NATIONWIDE LIFE & ANNUITY VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT C
N-4/A, 1998-04-28
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<PAGE>   1
   
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                      '33 Act File No. 333-44485
    

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

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933

   
                          PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1        [X]
    

                                       and

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940        [ ]


                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT- C
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY 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)

   
Approximate date of proposed public offering: (Upon the effective date of this
Registration Statement. May 15, 1998 requested).
    

The Registrant hereby agrees to amend this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall therefore become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such a date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may
determine.

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


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<PAGE>   2



                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

   
<TABLE>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                                     PAGE
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
    Item     1. Cover page....................................................................................  3
    Item     2. Definitions...................................................................................  5
    Item     3. Synopsis or Highlights........................................................................ 10
    Item     4. Condensed Financial Information...............................................................N/A
    Item     5. General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies......................... 10
    Item     6. Deductions and Expenses....................................................................... 12
    Item     7. General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts............................................. 13
    Item     8. Annuity Period................................................................................ 19
    Item     9. Death Benefit and Distributions............................................................... 19
    Item    10. Purchases and Contract Value.................................................................. 13
    Item    11. Redemptions................................................................................... 16
    Item    12. Taxes......................................................................................... 25
    Item    13. Legal Proceedings............................................................................. 33
    Item    14. Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.................................. 33
            
Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item    15. Cover Page.................................................................................... 35
    Item    16. Table of Contents............................................................................. 35
    Item    17. General Information and History............................................................... 35
    Item    18. Services...................................................................................... 35
    Item    19. Purchase of Securities Being Offered.......................................................... 35
    Item    20. Underwriters.................................................................................. 36
    Item    21. Calculation of Performance Information........................................................ 36
    Item    22. Annuity Payments.............................................................................. 36
    Item    23. Financial Statements.......................................................................... 37
            
Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
    Item    24. Financial Statements and Exhibits............................................................. 65
    Item    25. Directors and Officers of the Depositor....................................................... 67
    Item    26. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant................ 69
    Item    27. Number of Contract Owners..................................................................... 79
    Item    28. Indemnification............................................................................... 79
    Item    29. Principal Underwriter......................................................................... 79
    Item    30. Location of Accounts and Records.............................................................. 81
    Item    31. Management Services........................................................................... 81
    Item    32. Undertakings.................................................................................. 81
</TABLE>
    


                                    2 of 88
<PAGE>   3




                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   Home Office
                                 P.O. Box 182008
                    Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, 1-800-860-3946
                               TDD 1-800-238-3035
           MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
           ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                  THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VA VARIABLE ACCOUNT-C

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus are Modified Single Purchase Payment
Contracts (collectively referred to as the "Contracts"). Reference throughout
the prospectus to such Contracts will mean individual Contracts as well as
Certificates issued under Group Modified Single Premium Retirement Contracts.
For such Group Contracts, references to "Contract Owner" will mean the
"Participant" unless the Plan otherwise permits or requires the Contract Owner
to exercise contractual rights under the authority of the plan terms. 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: Non-Qualified; IRAs; Tax Sheltered Annuities; SEP IRAs;
Roth IRAs; and Qualified. Annuity payments are deferred until a selected later
date.

Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide VA Separate Account-C
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life and Annuity
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 life insurance
companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain qualified pension
or retirement plans. The Variable Account uses its assets to purchase shares at
Net Asset Value in one or more of the following Underlying Mutual Fund options:

                           AVAILABLE FOR ALL CONTRACTS

                   NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST ("NSAT")
                             NSAT-Money Market Fund
                        THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST
                              Government Bond Fund
                            Growth Opportunities Fund
                                Equity Index Fund

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 Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company by calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035, or writing P.O. Box
182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008.

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

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY ADVISER OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS IDENTIFIED
ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE. INVESTMENTS ARE NOT
FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. ANY INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT
INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.

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

THE SEC MAINTAINS A WEB SITE, WWW.SEC.GOV, THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS WELL AS ANY MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
RELATING TO THIS PROSPECTUS.
    

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<PAGE>   4


   
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 15, 1998, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 31 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 15, 1998.
    


                                       2

                                    4 of 88
<PAGE>   5
                            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 below age 86 at the time of
Contract issuance, unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant of
greater age. The Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date with
the consent of the Company.
    

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

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

   
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE - The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the data page of the
Contract. 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 designated to receive certain benefits under the
Contract when the 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  and Annuity Insurance Company.

   
CONTINGENT ANNUITANT- The person who may be the recipient of certain rights or
benefits under the Contract when the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization
Date. If a Contingent Annuitant is designated and the Annuitant dies before the
Annuitization Date, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant. A Contingent
Annuitant may be named for Non-Qualified Contracts only.
    

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, Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Beneficiary,
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 attributable to
the Contract.

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 which is payable upon the death of the Annuitant or
the Contingent 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 person. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit
that may be payable will be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.
    

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

                                       3

                                    5 of 88
<PAGE>   6


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

   
FIXED PAYMENT 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.

JOINT OWNER- The Joint Owner possesses an undivided interest in the entire
Contract in conjunction with the Contract Owner. If a Joint Owner is named,
references to "Contract Owner" or "Joint Owner" will apply to both the Contract
Owner and Joint Owner or either of them. Joint Owners must be spouses at the
time joint ownership is requested unless otherwise allowed by state law. Joint
ownership may be selected only for Non-Qualified Contracts.

NET ASSET VALUE - The worth 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 Section 401 or 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs) or 403(b)
(Tax Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

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 CONTRACT- A contract issued to fund a Qualified Plan.

QUALIFIED PLAN- A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Code.

   
ROTH IRA- An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
Section 408A of the Code.
    

SEP IRA- A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under Section
408(k) 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
Contract 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 VA Separate Account-C, 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 the shares of a separate Underlying Mutual Fund.

   
VARIABLE PAYMENT 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.
    

                                       4


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<PAGE>   7


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                               <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS...........................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES........................................................................................7
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES..............................................................................7
EXAMPLE.............................................................................................................7
SYNOPSIS............................................................................................................8
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION...................................................................................N/A
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY.......................................................................8
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC...................................................................................8
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT................................................................................................9
           Underlying Mutual Fund Options...........................................................................9
           Voting Rights............................................................................................9
           Substitution of Securities..............................................................................10
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS......................................................................10
           Expenses of the Variable Account........................................................................10
           Mortality Risk Charge...................................................................................10
           Expense Risk Charge.....................................................................................10
           Premium Taxes...........................................................................................10
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT..........................................................................................11
           Investments of the Variable Account.....................................................................11
           Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value......................................................11
           Value of an Accumulation Unit...........................................................................11
           Net Investment Factor...................................................................................11
           Determining the Contract Value..........................................................................12
           Right to Revoke.........................................................................................12
           Transfers...............................................................................................12
           Contract Ownership......................................................................................13
           Joint Ownership.........................................................................................13
           Contingent Ownership....................................................................................13
           Beneficiary.............................................................................................14
           Surrender (Redemption)..................................................................................14
           Surrenders Under a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract.................................14
           Loan Privilege..........................................................................................15
           Assignment..............................................................................................16
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES............................................................................................17
           Asset Rebalancing.......................................................................................17
           Dollar Cost Averaging...................................................................................17
           Systematic Withdrawals..................................................................................17
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS.....................................................17
           Annuity Commencement Date...............................................................................17
           Annuitization...........................................................................................17
           Fixed Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments...................................................18
           Variable Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments................................................18
           Variable Payment Annuity - Assumed Investment Rate......................................................18
           Variable Payment Annuity - Value of an Annuity Unit.....................................................18
           Variable Payment Annuity - Exchanges Among Underlying Mutual Fund Options...............................18
           Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments................................................................18
           Annuity Payment Options.................................................................................19
           Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts.......................................................19
           Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts............................................................19
           Death of the Contract Owner/Annuitant...................................................................20
           Death Benefit Payment...................................................................................20
           Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts......................................................20
           Required Distributions for Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered Annuities..................................21
           Required Distributions for IRAs and SEP IRAs............................................................22
</TABLE>
    

                                       5


                                    7 of 88
<PAGE>   8

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                <C>
           Required Distributions for Roth IRAs....................................................................23
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................................23
           Federal Income Taxes....................................................................................23
           Puerto Rico.............................................................................................24
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners............................................24
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners........................................25
           Qualified Plans, IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax Sheltered Annuities.............................................26
           Roth IRAs...............................................................................................26
           Withholding.............................................................................................26
           Non-Resident Aliens.....................................................................................27
           Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation Skipping Transfer Taxes............................................27
           Charge for Tax..........................................................................................27
           Diversification.........................................................................................28
           Tax Changes.............................................................................................28
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................28
           Contract Owner Inquiries................................................................................28
           Statements and Reports..................................................................................29
           Advertising.............................................................................................29
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES........................................................................................31
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..................................................................................................31
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...........................................................31
APPENDIX ..........................................................................................................32
</TABLE>
    

                                       6



                                    8 of 88
<PAGE>   9



                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES....................................$0

MAXIMUM ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE.............................$0

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges..........................   1.20  %
       Administration Charge.......................................   0.00  %
         Total Variable Account Annual Expenses....................   1.20  %

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES (1)
      (AS A PERCENTAGE OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND NET ASSETS, AFTER EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Management                               Total Mutual
                                                      Fees            Other Expenses       Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
NSAT - Money Market Fund                              0.48%                0.03%                0.51%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust - Equity             0.20%                0.35%                0.55%
Index Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust - Government         0.45%                0.30%                0.75%
Bond Fund (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust - Growth             0.65%                0.45%                1.10%
Opportunities Fund (2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

   
(1) 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 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.

(2) The investment advisers for the indicated Mutual Funds have voluntarily
    agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or operating
    expenses resulting in a reduction of the total expenses. Absent any such
    reimbursements, the Management Fees, Other Expenses and Total Mutual Fund
    Expenses would have been 0.45%, 0.43% and 0.88% for The One Group(R)
    Investment Trust - Government Bond Fund and 0.65%, 0.46% and 1.11% for The
    One Group(R) Investment Trust - Growth Opportunities Fund.
    

                                     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.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              If you surrender your       If you do not surrender     If you annuitize your Contract
                              Contract at the end       your Contract at the end of    at the end of the applicable
                               of the applicable         the applicable time period            time period
                                  time period
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              1      3      5      10      1     3      5      10      1       3       5        10
                             Yr.    Yrs.   Yrs.   Yrs.    Yr.   Yrs    Yrs.    Yrs.    Yr.    Yrs.    Yrs.      Yrs.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>             <C>     <C>      <C>
NSAT - Money Market Fund      18     56     96     208    18     56     96     208      *      56      96       208
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment    18     57     98     212    18     57     98     212      *      57      98       212
Trust - Equity Index Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment    20     63    109     234    20     63    109     234      *      63     109       234
Trust - Government Bond
Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment    24     74    127     272    24     74    127     272      *      74     127       272
Trust - Growth
Opportunities Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

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

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<PAGE>   10


   
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").
    

                                    SYNOPSIS

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus can be categorized as follows: (1)
Non-Qualified; (2) IRAs; (3) Tax Sheltered Annuities; (4) SEP IRAs; (5) Roth
IRAs; and (6) Qualified.

The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $15,000 and subsequent
Purchase Payments at least $1,000. The cumulative total of all purchase payments
under contracts issued by the Company on the life of any one designated
Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company
(see "Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value").
    

The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made for these
Contracts, nor is any sales charge deducted upon the surrender of the Contract.

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 0.40% 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 $5,000, the Contract Value
may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any annuity
payment would be less than $50, the Company will have the right to change the
frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least
$50. 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"). 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
IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see
"Right to Revoke").
    

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company is a stock life insurance company
organized under the laws of the State of Ohio and was established in February
1981. The Company is a member of the "Nationwide Insurance Enterprise" with its
Home Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

   
                       NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.

The Contracts are distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS and
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company are wholly owned subsidiaries of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

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<PAGE>   11


                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Variable Account was established by the Company on July 24, 1991 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
("1940 Act"). Such registration does not involve supervision of the management
of the Variable Account or 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, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Tax
Sheltered Annuities 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. See the Appendix which contains a summary of investment objectives
for each Underlying Mutual Fund. 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 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035, or writing P.O. Box 182008,
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008.

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.

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
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts 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 conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary
to protect the Contract Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal
of the Variable Account from participation in the Underlying Mutual Fund(s)
involved in the conflict.
    

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
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, it
may elect to do so.
    


                                       9

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<PAGE>   12



   
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 to be 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 such 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.

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 such 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.
    

                  VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

EXPENSES OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT

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

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. The Company expects to generate a profit from this
charge.
    

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

   
The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.40% 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.
The Company expects to generate a profit from this charge.

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.
    

                                       10


                                    12 of 88
<PAGE>   13


                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT

   
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Contract Owner may have Purchase Payments allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Shares of the 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.
    

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

Purchase Payments are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts in accordance with
the designation of the Underlying Mutual Funds by the Contract Owner and
converted into Accumulation Units.

   
The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $15,000 and additional
payments, if any, must be at least $1,000. 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
by the Company 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
no 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, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5
business days while attempting to complete an incomplete application. If the
application cannot be made complete within 5 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 or 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 then subtracting (c) 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 income 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 daily Mortality Risk Charge and Expense
           Risk Charge. Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.20% of the
           daily net assets of the Variable Account.

                                       11


                                    13 of 88
<PAGE>   14


   
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 and Expense Risk Charge.
    

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

   
The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Accumulation Units. 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 will be deducted in the same proportion that the Contract
Owner's interest in the Variable Account bears to the total Contract Value.
    

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, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments.
    

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

   
Transfers among the Sub-Accounts are subject to the terms and conditions of the
Underlying Mutual Funds. The Contract Owner's value in each Sub-Account will be
determined as of the date the transfer request is received in good order in the
Home Office. Once the Contract has been annuitized, transfers may only be made
on each anniversary of the Annuitization Date.
    

Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such transfers,
by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to Contract
Owners automatically without the 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 such other
procedures as the Company may deem reasonable. Although the Company's failure to
follow reasonable procedures may result in the Company's liability for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transfers, the Company will
not be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone which it
reasonably believes to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken
by the Company in reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
genuine 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 (the
Underlying Mutual Funds) 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,

                                       12


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<PAGE>   15



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

     (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.

