Best Pet Insurance Minnesota
In Minnesota, pet owners can choose from several pet insurance plans to help them cover veterinary costs. Of all the options, Pets Best stacks up to have the most value.
Written by
Adeleine Whitten
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
Last Update on Jan 15, 2024
Table of Contents
As you and your animal companion explore the Land of 10,000 lakes, it’s more important than ever to protect them from coming into harm’s way. But even if you do everything right, you may still find yourself heading to the vet to treat an illness or injury.
The rising costs of veterinary care can seem intimidating, but having a way to pay for the costs associated with a trip to the vet – like enrolling in pet insurance – means you can get your pet the care they need without worrying about the bill.
Here are some insurance providers Minnesotans can rely on to help cover the costs of vet visits:
Best for complete coverage and care
Pets Best
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
3 days for accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament issues
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
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Pros
- 24/7 telehealth service for pets
- Brief waiting period for accidents
- Variety of plan types and deductibles
- No upper age limit
- No reduced coverage once pet hits a certain age
- Offers direct-to-vet payment option
Cons
- Long waiting period for cruciate ligament issues
Additional Details
Pets Best lets their users choose between several accident and illness plans, accident only plans, and routine care add-ons. Pet owners also benefit from fast claim processing, a short waiting period for accidents, and 24/7 access to telehealth services.
Coverages:
- Accident and illness plans
- Accident only plans
- Optional add-on for routine care
Claims Process: Online via the Pets Best website or mobile app or through email, fax, or standard mail
Coverage details:
All accident and illness plans cover:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Cancer treatments
- Hereditary and congenital conditions
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Ongoing and chronic conditions
- Diagnostics
- Behavioral conditions
- Dental
- Prosthetic devices and wheelchairs
- End of life care
Most accident and illness plans cover:
- Exam fees
- Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments
- Physical rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
Accident only plans cover accidents such as:
- Broken bones
- Foreign object swallowing
- Poisoning
- Car accidents
- Lacerations
- Snake bites
Routine care add-on covers expected veterinary visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and other expected medical care.
Best for finding pet-friendly activities
Figo
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
1 day for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $10,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750
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Pros
- Brief waiting period for accidents
- 24/7 telehealth service for pets
- Offers an option for 100% reimbursement
- 5% discount for multiple pets
- Includes social features to connect with other pet owners
Cons
- No coverage for dental illnesses
- Vet exam fees are not covered in the standard plan
- Long waiting period for illnesses and orthopedic injuries
- Reduced coverage options for older pets
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
Additional Details
Figo’s waiting period for accidents is one of the shortest we’ve seen in pet insurance – just one day. Additionally, pet owners receive 24/7 access to telehealth services and can use the app to find pet-friendly activities and other local pet owners in the area.
Coverages:
- Illness and injury plans
- Optional wellness add-on
- Optional veterinary exam fees add-on
Claims Process: Online through the Figo Pet Cloud or through phone or fax
Coverage details:
- Common illnesses such as colds and skin issues
- Accidents and emergencies such as broken bones or vehicular injuries
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes
- Hereditary and congenital disorders such as hip dysplasia and heart problems
- Cancer treatment including radiation, chemo, and surgeries
- Wellness and preventative care including yearly exams, vaccines, and diagnostic tests
Best for avian and exotic pets
Nationwide
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and more
Waiting periods
14 days for accidents and illnesses, 12 months for cruciate ligament injuries, 90 days for certain wellness care on the modular plan
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 70%, 90%
Deductible choices
$250
Show More Details
Pros
- Customizable and modular plans for flexible coverage
- Coverage for birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other exotic pets
- Includes vet exam fees in reimbursement amount
- No annual maximum
- 24/7 telehealth service for pets
- 5% multi-pet discount, 5% bundling discount
Cons
- Only one deductible option
- Longer waiting periods
- Doesn’t reimburse end of life services
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Some plans have age maximums for pets
Additional Details
Nationwide is a leader in insurance, and pet owners who enroll in their pet insurance can select accident coverage, illness coverage, wellness coverage, or a combination. They also offer a 24/7 telehealth service and will cover pets beyond cats and dogs.
