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Best Pet Insurance in Illinois

Written by: Justin Palmer
Justin Palmer is a Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist and co-founder of iHeartDogs.com. Inspired by his rescued husky, Splash, he dedicated himself to learning about extending both the length and quality of her life. Splash lived and thrived until 18 years old, and now Justin is on a mission to share what he learned with other dog owners.Read more
| Published on June 30, 2022

Choosing the right pet insurance company for you and your dog or other pets in Illinois can be a frustrating and confusing process. How much coverage will my plan provide? How fast will I be reimbursed? Are there any health issues not covered?


Here at iHeartDogs, we created an easy comparison below of all the major pet insurance brands in Illinois and across the US. You can also use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the major pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to compare pricing and coverage:

Dog & Cat Insurance In Illinois

Let’s take a deep dive into the features and benefits of each of the major pet insurance brands here in Illinois and across the USA. Simply scroll to the right to view all the brands:

Pets Best
Lemonade
ManyPets
Trupanion
FIGO
HealthyPaws
Prudent Pet
Embrace
Wagmo
Company
Company
Pets Best
Lemonade
ManyPets
Trupanion
FIGO
HealthyPaws
Prudent Pet
Embrace
Wagmo
Annual Coverage
Annual Coverage
$5,000 or Unlimited
Up To $100,000
Unlimited
Unlimited
$5,000 or Unlimited
Unlimited
$10,000 or Unlimited
$5,000 - $30,000
Unlimited
Multi-pet Discount?
Multi-pet Discount?
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
What They Do Best
What They Do Best
Best for plan customization
Great pricing for puppies & kittens
$0 copay option. No fees for paying monthly.
Best for paying claims to veterinarian direct
Short waiting periods
Best for paying claims fast
Best Trustpilot reviews
Best plan for superior benefits
Fast claims. Wellness plan available.
iHeartDogs Customer Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
iHeartDogs Customer Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.3 / 5
4.6 / 5
4.7 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.1 / 5
4.4 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.5 / 5
4.1 / 5
Wellness Plan Option? (preventative care e.g. exams, dental, vaccines)
Wellness Plan Option? (preventative care e.g. exams, dental, vaccines)
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Example Quote for 1 Year Old 30 lb Mixed Breed
Example Quote for 1 Year Old 30 lb Mixed Breed
$35.81 per month
$20.00 per month
$30.00 per month
$68.25 per month
$69.30 per month
$26.25 per month
$73.46 per month
$42.35 per month
$15.00
Reimbursement Amount
Reimbursement Amount
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%
100%, 90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50%
90%, 80%, or 70%
90%, 80%, or 70%
100% or 90%
Annual Deductible
Annual Deductible
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, or $1,000
$100, $250, or $500
$100, $250, or $500
$0 to $1,000
$100, $250, $500, or $750
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
$100, $250, $500, or $1,000
$200, $300, $500, $750, or $1,000
$250, $500, or $1,000

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Receive a Free No-Obligation Quote from All the Pet Insurance Carriers At Once
Rather than visiting each insurance carrier’s website, you can use the form below to receive a no obligation quote from all the pet insurance carriers at once, allowing you to easily compare:

Which pet insurance company is best?

Illinois Pet Insurance FAQs

Is It Worth Getting Pet Insurance For Dogs In Illinois?

Yes, pet insurance can save you thousands if your pet ends up with an expensive medical bill you cannot afford. Owning a pet entails unavoidable veterinary costs, and these visits can mount up rapidly. The typical dog owner has at least $3000 invested in a necessary emergency trip. 

Taking care of pets is the best approach to maintaining your dog’s health and lifestyle in Illinois. However, Illinois’ harsh winters and humid summers can be dangerous for dogs. Wandering dogs often encounter dangerous animals and also major traffic. Keep your dogs safe no matter where they are or the conditions they are in with insurance. 

What Is The Average Annual Deductible In Illinois For Pet Insurance?

If you get insurance coverage for your pet and choose an annual deductible, you will only have to pay that amount toward your deductible once every 12 months. After the deductible has been paid, the only amount deducted from reimbursement claims is the copayment. This continues until the policy is renewed, at which point the yearly deductible begins again. If you have an annual deductible, you can take your pet to the veterinarian twice a year or 50 times a year, and you will only have to pay the deductible once to cover all of your pet’s medical expenses.

Here’s our List of the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs!

Can You Claim Animal Expenses On Illinois Taxes?

Only assistance, working, and performance dogs qualify their owners for tax benefits; the average household dog does not. However, even though you can not deduct pet veterinarian bills, you may be able to for service animals. For example, guide dogs for people with hearing or vision impairments and seizure dogs for people with epilepsy are service animals.

Can I Get Pet Insurance After Diagnosis In Illinois?

Almost all pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Your pet may be covered for unrelated injuries or infections despite a pre-existing disease. Some health insurance providers cover curable conditions. Most dog insurance companies will not cover a sick dog, and some may require a physical test and waiting time.


Are Pet Plans Worth It If You Live In Illinois?