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, Contingent Owner, Beneficiary, or
Contingent Beneficiary. Such a request must be made in writing on a form
acceptable to the Company and must be signed by the Contract Owner. Such 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 the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant will become the Contract Owner.
    

JOINT OWNERSHIP

   
Joint Owners must be spouses at the time joint ownership is requested, unless
otherwise required by law. If a Joint Owner is named, the Joint Owner will
possess an undivided interest in the Contract. The exercise of any ownership
right in the Contract will require a written request signed by both Joint
Owners. The Company will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or expense
for acting in accordance with the instructions of either Joint Owner.
    

CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP

   
The Contingent Owner is the person who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract if a Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant, dies prior to the
Annuitization Date and there is no surviving Joint Owner. If no Contingent Owner
survives a Contract Owner and there is no surviving Joint Owner, all rights and
interest in the Contract will vest in the Contract Owner's estate. If a Contract
Owner, who is also the Annuitant, dies before the Annuitization Date and there
is no surviving Joint Owner, the Contingent Owner will not have any rights in
the Contract unless the Contingent Owner is also the named Beneficiary.

Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Contingent Owner prior to the Annuitization Date 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 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.
    

                                       13

                                    15 of 88
<PAGE>   16



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 such change.
    

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 to equal the gross dollar amount requested. The number of
Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account will be in the same
proportion that the Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts 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 CONTRACT 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.


                                       14

                                    16 of 88
<PAGE>   17


       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

            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 of a Tax Sheltered Annuity 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.
    

LOAN PRIVILEGE

   
Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner of a Qualified Contract or
Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract 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. 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 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.
    

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<PAGE>   18


   
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 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 of 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, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for
loans.
    

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

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<PAGE>   19


                             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 contact 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. The Company also reserves the right to assess a processing fee for
this service.

DOLLAR COST AVERAGING - The Contract Owner may direct the Company to
automatically transfer a specified amount from the NSAT Money Market Fund to any
other Sub-Account within the Variable 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
Sub-Account is exhausted or the Contract Owner instructs the Home Office in
writing to cancel the transfers.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Dollar Cost
Averaging programs. The Company also reserves the 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. A CDSC may
apply (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"). 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").
    

          ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

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.

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.
    

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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 payment under a Fixed Payment Annuity will be determined by applying
the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the
Fixed Payment 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 payments will remain level unless the Annuity Payment Option
elected provides otherwise. The Company does not credit discretionary interest
paid by the Company to payments during the annuity payment period.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will be determined by
applying the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner
to the Variable Payment 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 Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. The dollar amount of the first 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 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 must be made in writing and the exchange will take place on the
anniversary of the Annuitization Date.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected. However, if
the net amount available under any Annuity Payment Option is less than $5000,
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 $50, the Company will have the right to change the frequency
of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least $50. In no
event will the Company make payments under an annuity option less frequently
than annually.
    

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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 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 Payments 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
            the 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 prior to the Annuitization Date
subject to approval by the Company.

For Non-Qualified Contracts, no Distribution will be made until an 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 Joint
Owner, if any, becomes the new Contract Owner. If there is no surviving Joint
Owner, the Contingent Owner becomes the new Contract Owner. If there is no
surviving Contingent Owner, the estate of the last surviving Contract Owner
becomes the Contract Owner. The entire interest in the Contract Value, less any
applicable deductions, must be distributed in accordance with the "Required
Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts" provision.
    

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, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last
surviving Contract Owner's estate, 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 Benefit:

       (1)   in a lump sum Distribution;

       (2)   as an annuity payout; or

       (3)   any 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.
    

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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 last surviving Contract
Owner's estate, 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

   
For Contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1998 or the date on which
state insurance authorities approve applicable Contract modifications of the
Annuitant dies prior to his or her 86th 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 an adjustment for amounts
            surrendered; or

       (3)  the Contract Value as of the most recent five year Contract
            Anniversary, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered since the
            most recent five year Contract Anniversary.

The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the date(s) of the
partial surrender(s).

For Contracts issued prior to May 1, 1998 or the date prior to approval of
applicable Contract modifications by state insurance authorities, if the
Annuitant dies prior to his or her 86th 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; or

       (3) the Contract Value as of the most recent five year Contract
           Anniversary, less any amounts surrendered since the most recent five
           year Contract Anniversary.

If the Annuitant dies on or after his or her 86th birthday and prior to
Annuitization, the Death Benefit will equal the Contract Value.

   
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 form(s).
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
   
Upon the death of any Contract Owner or Joint Owner (including an Annuitant who
becomes the Contract Owner on the Annuitization Date), certain distributions for
Non-Qualified Contracts issued on or after January 19, 1985, are required by
Section 72(s) of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Contract to the
contrary, the following Distributions 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
    
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<PAGE>   23


   
           (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:

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

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

           (iii) in either case, the appropriate Distribution required under
                these distribution rules will be made upon such 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. Such 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 and 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:

         (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.
    

For Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts, no Distributions will be required from this
Contract if Distributions otherwise required from this Contract are being
withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the Annuitant.

   
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
interest in the Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity 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
            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
            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.
    

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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 (if the Annuitant dies
prior to the required beginning date) or the Beneficiary under the selected
Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant dies after the required beginning date)
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 the 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 actually was distributed for that
year.

   
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR IRAS AND SEP IRAS

Distribution from an IRA or SEP IRA must begin no 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
            or her spouse or designated beneficiary; or

        (b) a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Contract
            Owner or the joint life expectancy of the Contract Owner and the
            Contract Owner's designated beneficiary.

If the Contract Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the IRA or SEP IRA must be distributed by December 31 of the
calendar year in 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 such 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 nearly equal payments over his or
            her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy)
            commencing not later than December 31 of the year following the year
            in which the Contract Owner dies.

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

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 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 Contract Owner 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 IRAs.

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.
    


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Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) and Salary Reduction Simplified Employee
Pensions (SAR SEPs), described in Section 408(k) of the Code are taxed in a
manner similar to IRAs, and are subject to similar distribution requirements as
IRAs. SAR SEPs cannot be established after 1996.

   
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ROTH IRAS

Distributions from a Roth IRA, unlike other IRAs, are not required to commence
during the lifetime of the Contract Owner.

Upon the death of the Contract Owner, the Contract Owner's interest in the Roth
IRA must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in 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 such spouse elects to:

           (i)  treat the annuity as a Roth IRA established for his or her
                benefit; or 

           (ii) receive Distribution of the account in substantially equal
                payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or
                her life expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31
                of the year following 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 such 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 following year in which
           the Contract Owner dies.

Distributions from Roth IRAs may be either taxable or nontaxable, depending upon
whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions" (see
"Federal Income Taxes").
    

                           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 a formula required by the Code. The formula
required by the Code excludes from income an amount equal to the investment on
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.

Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable, depending
upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions."
A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five year rule and meets
one of the following four requirements: (i) it is made on or after the date on
which the Contract Owner attains the age of 59 1/2; (ii) it is made to a
Beneficiary (or the Contract Owner's estate) on or after the death of the
Contract Owner; (iii) it is attributable to the Contract Owner's disability; or
(iv) it is a qualified first-time homebuyer distribution (as defined in Section
72(t)(2)(F) of the Code). If the Roth IRA does not have any qualified rollover
contributions from a retirement plan other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable
thereto), the five year rule is satisfied if the Distribution is not made within
the five year period beginning with the first contribution 
    


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to the Roth IRA. If the Roth IRA has any qualified rollover contributions from a
retirement plan other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable thereto), the five
year rule is satisfied if the Distribution is not made within the five taxable
year period commencing with the taxable year in which the qualified rollover
contribution was made.

A nonqualified distribution is any Distribution that is not a qualified
distribution.

A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax
purposes. A nonqualified distribution is not includible in gross income to the
extent that such Distribution, when added to all previous Distributions, does
not exceed that aggregate amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA. Any
nonqualified distribution in excess of the aggregate amount of contributions
will be included in the Contract Owner's gross income in the year that is
distributed to the Contract Owner.

Taxable 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 complete Distribution of the Contract, the balance will also be included in
the Contract Owner's gross estate for federal estate tax purposes.
    

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

   
PUERTO RICO

Under the Puerto Rico tax code, Distributions from a Non-Qualified Contract
prior to Annuitization are treated as nontaxable return of principal until the
principal is fully recovered; thereafter, all Distributions are fully taxable.
Distributions after Annuitization are treated as part taxable income and part
nontaxable return of principal. The amount excluded from gross income after
Annuitization is equal to the amount of the Distribution in excess of 3% of the
total Purchase Payments paid, until an amount equal to the total Purchase
Payments paid has been excluded; thereafter, the entire Distribution is included
in gross income. Puerto Rico does not impose an early withdrawal penalty tax.
Generally, Puerto Rico does not require income tax to be withheld from
Distributions of income. A personal adviser should be consulted.

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

                                       24


                                    26 of 88
<PAGE>   27


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

   
In order to qualify as an annuity contract under Section 72 of the Code, the
contract must provide for Distribution of the entire contract to be made upon
the death of a Contract Owner. If a Contract Owner dies prior to the
Annuitization Date, then the Joint Contract Owner, the Contingent Owner or other
named recipient must receive the Distribution within 5 years of the Contract
Owner's death. However, the recipient may elect for payments to be made over
his/her life or life expectancy provided that such payments begin within one
year from the death of the Contract Owner. If the Joint Contract Owner,
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.

The non-natural person rules also do not apply to a Contract that is:

     (a) acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the
         decedent;

     (b) issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and
         individual retirement plans;

     (c) used in connection with certain structured settlements;

     (d) purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
         retirement plans; or

     (e) an immediate annuity.


                                       25

                                    27 of 88
<PAGE>   28
   
QUALIFIED PLANS, IRAS, SEP IRAS 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, SEP 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 Payments 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 or SEP IRA.
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).

   
IRAs and SEP IRAs may not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit
exceeds the greater of the cash value of the Contract or the sum of all Purchase
Payments (less any surrenders), it is possible the IRS could determine that the
IRA or SEP IRA did not qualify for the desired tax treatment.

ROTH IRAS

The Contract may be purchased as a Roth IRA. The Contract Owner should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of a
Contract as a Roth IRA, for information regarding eligibility to invest in a
Roth IRA, for limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments that may
be made to a Roth IRA, and as to the tax consequences of Distributions from Roth
IRAs.

The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Individual Retirement
Accounts or IRAs to Roth IRAs. The rollovers are subject to federal income tax
as Distributions from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA. For rollovers
that take place in 1998, the income from rollover is included in income ratably
over the four year period commencing in 1998. For rollovers in subsequent years,
the entire amount of income from the rollover will be required to be included in
income in the year of the rollover Distribution from the Individual Retirement
Account or IRA.

A Distribution from a Roth IRA that received the proceeds of a rollover from an
Individual Retirement Account or IRA within the previous five years could be
subject to a 10% penalty even if the Distribution is not taxable. In addition,
if the rollover from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA was made in 1998
and the income from that rollover was included in income ratably over a four
year period, a Distribution from the Roth IRA within four years of the rollover
may be subject to an additional 10% penalty.
    

WITHHOLDING

   
The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the extent
that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner or other
payee. The Contract Owner or other payee is entitled to elect not to have
federal income tax withheld from 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.
    
                                       26

                                    28 of 88
<PAGE>   29



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 such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and that such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes. Any such Distributions will be subject to the rules set
forth in the section entitled "Withholding."

FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES

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

The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any other
payment or Distribution constitutes a "direct skip" as defined in Section 2612
of the Code, and the amount of the generation skipping transfer tax, if any,
resulting from such direct skip. A direct skip may occur when property is
transferred to, or a Death Benefit or other Distribution is made to:

   
     (a) an individual who is two or more generations younger than the 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 to reduce the amount
of such Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment by such 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 person
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.
    

                                       27


                                    29 of 88
<PAGE>   30


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.

   
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.

                               GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, or
calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                                       28


                                    30 of 88
<PAGE>   31


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 payment plans (such as a
dollar cost averaging program or salary reduction arrangement), the Contract
Owner may receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements. The Contract Owner should review the information in these statements
carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately
to assure proper crediting to the 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.
    

ADVERTISING

   
A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the NSAT-Money Market
Fund. "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 NSAT-Money Market Fund's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
NSAT-Money Market Fund 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 of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual fund options with similar or
different objectives, or the investment industry as a whole. Other investments
to which the Sub-Accounts may be compared include, but are not limited to:
precious metals; real estate; stocks and bonds; closed-end funds; CDs; bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the Consumer Price
Index.

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

Normally, these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's,
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, National
Underwriter, U.S. News and World Report; 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, 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 funds over specified periods and against
underlying mutual funds 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 Contracts. Furthermore, the
Company may occasionally include in advertisements comparisons of currently
taxable and tax deferred investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or
discussions of alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.



                                       29

                                    31 of 88
<PAGE>   32



   
The Company may, from time to time advertise several types of historical
performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Accounts
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 one of the prescribed periods. THIS CALCULATION REFLECTS THE DEDUCTION OF
ALL APPLICABLE CHARGES MADE TO THE CONTRACTS EXCEPT FOR THE 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 all
applicable charges) had such Underlying Mutual Fund options been available in
the Variable Account for the periods quoted. 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 are calculated as described in this section using Underlying Mutual
Fund performance for the periods 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.
    

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================
                                                                           10 Years to
                                         1 Year To       5 Years To         12/31/97             Date Fund
         Sub-Account Options              12/31/97        12/31/97       or Life of Fund         Effective
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>               <C>                <C> 
Nationwide Separate Account Trust -         4.00%           3.27%             4.35%              11/10/81
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust -         8.36%             NA               6.76%              08/01/94
Government Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust -         28.28%            NA               17.51%             08/01/94
Growth Opportunities Fund
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
**   Represents 10 years to 12/31/97

                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================
                                                                        10 Years or Date Fund      Date Fund
                                                                           Available in the        Added to
                                         1 Year To       5 Years To      Variable Account to       Variable
         Sub-Account Options              12/31/97        12/31/97             12/31/97             Account
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>              <C>                 <C>                <C>  
Nationwide Separate Account Trust -        4.00%             NA                 3.99%              08/01/94
Money Market Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust -         8.36%             NA                 6.76%              08/01/94
Government Bond Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The One Group(R)Investment Trust -         28.28%            NA                17.51%              08/01/94
Growth Opportunities Fund
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

* The One Group(R) Investment Trust - Equity Index Fund was added to the
  Variable Account on the effective date of this registration statement, and
  therefore such investment option is not included in the "UNDERLYING MUTUAL
  FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY."
    


