Pet Insurance in Chicago

Finding the right pet insurance can be ruff, so let us find the purr-fect pet insurance plan for you!

Meet Lexie

Lexie is our dedicated Pet Insurance Specialist, here to make protecting your pet simple and stress-free. She helps pet parents find the right coverage, answers questions, and guides you every step of the way. With a passion for animal care and a strong understanding of insurance options, Lexie is committed to helping you feel confident about your pet’s future.

Pet insurance is a proactive and useful financial tool that:

Protects you and your finances against unforeseen veterinary costs.
Allows veterinarians to provide your pet with optimal care, employing the most advanced veterinary medical treatments.
Helps pet parents avoid economic euthanasia, especially when they can't afford the pet's required medical care.
Provides pet owners with confidence, eliminating hesitation before seeking veterinary treatment for their pet or waiting to see if the medical condition worsens before consulting a vet.

Insurance Form

What Should You Know?

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Age

Insuring your pet at a younger age allows you to secure coverage before any pre-existing conditions develop, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout their life. As pets age, they are more prone to health issues, and getting insurance early helps you avoid potential exclusions or higher premiums associated with age-related conditions.

Breed

Some breeds are naturally predisposed (more likely) to develop certain medical conditions. It is important to know and consider the risks associated with your breed before you choose the level of coverage you require;

Gender

Gender itself is not a significant factor in determining insurance coverage or premiums. However, there may be some insurance providers that offer optional coverage for specific gender-related procedures such as spaying or neutering.

Coverage

Coverage is essential to ensure that your pet's medical needs are adequately protected. Coverage refers to the range of medical expenses and treatments that the insurance policy will reimburse.

Deductibles

Deductible is important because it determines the amount you'll need to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. A lower deductible means you'll have less upfront expense when filing a claim, but it may result in higher monthly premiums. On the other hand, a higher deductible can lead to lower monthly premiums but requires you to pay more before the insurance starts covering expenses. Considering the deductible helps you find a balance that suits your budget and risk tolerance.

Waiting Period

Waiting Period refers to the amount of time you need to wait after purchasing the policy before certain coverage becomes effective. Insurance providers typically impose waiting periods to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that policies are not purchased solely for immediate treatment of pre-existing conditions.

Because every pet insurance company varies in what it offers, you will need to do some research to see which company and which plan will work best for your circumstances. There is a company and a plan for just about every pet and family, so give yourself time to research your options. West Loop Veterinary Care typically recommends a policy that:

Covers hereditary and congenital issues
Has an ANNUAL deductible
Offers AT LEAST a 90% reimbursement

Covers veterinary exam fees
Has AT MINIMUM a $20,000 annual limit

woman smiling while holding two small dogs and sitting on couch indoors

Pet Insurance Resources

If you’re new to pet insurance and want to start exploring different companies and plans, use the links below to learn about several companies that may interest you, or get recommendations from experts who know the industry.

Pawlicy Advisor (provides personalized insurance recommendations)

Common Diseases for Common Breeds

French Bulldogs

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
• Eye issues (Conjunctivitis, Cherry eye, Corneal ulcers)
• Allergy/Skin dermatitis
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Medial Patellar Luxation

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Eye Issues
• Caudal Occipital Malformation Syndrome
• Heart disease

Doodles

• Allergies
• Skin/Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Neoplasia

Golden Retrievers

• Skin/Ear infections
• Hip dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis
• Neoplasia

Insurance Red Flags to Avoid

Plans with a PER CONDITION or PER INCIDENT deductible
Plans that are structured on a BENEFIT SCHEDULE (Defined Annual Benefits per condition) rather than a percent of invoice reimbursement
Plans with LOW reimbursement percentages (<70%) or plans with LOW annual limits (<$20,000 annually)
Plans that are NOT insurance, but rather membership programs for discounts at participating hospitals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pet Health Insurance like Human Health Insurance?

Because pets are legally considered to be the property of their owners, pet insurance falls under the Property and Casualty insurance classification and functions as indemnity insurance. Home and auto insurance are examples of this type of coverage.

Pet Health Insurance is also REIMBURSEMENT based, meaning that typically the owner will pay the veterinary bill up front, and then the claim is processed as a reimbursement to the owner.

There are also no networks like in human health insurance, so you are able to visit any licensed vet in the US that you prefer.

When is the best time to get Pet Health insurance?

How do Pet Insurance Providers know if your pet has a pre-existing condition?

Where can I use my insurance? Are there networks like Human Health Insurance?

What is the difference between an Annual Deductible and a Per Condition/Per Incident Deductible? Which is better?

For example, with a per condition plan, if your pet is seen for vomiting, then later in the year seen for a broken nail, and then again later for an ear infection, those would be treated as THREE separate conditions, each requiring an additional deductible to be met before receiving any reimbursement. These types of plans can become quite frustrating, as there’s no way to predict how many times your pet will need to be seen in a year, and when your plan will begin to reimburse. For this reason, we recommend purchasing a policy with an ANNUAL deductible.