With fertile plains, rolling hills, forests, and rivers, Illinois is full of natural beauty. With everything Illinois has to offer, having a pet by your side can make it that much more enjoyable.
Your dog or cat deserves the best care around, and with a pet insurance policy from award-winning1 MetLife Pet you may be able to get some of those pet care expenses covered.2 Read on to learn more about how pet insurance in Illinois can help you.
Looking for Pet Insurance in Illinois?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Illinois
Between outdoor risks, illnesses, and accidents, unexpected and routine vet bills can be expensive. Several pet parents in Illinois and across the country may be worried about affording future pet care costs. However, investing in a pet insurance policy may be able to help keep those costs lower.
For a monthly premium, you can customize your coverage to fit your lifestyle, and you may be able to get up to 100% of covered expenses reimbursed.2 So if your beagle gets a tick bite on your trip to Oak Ridge Forest Preserve or your Persian eats something they shouldn’t have during your stay at MillPoint RV Park, you can focus on getting the care your pet needs rather than the cost. With some vet bills stretching into five figures, you may find that pet insurance is worth it.
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
From the Shawnee National Forest to the streets of Chi-Town, pet parents across the state have plenty of options when it comes to pet insurance. So how do you narrow them down to find the best pet insurance in Illinois for you? MetLife Pet — winner of the 2023 “Pet Insurance of the Year” award at the Pet Innovations Awards Program — may be an option.
Here are some reasons you may want to choose a MetLife Pet policy:
- We work with any licensed veterinarian across the country.
- We’re the only provider that allows you to add up to three pets on a single policy with a shared deductible.3
- You don’t have to worry about age or breed restrictions — there aren’t any!
- Claims are typically processed within 10 days, so you can get reimbursed for covered expenses quickly.4
- We have some of the shortest waiting periods on the market for accident and illness coverage.5,6
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Illinois
Go to the vet
Visit any licensed veterinarian in Illinois, or across the U.S., for your pet’s care.
Send us your claim
Once you pay your vet bill, submit your claim to us along with your invoice and any vet records required.
Get reimbursed fast
We’ll process your claim quickly, typically in less than 2 weeks, and reimburse you for up to 100% of covered expenses.2,4
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Illinois. See What’s Covered
MetLife Pet strives to offer the most coverage with the least exclusions on our dog insurance and cat insurance policies, so you can get the whole furry family covered. Take a look at some of the things we can typically cover:
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees
- Hospital stays and emergency care
- Surgeries
- Prescription medication
- Diagnostic testing
- X-rays and ultrasounds
- Alternative therapies
We also offer customization, so you can create a plan that works for your budget and your pet’s needs. Adjust your coverage limit, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.7,8 Add on an optional Wellness Plan or Preventative Care Plan for even more coverage on things like vaccinations, regular vet visits, and parasite prevention.9 Check out our coverage and exclusions page for a more detailed explanation of available coverage.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Illinois?
MetLife Pet policies can start as low as $9 per month for one cat and $15 per month for one dog.10 However, the cost of pet insurance can vary depending on a few factors.
Adjusting your coverage could impact the price of your monthly premium. The cost of a policy can also be determined by your dog or cat’s breed, age, and sex.11 Where you live can be another factor in how much your plan costs. You may find that pet insurance costs more if you live in a larger city like Chicago or East St. Louis than if you live in a smaller area like Beardstown or Anna, IL.
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Illinois
Pet parents all over the Prairie State have utilized MetLife Pet Insurance policies to help them pay for the care their pet needs. To give you an idea of how we might be able to help you, check out some of these real life claims we’ve paid out to pet owners in Illinois:12
- Over $2,100 paid — This helped pay for a pleural effusion exam for a 6-year-old Labrador retriever in Chicago, IL.
- Over $1,300 paid — This provided financial assistance for a 9-year-old mixed breed dog’s cruciate rupture surgery in Chicago, IL.
- Almost $625 paid — This helped cover a surgery to remove an abscess on the cheek of a mixed breed kitten in Lincolnwood, IL.
- Almost $440 paid — This provided coverage for treating a bite wound on a 2-year-old rat terrier outside of East St. Louis, IL.
- Over $190 paid — This covered a cavapoo puppy’s routine exam in Wilmette, IL.
Notable claim in The Prairie State
Peaches got her pet parents worried when she got a fever, started vomiting, and wouldn’t eat her food. Peaches’ parents brought the mixed breed puppy straight to their vet who ran diagnostic testing to figure out what was going on. It turned out that Peaches had been infected with parvovirus, which can be common in puppies.
Peaches stayed in the animal hospital for a few days while she was treated. Her stay and treatment cost her parents over $3,100. Fortunately, Peaches’ family had a dog insurance policy that reimbursed them for the entire vet bill. Peaches fully recovered and is back to being a playful and healthy pup.12
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Illinois
Life inherently comes with risks, including for our beloved pets. Knowing what potential threats and risks you may come across in Illinois can help you better protect them from harm. As an Illinois pet parent, here are some common illnesses and injuries you may want to be aware of:
- Leptospirosis : This contagious bacterial infection can cause kidney or liver damage, which could become potentially fatal. Dogs can become infected by coming into contact with water, soil, or plants that are contaminated with infected animal urine. You can help prevent an infection through routine vaccinations.