                                       30


                                    32 of 88
<PAGE>   33


   
                           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 others 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. The Company's parent, Nationwide Life Insurance Company ("NLIC"), charges
all costs associated with these system changes as the costs are incurred.

Operating expenses for NLIC 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. NLIC 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

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

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

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

                                       31


                                    33 of 88
<PAGE>   34



                                    APPENDIX

                      PARTICIPATING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

Below are the investment objectives of each Underlying Mutual Fund available
through the Variable Account. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.

                           AVAILABLE FOR ALL CONTRACTS

   
NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. NSAT offers shares
in the Mutual Fund listed below, which will be sold only to life insurance
company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable life insurance
policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance companies. The
assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., Three
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide
Life Insurance Company.
    

         -MONEY MARKET FUND

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

   
THE ONE GROUP(R) INVESTMENT TRUST
The One Group(R) Investment Trust is a diversified, open-end management
investment company organized under the laws of Massachusetts by a Declaration of
Trust, dated June 7, 1993. The One Group(R) Investment Trust offers shares in
the three separate mutual funds (the "Funds") shown below, each with its own
investment objective. The shares of the Funds are sold to Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company to fund the benefits of One Investor Select Annuity
and certain other separate accounts funding variable annuity contracts and
variable life policies issued by other life insurance companies and qualified
pension and retirement plans. The assets of The One Group(R) Investment Trust
are managed by Banc One Investment Advisers Corporation.

       -EQUITY INDEX FUND
       Investment Objective: To seek investment results that correspond to the
       aggregate price and dividend performance of securities in the Standard &
       Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index* ("S&P" 500") .

       *"S&P 500" is a registered service mark of Standard & Poor's Corporation,
       which does not sponsor and is in no way affiliated with the Fund.
    

       -GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
       Investment Objective:  To seek a high level of current income with 
       liquidity and safety of principal.

       -GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
       Investment Objective: To seek growth of capital and, secondarily, current
       income, by investing primarily in equity securities. Issuers will include
       medium sized companies with a history of above-average growth or
       companies that are expected to enter periods of above-average growth, and
       smaller companies which are positioned in emerging growth industries.

                                       32


                                    34 of 88
<PAGE>   35


                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
                                  MAY 15, 1998
    

                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
             ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                  THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and in some respects more detailed than set forth in
the prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated May
1, 1998. The prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company by writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, or
calling 1-800-860-3946, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
The Nationwide VA Separate Account-C is a separate investment account of
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a
member of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and all of the Company's common
stock is owned by Nationwide Life Insurance Company which 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 the
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 such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The Company
will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
Underlying Mutual Funds. The Company, or subsidiaries of the Company may have
entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor for
several of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate to administrative
services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the Company and provide for
an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the Variable Account
(and other separate accounts of the Company or life insurance company
subsidiaries of the Company) invested in particular Underlying Mutual Funds.
These fees in no way affect the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Funds
or fees paid by the Contract Owner.

   
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. Such agents will be registered representatives
of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").


                                       1


                                    35 of 88
<PAGE>   36


UNDERWRITERS

   
The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215,
an affiliate of the Company. No underwriting commissions have been paid by the
Company to NAS.
    

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

   
Any current yield quotations of the NSAT Money Market Fund, subject to Rule 482
of the Securities Act of 1933, 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 hypothetical charge
reflecting deductions from Contract Owner accounts, and dividing the net change
in account value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to
obtain a base period return, and multiplying the base period return by (365/7)
or (366/7) in a leap year.

The NSAT Money Market Fund Sub-Account's yield and effective yield will
fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of
instruments in the fund's portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity,
changes in interest rates, and the fund's expenses. Although the NSAT Money
Market Fund determines its yield on the basis of a seven calendar day period, it
may use a different time period on occasion. The yield quotes may reflect the
expense limitation described "Investment Manager and Other Services" in the NSAT
Money Market Fund's Statement of Additional Information. There is no assurance
that the yields quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for any
period of time and there is no guarantee that the Net Asset Values will remain
constant. It should be noted that a Contract Owner's investment in the NSAT
Money Market Fund 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 a standard method prescribed
by rules of the SEC. Standardized average annual return is found by taking a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in each of the Sub-Accounts' units on the first
day of the period at the offering price, which is the Accumulation Unit value
per unit ("initial investment") and computing the ending redeemable value
("redeemable value") of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable
value is then divided by the initial investment and this quotient is taken to
the Nth root (N represents the number of years in the period) and 1 is
subtracted from the result which is then expressed as a percentage, carried to
at least the nearest hundredth of a percent. Standardized average annual total
return reflects the deduction of a 1.20% Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. No
deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
Nonstandardized total return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a
manner similar to standardized average annual total return except the
nonstandardized total return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of
$10,000. 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 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. The
standardized average annual return will be based on rolling calendar quarters
and will cover periods of one, five, and ten years, or a period covering the
time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been available in the Variable Account if
the Underlying Mutual Fund has not been available for one of the prescribed
periods. The nonstandardized annual total return will be based on rolling
calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five and ten years, or a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been in existence.

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.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
    The One Investor Select Annuity commenced sales in June, 1998. Therefore,
    the following Financial Statements do not reflect performance for the One
    Investor's Select Annuity. However, the Financial Statements do reflect
    performance for other annuity contracts issued through the Nationwide VA
    Separate Account - C.
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       2


                                    36 of 88
<PAGE>   37

<PAGE>   1
                          Independent Auditors' Report



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

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

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                                             <C>
ASSETS:
   Investments at market value:
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         3,566,076 shares (cost $72,188,237) ..............................     $  86,584,335
      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)
         786,071 shares (cost $14,146,470) ................................        15,092,557
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         8,807,935 shares (cost $8,807,935) ...............................         8,807,935
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         3,205,220 shares (cost $44,633,544) ..............................        52,501,509
      One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll)
         3,094,482 shares (cost $38,640,124) ..............................        40,816,210
      One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd)
         2,136,061 shares (cost $21,834,056) ..............................        22,385,919
      One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund (OGGrOpp)
         3,576,169 shares (cost $47,300,553) ..............................        50,817,362
      One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)
         5,802,479 shares (cost $81,859,034) ..............................        99,860,666
                                                                                   ----------
            Total investments .............................................       376,866,493
   Accounts receivable ....................................................             4,925
                                                                                   ----------
            Total assets ..................................................       376,871,418
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ..........................................................             8,948
                                                                                   ----------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ...................................................     $ 376,862,470
                                                                                   ==========

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   ANNUAL
   Contract owners' equity represented by:                   UNITS         UNIT VALUE                              RETURN
                                                           --------         ---------                              -------
<S>                                                        <C>             <C>                 <C>                 <C>
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,663,574       $ 19.268781         $ 32,055,043           26%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    2,829,983         19.268781           54,530,323           26%

      Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio:
         Tax qualified ................................      360,753         12.709885            4,585,129           10%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      826,716         12.709885           10,507,465           10%

      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      269,586         11.392164            3,071,168            4%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      502,861         11.392164            5,728,675            4%

      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,003,531         19.118736           19,186,244           28%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,742,657         19.118736           33,317,399           28%

      One Group - Asset Allocation Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      882,338         15.674014           13,829,778           21%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,619,845         15.674014           25,389,473           21%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......       97,500         16.381936            1,597,239           23%

      One Group - Government Bond Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      488,790         12.460216            6,090,429            8%
         Non-tax qualified ............................      785,214         12.460216            9,783,936            8%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......      500,000         13.023184            6,511,592           10%

      One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................      969,427         17.286833           16,758,323           28%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    1,967,681         17.286833           34,014,973           28%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......        2,500         18.067840               45,170           30%

      One Group - Large Company Growth Fund:
         Tax qualified ................................    1,752,117         18.376907           32,198,491           30%
         Non-tax qualified ............................    3,368,336         18.376907           61,899,597           30%
         Initial Funding by Depositor (note 1a) .......      300,000         19.206744            5,762,023           32%
                                                          ==========        ==========          -----------
                                                                                               $376,862,470
                                                                                               ============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     TOTAL                        FIDVIPEI
                                                       ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                            1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................     $    4,265,024       2,249,625         715,785          19,753
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................         (3,381,832)     (1,332,177)       (831,713)       (328,693)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................            883,192         917,448        (115,928)       (308,940)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............         11,087,093       6,134,856         833,449         480,832
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................        (10,118,939)     (5,900,535)       (586,402)       (373,323)
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            968,154         234,321         247,047         107,509
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..         35,424,272       8,440,018      10,419,343       2,840,714
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................         36,392,426       8,674,339      10,666,390       2,948,223
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................         17,620,814       4,402,311       3,598,807         566,259
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........         54,896,432      13,994,098      14,149,269       3,205,542
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................        164,145,907      97,359,956      33,139,661      24,203,112
Transfers between funds ..........................                 -               -        1,982,841       1,415,097
Redemptions ......................................         (9,912,134)     (3,074,851)     (2,166,009)       (700,730)
Annuity benefits .................................                 -               -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                 -          (39,851)             -           (9,145)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......           (345,222)       (162,806)        (82,994)        (39,566)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................              2,745          10,270           2,207           1,589
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................        153,891,296      94,092,718      32,875,706      24,870,357
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Net change in contract owners' equity ............        208,787,728     108,086,816      47,024,975      28,075,899
Contract owner's equity beginning of period ......        168,074,742      59,987,926      39,560,391      11,484,492
                                                       --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............     $  376,862,470     168,074,742      86,585,366      39,560,391
                                                       ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============

<CAPTION>
                                                                 FIDVIPOV                        NSATMYMKT
                                                       ------------------------------  -------------------------------
                                                            1997           1996             1997            1996
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................           140,536           34,549         410,915         194,298
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................          (155,335)         (66,321)       (104,872)        (51,406)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................           (14,799)         (31,772)        306,043         142,892
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           296,780           56,135       7,532,542       4,682,527
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (247,708)         (52,055)     (7,532,542)     (4,682,527)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            49,072            4,080              -               -
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..           230,256          572,885              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................           279,328          576,965              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................           557,884           38,004              -               -
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........           822,413          583,197         306,043         142,892
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................         6,345,492        4,290,279      12,257,596       8,086,975
Transfers between funds ..........................           555,514          212,509      (7,836,939)     (5,203,304)
Redemptions ......................................          (287,407)        (180,584)     (1,106,114)       (161,261)
Annuity benefits .................................                -                -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                -            (2,811)             -             (645)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......           (11,122)          (9,223)        (12,456)         (5,593)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................               210              129             853             489
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................         6,602,687        4,310,299       3,302,940       2,716,661
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Net change in contract owners' equity ............         7,425,100        4,893,496       3,608,983       2,859,553
Contract owner's equity beginning of period ......         7,667,494        2,773,998       5,190,860       2,331,307
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............        15,092,594        7,667,494       8,799,843       5,190,860
                                                       =============   ==============  ==============  ==============


</TABLE>
<PAGE>   5
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     NSATTOTRE                        OGASTALL
                                                          ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                               1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................        $      581,993         277,827         851,407         307,550
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................              (486,093)       (169,743)       (327,460)       (109,456)
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................                95,900         108,084         523,947         198,094
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............             1,234,589         346,275         230,267         136,365
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................              (782,774)       (281,951)       (180,939)       (118,065)
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               451,815          64,324          49,328          18,300
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..             6,133,091       1,567,068       1,354,415         500,594
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................             6,584,906       1,631,392       1,403,743         518,894
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................             1,667,393         810,338       2,977,924         338,743
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........             8,348,199       2,549,814       4,905,614       1,055,731
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................            23,481,911      11,827,035      21,558,362       8,038,469
Transfers between funds ..........................               990,636       1,169,436         739,176         510,173
Redemptions ......................................            (1,737,301)       (340,223)       (662,596)       (293,784)
Annuity benefits .................................                    -               -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                    -           (4,548)             -           (2,812)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......               (60,534)        (18,078)        (23,352)        (12,802)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                 5,636           1,096               7             330
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................            22,680,348      12,634,718      21,611,597       8,239,574
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity ............            31,028,547      15,184,532      26,517,211       9,295,305
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ......            21,475,096       6,290,564      14,299,279       5,003,974
                                                          --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............        $   52,503,643      21,475,096      40,816,490      14,299,279
                                                          ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============

<CAPTION>
                                                                     OGGVTBD                        OGGROPP
                                                          ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                              1997             1996            1997           1996
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends .............................            1,067,051          752,586              -          284,265
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ...............................             (149,083)         (86,698)       (471,076)       (186,274)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................              917,968          665,888        (471,076)         97,991
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............              475,970          286,338         238,598          65,570
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................             (475,470)        (277,564)       (172,586)        (51,439)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............                  500            8,774          66,012          14,131
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..              586,023         (324,635)      3,478,714         (69,471)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................              586,523         (315,861)      3,544,726         (55,340)
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................               41,992            3,690       4,836,828       1,711,951
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ...........            1,546,483          353,717       7,910,478       1,754,602
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners ................................            6,064,947        5,476,081      20,472,239      13,529,593
Transfers between funds ..........................              493,915         (109,357)      1,411,094         822,315
Redemptions ......................................             (359,045)        (156,819)     (1,253,599)       (487,993)
Annuity benefits .................................                   -                -               -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......                   -            (1,880)             -           (6,440)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......               (9,910)          (7,344)        (54,360)        (27,512)
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                   43              266          (3,179)          3,150
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ......................            6,189,950        5,200,947      20,572,195      13,833,113
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity ............            7,736,433        5,554,664      28,482,673      15,587,715
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ......           14,649,524        9,094,860      22,335,793       6,748,078
                                                          -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period ............           22,385,957       14,649,524      50,818,466      22,335,793
                                                          =============   ==============  ==============  ==============

                                                                                                             (Continued)
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   6
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

        STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      OGLGCOGR
                                                            ------------------------------
                                                                 1997           1996
                                                            --------------  --------------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:
Reinvested dividends ..................................     $       497,337         378,797
Mortality, expense and administration
  charges (note 2) ....................................           (856,200)       (333,586)
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity .............................           (358,863)         45,211
                                                            --------------  --------------

Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold .................            244,898          80,814
Cost of mutual fund shares sold .......................           (140,518)        (63,611)
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments .................            104,380          17,203
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments .......         13,222,430       3,352,863
                                                            --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments ......................         13,326,810       3,370,066
                                                            --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains ..............................          3,939,986         933,326
                                                            --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'
      equity resulting from operations ................         16,907,933       4,348,603
                                                            --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:
Purchase payments received from
  contract owners .....................................         40,825,699      21,908,412
Transfers between funds ...............................          1,663,763       1,183,131
Redemptions ...........................................         (2,340,063)       (753,457)
Annuity benefits ......................................                 -               -
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ...........                 -          (11,570)
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) ............            (90,494)        (42,688)
Adjustments to maintain reserves ......................             (3,032)          3,221
                                                            --------------  --------------
    Net equity transactions ...........................         40,055,873      22,287,049
                                                            --------------  --------------

Net change in contract owners' equity .................         56,963,806      26,635,652
Contract owners' equity beginning of period ...........         42,896,305      16,260,653
                                                            --------------  --------------
Contract owners' equity end of period .................     $   99,860,111      42,896,305
                                                            ==============  ==============

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

</TABLE>
<PAGE>   7
                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996



(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         Nationwide VA Separate Account-C (the Account) was established pursuant
         to a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and
         Annuity Insurance Company (the Company) on July 24, 1991. The Account
         has been registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment
         Company Act of 1940.

