Best Pet Insurance In Illinois
Veterinary bills, whether expected or unexpected, can be steep. With a well-rounded pet insurance policy, you can receive coverage for a significant chunk of your pet’s medical care.
Written by
Marriah Plough
As a former veterinary assistant with a deep love for animals, Marriah is committed to providing pet owners with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their pets. When she's not crafting blogs and articles for online publications, she's usually spending quality time with her horses and dogs or whipping up baked goods.
Last Update on Jan 3, 2024
Table of Contents
Top Pet Insurance Providers In Illinois
Pet medical bills can be just as daunting and steep as human medical expenses and, just like for humans, medical insurance for pets can prove essential. Insurance for your four-legged friend steps in when an unexpected accident or illness arises, leaving you with staggering medical bills.
It helps relieve the financial burden, letting you focus on helping your furry, feathered, or scaled friend recover without stressing about paying your vet bills. While coverage varies based on your pet, policy, and provider, it can help you rest assured, knowing you have a safety net for when you need it.
Best For Total Coverage And Care
Pets Best
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Waiting periods
3 days accident, 14 days illness, 6 months cruciate ligament, none for routine care plans
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 or unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
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Pros
- Short 3-day accident plan waiting period
- Several deductible options
- Multiple reimbursement amounts
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Routine wellness plans available
- Multi-pet discounts are available for 5% per pet
- Direct vet payments are available when your vet signs a reimbursement release
Cons
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament complications
Additional Details
Comprehensive coverage options, simple claims processes, and affordable premiums make Pets Best a worthwhile consideration for Illinois pet parents. Its direct vet payments and discounts help minimize the financial burden of veterinary care.
Coverages
- BestBenefit accident and illness
- Accident only
- Routine care
Claims process
- Online via the Pets Best online portal or through email, fax, or standard mail
Coverage details
- The BestBenefit plan extends to various related expenses, including surgeries, cancer treatments, foreign object ingestion, hereditary and congenital conditions, prosthetic devices and wheelchairs, diagnostics, and end-of-life care.
- Several of its total coverage packages include reimbursements for prescription medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and exam fees.
- The accident-only package covers emergency expenses for incidents like foreign body ingestion or broken bone.
- The routine care plan, available in EssentialWellness and BestWellness, covers routine care, such as vaccines and dental cleanings.
Best For Fast Approvals
Lemonade
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Waiting periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for cruciate ligament problems
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
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Pros
- Wellness coverage available
- Short 2-day waiting period for accident coverage
- Multiple maximum annual coverage cap options
- Rapid turnaround times for claim approvals with AI-powered processes
- Live chat is available for pet health questions from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET
Cons
- Coverage excludes prescription food, microchipping, or stem cell treatment
- Coverage excludes behavioral and alternative therapies
- Vet exam fees are excluded unless you purchase an add-on
Additional Details
Coverages
- Accident and illness plan
- Preventative care
- Optional add-ons
Claims process
- Online via the Lemonade app
Coverage details
- With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, pet parents get coverage for everything from diagnostics and emergency care to hospitalization and procedures.
- The preventative care package covers related care, such as spaying or neutering and routine blood work.
- The preventative package’s inclusions differ based on your pet’s age, as puppies and kittens demand different types of care compared to adult and senior pets.
- Lemonade offers multiple add-ons, including coverage for exam fees, dental illnesses, and end-of-life expenses.
Best For Conditions Covered
ManyPets
App availability
No
Types of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Waiting periods
24 hours or 15 days
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70% or 80%
Deductible choices
$500
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Pros
- Brief waiting period for accident and illness coverage
- Fast turnarounds on claim payouts
- Covers exam fees in accident and illness visits
- Waiting period in accident and illness plans shortens to 24 hours for customers switching from another insurer
Cons
- Restricted service areas, although it plans to expand
- No behavioral therapy coverage
- Limited coverage for older pets
Additional Details
ManyPets covers an impressive array of conditions, making it a formidable choice for those seeking comprehensive coverage. On top of its competitive pricing, unlimited coverage, and variable reimbursement rates, ManyPets offers a unique option of a shortened waiting period for those switching from a different pet insurance provider.
