opportunity Trust
    

                                   88 of 101
<PAGE>   63
   

Global Energy Trust
Brand Name Equity Trust
Strategic Picks Opportunity Trust
International Assets Advisory Corp. Global
Infrastructure and Utilities Growth Trust
Edward Jones Select Growth Trust
Banking Trust
Morgan Stanley High-Technology 35 Index Trust
MidCap Growth Trust
Small Cap Growth Trust
Real Estate Income and Growth Trust

              OFFICERS
              --------

                 VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                                OFFICE                                        LOCATION
- ----                                ------                                        --------
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
Don G. Powell                       Chairman                                      Houston, TX
Philip N. Duff                      Chief Executive Officer                       Oakbrook Terrace, IL
John H. Zimmerman III               President & Chief Operating                   Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Officer
Douglas B. Gehrman                  Executive Vice President                      Houston, TX
Ronald A. Nyberg                    Executive Vice President, General             Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Assistant Secretary
William R. Rybak                    Executive Vice President & Chief
                                    Financial Officer
Paul R. Wolkenberg                  Executive Vice President                      Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Laurence J. Althoff                 Sr. Vice President & Controller               Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Gary R. DeMoss                      Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
John E. Doyle                       Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Richard G. Golod,                   Sr. Vice President                            Annapolis, MD
Scott E. Martin                     Sr. Vice President, Deputy General            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Secretary
Mark T. McGannon                    Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Charles G. Millington               Sr. Vice President & Treasurer                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Walter E. Rein                      Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Colette M. Saucedo                  Sr. Vice President                            Houston, TX
Frederick Shepherd                  Sr. Vice President                            Houston, TX
Steven P. Sorenson                  Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Michael L. Stallard                 Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
</TABLE>
    

                                   89 of 101
<PAGE>   64
   

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
Robert S. West                      Sr. Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Edward G. Wood, III                 Sr. Vice President,
                                    Chief Operating Officer                       Oakbrook Terrace. IL

Glenn M. Cackovic                   1st Vice President                            Laguna Niguel, CA
Eric J. Hargens                     1st Vice President                            Orlando, FL
David S. Hogaboom                   1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dominic C. Martellaro               1st Vice President                            Danville, CA
Carl Mayfield                       1st Vice President                            Lakewood, CO
Mark R. McClure                     1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
James J. Ryan                       1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
George J. Vogel                     1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Patrick J. Woelfel                  1st Vice President                            Oakbrook Terrace, IL

James K. Ambrosio                   Vice President                                Massapequa, NY
Brian P. Arcara                     Vice President                                Buffalo, NY
Sheldon Barker                      Vice President                                Moon, PA
Patricia A. Bettlach                Vice President                                Chesterfield, MO
Carol S. Biegel                     Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christopher M. Bisaillon            Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Michael P. Boos                     Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
James J. Boyne                      Vice President, Associate General             Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Assistant Secretary
Robert C. Brooks                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
William F. Burke, Jr.               Vice President                                Mendham, NJ
Loren Burket                        Vice President                                Plymouth, MN
Christine Cleary Byrum              Vice President                                Tampa, FL
Joseph N. Caggiano                  Vice President                                New York, NY
Daniel R. Chambers                  Vice President                                Austin, TX
Richard J. Charlino                 Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Deanne Margaret Chiaro              Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Scott A. Chriske                    Vice President                                Plano, TX
German Clavijo                      Vice President                                Atlanta, GA
Eleanor M. Cloud                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dominick Cogliandro                 Vice President & Asst. Treasurer              New York, NY
Michael Colston                     Vice President                                Louisville, KY
</TABLE>
    

