Insuring Your Pet in Illinois

There’s a wide range of pet insurance costs, depending on a wide variety of factors, including coverage limits. On average, our Illinois pet insurance costs between $25 and $50 per month in 2025.

We believe honesty is the best policy, so we won’t tell you that Embrace is the cheapest in Illinois when it isn’t always. But our goal isn’t to be the cheapest, our goal is to cover more and offer the best pet protection we can. We are highly rated by our members (4.0 Google; 4.1 Trustpilot), have a 4.2-star rating from Forbes and are also highly rated by Rover, Investopedia, Money, Canine Journal and others. If you’re the type of pawrent who wants the best for their fur baby, you’ve come to the right place.

Illinois's landscape offers a unique mix of vast prairies, wooded river valleys, and the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, promising endless adventures for our furry companions. But amidst this beauty lie potential hazards worth noting, especially for those with four paws. The grip of a "polar vortex" can bring extreme cold and dangerous wind chills, while lake-effect snow along the coast can reduce visibility and make walks hazardous. Summer's oppressive humidity can lead to heatstroke, and sudden, severe thunderstorms can cause flash flooding. Even seemingly calm ponds can harbor toxic algae blooms, posing a threat with a single sip.

Beyond the seasons, Illinois's varied terrain presents its own set of considerations. The state's agricultural heartland means pets could be exposed to chemical runoff, while shady forests hide poisonous plants like mushrooms. Stagnant water in the humid summers creates a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, carrying the threat of heartworm. And while Illinois's wildlife is a source of wonder, coyotes are increasingly common in suburban areas, posing a danger to pets. Common foes like heartworm, fleas, and ticks are prevalent here as well.

Chicago's urban environment presents its own unique challenges. Bustling city traffic, rat bait in alleys, and the risk of lead paint in older apartment buildings pose silent threats. Even the popular dog parks and lakefront trails, built for fun, can put your pup at risk for kennel cough and parvovirus. The magnificent Lake Michigan shoreline itself demands a watchful eye for strong currents and discarded fish hooks along its popular piers and harbors.

For any pet parent who wants to avoid being stuck with thousands in vet bills, pet insurance offers a way to pay upfront and get reimbursed for covered costs later. No matter how careful we are with our pets, accidents happen, and illness is largely unpredictable.An emergency with a few zeroes behind it can lead to tough decisions, and pet insurance can help you make life saving decisions without financial worry.If you’re contemplating pet insurance, you’re in good company. According to Nerd Wallet, the number of pet parents who opted for pet insurance has doubled since 2019.Oh, and if you’re wondering, pet insurance is likely to pay off faster than you think. More than 50% of Embrace customers submit a claim within their first policy year, based on Embrace’s claims data.

Details vary, so here’s what you can expect: Whether or not you can use pet insurance immediately depends on it's effective date. All policies cover accidents from the effective start date of the policy. All polices have a 2 week illness waiting period. Most pet wellness plans, on the other hand, aren’t insurance policies and your full benefits are available from day one. Other waiting periods and exclusions vary by state. Check your policy or click here for details.