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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
Minnesota pet parents face unique challenges. The state’s winter weather poses risks to pets, including frostbite, hypothermia, and paw injuries from ice and salt.
Pet insurance helps protect your wallet from unexpected vet bills. Coverage in Minnesota averages $42 per month for dogs and $21 for cats, according to our data. But your rates can vary based on your pet’s breed, its age, and the coverage you choose.[1]
Our top picks include companies that offer strong coverage, affordable rates, and unique benefits for Minnesota pets. At the end of the day, companies like Pets Best and ASPCA are great choices for Minnesota pet parents.
Let’s explore some of the best pet insurance options in the North Star State for your furry family members.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Minnesota
Dog insurance averages $504 annually, while cat coverage typically costs around $252 per year.
Pets Best offers the lowest average rates for dogs
Spot provides the most affordable cat coverage, on average.
Minnesota recently passed laws protecting dog owners from breed discrimination when buying homeowners insurance.
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Minnesota
We analyzed rates and coverage from various pet insurance companies to help you find the best coverage for your pet. The table below compares monthly premiums, coverage limits, and key features from some of Minnesota’s top pet insurers.
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $21/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $29/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $27/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $23/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $58/mo* |
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $12/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $16/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $15/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $11/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $0/mo* |
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–90% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $250–$1,000 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Minnesota
No single pet insurance company works for every Minnesota pet parent. Choosing the right insurer means finding a company that fits your budget and coverage needs.
We picked these companies based on factors that matter most to pet owners, like average rates, coverage options, and other benefits. Each offers something unique for different types of Minnesota pets.
Pets Best: Best for dogs
Wellness add-on available
No breed or upper age restrictions
Option to directly pay vets
No 100% reimbursement
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
Relatively low multi-pet discount
Pets Best’s affordable rates earned it our top spot for dogs in Minnesota. The company offers low deductible options and unlimited payout coverage. Pets Best’s benefits are ideal for dog owners who want comprehensive protection without paying premium prices.
Lemonade: Best for cats
Bundling discount available
Mobile app claims filing available
Low premiums
Some coverages available only with add-on
30-day orthopedic waiting period
No 100% reimbursement available
Lemonade offers some of the cheapest cat insurance premiums in Minnesota. Its super-short two-day accident waiting period is perfect for clumsy cats. The company also covers curable pre-existing conditions after 12 months.
ASPCA: Best for young pets
Offers alternative therapy and microchipping coverage
Preventive care plan available
Accident-only plan available
No coverage for prescription food
Must call for quotes for unlimited coverage
Limited deductible options
ASPCA provides the best value for young pets by combining affordable prices with great coverage. It offers excellent multi-pet discounts, alternative therapy coverage, and unlimited payout options. ASPCA also offers relatively low deductible choices for budget-conscious pet parents.
Spot: Best for senior pets
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plans available
Offers multiple deductible and reimbursement options
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for accidents
No direct payment to veterinarians
Spot wins our top spot for senior pets in Minnesota because it insures pets of any age. While senior pets can be harder to insure affordably, Spot offers 14-day waiting periods, curable condition coverage, and exam fee coverage. It also offers behavioral therapy benefits, giving it a strong advantage for older pets.
Our editorial team selected the companies you see here based on a combination of average premiums, available coverages, policy features, and more.
These factors include:
State-level average premiums by species, age, and breed
Available reimbursement rates, payout levels, and deductibles
Waiting periods for common conditions
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Plan flexibility and policy management features
We prioritized each factor differently depending on the category to provide the best possible recommendations to pet owners throughout the state.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies in Minnesota
Pet insurance rates vary significantly between companies. Insurers consider your pet’s age, breed, and health history when setting rates. Location also affects pricing, with coverage in urban areas typically costing more than in rural regions.
