4 Best Minnesota (MN) Pet Insurance Plans Compared in 2024
Updated on February 08, 2024, by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
Pet parents across Minnesota want to give their furry companions the best of everything, including veterinary care. However, vet services can often be prohibitively expensive, especially in emergencies, leading so many people to seek the financial protection of pet insurance. But since the world of insurance can be mind-boggling, my team and I put together this guide to walk you through the basics and answer the most frequently asked questions about the best Minnesota pet insurance plans. From Roseau to Duluth, Minneapolis to Luverne and everywhere in between, this article has you covered. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
Top MN Pet Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost
Use our below table to compare the best pet insurance providers in Minnesota quickly. The average monthly Minnesota specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in Minnesota with a 35206 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, coverage amount, and depending on the breed of your pet. Prices are accurate as of December 2022 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Minnesota pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MINNESOTA
$32.38/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Minnesota vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Minnesota pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MINNESOTA
$34.72/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
- Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
- Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MINNESOTA
$67.36/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
- Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to
Minnesota pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MINNESOTA
$80.21/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
Unlimited
- Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
- They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
- Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Minnesota pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MINNESOTA
$32.38/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Minnesota vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
How much does dog and cat insurance cost in Minnesota for the 15 most popular breeds?
The price for Minnesota dog and cat insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Jackson, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham, or Brewton etc. However, the prices will vary based on the age, health and breed of your pet.
All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of June 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Minnesota we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Embrace.
Dog Insurance Prices in Edina Minnesota:
- Mixed Breed – $23.78/ mo
- Labrador Retriever – $32.38/ mo
- Golden Retriever – $32.32/ mo
- German Shepherd – $34.94/ mo
- Goldendoodle – $28.11/ mo
- Chihuahua – $14.79/ mo
- Siberian Husky – $32.48/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier – $20.41/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier – $35.96/ mo
- Australian Shepherd – $22.36/ mo
- Dachshund – $21.09mo
- Shih Tzu – $18.79/ mo
- French Bulldog – $44.46/ mo
- Boxer – $44.65/ mo
- Labradoodle – $28.11/ mo
Dog Insurance Prices in Brainerd Minnesota:
- Mixed Breed – $20.66/ mo
- Labrador Retriever – $28.12/ mo
- Golden Retriever – $28.07/ mo
- German Shepherd – $30.36/ mo
- Goldendoodle – $24.42/ mo
- Chihuahua – $12.85/ mo
- Siberian Husky – $28.21/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier – $17.73/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier – $31.23/ mo
- Australian Shepherd – $19.42/ mo
- Dachshund – $18.33/mo
- Shih Tzu – $16.32/ mo
- French Bulldog – $38.62/ mo
- Boxer – $38.78/ mo
- Labradoodle – $24.42/ mo
Not finding your specific pet breed? Figo pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Minnesota and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.
Minnesota Pet Insurance FAQs
What is Minnesota pet insurance? How does it work?
Pet insurance gives pet parents a financial safety net in case their four-legged friends suffer a medical emergency. Since pet insurance covers the majority of urgent vet care costs, you can rest easy knowing that your little pal can get the care they need without you suffering financial hardship.
To protect yourself and your sweet cat, dog or other little critters, apply for coverage from the insurance provider of your choice. Once you have a policy in place, remember to pay your premium on time to keep it active. Should your pet develop a condition that qualifies for benefits under your insurance plan, pay the vet bill at the time of service and then file a claim with your insurer for reimbursement.
Is there a minimum age for insuring my pet?
If you have small animals, you must check that your insurer offers plans for them. If so, they will inform you of any specific age requirements. For example, most insurance companies require that your cats and dogs be at least 8 weeks old before you can purchase a policy for them. Moreover, many insurers have age limits for issuing new policies, but they vary based on the type of animal and breed. Regardless of what kind of pet you have, remember that the earlier in their life you get a policy in place, the better the coverage and monthly premium you’ll get.
How is MN pet insurance beneficial?