                                   90 of 101
<PAGE>   65
   

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
Suzanne Cummings                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Nicholas Dalmaso                    Vice President, Associate General             Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Asst. Secretary
Daniel R. DeJong                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Tracey M. DeLusant                  Vice President                                New York, NY
Michael E. Eccleston                Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jonathan Eckard                     Vice President                                Tampa, FL
Huey P. Falgout, Jr.                Vice President, Assistant Secretary
                                    Sr. Attorney                                  Houston, TX
Charles Edward Fisher               Vice President                                Naperville, IL
William J. Fow                      Vice President                                Redding, CT
Nicholas J. Foxhoven                Vice President                                Englewood, CO
Charles Friday                      Vice President                                Gibsonia, PA
Richard G. Golod                    Vice President                                Annapolis, MD
Timothy D. Griffith                 Vice President                                Kirkland, WA
Dalton L. Gustafson                 Vice President                                Bolton, Ma
Kyle D. Haas                        Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Daniel Hamilton                     Vice President                                Austin, TX
John A. Hanhauser                   Vice President                                Philadelphia, PA
John G. Hansen                      Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Calvin B. Hays                      Vice President                                Richmond, VA
Joseph Hays                         Vice President                                Cherry Hill, NJ
Daniel M. Hazard                    Vice President                                Huntington Beach, CA
Gregory Heffington                  Vice President                                Ft. Collins, CO
Susan J. Hill                       Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Thomas R. Hindelang                 Vice President                                Gilbert, AZ
Bryn M. Hoggard                     Vice President                                Houston, TX
Michael B. Hughes                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Robert S. Hunt                      Vice President                                Phoenix, MD
Lowell Jackson                      Vice President                                Norcross, GA
Kevin G. Jajuga                     Vice President                                Baltimore, MD
Steven T. Johnson                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jeffrey S. Kinney                   Vice President                                Overland Park, KS
Dana R. Klein                       Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Frederick Kohly                     Vice President                                Miami, FL
David R. Kowalski                   Vice President & Director
                                    of Compliance                                 Oakbrook Terrace, IL
</TABLE>
    


                                   91 of 101
<PAGE>   66
<TABLE>
   
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>                                              
Richard D. Kozlowski                Vice President                                Atlanta, GA
Bradford N. Langs                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Patricia D. Lathrop                 Vice President                                Tampa, FL
Brian Laux                          Vice President                                Staten Island, NY
Tony E. Leal                        Vice President                                Daphne, AL
S. William Lehew III                Vice President                                Charlotte, NC
Eric Levinson                       Vice President                                San Francisco, CA
Jonathan Linstra                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Richard M. Lundgren                 Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Walter Lynn                         Vice President                                Flower Mound, TX
Linda S. MacAyeal                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kevin S. Marsh                      Vice President                                Bellevue, WA
Brooks D. McCartney                 Vice President                                Puyallup, WA
Anne Therese McGrath                Vice President                                Los Gatos, CA
Maura A. McGrath                    Vice President                                New York, NY
John Mills                          Vice President                                Kenner, LA
Ted Morrow                          Vice President                                Dallas, TX
Robert Muller, Jr.                  Vice President                                Cypress, TX
Peter Nicholas                      Vice President                                Beverly, MA
Michael D. Ossmen                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Todd W. Page                        Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Gregory S. Parker                   Vice President                                Houston, TX
Christopher Petrungaro              Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Anthony Piazza                      Vice President                                Old Bridge, NJ
Ronald E. Pratt                     Vice President                                Marietta, GA
Craig S. Prichard                   Vice President                                Fairlawn, OH
Daniel D. Reams                     Vice President                                Royal Oak, MI
Michael W. Rohr                     Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace. IL
Jeffrey L. Rose                     Vice President                                Houston, TX
Suzette N. Rothberg                 Vice President                                Plymouth, MN
Jeffrey Rourke                      Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Thomas Rowley                       Vice President                                St. Louis, MO
Heather R. Sabo                     Vice President                                Richmond, VA
Stephanie Scarlata                  Vice President                                Bedford Corners, NY
Andrew J. Scherer                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ronald J. Schuster                  Vice President                                Tampa, FL
</TABLE>
    