         On August 17, 1994, the Company (Depositor) transferred to the Account
         97,500 shares of the One Group-Asset Allocation Fund, 500,000 shares of
         the One Group-Government Bond Fund, 2,500 shares of the One
         Group-Growth Opportunities Fund and 300,000 shares of the One
         Group-Large Company Growth Fund, for which the Account was credited
         with 97,500 units of the One Group-Asset Allocation Fund, 500,000 units
         of the One Group-Government Bond Fund, 2,500 units of the One
         Group-Growth Opportunities Fund and 300,000 units of the One
         Group-Large Company Growth Fund. These amounts represent the initial
         funding of the Account. The value of the units purchased by the Company
         on August 17, 1994 was $9,000,000.

         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 banks and other financial
         institutions.

     (b) The Contracts

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

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

              Portfolios of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund
              (Fidelity VIP);
                Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
                Fidelity VIP - Overseas Portfolio (FidVIPOv)

              Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT)
              (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
                Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
                Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

              Funds of The One Group(R) Investment Trust (One Group); 
                One Group - Asset Allocation Fund (OGAstAll) 
                One Group - Government Bond Fund (OGGvtBd) 
                One Group - Growth Opportunities Fund (OGGrOpp)
                One Group - Large Company Growth Fund (OGLgCoGr)

         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.


<PAGE>   8
     (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 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 provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

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

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

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

     (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 a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales
     charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of purchase payments or the amount
     surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase
     payment has been held in the contract for 84 months. No sales charges are
     deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment
     options of the Company.

     The Company deducts 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. Prior to
     1997, the Company deducted an annual contract maintenance charge of $30.
     This charge is no longer assessed. No charges are deducted from the initial
     funding by the Depositor, or from earnings thereon.

(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>   38

<PAGE>   1
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance
Company, as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income,
shareholder's equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its
operations and its 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 AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                                 Balance Sheets

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Assets                                            1997               1996
                                         ------                                         ----------        ------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                <C>   
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                                           $  796,919         $  648,076
    Equity securities                                                                       14,767             12,254
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                       218,852            150,997
  Real estate, net                                                                           2,824              1,090
  Policy loans                                                                                 215                126
  Short-term investments                                                                    18,968                492
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                         1,052,545            813,035
                                                                                        ----------         ----------

Cash                                                                                         5,163              4,296
Accrued investment income                                                                   10,778              9,189
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                           30,087             16,168
Other assets                                                                                15,624             37,482
Assets held in Separate Accounts                                                           891,101            486,251
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                        $2,005,298         $1,366,421
                                                                                        ==========         ==========

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                          ------------------------------------
Future policy benefits and claims                                                       $  986,191         $   80,720
Funds withheld under coinsurance agreement with affiliate                                       --            679,571
Other liabilities                                                                           29,426             35,842
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts                                                   891,101            486,251
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                         1,906,718          1,282,384
                                                                                        ----------         ----------

Commitments (notes 6 and 7)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66,000 shares             2,640              2,640
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                52,960             52,960
  Retained earnings                                                                         35,812             25,209
  Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                     7,168              3,228
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                            98,580             84,037
                                                                                        ----------         ----------
                                                                                        $2,005,298         $1,366,421
                                                                                        ==========         ==========
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to finanacial statements.




<PAGE>   3


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

                              Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1997            1996           1995
                                                                                  ----            ----           ----
<S>                                                                            <C>              <C>              <C>     
Revenues:
  Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $ 11,244         $  6,656         $  4,322
  Traditional life insurance premiums                                               363              246              674
  Net investment income                                                          11,577           51,045           49,108
  Realized losses on investments                                                   (246)              (3)            (702)
  Other income                                                                    1,057               --               --
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
                                                                                 23,995           57,944           53,402
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances                              3,948           34,711           33,276
  Other benefits and claims                                                         433              813              904
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               1,402            7,380            5,508
  Other operating expenses                                                        1,860            7,247            6,567
                                                                               --------         --------         --------
                                                                                  7,643           50,151           46,255
                                                                               --------         --------         --------

    Income before federal income tax expense                                     16,352            7,793            7,147

Federal income tax expense                                                        5,749            2,707            2,373
                                                                               --------         --------         --------

    Net income                                                                 $ 10,603         $  5,086         $  4,774
                                                                               ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to finanacial statements.




<PAGE>   4


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

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Unrealized                 
                                                                                     gains (losses)               
                                                           Additional                 on securities      Total       
                                                 Common     paid-in     Retained      available-for-  shareholder's 
                                                  stock     capital     earnings       sale, net         equity      
                                                  -----     -------     --------       ---------         ------      
<S>                                              <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>             <C>           
December 31, 1994                                $2,640     $52,960     $15,349         $(3,703)        $ 67,246      
                                                                                                                      
  Net income                                         --          --       4,774              --            4,774      
  Unrealized gains on securities available-                                                                           
    for-sale, net                                    --          --          --           8,157            8,157      
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1995                                 2,640      52,960      20,123           4,454           80,177      
                                                                                                                      
  Net income                                         --          --       5,086              --            5,086      
  Unrealized losses on securities available-                                                                          
    for-sale, net                                    --          --          --          (1,226)          (1,226)     
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1996                                 2,640      52,960      25,209           3,228           84,037      
                                                                                                                      
  Net income                                         --          --      10,603              --           10,603      
  Unrealized gains on securities available-                                                                           
    for-sale, net                                    --          --          --           3,940            3,940      
                                                 ------     -------     -------         -------         --------      
December 31, 1997                                $2,640     $52,960     $35,812         $ 7,168         $ 98,580      
                                                 ======     =======     =======         =======         ========      
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to finanacial statements.




<PAGE>   5


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

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1997           1996           1995
                                                                              ----           ----           ----
<S>                                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>    
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                               $  10,603      $   5,086      $  4,774
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
    operating activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                       3,948         34,711        33,276
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                    (20,099)       (19,987)       (6,754)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                        1,402          7,380         5,508
      Commission and expense allowances under coinsurance
        agreement with affiliate                                                  --         26,473            --
      Amortization and depreciation                                              250          1,721           878
      Realized losses on invested assets, net                                    246              3           702
      Increase in accrued investment income                                   (1,589)          (725)         (423)
      Decrease (increase) in other assets                                     21,858        (32,539)           62
      Increase (decrease) in policy liabilities and funds withheld
        on coinsurance agreement with affiliate                              228,898         (7,101)          627
      (Decrease) increase in other liabilities                                (7,488)        23,198         1,427
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                          238,029         38,220        40,077
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                     95,366         73,966        41,729
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         30,431          2,480         3,070
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity            --             --        11,251
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   15,199         10,975         8,673
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                               --             --           655
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                        67             23            50
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                            (267,899)      (179,671)      (79,140)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to maturity acquired                     --             --        (8,000)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                             (84,736)       (57,395)      (18,000)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                   (13)            --           (10)
  Policy loans issued                                                           (155)           (55)          (66)
  Short-term investments, net                                                (18,476)         4,352        (4,479)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash used in investing activities                             (230,216)      (145,325)      (44,267)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                   6,952        200,575        46,247
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                 (13,898)       (89,174)      (42,057)
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------
          Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities                 (6,946)       111,401         4,190
                                                                           ---------      ---------      --------

Net increase in cash                                                             867          4,296            --

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

See accompanying notes to finanacial statements.



<PAGE>   6





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

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
                                ($000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business

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

         The Company sells primarily fixed and variable rate annuities through
         banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the Company sells
         universal life insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance
         products and is subject to competition from other financial services
         providers throughout the United States. The Company is subject to
         regulation by the Insurance Departments of states in which it is
         licensed, and undergoes periodic examinations by those departments.


(2)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

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

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

         (a)  Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
              classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
              intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
              stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
              as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1997 or 1996.




<PAGE>   7


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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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

         (b)  Revenues and Benefits

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

         (c)  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

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

         (d)  Separate Accounts

              Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. The investment income and gains or losses
              of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The
              activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the
              statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
              Company receives.



<PAGE>   8

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         (e)  Future Policy Benefits

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

         (f)  Federal Income Tax

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

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

         (g)  Reinsurance Ceded

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

         (h)  Statements of Cash Flows

              The Company routinely invests its available cash balances in
              highly liquid, short-term investments with affiliated companies.
              See note 11. As such, the Company had no cash balance as of
              December 31, 1995.

         (i)  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.

         (j)  Reclassification

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




<PAGE>   9

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

                    Notes to 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
                                                          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               $  5,923     $    109      $     (27)     $  6,005
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions          267            5             --           272
    Debt securities issued by foreign governments           6,077           57             (1)        6,133
    Corporate securities                                  482,478       10,964           (509)      492,933
    Mortgage-backed securities                            285,224        6,458           (106)      291,576
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
        Total fixed maturity securities                   779,969       17,593           (643)      796,919
  Equity securities                                        11,704        3,063             --        14,767
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
                                                         $791,673     $ 20,656      $    (643)     $811,686
                                                         ========     ========      =========      ========

December 31, 1996:
  Fixed maturity securities:
    U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
      government corporations and agencies               $  3,695     $      7      $     (78)     $  3,624
    Obligations of states and political subdivisions          269           --             (2)          267
    Debt securities issued by foreign governments           6,129          133             (8)        6,254
    Corporate securities                                  393,371        5,916         (1,824)      397,463
    Mortgage-backed securities                            236,839        4,621           (992)      240,468
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
        Total fixed maturity securities                   640,303       10,677         (2,904)      648,076
  Equity securities                                        10,854        1,540           (140)       12,254
                                                         --------     --------      ---------      --------
                                                         $651,157     $ 12,217      $  (3,044)     $660,330
                                                         ========     ========      =========      ========
</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
                                                    cost      fair value
                                                    ----      ----------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>     
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
  Due in one year or less                         $ 31,421     $ 31,623
  Due after one year through five years            231,670      235,764
  Due after five years through ten years           175,633      180,174
  Due after ten years                               56,021       57,782
                                                  --------     --------

                                                   494,745      505,343
Mortgage-backed securities                         285,224      291,576
                                                  --------     --------
                                                  $779,969     $796,919
                                                  ========     ========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   10


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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1997         1996
                                                     ----         ----
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>    
Gross unrealized gains                              $20,013      $ 9,173
Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs      (8,985)      (4,207)
Deferred federal income tax                          (3,860)      (1,738)
                                                    -------      -------   
                                                    $ 7,168      $ 3,228
                                                    =======      =======
</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>
                                                 1997          1996          1995
                                                 ----          ----          ----
<S>                                            <C>           <C>           <C>    
Securities available-for-sale:
  Fixed maturity securities                    $ 9,177       $(8,764)      $30,647
  Equity securities                              1,663           249         1,283
Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity          --            --         3,941
                                               -------       -------       -------
                                               $10,840       $(8,515)      $35,871
                                               =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1997,
         1996 and 1995 were $30,431, $2,480 and $3,070, respectively. During
         1997, gross gains of $825 ($181 and $64 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)
         and gross losses of $1,124 (none and $6 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)
         were realized on those sales. See note 11.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $2,000 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 $600.

         As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special
         Report, A Guide to Implementation of Statement 115 on Accounting for
         Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, issued in November
         1995, the Company transferred all of its fixed maturity securities
         previously classified as held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. As of
         December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the fixed maturity securities
         had amortized cost of $77,405, resulting in a gross unrealized gain of
         $1,709.

         The Company had no investments in mortgage loans on real estate
         considered to be impaired as of December 31, 1997. The recorded
         investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to be impaired
         as of December 31, 1996 was $955, for which the related valuation
         allowance was $184. During 1997, the average recorded investment in
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $386 ($964 in
         1996) and no interest income was recognized on those loans ($16 in
         1996), which is equal to interest income recognized using a cash-basis
         method of income recognition.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997      1996
                                                        ----      ----
<S>                                                    <C>        <C> 
Allowance, beginning of year                           $ 934      $750
  (Reductions) additions charged to operations           (53)      184
  Direct write-downs charged against the allowance      (131)       --
                                                       -----      ----
Allowance, end of year                                 $ 750      $934
                                                       =====      ====
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   11
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $153
         as of December 31, 1997 ($108 as of December 31, 1996) and valuation
         allowances of $229 as of December 31, 1997 ($229 as of December 31,
         1996).

         The Company has no investments which were non-income producing for the
         twelve month periods preceding December 31, 1997 and 1996.

