Best Pet Insurance in Illinois

Illinois pet owners searching for the best pet insurance won't find a single answer that works for every pet. The right choice for you will depend on your pet's specific profile and your budget. Use the table below to compare my top picks based on their standout features and average rates.

• Budget-focused pet owners: Pumpkin offers pet insurance at an average of $31 per month, allowing you to save 42% in costs compared to the state benchmark.
• Those who value quality service: Pumpkin’s service holds up across every stage of the policy lifecycle, so you can purchase coverage, manage your account and file claims without running into issues that can delay the process or require you to reach out to agent support.
• Owners who want expedited reimbursements: With Pumpkin Now, you can get paid up to 90% for eligible care while you’re still at the vet, since this urgent pay service deposits reimbursements into bank accounts with real-time payments enabled within 20 minutes for claims over $500 submitted during service hours.

• Illinois pet owners who want more reimbursement rate options: Pumpkin only offers two reimbursement rates, 80% and 90%, so you have less flexibility to choose how much of your eligible vet costs the insurer reimburses and how much you pay out of pocket. Pets Best is the better alternative.
• Those with adventurous or playful pets: Pumpkin imposes a 14-day waiting period for its accident coverage, which may be long for active pets that have a higher likelihood of sustaining injuries from rough play, outdoor activities or other mishaps during the waiting period. Pets Best is the more suitable option.

• Pet owners who want to avoid covering large vet bills at checkout: Pets Best’s Vet Direct Pay reduces your out-of-pocket costs to just your deductible, co-insurance and non-covered items during the vet visit, provided that you submit a completed claim along with a veterinarian reimbursement release form so the company can send the reimbursement directly to your vet.
• Those looking for a short waiting period for accidents: Pets Best covers accidents three days after enrollment, which is the shortest among my top picks, so you can access coverage without having to wait for two weeks.

• Owners who want the broadest base plan without needing add-ons: Pets Best requires you to purchase optional add-ons to get coverage for veterinary exams used to diagnose conditions and physical rehabilitation like acupuncture and chiropractic care, which increase your premium. Pumpkin is the stronger alternative.
• Pet owners who prefer a fast claim submission process: Pets Best lands in 18th place for claim submission ease, so you may expect more time spent submitting paperwork or providing additional documentation before your claim can be processed. Pumpkin is the better option.

• Illinois pet owners wanting granular control over their policy structure: Rainwalk has the broadest range of coverage options out of my recommendations, with three reimbursement rates, six deductibles and six annual limits, so you can you can fine-tune your policy to suit your budget as well as your preferred out-of-pocket costs and coverage level.
• Those who want virtual vet visits without having to pay: Rainwalk’s pet insurance comes with free virtual vet visits, allowing you to connect with licensed veterinarians online and ask advice on any topic, including diet, behavioral observations, or a potential illness or injury.

• Owners who prefer broad financial protection without add-ons: Rainwalk doesn’t cover exam fees that aren’t related to a covered accident or illness,  as well as alternative treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic and hydrotherapy, unless you purchase optional add-ons that add to your monthly premium. Pumpkin is the better fit.
• Those who want fast reimbursements: Rainwalk falls to 12th place out of 18 for claims speed, which could leave you waiting longer to recover money spent on your pet’s veterinary care. Pumpkin is the more suitable alternative.