Coverages
- Accident and illness plan
- Wellness coverage
Claims process
- Online through the ManyPet portal or by calling or emailing
Coverage details
- The comprehensive accident and illness package covers an extensive array of related expenses, including emergency care, medications, diagnostics, hospitalizations, and procedures.
- Wellness coverage extends to standard care, such as supplements, vitamins, routine vaccines, dental cleanings, and preventative tests and medications.
- The wellness package is available as an add-on and has a $600 annual limit, which is split into categories, like $150 for dental cleanings.
Best For A Variety Of Plan Options
Embrace
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Waiting periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, 6 months on orthopedic conditions in dogs
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $30,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
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Pros
- Multiple deductible, reimbursement, and annual coverage cap options
- Supplies a diminishing deductible that drops your deductible by $50 for each year you don’t have a payout
- Wellness plans available
- 24/7 pet telehealth support
- Short 2-day waiting period for accidents
- Coverage includes exam fees for illnesses and accidents
Cons
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions in dogs
Additional Details
Embrace offers customizable policies through its deductible options, coverage caps, and reimbursement percentages, making it a good option for pet parents with specific budget needs. It even offers a diminishing deductible that drops by $50 for each year that you don’t file a claim with a payout for better savings!
Coverages
- Accident and illness
- Accident only
- Wellness Rewards
Claims process
- Online via app or MyEmbrace account or through email, fax, or standard mail
Coverage details
- The complete accident and illness package covers emergency care, congenital and hereditary conditions, hospitalizations, and much more.
- Pets of 15 years or older aren’t eligible for accident and illness coverage, but they can get accident-only protection.
- The accident-only plan covers urgent situations, such as snake bites, lacerations, poisoning, and foreign body ingestions.
- Wellness Rewards offers coverage for expected expenses, including nail trims, teeth cleaning, spaying or neutering, and grooming.
Best for Short Accident Coverage Waiting Periods
Figo
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Dogs and cats
Waiting periods
1 day for accidents related to injuries, 14 days for illnesses
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
Varies by pet age
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Pros
- 24/7 pet telehealth line
- Routine wellness plans available
- Brief 1-day waiting period on accident coverage
- The Figo Pet Cloud app helps owners find pet-friendly places and connect with other pet parents for fun activities.
- 100% reimbursement rate available
- Upgrade available to cover specific circumstances, such as pet loss due to theft or straying and vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency
Cons
- Coverage excludes dental illnesses
- Prescription food is only eligible for coverage if it’s treating bladder stones or crystals
- Deductibles vary based on pet age, and older pets only get higher deductibles
Additional Details
Between impressively short waiting periods, various policy options, and competitive prices, Figo’s pet insurance offerings are worth a look. Figo even takes things a step further by helping pet parents find pet pals on its Pet Cloud app.
Coverages
- Accident and illness plan
- Wellness coverage
- Optional add-ons
Claims process
- Online via Figo’s Pet Cloud app or by phone, email, or fax
Coverage details
- Accident and illness coverage includes various unexpected bills, including medications, emergency care, cancer treatments, hereditary conditions, procedures, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation.
- The wellness package, available as an add-on, covers standard care, such as blood work, vaccines, and spaying or neutering.
- Figo’s add-ons let pet parents customize their plans by incorporating coverage for expenses like pet theft or loss due to straying, boarding, vacation cancellation due to a pet emergency, and end-of-life expenses.
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Illinois
Every pet is unique, and each provider has specific offerings. Given the variation in pet insurance policies based on your location, policy, provider, and pet’s breed, sex, age, and species, the cost of pet insurance can vary drastically.
Most Illinois pet insurance premiums fall within these ranges:
- Dogs: $30 to $85
- Cats: $15 to $30
- Exotic pets: $10 to $90
Of course, it’s essential to remember that not all pet parents pay premiums within these estimates. Since each policy varies based on your pet’s needs, getting personalized quotes is the best way to accurately gauge your monthly premiums.
Comparison With Other Regions
Illinois pet insurance premiums are comparable to those in neighboring states. Most pet parents in Illinois pay similar premiums to those in Wisconsin and Kentucky, although they generally pay more than pet parents in Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, and Iowa.