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997        1996        1995
                                                   ----        ----        ----
<S>                                               <C>          <C>         <C>  
Gross investment income:
  Securities available-for-sale:
    Fixed maturity securities                    $53,491     $40,552     $35,093
    Equity securities                                375         598         713
  Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity          --          --       4,530
  Mortgage loans on real estate                   14,862       9,991       9,106
  Real estate                                        318         214         273
  Short-term investments                             899         507         348
  Other                                               90          57          41
                                                 -------     -------     -------
      Total investment income                     70,035      51,919      50,104
Less:
  Investment expenses                              1,386         874         996
  Net investment income ceded (note 11)           57,072          --          --
                                                 -------     -------     -------
      Net investment income                      $11,577     $51,045     $49,108
                                                 =======     =======     =======
</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>
                                                  1997       1996       1995
                                                  ----       ----       ----
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>   
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale     $(299)     $ 181      $(822)
Mortgage loans on real estate                       53       (184)       110
Real estate and other                               --         --         10
                                                 -----      -----      -----
                                                 $(246)     $  (3)     $(702)
                                                 =====      =====      =====
</TABLE>

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $3,383 and $3,403
         as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.


(4)      Future Policy Benefits

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts has
         been established based on policy terms, interest rates and various
         contract provisions. The average interest rate credited on investment
         product policies was approximately 5.1%, 5.6% and 5.6% for the years
         ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.




<PAGE>   12
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)      Federal Income Tax

         The Company's current federal income tax liability was $806 and $7,914
         as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997          1996
                                                       ----          ----
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>    
Deferred tax assets:
  Future policy benefits                            $ 13,168      $ 1,070
  Liabilities in Separate Accounts                     8,080        5,311
  Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate          336          407
  Other assets and other liabilities                      48        3,836
                                                    --------      -------
    Total gross deferred tax assets                   21,632       10,624
                                                    --------      -------

Deferred tax liabilities:
  Fixed maturity securities                            7,186        3,268
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                    6,159        2,131
  Equity securities                                    1,072          490
  Other                                                7,892           --
                                                    --------      -------
    Total gross deferred tax liabilities              22,309        5,889
                                                    --------      -------
                                                    $   (677)     $ 4,735
                                                    ========      =======
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. All future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. The
         Company has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary as
         of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 based on its analysis of future
         deductible amounts.

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    1997        1996        1995
                                    ----        ----        ----

<S>                                <C>        <C>          <C>   
Currently payable                  $2,458     $ 9,612      $2,012
Deferred tax expense (benefit)      3,291      (6,905)        361
                                   ------     -------      ------
                                   $5,749     $ 2,707      $2,373
                                   ======     =======      ======
</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
                                             ------------------     ----------------     ----------------
                                              Amount        %       Amount       %        Amount       %
                                             ------------------     ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                           <C>          <C>     <C>         <C>       <C>        <C> 
Computed (expected) tax expense               $5,723       35.0     $2,728     35.0      $2,501    35.0
Tax exempt interest and dividends
   received deduction                             --       (0.0)      (175)    (2.3)       (150)   (2.1)
Other, net                                        26       (0.2)       154      2.0          22     0.3
                                              ------       ----     ------     ----      ------    ----
      Total (effective rate of each year)     $5,749       35.2     $2,707     34.7      $2,373    33.2
                                              ======       ====     ======     ====      ======    ====
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax paid was $9,566, $2,335 and $1,314 during the
         years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.



<PAGE>   13
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

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

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

              Separate Account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets
              held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which 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>   14
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


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

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

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



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1997                     1996
                                                  ------------------------ -----------------------
                                                  Carrying    Estimated     Carrying    Estimated
                                                   amount     fair value     amount     fair value
                                                  ------------------------ -----------------------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>    
Assets:
  Investments:
    Securities available-for-sale:
      Fixed maturity securities                   $796,919     $796,919     $648,076     $648,076
      Equity securities                             14,767       14,767       12,254       12,254
    Mortgage loans on real estate, net             218,852      229,881      150,997      152,496
    Policy loans                                       215          215          126          126
    Short-term investments                          18,968       18,968          492          492
  Cash                                               5,163        5,163        4,296        4,296
  Assets held in Separate Accounts                 891,101      891,101      486,251      486,251

Liabilities
  Investment contracts                             980,263      950,105       75,417       72,262
  Policy reserves on life insurance contracts        5,928        6,076        5,303        5,390
  Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         891,101      868,056      486,251      471,125
</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, reduced demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. The Company mitigates this risk by operating throughout the
         United States, thus reducing its exposure to any single jurisdiction,
         and also by employing underwriting practices which identify and
         minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

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



<PAGE>   15
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to 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
         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 $61,200 extending into
         1998 were outstanding as of December 31, 1997. The Company also had
         $4,000 of commitments to purchase fixed maturity securities 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 29% (31% in 1996) in any geographic area and no more than 3% (5%
         in 1996) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1997. As of December
         31, 1997 37% (42% in 1996) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed apartment
         building properties.


(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 an allocation of pension costs accrued
         for employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.

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

         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
         Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
         Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan (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 $257, $189 and $214,
         respectively.



<PAGE>   16

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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         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>
                                                                                   1997             1996              1995
                                                                                   ----             ----              ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>               <C>        
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)                   $  77,303       $  75,466       $  64,524
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                        118,556         105,511          95,283
              Actual return on plan assets                                        (327,965)       (210,583)       (249,294)
              Net amortization and deferral                                        196,366         101,795         143,353
                                                                                 ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                                 $  64,260       $  72,189       $  53,866
                                                                                 =========       =========       =========
</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>
                                                                                    1997             1996
                                                                                    ----             ----
<S>                                                                              <C>               <C>   
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                Vested                                                           $1,547,462       $1,338,554
                Nonvested                                                            13,531           11,149
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                                                                                 $1,560,993       $1,349,703
                                                                                 ==========       ==========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date       $2,033,761       $1,847,828
                Plan assets at fair value                                         2,212,848        1,947,933
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                  Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation             179,087          100,105
                Unrecognized prior service cost                                      34,658           37,870
                Unrecognized net gains                                             (330,656)        (201,952)
                Unrecognized net asset at transition                                 33,337           37,158
                                                                                 ----------       ----------
                                                                                 $  (83,574)      $  (26,819)
                                                                                 ==========       ==========
</TABLE>

         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, an affiliate.



<PAGE>   17
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(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 $891 and $840, respectively, and the net periodic
         postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $94,
         $78 and $66, respectively.

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997           1996
                                                            ----           ----
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>      
Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
  Retirees                                               $  93,327      $  92,954
  Fully eligible, active plan participants                  31,580         23,749
  Other active plan participants                           112,951         83,986
                                                         ---------      ---------
    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation          237,858        200,689
  Plan assets at fair value                                 69,165         63,044
                                                         ---------      ---------
    Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement
      benefit obligation                                  (168,693)      (137,645)
   Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates          1,481          1,654
   Unrecognized net gains                                    1,576        (23,225)
                                                         ---------      ---------
                                                         $(165,636)     $(159,216)
                                                         =========      =========
</TABLE>

         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>
                                                   1997          1996         1995
                                                   ----          ----         ----
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>   
Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
  service during the year)                        $ 7,077      $ 6,541      $ 6,235
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
  benefit obligation                               14,029       13,679       14,151
Actual return on plan assets                       (3,619)      (4,348)      (2,657)
Amortization of unrecognized transition
  obligation of affiliates                            173          173        2,966
Net amortization and deferral                        (528)       1,830       (1,619)
                                                  -------      -------      -------
                                                  $17,132      $17,875      $19,076
                                                  =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   18
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 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 $410 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31, 1997 by $46.


(10)     Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restriction

         Ohio, the Company's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
         which requires specified corrective action. The Company exceeds the
         minimum risk-based capital requirements.

         The statutory capital shares and surplus of the Company as reported to
         regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was
         $74,820, $71,390 and $54,978, respectively. The statutory net income of
         the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $7,446, $670 and $8,023,
         respectively.

         The Company is limited in the amount of shareholder dividends it may
         pay without prior approval by the Department. As of December 31, 1997,
         the maximum amount available for dividend payment from the Company to
         its shareholder without prior approval of the Department was $7,482.

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




<PAGE>   19
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(11)     Transactions With Affiliates

         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 $703, $410
         and $287, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $2,564, $2,682 and $2,596 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 $4,981 and $2,275 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
         respectively.

         Effective December 31, 1996, the Company entered into an intercompany
         reinsurance agreement with NLIC whereby certain inforce and
         subsequently issued fixed individual deferred annuity contracts are
         ceded on a 100% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. On December 31,
         1997, the agreement was amended to a modified coinsurance basis. Under
         modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets and liabilities for
         future policy benefits are retained by the ceding company and net
         investment earnings on the invested assets are paid to the assuming
         company. Under terms of the Company's agreement, the investment risk
         associated with changes in interest rates is borne by NLIC. Risk of
         asset default is retained by the Company, although a fee is paid by
         NLIC to the Company for the Company's retention of such risk. The
         agreement will remain inforce until all contract obligations are
         settled. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer
         from its primary obligation to the contractholder. The Company believes
         that the terms of the modified coinsurance agreement are consistent in
         all material respects with what the Company could have obtained with
         unaffiliated parties. Amounts ceded to NLIC in 1997 are included in
         NLIC's results of operations for 1997 and include premiums of $300,617,
         net investment income of $57,072 and benefits, claims and other
         expenses of $343,426.

         Under the 100% coinsurance with funds withheld agreement, the Company
         recorded a liability equal to the amount due to NLIC as of December 31,
         1996 for $679,571, which represents the future policy benefits of the
         fixed individual deferred annuity contracts ceded. In consideration for
         the initial inforce business reinsured, NLIC paid the Company $26,473
         in commission and expense allowances which were applied to the
         Company's deferred policy acquisition costs as of December 31, 1996. No
         significant gain or loss was recognized as a result of the agreement.

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

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $18,968 and $492 as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996, respectively, and are included in short-term investments
         on the accompanying balance sheets.

         Certain annuity products are sold through an affiliated company. Total
         commissions paid to the affiliate for the three years ended December
         31, 1997 were $8,053, $14,644 and $5,949, respectively.



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

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(12)     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 an affiliated 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 are reported
         in the Corporate and Other segment.

         The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) 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>
                                                        1997             1996            1995
                                                        ----             ----            ----
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>              <C>      
Revenues:
   Variable Annuities                                $     9,950      $     4,591      $   2,927
   Fixed Annuities                                         7,752           51,643         50,056
   Life Insurance                                            182              165            185
   Corporate and Other                                     6,111            1,545            234
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $    23,995      $    57,944      $  53,402
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========

Income (loss) before federal income tax expense:
   Variable Annuities                                $     7,267      $     1,094      $   1,196
   Fixed Annuities                                         3,202            5,156          5,633
   Life Insurance                                           (228)              (1)          (381)
   Corporate and Other                                     6,111            1,544            699
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $    16,352      $     7,793      $   7,147
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========

Assets:
   Variable Annuities                                $   925,021      $   503,111      $ 267,097
   Fixed Annuities                                       989,116          787,682        643,313
   Life Insurance                                          2,228            2,597          2,665
   Corporate and Other                                    88,933           73,031         54,507
                                                     -----------      -----------      ---------
                                                     $ 2,005,298      $ 1,366,421      $ 967,582
                                                     ===========      ===========      =========
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   39

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 PAGE
<S>                                                                               <C>
              (a)  Financial Statements:
                  (1) Financial statements included
                      in Prospectus (Part A):                                     N/A
                  (2)  Financial statements included
                      in Part B as required:                                       37


              Nationwide VA Separate Account-C:

                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                37

                      Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Contract Owners'
                      Equity as of December 31, 1997.                              38

                      Statement of Operations and Changes in Contract Owners'
                      Equity for the year ended December 31, 1997 and for the
                      period February 1, 1996 (commencement of operations)
                      through December 31, 1996.                                   40

                      Notes to Financial Statements.                               43

              Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

                      Independent Auditors' Report.                                45

                      Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.             46

                      Statements of Income for the years ended December 31,
                      1997, 1996 and 1995.                                         47

                      Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the years ended
                      December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.                            48

                      Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
                      1997, 1996 and 1995.                                         49

                      Notes to Financial Statements.                               50

                      Schedule I - Summary of Investments - Other
                      Than Investments in Related Parties                          84

                      Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information           85

                      Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                    86

                      Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts               87
</TABLE>
    

                                   65 of 88
<PAGE>   40


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
              (b)  Exhibits:

                  (1) Resolution of the Depositor's Board of                 Filed previously with Registration Statement
                      Directors authorizing the establishment of               (33-66496) and is hereby incorporated by
                      the Registrant.                                                          reference.

                  (2) Not Applicable

                  (3) Underwriting or Distribution of contracts              Filed previously with Registration Statement
                      between the Registrant and Principal                     (33-66496) and is hereby incorporated by
                      Underwriter.                                                            reference.

   
                  (4) The form of the variable annuity contract                            Attached hereto.
    

                  (5) Variable Annuity Application                                         Attached hereto.

                  (6) Articles of Incorporation of Depositor                 Filed previously with Registration Statement
                                                                               (33-66496) and is hereby incorporated by
                                                                                              reference.

                  (7) Not Applicable

                  (8) Not Applicable

   
                  (9) Opinion of Counsel                                     Filed previously with Registration Statement
                                                                               (33-66496) and is hereby incorporated by
                                                                                              reference.
    

                  (10)Not Applicable

                  (11)Not Applicable

                  (12)Not Applicable

                  (13)Performance Advertising Calculation                    Filed previously with Registration Statement
                      Schedule.                                                (33-66496) and is hereby incorporated by
                                                                                              reference.
</TABLE>

                                    66 of 88

<PAGE>   41

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>
Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR

                          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>


                                    67 of 88
<PAGE>   42


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

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

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

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

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

   
                          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>


                                    68 of 88


<PAGE>   43


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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



Item 26.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR 
              OR REGISTRANT.

                *     Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are 
                      filed

                **    Subsidiaries included in the respective financial 
                      statements

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

                ****  other subsidiaries

                                    69 of 88

<PAGE>   44


<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>

                                    70 of 88

<PAGE>   45


<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>

                                    71 of 88
<PAGE>   46


<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>
                                    72 of 88



<PAGE>   47
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
<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>

                                    73 of 88
<PAGE>   48
<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>
                                    74 of 88

<PAGE>   49
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                      (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                                      STATE               OTHERWISE INDICATED
                                                 OF ORGANIZATION
                       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 
                                                                                                    Policies
</TABLE>

                                    75 of 88
<PAGE>   50
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>                             <C>
                                                                    Account
     *  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>

                                    76 of 88
<PAGE>   51
<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>   52
<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>   53
<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>   54
<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>   55
<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>   56
<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>   57






Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

              Not applicable.

