(800) 641-7488 
Insurance requirements for non-emergency medical transportation businesses in Illinois depend on the vehicles you operate, where you operate and the transportation contracts you accept. Review the applicable state and local rules alongside your broker’s written insurance requirements before purchasing coverage.
This guide explains the coverage limits, certificates of insurance and supporting documents to review for an Illinois NEMT operation, including businesses working in Chicago or applying to transportation networks such as MTM and Modivcare.
Need help reviewing your requirements? Explore our Illinois NEMT insurance options or request a quote.
How to Become a NEMT Provider in Illinois
Step 1: Understand the NEMT Model
NEMT providers help fill a critical gap by transporting passengers to medical appointments when emergency care is not needed. Many clients are seniors, individuals with disabilities, or people with limited mobility—especially in areas where reliable transportation is harder to access.
Step 2: Set Up and Register Your Business
To operate legally, you’ll typically need to:
- Choose a business structure: LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship
- Apply for an EIN: Used for tax reporting, payroll, and business banking
- Register with the Illinois Secretary of State: File the appropriate formation documents and keep your registration active
Step 3: Obtain Licenses and Certifications
Depending on the type of operation, you may need:
- Adequate vehicle registration that meets IL Sec of State requirements
- Driver credentials: Ensure drivers meet licensing requirements and complete any background checks or training your contracts require
- CPR certification: Commonly required for NEMT drivers, depending on the work being performed and contract standards
- Vehicle inspections and equipment: Vehicles may need to pass safety inspections and have ramps/lifts if transporting wheelchair passengers
Step 4: Put the Right Insurance in Place
Insurance is not just a checkbox, it’s also a core part of staying compliant and protecting your business. Most NEMT operators need commercial auto liability, and many also require additional coverage depending on contracts, passenger type, and equipment. (See the insurance and pricing sections below.)
Step 5: Build Relationships with Transportation Brokers
Working with transportation brokers such as Modivcare or MTM can help generate consistent trip volume. These contracts often come with additional requirements, including higher insurance limits and additional forms and types of coverage such as general liability including sexual abuse and molestation, so it’s important to review contract terms before binding coverage.
What Will Your Required Coverage Cost?
The cost of NEMT insurance in Illinois depends on factors such as your driving record, type of vehicle and location. Your required liability limits and additional coverages affect the total premium. For vehicle pricing examples and a breakdown of additional coverage costs, visit our Illinois NEMT insurance cost guide.
NEMT Insurance Application
Applying for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation insurance has never been easier with Insured ASAP’s convenient online application. Our streamlined process allows you to get started quickly and efficiently, whether you’re a new operator or renewing your policy. Simply fill out the required details about your business, vehicles, and drivers, and our team will provide you with a competitive quote tailored to your needs.
With Insured ASAP, you’ll save time and avoid the hassle of traditional paperwork. Click here to start your NEMT insurance application now and get one step closer to securing your business today!
Certificates of Insurance for Illinois NEMT Providers
A certificate of insurance (COI) summarizes your NEMT business insurance, including the insured business name, insurance companies, policy dates and coverage limits. It provides evidence of insurance but does not change your coverage or guarantee that your policy satisfies every contract requirement.
What Should You Check Before Submitting a COI?
Send your insurance agent the recipient’s current written requirements and confirm the following:
- Business name: The insured entity matches the business applying for the contract or license.
- Coverage and limits: Your policies have been reviewed against the applicable requirements.
- Policy dates: Coverage is active for the period shown on the certificate.
- Certificate holder: The recipient’s legal name and address are entered correctly.
- Endorsements: Any required additional insured status or other policy provisions are supported by the actual policy and applicable endorsements.
Certificate Holder vs. Additional Insured
A certificate holder receives evidence of your insurance. Listing an organization as the certificate holder does not automatically make it an additional insured. Additional insured status must come from your policy or an applicable endorsement.
How to Request Your Certificate
Provide your insurance agent with the certificate holder’s information, the written insurance requirements and any requested supporting documents. Your agent can review whether policy changes are needed before issuing an accurate certificate.
Illinois NEMT Insurance Requirements
Your NEMT insurance must satisfy the rules that apply to your vehicles and operating area, along with the insurance requirements in your transportation contracts. Review each of the following before purchasing coverage.
| Applies to | Insurance requirement |
|---|---|
| Illinois medical transport vehicles* | $250,000 bodily injury or death per person; $50,000 property damage. |
| Chicago-licensed vehicles: up to 9 seats | $350,000 combined single limit per occurrence. |
| Chicago-licensed vehicles: 10 or more seats | $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence. |
| Chicago additional insured | City of Chicago, on a primary, noncontributory basis for liability arising from the licensee’s operations. |
| Workers’ compensation | Generally required with one or more employees, including part-time staff. Review applicable exemptions. |
| Transportation network or facility contracts | Coverage, limits and endorsements specified in your written contract requirements. |
*For vehicles subject to Chapter 8 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Section 8-109 also contains a $300,000 maximum-required-payment provision per vehicle. Have your agent confirm the policy limit structure and any higher local or contract requirements. Chicago limits above follow Municipal Code Section 9-114-170.
Reviewing MTM and Modivcare Insurance Requirements
If you are applying to MTM, Modivcare or another transportation network, provide your insurance agent with the requirements for your specific program. Ask your agent to review:
- Commercial auto liability limits and covered vehicles.
- Any requirements for general liability, professional liability or abuse and molestation coverage.
- Workers’ compensation and employers’ liability requirements.
- Additional insured endorsements and other required policy provisions.
- Certificate holder information and supporting documents.
Online Resources and Additional Tips
- Leverage Online Applications: Many insurance providers offer online quote systems, making it easy to compare policies and obtain COIs.
- Partner with Experts: Specialized insurance agencies like Insured ASAP can guide you through the process and provide cost-effective solutions.
- Stay Updated on Requirements: Regulations frequently change. Joining NEMT trade associations can help you stay compliant.
By following these steps and understanding insurance requirements, you can successfully start and operate a compliant NEMT business in Illinois. For tailored guidance, reach out to experienced insurance providers or brokers who understand the complexities of the NEMT industry.
Get Help With Your Illinois NEMT Insurance Requirements
Starting a NEMT business, adding vehicles or applying for a transportation contract? Insured ASAP can help you review your insurance requirements and compare coverage options for your operation.
To get started, have your vehicle information, driver details, requested coverage start date and any written insurance requirements from your transportation network or healthcare facility ready.
Request a NEMT Insurance Quote or call (800) 641-7488.
For an overview of available coverages, visit our Illinois NEMT insurance page.
Still setting up your company? Read our guide to starting a NEMT business in Illinois.
