Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental?
Key takeaways:
Comprehensive pet insurance policies may include dental coverage for treating conditions like periodontal disease and emergency dental issues. However, standalone pet dental insurance is typically not available.
You may need to opt for a wellness add-on to get coverage for routine teeth cleanings and preventive dental treatments.
Before purchasing pet insurance, read the policy exclusions. Common exclusions include treatment for preexisting conditions and breed-specific dental issues, as well as cosmetic procedures.
Table of contents
Getting your pet dental care is an essential part of keeping them healthy. But the costs for extractions, sedation, and other treatments can add up quickly.
Like many pet owners, you may be wondering if your pet insurance policy covers dental issues. Depending on your plan, you may have coverage for some types of dental care, but there may be limitations that you need to consider.
Below, we’ll discuss pet dental insurance and what’s typically covered so you can make informed decisions for your furry friend.
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Is dental care always included with pet insurance?
No, coverage for dental care is not always included with pet insurance. Some comprehensive pet insurance policies offer coverage for dental injuries and illnesses. But getting coverage for routine dental care, such as cleanings and preventive treatments, usually requires a wellness add-on.
It’s important to review your policy details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered, so you can avoid unexpected charges and ensure your pet receives the dental care they need.
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Which pet insurance plans include dental?
Pet dental insurance isn't typically offered as a standalone policy. Instead, you'll need to get a pet insurance plan that includes dental coverage. Typically, comprehensive pet insurance costs around $680 annually for dogs and $380 annually for cats. These plans often cover dental illnesses and accidents, but it’s important to read your policy to understand the exact coverage details.
Before you buy pet insurance, it’s a good idea to review the different levels of coverage to find the best one for your needs. Below are the different levels of pet insurance:
Basic plans (accident-only): These plans typically only cover accidents and may not include any dental coverage.
Comprehensive plans (accident and illness): In general, these plans cover accidents and illnesses. They often include coverage for dental issues such as periodontal disease, injuries, and emergency dental treatments, if there are no specific dental exclusions. Your pet may need to meet certain requirements and maintain regular teeth cleanings.
Routine or preventative care plans: These plans are less common, but they may cover dental cleanings and checkups to prevent and screen for dental issues.
Wellness add-ons: These can be added to any of the above plans to cover routine dental care, such as cleanings and preventive treatments.
What does pet dental insurance usually cover?
Pet dental insurance can cover a wide range of dental issues, though treatment for preexisting conditions is typically excluded. Typically, there are two main categories of pet dental coverage: accident and illness.
To get pet dental cleanings covered, look for comprehensive plans that offer wellness add-ons specifically for routine care. These add-ons can allow you to purchase coverage for dental cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments. The cost of wellness add-ons varies by provider, but they typically cost an extra $10 to $20 per month.
If your comprehensive pet insurance plan offers dental insurance, here’s a breakdown of what’s likely covered:
Periodontal disease: treatment for gum disease and related issues, such as gingivitis and stomatitis
Tooth extractions: removal of damaged or infected teeth due to various dental conditions
Dental injuries: treatment for teeth damaged by trauma or accidents
Infections: treatment for dental abscesses and other types of oral infections
Emergency dental issues: immediate medical care for unexpected dental emergencies.
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Coverage can vary significantly between insurance providers, so it’s important to review your policy to see what is and isn’t included. For example, Healthy Paws pet insurance provides coverage for extractions and reconstruction of teeth damaged in an accident. However, it does not cover routine dental care, such as cleanings, which are required to maintain dental hygiene.
ASPCA’s Complete Coverage plan covers dental treatments for both illnesses and accidents. If you buy the accident-only plan, it covers tooth extractions due to unexpected injuries. For routine dental cleanings, you would need to add preventive care coverage for an additional cost.
What is usually not covered by pet dental insurance?
Pet dental insurance policies can vary widely, but there are a few common exclusions and limitations:
Preexisting dental conditions: Conditions that existed before the policy started are generally not covered.
Cosmetic dental procedures: Procedures done to enhance the appearance of a dog’s teeth, such as teeth whitening, are typically excluded from coverage.
Orthodontic treatments: Treatments like braces are usually not covered.
Routine dental care: Standard plans often do not cover routine cleanings without a wellness add-on.
Nonmedical expenses: Supplies like toothbrushes and toothpaste, even if recommended by a vet, are generally not covered.
Breed-specific dental issues: Some policies exclude or limit coverage for dental conditions common in certain breeds.
How do you pick the right pet dental insurance plan for your needs?
Pet dental insurance can help you manage unexpected costs and avoid big vet bills. In general, you’ll want to purchase a comprehensive pet insurance plan to get dental coverage for accidents and illness. Then, you can opt for a wellness add-on to get coverage for routine care.
When selecting a plan, you’ll want to first think about any dental treatments your pet might need based on their breed, age, and preexisting conditions. Then, look for plans that cover those specific needs and include routine care if that's important to you.
There are comparison tools that can help you find a plan that works for you and your pet. You’ll want to review the premiums and benefits of various plans to make sure you are getting the best deal.
How do you get pet dental insurance?
To sign up for a pet insurance policy that includes dental insurance, follow these three steps:.
Compare policies and review terms. Start by researching different pet insurance providers and obtaining quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value. Be sure to review a policy’s terms for exclusions, limitations, and waiting periods before you purchase it.
Apply for a policy. Choose between accident-only, accident and illness, or another type of policy. Once you find a suitable policy, fill out an application with information about you and your pet.
Customize your coverage. Depending on the policy you choose, you may be able to opt for a wellness add-on for routine care. You may also have the flexibility to adjust deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits to meet your specific needs.
How much does pet dental insurance cost?
On average, accident-only pet insurance costs about $10 a month for cats and $17 a month for dogs. Comprehensive policies cost around $32 per month for cats and $56 for dogs. These premiums can vary based on your pet's breed and age, and where you live. Your policy will detail the specifics of premiums, deductibles, and copays.
Factors that affect the cost of pet insurance premiums include:
Age of a pet: Younger pets generally have lower premiums. Older pets, who are at higher risk for diseases, may have higher premiums.
Breed: Certain breeds are more prone to specific health conditions, which can increase premiums. For example, bulldogs may have higher premiums due to the prevalence of respiratory issues.
Spay/neuter status: Pets that are not spayed or neutered may have higher premiums.
Location: Pets living in more populated areas may have higher premiums due to higher veterinary care costs.
Type of plan: Accident-only plans typically have lower premiums than comprehensive (accident and illness) plans.
Deductible and reimbursement percentage: Higher deductibles generally result in lower premiums, while higher reimbursement percentages increase premiums.
Wellness add-ons: Adding coverage for routine care, such as dental cleanings, can increase the overall cost of a policy.
How much does it cost to get teeth cleaning without pet dental insurance?
If you choose not to opt for a wellness add-on, you can expect to pay out-of-pocket for dental cleanings. The cost of teeth cleanings for dogs and cats can range from $100 to over $1,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure, cost of anesthesia, and the location of the veterinary clinic.
Why is pet dental care so expensive?
Pet dental care can get expensive due to several factors, including:
Specialized equipment: Veterinary dental care requires advanced and costly equipment, including dental X-ray machines and ultrasonic scalers.
Anesthesia: Many dental procedures require general anesthesia to keep pets still and pain-free, adding to the cost.
Complexity of procedures: Dental treatments can be intricate and time-consuming, especially treatments like root canals and extractions.
Pre- and post-operative care: Blood work, monitoring during a procedure, and post-operative care to ensure proper healing all add to the cost of dental surgery.
The bottom line
Pet health insurance can save you thousands of dollars in dental care. On average, it costs about $680 a year to insure a dog and $380 a year for a cat if you’re looking for a comprehensive plan that includes dental coverage.
Before you purchase a plan, it’s important to consider coverage exclusions, such as treatment for preexisting conditions and cosmetic procedures, so you can plan accordingly. Be sure to compare plans and read the fine print, so you can choose a policy that suits your pet's needs, breed, and age.
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References
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. (n.d.). What's covered.
Burch, K., et al. (2024). Understanding pet dental insurance. Business Insider.
Healthy Paws. (n.d.). Pet insurance coverage and benefits.
Kilroy, A. (2024). Guide to pet dental insurance. Forbes
Nationwide. (n.d.). What’s not covered.
North American Pet Health Insurance Association. (n.d.). Section #3: Average premiums.
Progressive. (n.d.). Does pet insurance cover dental care?
Sleight, M., et al. (2024). Pet dental insurance: Costs and coverage of 2024. USA Today.
Souza, A. (2023). How much does pet insurance cost? PetMD.