Coverages:
- My Pet Protection plans cover accidents, illness, and wellness
- Modular plans include the option to cover accidents, illness, and wellness as needed
- Major Medical plans cover accidents, illness, and optional wellness
- Whole Pet plans cover accidents and illnesses
- Avian and Exotic plans cover accidents and illnesses
Claims Process: Online through the Nationwide website, through email, mail, or fax
Coverage details:
Accident coverage includes:
- Broken bones
- Poisonings
- Sprains
- Lacerations
- Auto accidents
- Ingested items
- And more
Illness coverage includes:
- Ear infections
- Vomiting
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- And more
Wellness coverage includes:
- Checkups
- Vaccinations
- Flea control
- Heartworm
- Bloodwork
- Urinalysis
- And more
Best for coverage customization
Embrace
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
2 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, 6 months for orthopedic injuries
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
Show More Details
Pros
- Brief waiting period for accidents
- Ability to customize deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual maximum
- 24/7 telehealth service for pets
- Includes vet exam fees in reimbursement
Cons
- Longer waiting period for illnesses
- Long waiting period for orthopedic injuries
- Doesn’t offer direct-to-vet payment option
- Doesn’t offer wellness insurance plans
Additional Details
Embrace has a long list of covered accidents and illnesses – just about everything that isn’t considered a pre-existing condition. Pet owners can customize their care based on preferences and budget. They also offer a wellness rewards program to help budget for preventative care.
Coverages:
- Customizable plans cover nearly all accidents, illnesses, and conditions
- Wellness rewards program to help budget for preventative care
Claims Process: Online through the Embrace website or app
Coverage details:
Accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Ligament tears
- Osteosarcoma
- And more
Illnesses include:
- Dental illnesses
- Lyme disease
- Parasites
- And other preventable illnesses
Conditions include:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- And other breed-specific, congenital, and genetic conditions
Coverage includes treatments, rehabilitation, emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, specialist care, diagnostic testing, and prescription medications.
Best for full coverage
TrustedPals
App availability
Yes
Types of pets covered
Cats and dogs
Waiting periods
14 days for accidents or illness, 12 months for cruciate ligament injuries or hip dysplasia
Maximum annual coverage
$4,000, $8,000, Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Deductible choices
$0, $100, $250, $500, $750
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Pros
- Offers 0% deductible option
- Offers 100% reimbursement option
- 1% of all profits benefit homeless pets
- 5% discount for service dogs
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 24/7 telehealth service
- Doesn’t have an accident-only plan
- Long waiting period for cruciate ligament injuries and hip dysplasia
Additional Details
TrustedPals covers a long list of accidents and illnesses that may affect your pet. Pet owners can also enroll in additional coverage for behavioral services, training, and routine care. Additionally, 1% of their profits are donated to help pets affected by natural disasters.
Coverages:
- Accident and illness plan
- Optional wellness add-on
Claims Process: Online through TrustedPals online “Pawtal” (portal)
Coverage details:
Accident and illness plans cover situations such as:
- Toxic ingestion
- Broken bones
- Diagnostic and testing
- Ear infections
- Cancer
- Prescription food
- Prescription medications
- Surgery
- And more
Optional wellness plan offers $750 per year to cover:
- Annual exams
- Dental cleanings
- Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Prescription pet food
- Spaying/neutering
- Vaccinations
- And more
Exclusions And Limitations
Each pet insurance provider and plan will have its own list of what’s excluded from or limited in their coverage. For example, pre-existing conditions – typically defined as conditions that were already present at the time of enrollment – aren’t covered by most pet insurance plans.