                                   92 of 101
<PAGE>   67
   

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
Gwen L. Shaneyfalt                  Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jeffrey C. Shirk                    Vice President                                Swampscott, MA
Traci T. Sorenson                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kimberly M. Spangler                Vice President                                Fairfax, VA
Darren D. Stabler                   Vice President                                Phoenix, AZ
Christopher J. Staniforth           Vice President                                Leawood, KS
Gary R. Steele                      Vice President                                Philadelphia, PA
Richard Stefanec                    Vice President                                Los Angles, CA
James D. Stevens                    Vice President                                North Andover, MA
James M. Stilwell                   Vice President                                San Diego, CA
William C. Strafford                Vice President                                Granger, IN
Mark A. Syswerda                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David A. Tabone                     Vice President                                Scottsdale, AZ
James C. Taylor                     Vice President                                Naperville, IL
John F. Tierney                     Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Curtis L. Ulvestad                  Vice President                                Red Wing, MN
Todd A. Volkman                     Vice President                                Austin, TX
Daniel B. Waldron                   Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Jeff Warland                        Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Robert A. Watson                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace. IL
Weston B. Wetherell                 Vice President, Assoc. General                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
                                    Counsel & Asst. Secretary
Harold Whitworth, III               Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kirk Wiggins                        Vice President                                Arlington, TX
Thomas M. Wilson                    Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Barbara A. Withers                  Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David M. Wynn                       Vice President                                Phoenix, AZ
James R. Yount                      Vice President                                Mercer Island, WA
Patrick M. Zacchea                  Vice President                                Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Scott F. Becker                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Brian E. Binder                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Joan E. Blackwood                   Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Billie J. Bronaugh                  Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Gregory T. Brunk                    Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Gina Costello                       Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Sarah K. Geiser                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Walter C. Gray                      Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Valri G. Hamilton                   Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Laurie L. Jones                     Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Robin R. Jordan                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Ivan R. Lowe                        Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Pamela D. Meyer                     Asst. Vice President                          Phoenix, AZ
Susan M. Mini                       Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Brian K. Mitchell                   Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Stuart R. Moehlman                  Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Steven R. Norvid                    Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Vincent M. Pellegrini               Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christine K. Putong                 Asst. Vice President & Asst. Secretary        Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David P. Robbins                    Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Regina Rosen                        Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Pamela S. Salley                    Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
Vanessa M. Sanchez                  Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Thomas J. Sauerborn                 Asst. Vice President                          New York, NY
Bruce Saxon                         Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
David T. Saylor                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Christina L. Schmieder              Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Lauren B. Sinai                     Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Kristen L. Transier                 Asst. Vice President                          Houston, TX
David H. Villarreal                 Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Sharon M. C. Wells                  Asst. Vice President                          Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Cathy Napoli                        Assistant Secretary                           Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Elizabeth M. Brown                  Officer                                       Houston, TX
John Browning                       Officer                                       Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Leticia George                      Officer                                       Houston, TX
Sarah Kessler                       Officer                                       Oakbrook Terrace, IL
William D. McLaughlin               Officer                                       Houston, TX
</TABLE>
    

                                   93 of 101
<PAGE>   68
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                           <C>
Rebecca Newman                      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                       2800 Post Oak Blvd.
                                                                 Houston, TX 77056
Philip N. Duff                    Chief Executive Officer        One Parkview Plaza
                                                                 Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Ronald A. Nyberg                  Executive Vice President       One Parkview Plaza
                                  & General Counsel &            Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
                                  Assistant Secretary

William R. Rybak                  Executive Vice President       One Parkview Plaza
                                  & Chief Financial Officer      Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

John H. Zimmerman III             President & Chief              One Parkview Plaza
                                  Operating Officer              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

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 Company represents that the fees and 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.

                                   94 of 101
<PAGE>   69










                                   Offered by
                        Nationwide Life Insurance Company






                                   NATIONWIDE
                             LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY






                                   NATIONWIDE
                              VARIABLE ACCOUNT - 3



                                    DEFERRED
                            VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT







                                   PROSPECTUS
                                   MAY 1, 1998


                                   95 of 101
<PAGE>   70

   
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT AND 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 30, 1998 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1997, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, 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 29th, 1998
    



                                   96 of 101
<PAGE>   71

<PAGE>   1



                                                                     SCHEDULE I

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
                    OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                            (in millions of dollars)