Insurance for pets operates in the same manner as health insurance for humans. Policies have exclusions, deductibles, and payment caps. While some insurance companies adhere to a policy that applies to everyone, others provide customers with a variety of coverage alternatives to choose from. It is common practice to rule out the possibility of a patient having any pre-existing conditions and any genetic or congenital anomalies. 

Despite this, the return on investment typically entails a greater number of negatives than positives, regardless of whether we are discussing wellness coverage or pet health insurance. Investigate the various options provided by each company, as there may be significant differences between them. For example, many people can afford smaller monthly payments within their budget much easier than they can a large emergency bill. 

Is Spaying In Illinois Covered By Pet Insurance?

Almost no insurance companies offer to cover the costs of spaying or neutering your pet. However, they may offer discounts for pets who are fixed. Some companies will cover it under add-on coverage options but for higher premiums. 

Can Illinois Pet Insurance Be Canceled At Any time?

You have the option to end your pet insurance coverage at any time, depending on the company you choose. Some companies may have different penalties or require advance notice. You may still be charged premiums if you do not cancel through the insurance company’s specified channel. Expect a minor administration fee from the insurance company to cover termination paperwork. 

Trupanion and Figo require cancellations in writing, whereas MetLife does not. Figo offers cancellation possibilities, as do Embrace, Healthy Paws Pet and others, but you may need to cancel by phone, fax, email, or letter. To cancel pet insurance, call the business and discuss your options and cancellation policies.


What Is The Average Cost Of Pet Insurance Per Month In Illinois?

The average cost of pet insurance in Illinois can vary widely depending on factors such as the location of the policyholder’s residence and the amount of coverage selected. Your pet’s age and breed are additional factors that go into determining their premium. Depending on the factors that are considered, the most affordable choice for pet insurance in Illinois might cost anywhere from $19 to $81 each month. Add-ons and coverage costs vary according to your financial plan and your pet’s needs.

Do Pet Insurance Premiums In Illinois Go Up With Age?

Aging pets are more prone to health issues, accidents, sickness, and other concerns. Insurance firms make money by charging higher premiums for high-risk animals. Companies invest in risk management to prevent financial loss so they can continue to help cover pets for their clients. 

Does Pet Insurance Cost More For Certain Breeds In Illinois?

Your dog’s breed may affect your insurance rate. Possible. Purebred dogs have higher insurance premiums than other pets. Additionally, certain breeds are prone to inherited and persistent illnesses such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, while others have less risk. Smaller and mixed-breed animals cost less to insure than larger purebreds of the same type and size.

How Much Is Pet Insurance A Year In Illinois?

To calculate your annual insurance premium, double your monthly rate by 12, then add any deductibles. Your deductible must also be included. The amount of out-of-pocket expenses cannot be predicted and will surprise everyone. After the deductible, most insurance companies cover 60 to 90% of the remaining costs; the rest is your responsibility. For Illinois, the rates can range from $228 to $972 before deductibles.

Does Pet Insurance In Illinois Vary By Breed?

It is true that some dog breeds require more maintenance than others. On average, the least expensive breed of dog would be a mixed breed weighing between 35 and 40 pounds. Simply put, they are more resilient and have a lower risk of inheriting diseases. Some purebreds are more susceptible to hereditary conditions that can be passed down through the generations because it has been discovered that some breeds require more maintenance than others. The majority of companies base premium prices on breed.


What Is The Best And Cheapest Pet Insurance In Illinois?

In Illinois, the most affordable premium for pet insurance is Lemonade. Both Spot and Embrace are reasonably priced pet insurance options too. If you choose a lower reimbursement rate, a higher coverage limit, and a higher deductible, you will be eligible for the most affordable premiums. Costs vary based on age, breed, location, and more. Always compare pricing and consider any extras your pet may need. Look for discounts for multiple dogs, seniors, and military members.

What Can I Use My Illinois Pet Insurance For?

The coverage has waiting periods and limitations, like any other insurance. Companies may require a medical exam and a waiting period before coverage begins. Also, most insurance companies expect you to pay the cost upfront and then reimburse you within a few days. Once your deductible is met, you can claim compensation.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It Or Should I Just Save If I Live In Illinois?

Everyone who owns a pet knows they can get into trouble and get an injury, or they may just get sick. As family members, no one likes seeing their pets suffer. However, visiting the vet can be expensive, and sometimes people can not afford the hefty bills and fees. Pet insurance could save your dog’s life in this situation. The insurer can afford what you cannot, and monthly costs are easier on most people’s budgets than massive emergency vet bills.

Even if you save enough money to cover one huge veterinarian bill, your pet could have another accident before you can save more money. Consider your budget and your pet’s health while deciding if pet health insurance is worthwhile. However, pet insurance will be less useful if it has pre-existing conditions, is older, or prone to get cancer.

Which Pet Insurance Company Does iHeartDogs.com Recommend?

Our recommendation depends very much on your individual situation. You can compare quotes for your dog’s age and your location here. We can report that Trupanion, HealthyPaws, and Pets Best are very popular with iHeartDogs supporters.


Compare Pet Insurance Companies. Which is best?

What do iHeartDogs Readers Think About Pet Insurance?