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)    Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as
                     principal underwriter and general distributor for the
                     Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide DC
                     Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA II, Nationwide Variable
                     Account-II, Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide
                     Variable Account-6, Nationwide Variable Account-8,
                     Nationwide Variable Account-9, Nationwide VA Separate
                     Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VL
                     Separate Account-C, Nationwide VA Separate Account-C,
                     Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate
                     Account-B, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2, Nationwide
                     VLI Separate Account-3, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4,
                     NACo Variable Account and the Nationwide Variable Account,
                     all of which are separate investment accounts of the
                     Company or its affiliates.

   
                     NAS also acts as principal underwriter for Nationwide
                     Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                     Financial Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Asset
                     Allocation Trust and Nationwide Investing Foundation II,
                     and Nationwide Investing Foundation III which are open-end
                     management investment companies.
    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         (b)                 NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                                    DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
                                                                       POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER
<S>                                                            <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                       President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

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

Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
                                    79 of 88

<PAGE>   58


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         (b)                             NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                                                DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<S>                                                      <C>
   
Susan A. Wolken                                                               Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
    

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

   
Elizabeth A. Davin                                                      Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
    

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

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

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

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                  Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                          Manager
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. Mc Causland                                             Senior Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza                                                         Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

William G. Goslee
One Nationwide Plaza                                                       Vice President
Columbus, OH  43215

Charles Bath
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH  43215

Joseph P. Rath                                                      Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

   
Christopher A. Cray                                                          Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

David E. Simaitis                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Patricia J. Smith                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
    
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


           (c)                    NET UNDERWRITING
            NAME OF PRINCIPAL      DISCOUNTS AND        COMPENSATION ON
               UNDERWRITER          COMMISSIONS          REDEMPTION OR         BROKERAGE
                                                         ANNUITIZATION        COMMISSIONS        COMPENSATION
<S>                              <C>                   <C>                   <C>                 <C>
               Nationwide
           Advisory Services,           N/A                   N/A                 N/A                N/A
                  Inc.
</TABLE>


                                    80 of 88
<PAGE>   59



Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43215

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 is 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 risks
              assumed by the Company.


                                    81 of 88
<PAGE>   60


                                   Offered by
                  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company





                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY




                        Nationwide VA Separate Account-C

                  Individual Deferred Variable Annuity Contract




                                   PROSPECTUS




   
                                  May 15, 1998
    


                                    82 of 88
<PAGE>   61
   
             INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND REPORT ON FINANCIAL
                              STATEMENT SCHEDULES
    


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


The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life and Annuity 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 herein.
    


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 28, 1998
    






                                    83 of 88
<PAGE>   62

<PAGE>   1

                                                                     SCHEDULE I

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

                            SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
                    OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                                ($000's omitted)

                             As of December 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------     ----------     ---------
                             Column A                                         Column B       Column C      Column D
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------     ----------     ---------
                                                                                                           Amount at
                                                                                                          which shown
                                                                                                            in the
                        Type of Investment                                     Cost       Market value   balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------    ------------   -------------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>           <C>       
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
  Bonds:
    U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities                $  284,851       $291,184       $  291,184
    States, municipalities and political subdivisions                             267            272              272
    Foreign governments                                                         6,077          6,133            6,133
    Public utilities                                                           81,611         83,307           83,307
    All other corporate                                                       407,163        416,023          416,023
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------
      Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                      779,969        796,919          796,919
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
  Common stocks:
    Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                                    11,704         14,767           14,767
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------
      Total equity securities available-for-sale                               11,704         14,767           14,767
                                                                           ----------       --------       ----------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                            219,602                         218,852 (1)
Real estate, net:
  Investment properties                                                         1,428                           1,062 (1)
  Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                              1,779                           1,762 (1)
Policy loans                                                                      215                             215
Short-term investments                                                         18,968                          18,968
                                                                           ----------                      ----------
      Total investments                                                    $1,033,665                      $1,052,545
                                                                           ==========                      ==========
</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 financial statements.



See accompanying independent auditor's report.
<PAGE>   2


                                                                   SCHEDULE III

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

                      SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                                ($000's omitted)

   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
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<C>                                 <C>                  <C>                                                          <C>   
1997: Variable Annuities               $ 34,026          $     --                                                     $ --  
      Fixed Annuities                     4,708           984,408                                                      363  
      Life Insurance                        338             1,783                                                       --  
      Corporate and Other                (8,985)               --                                                       --  
                                       --------          --------                                                     ----  
         Total                         $ 30,087          $986,191                                                     $363  
                                       ========          ========                                                     ====  
                                                                                                                            
1996: Variable Annuities               $ 17,335          $     --                                                     $ --  
      Fixed Annuities                     2,691            78,947                                                      246  
      Life Insurance                        349             1,773                                                       --  
      Corporate and Other                (4,207)               --                                                       --  
                                       --------          --------                                                     ----  
         Total                         $ 16,168          $ 80,720                                                     $246  
                                       ========          ========                                                     ====  
                                                                                                                            
1995: Variable Annuities               $  9,966          $     --                                                     $ --  
      Fixed Annuities                    23,913           619,400                                                      674  
      Life Insurance                        360             1,880                                                       --  
      Corporate and Other               (10,834)               --                                                       --  
                                       --------          --------                                                     ----  
         Total                         $ 23,405          $621,280                                                     $674  
                                       ========          ========                                                     ====  
</TABLE>                                                                    


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
             Column A                  Column G           Column H             Column I           Column J          Column K
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                                                                                    Other
                                    Net investment    Benefits, claims,      Amortization         operating         
                                        income           losses and       of deferred policy      expenses          Premiums
             Segment                      (2)        settlement expenses  acquisition costs          (2)            written
- ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>  
1997: Variable Annuities               $   (873)             $   238             $ 1,035              $1,410
      Fixed Annuities                     5,927                4,023                 347                 180
      Life Insurance                        166                  120                  20                 270
      Corporate and Other                 6,357                   --                  --                  --
                                       --------              -------             -------              ------
         Total                         $ 11,577              $ 4,381             $ 1,402              $1,860
                                       ========              =======             =======              ======

1996: Variable Annuities               $   (849)             $   238               1,473              $1,786
      Fixed Annuities                    50,197               35,193               5,888               5,407
      Life Insurance                        149                   93                  19                  54
      Corporate and Other                 1,548                   --                  --                  --
                                       --------              -------             -------              ------
         Total                         $ 51,045              $35,524               7,380              $7,247
                                       ========              =======             =======              ======

1995: Variable Annuities               $   (450)             $   107                 739              $  886
      Fixed Annuities                    48,454               33,974               5,211               5,238
      Life Insurance                        169                   99                  24                 443
      Corporate and Other                   935                   --                (466)                 --
                                       --------              -------             -------              ------
         Total                         $ 49,108              $34,180               5,508              $6,567
                                       ========              =======             =======              ======
</TABLE>


(1) Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits 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 auditor's report.

<PAGE>   3


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

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

                                   REINSURANCE
                                ($000's omitted)

   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             $6,519            $456            $ --            $6,063            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===

  Premiums:
  Life insurance                      $  363            $ --            $ --            $  363            0.0%
                                      ------            ----            ----            ------            --- 
      Total                           $  363            $ --            $ --            $  363            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===


1996:
  Life Insurance in force             $7,221            $463            $ --            $6,758            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===

  Premiums:
  Life insurance                      $  246            $ --            $ --            $  246            0.0%
                                      ------            ----            ----            ------            --- 
      Total                           $  246            $ --            $ --            $  246            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===


1995:
  Life Insurance in force             $8,186            $468            $ --            $7,718            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                    $  674            $ --            $ --            $  674            0.0%
                                      ------            ----            ----            ------            --- 
      Total                           $  674            $ --            $ --            $  674            0.0%
                                      ======            ====            ====            ======            ===
                                                                                                         
</TABLE>

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

Note:  The life insurance caption represents premiums from life-contingent
       immediate annuities and excludes deposits on investment products and
       universal life insurance products.


See accompanying independent auditor's report.


<PAGE>   4


                                                                     SCHEDULE V

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

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                ($000's omitted)
                  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           $   --       $ 1,011          $ --          $1,011       $   -- 
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          934           (53)           --             131          750 
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            229            --            --              --          229 
                                                             ------       -------          ----          ------       ------ 
      Total                                                  $1,163       $   958          $ --          $1,142       $  979 
                                                             ======       =======          ====          ======       ====== 
                                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                             
1996:                                                                                                                        
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate       $  750       $   184          $ --          $   --       $  934 
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            229            --            --              --          229 
                                                             ------       -------          ----          ------       ------ 
      Total                                                  $  979       $   184          $ --          $   --       $1,163 
                                                             ======       =======          ====          ======       ====== 
                                                                                                          

1995:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities           $   --       $   996          $ --          $  996       $   --
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          860          (110)           --              --          750
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            472          (243)           --              --          229
                                                             ------       -------          ----          ------       ------
      Total                                                  $1,332       $   643          $ --          $  996       $  979
                                                             ======       =======          ====          ======       ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
    allowance.

See accompanying independent auditor's report.


<PAGE>   63


                                   SIGNATURES

   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VA
SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C, has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 28th day of April,
1998.
    

                                   NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-C         
                         ---------------------------------------------------
                                           (Registrant)

                            NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY 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 Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on this 28th day of
April, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    

              SIGNATURE                                               TITLE
<S>                                                     <C>                             <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
- -------------------------------------------------          Operating Office and Director
Joseph J. Gasper                                           

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>

                                    88 of 88

<PAGE>   1
[NATIONWIDE LOGO]

NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
(Hereinafter called the Company)
One Nationwide Plaza
PO Box 16609
Columbus, Ohio  43216-6609
1-(800)-848-6331 (For any inquiries)

NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY will make annuity payments to the
Annuitant starting on the Annuitization Date, as set forth in the Contract.

This Contract is provided in return for the Purchase Payments made as required
in the Contract.

TEN DAY LOOK

To be sure that the Contract Owner is satisfied with this Contract, the Contract
Owner has a TEN DAY "FREE LOOK". Within ten days of the day the Contract is
received by the Contract Owner, it may be returned to the Home Office of the
Company. When the Contract is received at the Home Office, the Contract Value as
of the date of cancellation will be refunded in full.

Executed for the Company on the Date of Issue.


/s/ Dennis W. Click                          /s/ Joseph J. Gasper
                 SECRETARY                                    PRESIDENT


                          READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY

             Individual Deferred Variable Annuity, Non-Participating

ANNUITY PAYMENTS, DEATH BENEFITS, AND OTHER CONTRACT VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS
CONTRACT ARE VARIABLE AND MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
FLUCTUATIONS IN THE NET INVESTMENT FACTOR, AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
FIXED-DOLLAR AMOUNT.

             NOTICE - The details of the variable provisions in the
                 Contract may be found on Pages - 11,12 and 15.
<PAGE>   2
CONTENTS


DATA PAGE............................................................INSERT

CONTENTS................................................................2

DEFINITIONS.............................................................4

GENERAL PROVISIONS......................................................6
         ALTERATION OR MODIFICATION
         ASSIGNMENT
         ENTIRE CONTRACT
         MISSTATEMENT OF AGE
         EVIDENCE OF SURVIVAL
         PROTECTION OF PROCEEDS
         REPORTS
         INCONTESTABILITY
         CONTRACT SETTLEMENT
         NUMBER
         NON-PARTICIPATING

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES..................................................7
         DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUM TAXES
         MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS....................................................7
         CONTRACT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
         JOINT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
         CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
         BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS
         CHANGE OF PARTIES PROVISIONS

DEATH PROVISIONS........................................................9
         DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER PROVISIONS
         DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT PROVISIONS
         DEATH OF ANNUITANT PROVISIONS
         REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS PROVISIONS
         DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT PROVISIONS

ACCUMULATION PROVISIONS................................................11
         PURCHASE PAYMENTS
         ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
         CONTRACT VALUE
         VARIABLE ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE
         THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
         INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
         VALUATION OF ASSETS
         VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNITS
         VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
         NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
CONTENTS (CONT)



SURRENDERS, WITHDRAWALS and TRANSFERS..................................13
         TRANSFER PROVISIONS
         SURRENDER
         SURRENDER VALUE
         SUSPENSION OR DELAY IN PAYMENT OF SURRENDER
         SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
         DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

ANNUITIZATION PROVISIONS...............................................14
         GENERAL
         ANNUITIZATION
         ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
         CHANGE OF ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

SELECTION OF ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION....................................15
         SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT
         FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS
         FIXED ANNUITY PROVISIONS
         VARIABLE ANNUITY PROVISIONS
         DETERMINATION OF FIRST VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT
         ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
         VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS AFTER THE FIRST PAYMENT

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS................................................16
         GENERAL
         LIFE ANNUITY
         JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR ANNUITY
         LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED
         CHANGE OF ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION

ANNUITY TABLES.........................................................17

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
DEFINITIONS


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

ANNIVERSARY VALUE - The Contract Value on a Contract Anniversary.

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 85 or younger at the time of
Contract issuance, unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant of
greater age. 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 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 and is subject to change by the Contract Owner.

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

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

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

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

COMPANY - Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT ANNUITANT - The person designated to be the recipient of certain
rights or benefits under this Contract when the Annuitant dies before the
Annuitization Date. If a Contingent Annuitant is designated and the Annuitant
dies before the Annuitization Date, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the
Annuitant. A Contingent Annuitant may be named for contracts issued as
Non-Qualified Contracts only.

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.

CONTRACT - The Individual Deferred Variable Annuity issued to the Contract
Owner.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY - Each 12 month anniversary the Contract remains in force
commencing with the Date of Issue.

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

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract.

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

DATE OF ISSUE - The date the first purchase payment is applied to the Contract.

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

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

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

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

JOINT OWNER - The Joint Owner, if any, possesses an undivided interest in the
entire Contract in conjunction with the Contract Owner. If a Joint Owner is
named, references to "Contract Owner" or "Owner" in this Contract will apply to
both the Owner and Joint Owner. Joint Owners must be spouses at the time Joint
Ownership is requested where such restriction is permitted by state law. Joint
Ownership may be selected only for Non-Qualified Contracts.

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

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

PURCHASE PAYMENT - A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers among the Sub-Accounts.

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

QUALIFIED PLAN - A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under
the Sections 401 and 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.