Having the right Minnesota pet insurance plan can save you tremendous amounts of money throughout your pet’s life, especially since a single emergency trip to the vet clinic can easily cost several thousands of dollars. First, however, you need to consider what works best for your financial situation. For example, do you feel it’s better for you to make small monthly premium payments instead of paying as much as $10,000 out-of-pocket in a single instance? Only you can know what’s most suitable for you.
What will a Minnesota pet insurance plan cover and exclude?
Standard pet insurance plans usually cover necessary treatment for injuries and ailments your provider considers “sudden and catastrophic” unless listed as an exclusion in your policy. Things such as urinary blockages, broken bones, lacerations, eye infections, allergies, etc., usually fall under coverage. However, most standard policies do not cover routine dental care, physical therapy, elective procedures, preventative care, etc. While a handful of providers will include such treatments and care with their standard plans, this is not the norm. You will most likely need to buy an optional wellness package to get coverage for such care.
How much will my pet insurance provider reimburse me?
Suppose your pet has a vet visit that qualifies for reimbursement. In that case, the amount you will receive is determined by the specific deductible, reimbursement rate and annual maximum benefit as stated in your policy. For hypothetical purposes, let’s say your plan features a $250 deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate and an annual maximum benefit of $20,000 that you have yet to use. If your cat needed surgery that costs $5,000, your insurer would reimburse you $4,500 minus the $250 deductible, making your share only $750 and your insurer’s $4,250. If covering a $5,000 vet bill upfront and waiting to be reimbursed may cause concern and stress, then consider Trupanion as your pet insurance provider. If you choose a veterinarian within Trupanion’s network, Trupanion will pay their share of your pet’s bill directly to the veterinarian, saving you the inconvenience of waiting for reimbursement.
Should I pick a higher or lower deductible?
Both have advantages, but it depends on your financial preferences and circumstances. Let’s look at both options. Lower deductibles usually come with higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs in emergencies. On the other hand, higher deductibles come with lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs for emergency care. We suggest looking at your finances and running the numbers before choosing. Through our research, my team and I have found that most Minnesota pet owners have $250 or $500 deductibles.
Do homeowners insurance companies have breed restrictions?
Yes, homeowners insurance companies have breed restrictions for dogs, but not cats. We recommend contacting your preferred provider directly if you have any concerns or questions.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Pet Safe & Healthy in Minnesota
1. Give your pet nourishing, species-appropriate food
When it comes to health, “you are what you eat” is not only for humans but pets too. Stick to species-appropriate diets. For dogs, that’s meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruit. For cats, it’s poultry and fish. And for small critters, depending on the animal type, it can be anything from seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Be aware that even some expensive cat and dog food contain cheap fillers, including meals, wheat, other grains, soy, corn and gums. Your best bet is to feed them high-quality, animal-specific raw or minimal-ingredient canned cat food. Both are moisture-rich, whereas kibble is dehydrating.
2. Make sure your pet consumes enough water daily
Staying hydrated is essential to your pet’s health as it promotes the healthy function of their organs, especially the kidneys. Along with following the dietary recommendations above, you can do two more things to ensure your cat or dog gets the water they need. The first and most obvious is to always keep a fresh bowl of water out for them. Empty and wash at least twice daily to keep the water clean and the bowl free of bacteria buildup. The second is to add a spoonful or two to your pet’s food and mix it in. Just be sure not to make their food too soupy, or they may refuse to eat it. Finally, for small critters, keep their water dispenser filled and clean.
3. Engage your pet in exercise and play daily
Exercise and play are vital to your pet’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Both can stave off depression and lethargy and minimize their risk for obesity, heart disease, diabetes and more. Better yet, exercising and playing with your pet will strengthen your bond with one another, making them feel loved and cared for.