The table below shows companies with the most affordable average rates for dogs and cats in Minnesota, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Pets Best | $21 | $12 |
Spot | $23 | $11 |
ASPCA | $27 | $15 |
Lemonade | $29 | $16 |
Prudent Pet | $40 | $25 |
Figo | $49 | $21 |
Pumpkin | $70 | $30 |
Minnesota Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
Minnesota hasn’t adopted the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Pet Insurance Model Act, which provides a regulatory framework for pet insurance.[2] But the state has enacted important protections for pet owners.
Here’s what you need to know about pet insurance in Minnesota:
Homeowners insurance protection: Insurance companies can’t deny or cancel homeowners policies based solely on dog breed. This includes pit bulls and other breeds previously considered “high-risk.”
Dangerous dog exceptions: Insurers can still refuse coverage or charge higher rates for dogs classified as dangerous. Minnesota defines dangerous dogs as those that have inflicted substantial bodily harm on humans, killed domestic animals while off the owner’s property, or aggressively endangered people.[3]
How to Pick the Right Minnesota Pet Insurance Company for You
Finding the right pet insurance in Minnesota goes beyond comparing monthly costs. You need to understand what your pet actually needs. An outdoor-loving golden retriever faces different risks than an indoor Persian cat. Here’s how to build a policy around your pet’s life:
Understand your risk factors. Consider your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle. Active outdoor pets in Minnesota face higher injury risks from winter activities and hiking.[4]
Review waiting periods. Shorter waiting periods provide better protection. Accident waiting periods typically range from one to 15 days, while illness waiting periods usually last 14 to 30 days.
Check coverage exclusions. Examine your policy for any pre-existing conditions, illnesses, or injuries it excludes. Make sure it covers hereditary conditions common to your pet’s breed.
Consider your vet preferences. Some insurers pay vets directly, while others reimburse you after you pay up front. You should be free to choose the veterinarian who will best care for your pet.
Compare quotes from multiple companies. Rates can vary significantly between companies, so get quotes from at least three insurers when looking for coverage.[5]
Minnesota Pet Insurance FAQs
Below, we answered some of the most common questions about pet insurance in the North Star State.
What’s the best pet insurance in Minnesota?
It depends. Our top picks include Pets Best for dogs, Lemonade for cats, ASPCA for young pets, and Spot for senior animals. But the best pet insurance for you depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health needs.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Minnesota?
Dog insurance averages $42 per month in Minnesota, according to Compare.com data.
Senior dogs cost an average of $110 per month. Purebred dogs average $64, and mixed breeds average $49 per month.
What’s the average cost of pet insurance for cats in Minnesota?
Cat insurance averages $21 per month in Minnesota, according to Compare.com data.
Senior cats cost an average of $60 per month. Purebred cats average $38, and mixed-breed cats average $26 per month.
Is pet insurance expensive in Minnesota?
Not really. Minnesota pet insurance costs are similar to the national averages. The average cost of dog insurance in Minnesota is $504 per year compared to the national average of $504. For cats, pet insurance in Minnesota costs $252 compared to $276 for the national average.
Is pet insurance worth it in Minnesota?
Yes. The state’s harsh winters increase injury risks, and emergency vet visits can easily cost thousands of dollars. Research shows that insured pet owners typically get more veterinary care for their animals than people without insurance.[6]
What does pet insurance cover in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota pet insurance policies cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, tests, and prescription medications. Many insurers also offer wellness add-ons for routine care like vaccinations and dental cleanings.
Methodology
Compare.com data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Compare.com’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of 8 quotes is required for dogs and 4 quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Pet Insurance Model Act."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Regulator’s Guide to Pet Insurance."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "Does Coronavirus Have You Worried about Pet Insurance? Learn the Most Current Facts and Find the Coverage Options That Are Best for You.."
- American Veterinary Medical Foundation. "Do you need pet insurance?."
- National Library of Medicine. "The Impact of Pet Health Insurance on Dog Owners’ Spending for Veterinary Services."