VALUATION DATE - Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office are open for business, any other day during which there is a sufficient
degree of trading of the Variable Account's underlying Mutual Fund shares such
that the current net asset value of its Accumulation Units 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 VA Separate Account - C, 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 the 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.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
GENERAL PROVISIONS

ALTERATION OR MODIFICATION

All changes to the terms of the Contract must be: (1) made in writing; and (2)
signed by the President or Secretary of the Company. No other person can alter
or change any of the terms or conditions of this Contract.

ASSIGNMENT

Where permitted, the Contract Owner may assign some or all rights under this
Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Annuitant, prior to the
Annuitization Date. The Company shall not be liable as to any payment or other
settlement made by the Company before recording of the assignment. The Company
is not responsible for the validity or tax consequences of any assignment. Such
assignment will take effect upon receipt and recording by the Home Office of
written notice executed by the Contract Owner. Where necessary for proper
administration of the terms of the Contract, an assignment will not be recorded
until the Company has received sufficient direction from the Contract Owner and
assignee as to the proper allocation of Contract rights under the assignment.

The value of any portion of the Contract which is assigned, pledged or
transferred by gift may be treated like a cash withdrawal for federal tax
purposes and may be subject to a tax penalty. All rights in this Contract are
personal to the Contract Owner and may not be assigned without written consent
of the Company.

If this Contract is issued to fund a retirement plan pursuant to the Code
sections 401, 403, 408 or 408K, it may not be assigned, pledged, or otherwise
transferred except as allowed by applicable law.

ENTIRE CONTRACT

This document is the whole Contract between the Owner and the Company. This
Contract, data page and endorsement(s) (if any), make up the entire Contract.

MISSTATEMENT OF AGE

If the age of the Annuitant has been misstated, all payments and benefits under
this Contract will be adjusted. Payments and benefits will be made based on the
correct age. Proof of age of an Annuitant may be required at any time, in a form
satisfactory to the Company. When the age of an Annuitant has been misstated,
the dollar amount of any overpayment will be deducted from the next payment or
payments due under this Contract. The dollar amount of any underpayment made by
the Company as a result of any such misstatement will be paid in full with the
next payment due under this Contract. Where required by state law, any
adjustment on overpayment or underpayment will include interest.

EVIDENCE OF SURVIVAL

Where any payments under this Contract depend on the recipient being alive on a
given date, the Company may require proof that such person is living prior to
making the payments.

PROTECTION OF PROCEEDS

Proceeds under this Contract are not assignable by any Beneficiary prior to the
time they are due. Proceeds are not subject to the claims of creditors or to
legal process, except as mandated by applicable law.

REPORTS

At least once each year, the Company will mail to the Contract Owner, at the
last known address, a statement showing the Contract Value and any other
information required by the Superintendent of the state in which the Contract is
delivered.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
INCONTESTABILITY

This Contract will not be contested.

CONTRACT SETTLEMENT

The Company may require this Contract to be returned to the Home Office prior to
making any payments. All sums payable to or by the Company under this Contract
are payable at the Home Office.

NUMBER

Unless otherwise provided, all references in this Contract which are in the
singular form will include the plural; all references in the plural form will
include the singular.

NON-PARTICIPATING

This Contract is non-participating. It will not share in the surplus of the
Company.

DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES

DEDUCTION FOR PREMIUM TAXES

The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any premium
taxes levied by a state or any other government entity upon Purchase Payments
received by the Company. The method used to recoup premium taxes will be
determined by the Company at its sole discretion and in compliance with state
law. The Company currently deducts such charges from the Contract Value: (1)
when the Contract is surrendered; (2) at Annuitization; or (3) at such earlier
date as the Company may be subject to such taxes.

MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

The Company will deduct a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge equal on an annual
basis to [1.20%] of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account. This
deduction is made to compensate the Company for assuming the mortality risks and
expense risks under this Contract. The Company assumes a "mortality risk" that
fixed and variable annuity payments will not be affected by the death rates of
persons receiving such payments or of the general population by virtue of
annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be changed. The Company
also assumes a mortality risk by its promise to pay in certain circumstances a
Death Benefit that is greater than the Contract Value. The "expense risk"
involves the guaranty by the Company that it will not increase charges for
administration of the Contract regardless of the Company's actual administrative
expenses.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the Contract.
IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF AS OWNER, THE PURCHASER WILL
HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT.

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

JOINT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

Where such restriction is permitted by state law, Joint Owners must be spouses
at the time joint ownership is requested. If a Joint Owner is named, the Joint
Owner will possess an undivided interest in the Contract. Unless otherwise
provided, the exercise of any ownership right in the Contract (including the
right to surrender or partially surrender the Contract, to change the Contract
Owner, the Contingent Owner, the Annuitant, the Contingent Annuitant, the
Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment Option or the
Annuitization Date) shall require a written request signed by both Contract
Owners.

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

The Contingent Owner is the person who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract if the Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant, dies prior to the
Annuitization Date and there is no surviving Joint Owner. If more than one
Contingent Owner survives the Contract Owner, each will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Contingent Owner designation. If no Contingent Owner
survives a Contract Owner and there is no surviving Joint Owner, all rights and
interest of the Contingent Owner will vest in the Contract Owner's estate.

If a Contract Owner, who is also the Annuitant, dies before the Annuitization
Date, then the Contingent Owner does not have any rights in the Contract.
However, if the Contingent Owner is also the Beneficiary, the Contingent Owner
will have all the rights of a beneficiary.

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

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

CHANGE OF PARTIES PROVISIONS

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change in the
Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant or Contingent Owner, Beneficiary, or Contingent
Beneficiary. Such change, upon receipt and recording by the Company at its Home
Office, will take effect as of the time the written notice was signed, whether
or not the Contract Owner or Annuitant are living at the time of record, but
without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by the Company
before receipt of such change.

Any request for change of Contract Owner must be made in writing, may require a
signature guarantee and must be signed by the Contract Owner and the person
designated as the new Contract Owner. A change in Contract Owner may be subject
to state and federal gift taxes as well as current federal income tax.

Any change to the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant is subject to underwriting
and approval by the Company. Notwithstanding any provisions in this Contract, if
the Contract Owner is not a natural person, the change of the Annuitant will be
treated as the death of the Contract Owner and will result in a distribution,
regardless of whether a Contingent Annuitant is also named. Distributions shall
be made as if the Contract Owner died at the date of such change.

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
DEATH PROVISIONS

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER PROVISIONS

If any Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the same person and such
Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the Joint Owner, if
any, becomes the new Contract Owner. If there is no surviving Joint Owner, the
Contingent Owner becomes the new Contract Owner. If there is no surviving
Contingent Owner, the last surviving Contract Owner's estate becomes the new
Contract Owner. The entire interest in the Contract Value must be distributed in
accordance with the "Required Distribution Provisions".

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT PROVISIONS

If any Contract Owner and the Annuitant are the same person, and such person
dies prior to the Annuitization Date, the Death Benefit shall be payable to the
Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the last
surviving Contract Owner's estate, as specified in the "Beneficiary Provisions",
and distributed in accordance with the "Required Distribution Provisions".

DEATH OF ANNUITANT PROVISIONS

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

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

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

Upon the death of any Owner, Contract Owner, or Joint Owner (including an
Annuitant who becomes the Owner of the Contract on the Annuitization Date) (each
of the foregoing an Owner), certain distributions are required by Section 72(s)
of the Code. Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the contrary, the
following distributions shall 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 portion of such interest will be distributed at least as rapidly as
under the method of distribution in effect as of the date of such 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) If any portion of such interest is payable to or for the benefit of
a natural person who is a surviving Contract Owner, Contingent Owner, Joint
Owner, Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Beneficiary, or Contingent Beneficiary
as the case may be (each a "designated Beneficiary"), such portion may, at the
election of the designated Beneficiary, be distributed over the life of such
designated Beneficiary, or over a period not extending beyond the life
expectancy of such designated Beneficiary, provided that payments begin within
one year of the date of the deceased Contract Owner's death (or such longer
period as may be permitted by federal income tax regulations).

         (b) If the designated Beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the
deceased Contract Owner, such spouse may elect to become the Contract Owner of
this Contract, and the Distributions required under these Required Distribution
Provisions will be made upon the death of such spouse.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10
In the event that the Contract Owner is not a natural person (e.g., a trust or
corporation), for purposes of these Distribution provisions: (i) the death of
the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any Contract Owner; (ii) any
change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any Contract Owner; and
(iii) in any case the appropriate Distribution required under these Distribution
rules shall be made upon such 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 shall not be applicable to any Contract that is
not required to be subject to the provisions of 72(s) of the Code by reason of
Section 72(s)(5) or any other law or rule. Such contracts include, but are not
limited to, any Contract: (i) which is provided under a plan described in
Section 401(a) of the Code which includes a trust exempt from tax under Section
501 of the Code; (ii) which is provided under a plan described in Section 403(a)
of the Code; (iii) which is described in Section 403(b) of the Code; (iv) which
is an individual retirement annuity or provided under an individual retirement
account as described in Section 408 of the Code; or (v) which is a qualified
funding asset (as defined in Section 130(d) of the Code, but without regard to
whether there is a qualified assignment).

This Contract is intended to be treated as an "annuity contract" for federal
income tax purposes. Accordingly, all provisions of this Contract shall be
interpreted and administered in accordance with the requirements of Section
72(s) of the Code. In no event shall any payment be deferred beyond the time
limits permitted by Section 72(s) of the Code. The Company reserves the right to
amend this Contract to comply with requirements set out in the Code, regulations
and rulings thereunder.

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. Such election must be made within 60 days of
the Contract Owner's death.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT PROVISIONS

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

Proof of death is either:


(1) a copy of a certified death certificate;
(2) a copy of a certified decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the
    finding of death;
(3) a written statement by a medical doctor who attended the deceased; or
(4) any other proof satisfactory to the Company.


If the Annuitant dies prior to his [86th] birthday, the value of the Death
Benefit will be the greatest of (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less any
amounts surrendered, (2) the Contract Value or (3) the Contract Value as of the
most recent five-year Contract Anniversary, less any amounts surrendered since
the most recent five-year Contract Anniversary. If the Annuitant dies on or
after his 86th birthday, then the Death Benefit will be equal to the Contract
Value.

The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce items (2) and (3) above in
the same proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the date of the
partial surrender.

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
ACCUMULATION PROVISIONS

PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The Contract is bought for the initial Purchase Payment and any subsequent
Purchase Payments. The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under this and
any other annuity Contract(s) issued by the Company having the same Annuitant
may not exceed $1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company.

The initial Purchase Payment is due on the Date of Issue and may not be less
than [$15,000.] Purchase Payments, if any, after the initial Purchase Payment
must be at least [$1,000] and may be made at any time.

If no considerations have been received under this Contract for a period of two
full years and the paid-up annuity benefit at maturity would be less than $20
monthly, the Company may, at its option, terminate the Contract by payment of
the accumulated value and will, by such payment, be relieved of any further
obligation under the Contract.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS

The Owner elects to have Purchase Payments allocated among the Sub-Accounts of
the Variable Account at the time of application. The allocation of future
Purchase Payments may be changed by the Contract Owner by a proper submission
that is received and recorded by the Company.

CONTRACT VALUE

The Contract Value at any time will be the Variable Account Contract Value.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE

The Variable Account Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Variable
Account Accumulation Units under this Contract.

If: (1) part or all of the Variable Account is surrendered; or (2) charges or
deductions are made against the Variable Account, then an appropriate number of
Accumulation Units will be surrendered to equal such amount.

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company. The
Company has allocated a part of its assets for this Contract and certain other
contracts to the Variable Account. Such assets of the Variable Account remain
the property of the Company. However, they may not be charged with the
liabilities from any other business in which the Company may take part.

The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts which invest in shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds. Purchase Payments are allocated among one or more of
these Sub-Accounts, as designated by the Contact Owner and are subject to the
terms and conditions of the underlying mutual funds.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

The Purchase Payments applied to the Variable Account will be invested at net
asset value in one or more of the designated Sub-Accounts.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
VALUATION OF ASSETS

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

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNITS

The number of Accumulation Units for each Sub-Account is found 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 Company received the
Purchase Payment.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE

The value of an Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account of the Variable Account
was arbitrarily set at $10 when the first Mutual Fund shares were available for
purchase. The value for any later valuation period is found as follows:

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. The value of an Accumulation Unit may
increase or decrease from one Valuation Period to the next. The number of
Accumulation Units will not change as a result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The net investment factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The net
investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease.

The net investment factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by: dividing (1) by (2), and then subtracting (3) where:

1.       is the net of:

         a.       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

         b.       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.

2.       is the net result of

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

         b.       the per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved for the
                  last prior Valuation Period, plus or minus

         c.       a per share charge or credit for any taxes reserved for, which
                  is determined by the Company to have resulted from the
                  investment operations of the Sub-Account.

3.       is a factor representing the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge deducted
         from the Variable Account. Such factor is equal, on an annual basis, to
         [1.20%] of the daily net asset value of the Variable Account.

For underlying Mutual Funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and pay such
dividends once a month, the net investment factor allows for the monthly
reinvestment of these daily dividends.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
SURRENDERS, WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS

TRANSFER PROVISIONS

Transfers may occur among the Sub-Accounts once daily; however, the Company
reserves the right to refuse any transfer requests submitted by individuals or
firms performing market timing services on behalf of multiple Contract Owners.
Transfers among the Sub-Accounts are subject to the terms and conditions of the
underlying Mutual Funds.

SURRENDER

The Contract Owner may surrender part or all of the Contract Value at any time
this Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or
the death of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant, if any.
All surrenders must meet the following conditions:

1.       The request for surrender must be in writing in a form acceptable to
         the Company.

2.       The Surrender value will be paid to the Contract Owner within seven (7)
         days after proper written application and any proof of interest are
         received and recorded at the Home Office.

3.       The Company reserves the right to 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.

4.       When written application and the Contract are received, the Company
         will surrender the number of Variable Account Accumulation Units needed
         to equal the dollar amount requested minus any applicable taxes.

5.       If a partial surrender is requested, the amounts surrendered will be
         withdrawn, on a pro-rata basis, from the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
         Account.

For tax purposes, a surrender is treated as a withdrawal of earnings first.

SURRENDER VALUE

The surrender value at any time will be the Contract Value, less any applicable
taxes.