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, mites, and worms can put your pet’s health at risk, especially those that spend time outdoors or around other pets. You can help prevent an infection or infestation by keeping your pet up-to-date on preventative treatments.
- Wildlife encounters: With much of Illinois being near forested areas and plains, there are opportunities for your pets to come across wildlife that could pose a threat to them. Wildlife such as bison, snakes, spiders, striped bark scorpions, racoons, and foxes could bite or attack your pets. Keep your pet safe by avoiding encounters as much as possible.
- Winter dangers: Illinois has harsh winter weather in several parts of the state, making it pretty cold and icy during the season. Pets left outdoors can be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Anti-freeze, salt, and de-icers used to melt ice on the street and sidewalks could be licked off the ground or your pet’s paws, which could get them sick or poisoned.
- Summer weather: Severe storms, tornadoes, and flash floods are possible throughout the state during the warmer months. Pets may be at risk of being injured or lost during severe weather events if they’re home alone or outdoors.
Plants Found in Illinois That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
Between state parks, hiking trails, river walks, and dog parks, there are plenty of opportunities for some outdoor strolling with your dog or for your cat to enjoy your lush outdoor patio. However you choose to spend time outdoors with your pet, there are plants nearby that may be poisonous.
A Chicago vet clinic put together a list of some common plants in Illinois that could be toxic if your pet gets a little curious.13 Here are a few plants that you should keep away from your dog or cat:
- Boxwood
- Buttercup
- Cardinal flower (aka lobelia)
- Holly
- Lilies
- Pokeweed
- Spurges
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control site has a more thorough list of plants that are toxic to pets that cover most parts of the country.14
Most Popular Dog Breeds in The Prairie State
Illinoisans have plenty of dog breeds to choose from when deciding to add a furry friend to the family, so which ones seem to be the most popular? Check out the top three dog breeds in Illinois and some of the health conditions they may be prone to:15
- Labrador retriever: Eager, playful, and loyal, the Lab may be at a higher risk for obesity, elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer.
- German shepherd: Loyal companions with a confident spirit, the German shepherd may be prone to growths, colitis, conjunctivitis, and skin conditions.
- Golden retriever: These energetic, friendly, and smart dogs may be predisposed to colitis, lipomas, hot spots, and obesity.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Illinois
Is it time to add a furry member to the family? Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or you’ve been doing it for decades, there are plenty of pets out there looking for a furever home. Take a look at the adoptable dogs and cats in your area to find the best match.
Adoption shelters in IL
No matter if you’re looking for a new dog or cat best friend, adoption shelters in Illinois are ready to help! Check out some shelters below and stop in to see all the pets ready for adoption.
4221 Hanover Rd, Columbia, IL 62236
Tree House Animals Humane Society
7225 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60645
If You Live in Illinois, Consider Insuring Your Pet
Unexpected and routine vet bills can cause financial stress. Help ensure your pet’s well-being — and your budget’s tolerance — by investing in a MetLife Pet Insurance policy. Get a free quote today and see how you can better protect your pet and your wallet.
We Can Help Cover Vet Bills While You focus on Your Pet’s Care
Want to learn more?
There is no substantive difference between a MetLife Pet Insurance policy Illinois and a MetLife Pet policy in another U.S. State.
1 “2023 Pet Insurance of the Year Award” Winners, Pet Independent Innovation Awards
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.
3 Based on a January 2022 review of publicly available summary information about competitors’ offerings. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor’s policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.
4 Approximately 80% of claims are processed within 10 days or less.
5 Wait period for accident coverage is midnight EST compared to 2 to 15 days for competitor's; wait period for illness coverage is 14 days compared to 14 to 30 days for competitor's, based on a January 2021 review of publicly available summary information about competitor's offerings.
6 Accident coverage and Preventive Care coverage (for those who select it) begins on the effective date of your policy. Illness coverage begins 14 days later.
7 Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%. In addition, there is also a 50% option for MetGen underwritten policies only and a 65% for IAIC underwritten policies only.
8 Deductible options range include: $0−$750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500.
9 Available at an additional cost.
10 Calculation based upon select plans and coverages. Actual rates may vary based on pet age, breed, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits you choose.
11 For IAIC policies only
12 All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife internal claims data from October 2022.
13 “Poisonous Plants to Avoid,” Lincoln Park Dog & Cat Clinic
14 “Poisonous Plants,” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
15 “Most Popular Dog Breeds by State in 2023,” Pet Keen
Coverage underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations. Application is subject to underwriting review. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC for details. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator for this coverage. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).
L1222027809[exp1224][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI]