At least in Canada, AppleCare+ for the Mini is available in such a way as you don't pay it all in one whack.
When I picked up mine, I was offered the option of paying half of AppleCare+ then, and the other half at the one year anniversary. Made it an easier decision - though I don't know how often they like to promote these AppleCare options.
(Similarly, I pay monthly for AppleCare on my iPhone 12 Mini. Works out marginally more expensive than all at one whack at time of phone purchase, but a more affordable option at the time. And can be cancelled at any time)
While I appreciate the Mini doesn't have the potential wear and tear of a MacBook and if there's a hardware issue from the factory, its going to be likely discovered within the first 90 days - but still, I'm okay with getting it. Someone else's problem if it all goes pear-shaped.