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? - We asked [33] Dog Owners and Here's What They Said

Pet insurance is "worth it" if you can afford the cost of the insurance, but could not afford an emergency vet bill. However, the best plan is to only get a pet if you can afford vet care, & to have a special savings account set aside for pet emergency care. - Louise 

Very much worth it. I have Nationwide. It used to be VPI. It doesn’t cover things in full, but it very much helps. More then paid for itself with my first two dogs. Haven’t needed it much with the two I have now but if something happens, I won’t hesitate to get the best treatment I can. It really helps. - Beth

Yes it is worth it. But you need to shop wisely for it. I have care credit that is used when needed. With no excluded treatments because it's up to me! Great rates and options to pay back. Saved my bank account a number of times. - Jennifer

Always worth it with my previous pet dog, Louie (French bulldog) and current pet dog, Lucy (dachshund).
It’s more than paid for itself each time. Unless you can cough up $10,000 for an emergency surgery I suggest you get pet insurance. Healthy Paws I highly recommend!!! - Leo

My vet one time said...my a "Dogs are Expensive" account. Whatever the going rate for pet insurance is...say $100...put that monthly in the "D A E" account. If you are ahead at the end of the year roll that money over....then, if you do need a big sum you have it, and if you don't the $ is in your pocket and not the insurance company's... whatever you decide..good luck! - Peggy

With my last dog no. I paid 17 years and never made a claim. With the two I have now definitely. My JR managed to get a dog toy piece stuck in her intestine - hugh, expensive op so worth it. I don't like the fact that even though my dogs are both young, the premium has gone way up however. 3&2 are not senior dogs. - Kit

Before just checking quotes check with your vet or ones in your area. The one problem with many pet insurances it actually may affect the cost a vet or clinic may charge for a service based on what they may have to pay or what they need to do get paid. For example a base xray charge may be $100 if you pay yourself but say you use insurance A that may cost the clinic so much a year to be a member or requires so much documentation or takes so long for payment may increase the charge to $130-150 .Then if you have a deductible you will be paying more. Your vet will also know which ones are more reliable for your area and for the needs for your breed. - Candi

I would never have a pet without insurance. Way too risky for those sudden and age related injuries/health issues . Everyday check- ups and vaccines are incidental costs compared to many things that can go wrong w ur furry family member ❤️ - Holly

I'm furious that insurance companies have now made owning pets incredibly expensive. Once insurance companies enter into the equation, the price for everything goes "through the roof." I wish these monsters would be regulated and insurance, health care was NON PROFIT!!!!!! - Rhonda

Yes Healthy Paws has been great. My Boston is on constant eye meds for about 6 years and 2 surgeries. I have 80 percent and they pay right away. - Lynda

Worth it if you plan ahead. One of my dogs I adopted and got insurance a year or so later and insurance has denied EVERYTHING…even an ear infection at 10 years old, as a preexisting condition because she had one when she was 3years old. My other dog I got insurance right away (lesson learned!) and it has been a huge benefit because ten years later he had significant medical expenses that were covered at 90% I could not be more thankful to have the insurance - Shannon

Definitely worth every penny! Our Shitz tore her ACL, swallowed my husband’s hearing aid, puts everything in her mouth!!! We have Healthy Paws. Very pleased. Just wish we went with 90% coverage instead of 80%. Get it BEFORE they have an issue!! - Jan

Nope not worth it. I love my babies but, it's like human insurance, Hardly worth getting. More n likely whatever your pet has insurance won't cover it so your still gonna pay out the ying yang. So here we are paying out the ying yang for insurance and still paying high dollar to a vet. - Nancy

Yes. My sweet hound developed allergies. The insurance covers are $73. Apoquel prescription plus everything else that goes wrong. She had a cough with meds the bill was over $400. Very happy we have insurance. - Pamela

Yes! For 10 years I never had to use it. Then my dog got very sick and needed to go to the animal hospital. She was diagnosed with diabetes and cushings disease and the costs for all the medications and testing she undergoes until we get her regulated is exorbitant. With the insurance I’ve been getting most of it back. - Erica

Worth it! Preventative/wellness services usually aren't included with accident/injury plans, but most insurances offer that separately (for more money). Get coverage asap when you get a pet... preexisting conditions are almost never covered and the older a dog gets, the higher the cost gets. I had Nationwide through my previous employer. The plans were supposed to follow my pets for life, after I left the job, but (long story short) the plans were cancelled. So now I'm getting new insurance through ManyPets for a dog who was 9 when I got the Nationwide plan, but is now 13 - with preexisting conditions. For all three of my dogs, it's about $235/month (that's with the optional wellness plans added for each). But if anything happens to any of my "kids", I pay a $250 annual deductible, then ManyPets covers 80% - with no lifetime limit. - Andrea

Yes. It's worth it. You never know what might happen. I see so many go fund me's to help animals when insurance would have covered it. Fyi, Trupanion is slightly more expensive but can pay the Vet directly if the Vet is signed up on their system. I have my 2 dogs and 2 cats covered. - Blythe

More Popular Pet Insurance Resources
Thanks for reviewing our guide to comparing pet insurance brands. Below you find some additional pet insurance resources from iHeartDogs.com

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