                             As of December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
                                  Column A                                        Column B       Column C         Column D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
                                                                                                                 Amount at
                                                                                                                which shown
                                                                                                                   in the
                                                                                                  Market        consolidated
                             Type of Investment                                     Cost           value       balance sheet
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
<S>                                                                              <C>            <C>             <C>       
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities                    $  3,859.7     $  3,981.7      $  3,981.7
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                                 1.6            1.6             1.6
      Foreign governments                                                              93.3           95.8            95.8
      Public utilities                                                              1,555.3        1,609.8         1,609.8
      All other corporate                                                           7,223.0        7,515.2         7,515.2
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                       12,732.9       13,204.1        13,204.1
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                                          67.8           78.0            78.0
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                                       -              2.4             2.4
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                                   67.8           80.4            80.4
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                  5,228.1                        5,181.6   (1)
Real estate, net:
   Investment properties                                                              254.9                          235.7   (1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                                    82.6                           75.7   (1)
Policy loans                                                                          415.3                          415.3
Other long-term investments                                                            27.9                           25.2   (2)
Short-term investments                                                                358.4                          358.4
                                                                                 ----------                     ----------
          Total investments                                                       $19,167.9                      $19,576.4
                                                                                 ==========                     ==========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(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 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(2)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains (losses) of
     investments in limited partnerships.

See accompanying independent auditors' report.


<PAGE>   2


                                                                  SCHEDULE III

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                            (in millions of dollars)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------   ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
              Column A                  Column B          Column C             Column D           Column E          Column F
- --------------------------------   ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                        Deferred        Future policy                           Other policy
                                         policy       benefits, losses,        Unearned          claims and
                                      acquisition        claims and            premiums       benefits payable      Premium
              Segment                    costs          loss expenses            (1)                 (1)            revenue
- -------------------------------   ------------------ -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------

1997: Variable Annuities                $1,018.4       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  277.9            14,103.1                                                    27.3
          Life Insurance                   472.9             2,683.4                                                   178.1
          Corporate and Other             (103.8)            1,916.3                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,665.4           $18,702.8                                               $   205.4
                                        ========       =============                                               =========

1996: Variable Annuities                $  792.1       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  242.0            13,388.9                                                    24.0
          Life Insurance                   414.4             2,391.5                                                   174.6
          Corporate and Other              (82.0)            1,820.2                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,366.5           $17,600.6                                               $   198.6
                                        ========       =============                                               =========

1995: Variable Annuities                $  569.8       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  220.7            12,759.3                                                    32.8
          Life Insurance                   366.9             2,282.6                                                   166.3
          Corporate and Other             (136.9)            1,730.0                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,020.5       $    16,771.9                                               $   199.1
                                        ========       =============                                               =========


- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
              Column A                  Column G          Column H             Column I           Column J          Column K
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ----------------
                                     Net investment   Benefits, claims,      Amortization           Other
                                         income          losses and       of deferred policy      operating         Premiums
              Segment                     (2)        settlement expenses  acquisition costs       expenses          written
                                                                                                     (2)
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------

<C>                                    <C>             <C>                     <C>                  <C>   
1997: Variable Annuities                $  (26.8)         $      5.9           $  87.8             $ 159.4
          Fixed Annuities                1,098.2               846.7              39.8                85.4
          Life Insurance                   189.1               227.5              39.6                94.5
          Corporate and Other              148.7               114.7               -                  45.6
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,409.2          $  1,194.8           $ 167.2             $ 384.9
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======

1996: Variable Annuities                $  (21.4)         $      4.6           $  57.4             $ 132.3
          Fixed Annuities                1,050.6               838.5              38.6                79.7
          Life Insurance                   174.0               211.4              37.4                79.0
          Corporate and Other              154.6               106.1               -                  51.4
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,357.8          $  1,160.6           $ 133.4             $ 342.4
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======

1995: Variable Annuities                $  (17.6)         $      2.9           $  26.3             $ 109.1
          Fixed Annuities                1,002.7               805.0              29.5                80.3
          Life Insurance                   171.2               202.0              31.0                68.8
          Corporate and Other              137.7               105.6              (4.1)               14.8
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,294.0          $  1,115.5           $  82.7             $ 273.0
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included
    in Column C amounts.
(2) Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are
    based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating
    results would change by segment if different methods were applied.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.