SUSPENSION OR DELAY IN PAYMENT OF SURRENDER

The Company has the right to suspend or delay the date of any surrender payment
for any period:

1.       When the New York Stock Exchange is closed;

2.       When trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted;

3.       When an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of securities
         held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is not
         reasonably practicable to fairly determine the value of the net assets
         of the Sub-Accounts; or

4.       During any other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission, by
         order, so permits for the protection of security holders;

Rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission will govern as
to whether the conditions set forth in numbers 2 and 3 exist.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS

The Contract Owner may elect in writing on a form provided by the Company to
take systematic withdrawals of a specified dollar amount of at least $100 on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. The Company will process the
withdrawals as directed by surrendering on a pro-rata basis Accumulation Units
from all of the Sub-Accounts in which the Contract Owner has an interest. Each
systematic withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable portion.
In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on systematic withdrawals
if the Contract Owner is under age 59-1/2, unless

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
the Contract Owner has made an irrevocable election of Distributions of
substantially equal periodic payments. Unless otherwise directed by the Contract
Owner, the Company will withhold federal income taxes from each systematic
withdrawal. An age-based systematic withdrawal program will terminate
automatically at the end of each Contract Year and may be reinstated only on or
after the next Contract Anniversary pursuant to a new request. The systematic
withdrawals may be discontinued at any time by notifying the Company in writing.

Systematic withdrawals are not available prior to the expiration of the ten day
free look provision of the Contract. The Company also reserves the right to
assess a processing fee for this service.

DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

The following events will give rise to a Distribution:

1.       Reaching the Annuitization Date - Distribution will be made pursuant to
         the Annuity Payment Option selected.

2.       Death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuitization Date - Distribution
         to be made in accordance with the options available under the "Death of
         Annuitant Provisions" of this Contract. When the Contract Owner is a
         non-natural person, upon the death of the Annuitant, Distribution will
         be made in a manner that is consistent with the Required Distribution
         Provisions of this Contract.

3.       Death of the Owner - Distribution to be made in a manner consistent
         with the "Required Distribution Provisions" of this Contract.

4.       Other Surrender - Distribution to be made in accordance with the
         "Surrender Provisions" of this Contract.

ANNUITIZATION PROVISIONS

GENERAL

All of the provisions within this section are subject to the restrictions set
forth in the Section entitled "Death Of Contract Owner Provisions".

ANNUITIZATION

As of the Annuitization Date, the Contract Value is surrendered and applied to
the purchase rate then in effect for the option selected. The purchase rates for
any options guaranteed to be available will be determined on a basis not less
favorable than the 1983 "Table a" with ages set back 6 years, with minimum
interest at 3.0%. The rates shown in the Annuity Tables are calculated on this
guaranteed basis. The choice to Annuitize is irrevocable once payments have
begun.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

The Annuity Commencement Date is a date chosen by the Contract Owner at
application and is generally the first day of a calendar month. The date must be
at least two years after the Date of Issue. The Annuity Commencement Date may
not be later than the first day of the first calendar month after the
Annuitant's 90th birthday unless otherwise agreed upon. Any applicable premium
taxes not already deducted will be deducted from the Contract Value at the
Annuitization Date. The remaining Contract Value will then be applied to the
Annuity Payment Option selected by the Contract Owner.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
CHANGE OF ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

The Contract Owner may change the Annuity Commencement Date. A change of Annuity
Commencement Date must be made by written request, approved by the Company, and
must comply with Annuity Commencement Date Provisions above.

SELECTION OF ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION

SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT

A supplementary agreement will be issued within 30 days following the
Annuitization Date. The supplementary agreement will set forth the terms of the
Annuity Payment Option selected.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS

Payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected and frequency
selected. However, if the net amount to be applied to any annuity payment option
at the Annuitization Date is less than [$5,000], the Company has the right to
pay such amount in one lump sum.

If any payment would be or becomes less than [$50], the Company has the right to
change the frequency of payments to an interval that will result in payments of
at least [$50]. In no event will the Company make payments under an annuity
option less frequently than annually.

FIXED ANNUITY PROVISIONS

A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with level payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period. At the
Annuitization Date, a designated portion of the Contract Value will be applied
to the applicable annuity table. This will be done in accordance with the
Annuity Payment Option selected.

VARIABLE ANNUITY PROVISIONS

A Variable Annuity is a series of payments which are not predetermined or
guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.

DETERMINATION OF FIRST VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT

At the Annuitization Date, a designated portion of the Contract Value will be
applied to purchase rates not less favorable than those based on the 1983 Table
a with ages set back 6 years and 3.5% interest.

ANNUITY UNIT VALUE

An Annuity Unit is used to calculate the value of annuity payments. The value
for any later Valuation Period is found as follows:

1.       The Annuity Unit value for each Sub-Account for the immediately
         preceding Valuation Period is multiplied by the net investment factor
         for the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period for which the Annuity Unit
         Value is being calculated.

2.       The result is multiplied by an interest factor because the Assumed
         Investment Rate of [3.5%] per year is built into the Annuity Tables.

                                       15
<PAGE>   16
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS AFTER THE FIRST PAYMENT

Variable Annuity payments after the first payment vary in amount. The payment
amount changes with the investment performance of the Sub-Accounts. The dollar
amount of such payments is determined as follows:

1.       The dollar amount of the first annuity payment is divided by the unit
         value as of the Annuitization Date. This result establishes the fixed
         number of Annuity Units for each monthly annuity payment after the
         first. The number of Annuity Units remains fixed during the annuity
         payment period.

2.       The fixed number of Annuity Units is multiplied by the Annuity Unit
         value for the Valuation Date for which the payment is due. This result
         establishes the dollar amount of the payment.

The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of each payment after the first
will not be affected by variations in the Company's expenses or mortality
experience.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

GENERAL

An Annuity Payment Option must be selected prior to annuitization. The following
are the annuity payment options which are guaranteed to be available by the
Company. If no option is chosen, the automatic option will be the "Life Annuity
with 240 Payments Guaranteed" as described below.

LIFE ANNUITY

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the lifetime of the
Annuitant. Payments will cease with the last payment due prior to the death of
the Annuitant.

JOINT AND LAST SURVIVOR ANNUITY

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the joint lifetimes
of the Annuitant and a designated second person. Payments will continue as long
as either is living.

LIFE ANNUITY WITH 120 OR 240 MONTHLY PAYMENTS GUARANTEED

The amount to be paid under this option will be paid during the lifetime of the
Annuitant. A guaranteed period of 120 or 240 months may be selected. If the
Annuitant dies prior to the end of this guaranteed period, the recipient chosen
by the Annuitant will receive the remaining guaranteed payments.

ANY OTHER OPTION

The amount and period under any other option will be determined by the Company.
Payment options not set forth in the Certificate Agreement are available only if
they are approved by both the Company and the Annuitant.

CHANGE OF ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION

The Owner may change the Annuity Payment Option prior to the Annuitization Date.
A change of the Annuity Payment Option must be received at the Home Office prior
to the Annuitization Date. After a change of Annuity Payment Option is received
at the Home Office, it will become effective as of the date the request was
recorded at the Home Office. A change of Annuity Payment Option will not apply
to any payment made or action taken by the Company before it is received.

                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                       MONTHLY BENEFITS PER $1000 APPLIED
                                 ANNUITY TABLES
                   JOINT AND SURVIVOR MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENTS

                          ANNUITANT'S AGE LAST BIRTHDAY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FEMALE AGE
                                       50                55               60                65                70
                                       --                --               --                --                --
<S>                    <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C> 
   MALE AGE            50             3.36              3.46             3.56              3.64              3.71
   --------            55             3.42              3.56             3.69              3.82              3.93
                       60             3.47              3.64             3.82              3.99              4.16
                       65                               3.70             3.92              4.15              4.39
                       70                                                4.00              4.30              4.61

                                         LIFE ANNUITY: MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENTS

                     MALE GUARANTEED PERIOD                                    FEMALE GUARANTEED PERIOD
      ANNUITANT'S                                                ANNUITANT'S
     ATTAINED AGE                     120          240          ATTAINED AGE                       120           240
     LAST BIRTHDAY        NONE       MONTHS       MONTHS        LAST BIRTHDAY         NONE        MONTHS        MONTHS
     -------------        ----       ------       ------        -------------         ----        ------        ------
<S>        <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>                <C>             <C>          <C>           <C> 
           50             3.87        3.85         3.77               50              3.59         3.58          3.55
           51             3.93        3.90         3.82               51              3.64         3.63          3.59
           52             3.99        3.96         3.87               52              3.68         3.67          3.63
           53             4.05        4.02         3.92               53              3.74         3.72          3.68
           54             4.12        4.09         3.97               54              3.79         3.78          3.72
           55             4.19        4.15         4.03               55              3.85         3.83          3.77
           56             4.27        4.22         4.08               56              3.90         3.89          3.82
           57             4.34        4.30         4.14               57              3.97         3.95          3.88
           58             4.43        4.37         4.20               58              4.03         4.01          3.93
           59             4.51        4.45         4.26               59              4.10         4.08          3.99
           60             4.60        4.54         4.32               60              4.18         4.15          4.04
           61             4.70        4.62         4.39               61              4.25         4.22          4.11
           62             4.80        4.72         4.45               62              4.34         4.30          4.17
           63             4.91        4.82         4.51               63              4.42         4.38          4.23
           64             5.03        4.92         4.58               64              4.52         4.47          4.30
           65             5.15        5.03         4.65               65              4.61         4.56          4.37
           66             5.28        5.14         4.71               66              4.72         4.66          4.44
           67             5.43        5.27         4.78               67              4.83         4.76          4.51
           68             5.58        5.39         4.84               68              4.95         4.87          4.58
           69             5.74        5.53         4.90               69              5.08         4.98          4.65
           70             5.91        5.66         4.96               70              5.21         5.10          4.72
           71             6.10        5.81         5.02               71              5.36         5.22          4.79
           72             6.30        5.96         5.08               72              5.51         5.36          4.86
           73             6.51        6.12         5.13               73              5.67         5.50          4.93
           74             6.73        6.28         5.18               74              5.85         5.65          5.00
           75             6.97        6.44         5.23               75              6.04         5.80          5.06
           76             7.23        6.61         5.27               76              6.25         5.97          5.12
           77             7.51        6.79         5.31               77              6.47         6.14          5.18
           78             7.80        6.96         5.34               78              6.71         6.32          5.23
           79             8.12        7.14         5.37               79              6.98         6.50          5.28
           80             8.46        7.32         5.40               80              7.26         6.69          5.32
</TABLE>

                                       17

<PAGE>   1
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. Box 182008
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008                 THE ONE(R) INVESTOR SELECT ANNUITY(SM)

================================================================================
Owner Name

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Phone                     [ ] Male     Date of Birth     Social Security No.
(   )                         [ ] Female       /  /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owner Address

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner Name              [ ] Male     Date of Birth     Social Security No.
                              [ ] Female       /  /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner Address

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annuitant Name                [ ] Male     Date of Birth     Social Security No.
                              [ ] Female       /  /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annuitant Address

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beneficiary                Relationship    Date of Birth     Social Security No.
                                               /  /
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE:    If the Owner/Joint Owners wish to name multiple Beneficiaries or a
         Contingent Beneficiary, please do so in the Remarks section below.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To authorize Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company to allow the exercise
of Ownership rights (including the right to make telephone exchanges among
investment options) independently by EITHER the Owner or Joint Owner, please
initial here: (Owner)_____________, (Joint Owner)____________. NATIONWIDE LIFE
AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, LIABILITY, COST
OR EXPENSE FOR ACTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUESTS OR INSTRUCTIONS OF THE
OWNER OR JOINT OWNER.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUITY PURCHASE PAYMENTS: First Purchase Payment $____________ (Min. Initial
Payment: $15,000) submitted herewith. A copy of this application duly signed by
the agent will constitute receipt for such amount. If this application is
declined, there will be no liability on the part of the Insurance Company, and
any sums submitted with this application will be refunded.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASE PAYMENT ALLOCATION (MUST TOTAL 100%):
 THE ONE(R)GROUP INVESTMENT TRUST:   AIM VARIABLE INS. FUNDS:         TEMPLETON VAR. PROD. SERIES FUND:
<S>                                  <C>                              <C>
     % Equity Index                      % Capital Appreciation           % Developing Markets Class 2
 ----                                ----                             ----
     % Government Bond                   % High Yield                     % International Class 2
 ----                                ----                             ----
     % Growth Opportunities              % International Equity       NATIONWIDE SEP. ACCT. TRUST:
 ----                                ----                                                         
                                         % Value                          % Money Market
                                     ----                             ----
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
TAX QUALIFIED STATUS: [ ] Non-Qualified  [ ] IRA   [ ] ROTH IRA  [ ] Other           ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:
Year for which contribution is applied ____. Please attach appropriate agreements.   The First Day of MO.      YEAR
                                                                                     ------------------------------
[ ] IRA rollover   [ ] IRA transfer
Direct rollover of qualified retirement plan assets to an IRA?  [ ] Yes   [ ] No
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTIONAL ANNUITY FORM ELECTED: The Annuity Option is assumed to be the Standard
Life Annuity with 10 years certain unless Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance
Company receives a written request to change.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Will the annuity applied for replace or change existing annuity or life
insurance?

 [ ] Yes   [ ] No       If Yes, explain:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMARKS:


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hereby represent my answers to the above questions to be correct and true to
the best of my knowledge and belief and agree that this application shall be a
part of any annuity contract issued by the Insurance Company. I UNDERSTAND THAT
ANNUITY PAYMENTS AND SURRENDER VALUES, WHEN BASED UPON INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF
A SEPARATE ACCOUNT, ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO A FIXED DOLLAR
AMOUNT. RECEIPT OF A CURRENT VARIABLE ANNUITY PROSPECTUS IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED.
[ ] Please send me a copy of the Statement of Additional Information to the
prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OWNER'S(S')
SIGNATURE(S)    X                                 X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SIGNED AT STATE OF                                ON THIS DATE OF
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENT'S SIGNATURE                                 AGENT'S TELEPHONE #
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENT:   Do you have reason to believe the Contract applied for is to replace or
         change existing annuities or insurance owned by the annuitant?
         [ ] Yes   [ ] No
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Agent                           Principal Office

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City                   State         Zip               Branch Office Location

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


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