However, it’s important to note that the averages look at the state as a whole, so costs by city can vary. For example, in areas with higher costs of living, like Hinsdale or Kenilworth, pet parents might pay more for their premiums. In contrast, residents in areas with more affordable living costs, like Bloomington and Springfield, might pay less in monthly premiums, as veterinary expenses usually follow the cost of living.
Pet Laws In Illinois
Each state outlines specific pet laws that residents must follow, and Illinois is no different. It specifies various statewide laws pertaining to various aspects of pet ownership, including the following:
- Dogs on private property must be contained by a fence or structure no shorter than six feet in height.
- Owners must have a licensed veterinarian vaccinate dogs four months of age or older against rabies.
- Dogs are considered dangerous when they’re unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by the owner when off the owner’s private property.
Besides statewide laws, various counties and municipalities outline pet laws, such as the following:
- Chicago requires pet parents to license all dogs over four months of age with the city.
- In Arlington Heights, pet owners must keep their dogs on leashes when in public spaces.
- In Lake County, pet parents can have no more than four dogs and four cats older than six months of age at a single individual residence.
Exclusions And Limitations
When browsing for a pet insurance policy, don’t forget to review the exclusions and limitations of each plan. Most providers tuck this information in the fine print, so you might need to do some searching, but since it impacts what your policy covers, it’s worth taking the time to review.
Some exclusions and limitations are common, like excluding all pre-existing conditions from coverage. This means that any illness, injury, or condition your pet contracts before you purchase a policy or your waiting period ends will not be eligible for coverage.
Other details aren’t as widespread, like limiting or excluding certain policies based on your pet’s age or limiting coverage for non-medical care, like boarding or daycare.
The information varies based on the provider, so it’s important to review it. By familiarizing yourself with excluded and limited expenses, you can better understand your policy and avoid instances of frustration if a claim is denied based on those details. On top of that, these details will help you select a plan that accurately fits your pet’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Is Pet Insurance In Illinois?
The cost of pet insurance depends on factors specific to you, but most dog owners pay between $30 and $85 per month, while most cat owners pay between $15 and $30 per month. Exotic pet parents pay between $10 and $90, although costs depend on the species.
What Age Is Best To Get Pet Insurance?
It’s best to get a pet insurance policy when your pet is young. However, since you might get your pet when they’re already an adult, the best time to get an insurance policy is as soon as possible. By investing in a plan immediately, you can start the waiting period sooner rather than later to ensure you have coverage when you need it, since pet emergencies are rarely expected.
How Do I Choose The Best Pet Insurance?
Choosing the best pet insurance for your pet comes down to your budget and your pet’s needs. For example, if you have a puppy and want wellness coverage, look for a provider that offers puppy wellness add-ons. Or, perhaps, you want a more flexible plan to accommodate your budget, so you look for a provider with multiple deductibles, reimbursement levels, and coverage caps.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Pre-Existing Conditions?
No, most pet insurance policies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Many providers explicitly state they don’t cover pre-existing conditions in the fine print, where you’ll find other exclusions and limitations.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
The inclusions in a pet insurance policy vary based on the option you choose. For example, if you select an accident and illness plan, you’ll likely receive coverage for unexpected expenses like broken bones or cancer treatment. In contrast, if you choose an accident-only package, you’ll only get coverage for accidents like snake bites or foreign body ingestions.
Find out more
- Pet Insurance That Pays the Vet Directly – The convenience of direct payment options.
- Pet Insurance for Pre-existing Conditions – Find coverage for your pet’s existing conditions.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Vaccinations? – Learn about vaccine coverage specifics.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Planning for pet insurance expenses.
- Are Wellness Plans Worth It? – Pros and cons of wellness plans.
- Life Insurance for Pets – Exploring life insurance options for pets.
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Evaluating the investment in your pet’s health.
- List of Pet Insurance Companies – A guide to choosing the right provider.
Marriah Plough
Author
As a former veterinary assistant with a deep love for animals, Marriah is committed to providing pet owners with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their pets. When she's not crafting blogs and articles for online publications, she's usually spending quality time with her horses and dogs or whipping up baked goods.
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