4. Establish a regular grooming regimen
Establishing a grooming routine while your pet is still a juvenile will make it much easier to deal with as they age. For cats and dogs, nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, bathing (dogs) and brushing (cats and dogs) will help your pets feel great and keep them and your house clean. Please consult your veterinarian for safe techniques to perform the former three tasks. When bathing your dog, only use shampoo and other products specifically made for dogs. Human products, even baby-centric ones, can damage your dog’s fur, irritate their skin and strip it of its natural oils. As for cats, avoid bathing them. Cats are extremely clean animals that keep their coats shiny and clean if given a healthy, safe and happy home environment. We recommend brushing your dog or cat daily.
5. Keep your pet parasite-free
Parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms are not to be taken lightly. Aside from causing your pets extreme discomfort and pain, they can lead to serious health issues, such as Lyme disease, anemia, Bartonella, flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms and more. If you have a dog or a cat that spends any time outdoors, consult your veterinarian for the best flea and tick spot-on treatment. Avoid flea collars, as they can irritate and burn the skin around your pet’s neck.
5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Minnesota
1. Wags & Whiskers in Farmington, MN
Wags & Whiskers is a foster-based rescue organization for cats and dogs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and within a 30-mile radius of Duluth, Mankato and Rochester. By fostering them before adoption, the foster parents get to know the quirks and personalities of each dog and cat, making it easier to match them with their forever humans. All prospective adoptive parents must complete a pre-adoption interview and a home visit. Upon adoption, all animals are microchipped, spayed or neutered and vaccinated (age appropriately). You can also count on them being house-trained and well-socialized.
2. Animal Ark Minnesota in Hastings, MN
Animal Ark has been a Minnesota sanctuary for abandoned, abused, injured and homeless pets since 1977. They operate under the “no-kill” philosophy, treating every animal that comes through their doors as if it’s their own pet. Every animal gets plenty of care, love and attention while at Animal Ark, and they can stay at the shelter for as long as necessary. All cats and dogs receive age-appropriate vaccinations, are spayed or neutered, undergo standard testing and receive therapy for behavioral issues (if necessary). Veterinarians address all of the medical needs of each animal.
3. Northern Lakes Rescue in Pequot Lakes, MN
Northern Lakes Rescue is a foster-based organization concentrating rescue efforts on dogs. They save dogs from Minnesota and the high-kill shelters and streets of Texas. They also rehome dogs whose owners surrender them. As a result of living with foster parents, all dogs are socialized and come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
4. Tracy Area Animal Rescue in Beaver Creek, MN
TAAR provides food, love, shelter, medical care and safety for lost, abused, neglected, homeless and surrendered animals. All feline and canine rescues get to live in responsible and caring foster homes, allowing them to house-train and socialize. Also, all cats and dogs receive needed veterinary care, are spayed or neutered, vaccinated according to their age, tested and treated for parasites and even get their teeth cleaned if needed.
5. Pet Haven MN in Minneapolis, MN
Established in 1952, Pet Haven is Minnesota’s first and longest-running foster-based animal rescue organization. Through fostering, all cats and dogs receive the best veterinary care, food, supplies, love, attention and behavior-support for their emotional well-being. Animals remain fostered until they find a forever home. The adoption process requires an interview and home visit to ensure that you and the animal you’re interested in are a suitable match.
Conclusion
We hope this article answers your questions and simplifies your search for the best Minnesota pet insurance plan. After all, the right policy can save you thousands of dollars throughout your pet’s life. First, remember to insure your pet when they are as young as possible so that you can secure the most coverage with the lowest premium. Then, of course, pet insurance can provide you with a financial safety net no matter your pet’s age and get your beloved friend whatever emergency veterinary care they need, regardless of cost, and lend support to their overall well-being. Ultimately, my team and I have found that Figo offers the top options for coverage and the most competitive premiums.
SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Minnesota
We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Minnesota based on a variety of important factors including the following:
- Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Minnesota with a 35206 zip code
- Coverage and benefits
- Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
- AM Best rating of the underwriter
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual benefit amount
- Technology and user experience
- Ease of sign up
- Policy language clarity
- User reviews