<PAGE>   3


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                   REINSURANCE
                            (in millions of dollars)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------
                   Column A                          Column B        Column C        Column D        Column E       Column F
- -----------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------
                                                                                                                   Percentage
                                                                     Ceded to        Assumed                        of amount
                                                      Gross            other        from other         Net           assumed
                                                      amount         companies      companies         amount         to net
                                                  ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------

<S>                                                  <C>             <C>               <C>           <C>                 <C> 
1997:
  Life insurance in force                           $ 52,648.4       $13,678.7       $  289.7      $  39,259.4           0.7%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    235.9       $    32.7       $    2.2      $     205.4           1.1%
    Accident and health insurance                        261.2           272.6           11.4              -             N/A
                                                   -----------       ----------      ---------     -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    497.1       $   305.3       $   13.6      $     205.4            6.6%
                                                   ===========       =========       =========     ===========        =======


1996:
  Life insurance in force                            $47,150.6       $11,164.6       $  288.6      $  36,274.6            0.8%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    225.6       $    29.3       $    2.3      $     198.6            1.2%
    Accident and health insurance                        291.9           305.8           13.9              -            N/A
                                                   -----------       ---------       --------      -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    517.5       $   335.1       $   16.2      $     198.6            8.2%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======


1995:
  Life Insurance in force                            $41,087.9       $ 8,935.7       $  391.2      $  32,543.4            1.2%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    221.3       $    24.4       $    2.2      $     199.1            1.1%
    Accident and health insurance                        298.0           313.0           15.0              -            N/A
                                                   -----------       ---------       --------      -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    519.3       $   337.4       $   17.2      $     199.1            8.6%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
Note:  The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
       traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
       excludes deposits on investment products and universal life insurance
       products.

See accompanying independent auditors' report.




<PAGE>   4


                                                                    SCHEDULE V

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                            (in millions of dollars)

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
                        Column A                            Column B             Column C              Column D      Column E
- ---------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
                                                           Balance at    Charged to     Charged to                  Balance at
                                                            beginning     costs and       other       Deductions      end of
Description                                                 of period     expenses       accounts        (1)          period
- ---------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>  
1997:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities          $    -          $ 16.2         $  -          $ 16.2       $   -
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          51.0          (1.2)           -             7.3          42.5
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            15.2          (4.1)           -             -            11.1
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   66.2        $ 10.9         $  -          $ 23.5       $  53.6
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======


1996:
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate      $   49.1        $  4.5         $  -          $  2.6       $  51.0
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            25.8         (10.6)           -             -            15.2
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   74.9        $ (6.1)        $  -          $  2.6       $  66.2
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======


1995:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities          $    -          $  8.9         $  -          $  8.9       $   -
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          46.4           7.4            -             4.7          49.1
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            27.3          (1.5)           -             -            25.8
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   73.7        $ 14.8         $  -          $ 13.6       $  74.9
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

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




See accompanying independent auditors' report.


<PAGE>   72



                                   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 29th
day of April, 1998.
    

                                        NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-3
                               --------------------------------------------
                                               (Registrant)

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


                                             By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
                               --------------------------------------------
                                              Joseph P. Rath
                               Vice President- Product and Market Compliance

   
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 29th day
of April, 1998.
    

<TABLE>

              SIGNATURE                                       TITLE
<S>                                                         <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

   
A. I. BELL                                                         Director
- -------------------------------------------------                 
A. I. Bell
    

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

   
DIMON R. McFERSON                                     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
- -------------------------------------------------   Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director
Dimon R. McFerson                                
    

DAVID O. MILLER                                       Chairman of the Board and Director
- -------------------------------------------------     -------------------------
David O. Miller

   
YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY                                               Director
- -------------------------------------------------                  --------
Yvonne L. Montgomery
    

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

ARDEN L. SHISLER                                                   Director                       Attorney-in-Fact
- -------------------------------------------------
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>
                                   101 of 101


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