Looking for a pet insurance policy that includes dental care? Here’s what you need to know.
👉 Before you dive into the article, be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and verbiage used regularly when talking about pet insurance in our pet insurance glossary.
When considering veterinary costs for our pets, we usually think of routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergencies. But taking care of your pet’s teeth is just as important. Dental disease—also known as periodontal or gum disease—is one of the most common illnesses in dogs and cats. Being prepared is important because It can also be expensive without the right pet insurance plan.
The extent of dental coverage in pet insurance plans varies widely between providers. Some offer it for dental issues within traditional pet insurance plans, while others have more limited coverage. In these cases, owners pay a monthly fee toward their annual premium. They are then reimbursed for some out-of-pocket vet costs once they’ve met their deductible.
Not all pet insurance plans cover the cost of dental treatments, nor are all treatments covered. So, it’s important to carefully compare the details of each policy to ensure you find the right solution.
Most pet dental plans cover procedures for dental injuries. These include broken, chipped, and fractured teeth, tooth extractions, root canals and crowns, gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, and stomatitis.
Routine teeth cleanings don’t typically qualify for coverage under traditional insurance plans because they are considered preventative care. However, many insurance providers offer supplemental wellness plans that can reimburse you for cat or dog dental cleaning costs.
Pet insurance typically differs from regular human health insurance in a few ways. Usually, with pet insurance, you pay for veterinary services upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. This is unlike human insurance, where you pay copays upfront rather than the service cost.
Dental care is not always included in standard plans. Many pet insurance providers offer dental care either as part of comprehensive coverage (which may include dental accidents or disease) or as an add-on. Additionally, pre-existing dental conditions are typically not covered.
Supplemental wellness plans can help keep your fur babies healthy. Many dental issues can snowball over time, leading to severe detriments to health and costly procedures. These supplement plans, offered as add-ons, may cover dental illness, accidents, testing, and other necessary services. Early enrollment in a pet dental care plan can ensure coverage for dental issues since pre-existing conditions are typically not covered.
Dental emergencies are all too common in pets. About 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the time they’re three years old. If your pet doesn’t have good oral hygiene, they can develop infections, tooth loss, and even systemic disease that affects their internal organs. Many owners defer the cost of routine dental cleanings and allow problems like these to worsen over time. This often ends up in more expensive treatments down the road.
While pet dental insurance isn’t a typical offering, you can look for pet insurance plans that offer dental care coverage or as an add-on. Some plans cover dental accidents and illnesses minus any particular exclusions outlined in the plan. For dental coverage to apply, your pet may need to meet certain qualifications before enrollment and you’ll need keep up with their dental health and hygiene. Below are some pet insurance plans that offer dental benefits.
It’s impossible to prevent your pet from ever having a dental emergency. But there are some easy ways you can help them maintain good dental health.
🚨 Never, ever use human toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth. Many human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.
👉 Learn how to brush your dog's teeth quickly and safely.
According to most veterinarians, your dog should have their teeth cleaned about once a year.
Some vets specialize in dentistry more than others. But in general, all veterinarians receive training in dentistry and can treat basic conditions.
Coverage offered by each pet insurance plan differs. Most plans cover unexpected injuries, accidents, and illnesses. Some also cover surgery, medication, tests, diagnostics, emergency care, and exam fees.
Yes, pet dental insurance can be a great investment. Some plans cover routine care, while additional plans and packages can cover the costs of expensive dental procedures. Consider your pet's breed and dental health, and review your plan’s exclusions before deciding.
Not usually. Most pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing dental conditions.