Another consideration is that any conditions your pet experienced during the waiting period (the time between enrollment and when coverage begins) will not be covered. That timeline may be different for accidents, illnesses, and more serious conditions.
Other common exclusions for pet insurance include:
- Boarding/daycare services
- Cosmetic procedures, such as ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing
- Experimental treatment
- Costs related to breeding/pregnancy
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Minnesota
The cost of your pet insurance plan will depend on a number of factors: your pet’s type, breed, age, location, and medical history, to name a few. The amount of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement presentence you elect will also impact your premium.
In Minnesota, the average cost to insure a pet are as follows:
- Dogs: $12 – $116
- Cats: $9 – $45
- Exotic pets: $10 – $100
Cost Of Pet Insurance In Minnesota Versus Other Regions
Location can have a large impact on the cost of your insurance, as the cost of veterinary care will vary based on availability and cost of living. In Minnesota, pet insurance is slightly lower for dogs compared to the national average and slightly higher for cats.
Individual cities throughout Minnesota may also have varying rates. In many cases, the cost of insuring a pet in Minneapolis will be more expensive than other parts of the state, such as Rochester.
Pet Laws In Minnesota
Whether residing in or just visiting Minnesota, pet owners should be aware of all applicable laws regarding pet ownership. Statewide, Minnesota has the following regulations:
- All pets, including cats, dogs, bird, rodents, and others, must be given sufficient food, water, and space to exercise
- All dogs uncontrolled off of the owner’s premises must be clearly identifiable by a tag, microchip, or other method
Local ordinances may require additional compliance:
Minneappolis
- All dogs and cats over four months old must be up to date on their rabies vaccines and licensed; they must wear a collar displaying the license tags at all times.
- All ferrets must be licensed
- A multiple pet license is required for anyone with four or more cats, four or more dogs, or five or more total dogs and cats
- Dogs who want to visit an off-leash park must obtain an additional license
Rochester
- No more than five dogs over six months old can live in one household at the same time
St. Paul
- All dogs three months or older must be licensed
- Microchipped pets can receive a lifetime license as opposed to renewing annually
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Enrolling In Pet Insurance Worth It?
Deciding whether to enroll your pet in insurance is a personal decision that will depend on your situation and your pet. However, pet insurance can be a valuable resource when faced with unexpected veterinary costs throughout your pet’s life.
How Does Pet Insurance Reimbursement Work?
Unlike human medical insurance, pet insurance companies work directly with you to pay for care. You will be required to pay the bill to the vet when it’s due, then you can submit a claim to your pet insurance provider. Full or partial reimbursement will then be sent directly to you.
Are Pre-existing Conditions Ever Covered By Pet Insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are rarely, if ever, covered by traditional pet insurance. However, some plans may make exceptions for “curable” conditions. If your pet has not shown symptoms or needed treatment for a certain period of time, a plan may cover that condition in the future.
At What Age Should I Enroll My Pet In Insurance?
Most insurance providers allow pets to enroll at eight weeks old. Enrolling your pet as early as possible can be beneficial, as any conditions they develop throughout their life will be considered pre-existing if they are not already enrolled in a pet insurance plan at the time.
Find out more
- What is Pet Insurance? – Demystifying pet insurance.
- How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost? – Cost considerations for pet insurance.
- Pet Dental Insurance – The importance of dental coverage for pets.
- Wellness Plans Worth It? – Assessing the value of wellness plans.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Coverage for the unexpected accidents.
- Senior Pet Insurance – Customized plans for your aging companion.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer? – Exploring cancer coverage options.
- Life Insurance for Pets – Understanding the benefits for your pet.
Adeleine Whitten
Author
Adeleine Whitten is a seasoned writer and lifelong pet owner with extensive experience in crafting content about veterinary topics that resonates with a diverse audience. She currently works as an in-house and freelance copywriter in Cleveland, Ohio. In her spare time, you can often find her with a good book or in the Taco Bell drive-thru.
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