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Pet dental insurance
Take advantage of dental coverage if you can, but watch out for exclusions
You can find coverage for your pet’s dental care through many pet insurance policies. However, accident and illness policies cover different treatments compared to wellness plans, and some treatments get excluded entirely. You’ll need to compare the treatments covered under each policy and weigh the benefits and cost before buying that policy for your pet.
What's in this guide?
Are dental treatments covered by pet insurance?
Yes, but the dental treatments covered vary by insurer. Most pet policies include coverage for dental illnesses or accidents that harm your pet’s teeth, not routine cleanings.
However, some insurers exclude certain treatments, such as removing deciduous teeth. Other insurers only cover dental illnesses if your pet has received a recent dental cleaning. Review your specific policy to make sure you have the coverage you need.
Are dental cleanings covered by pet insurance?
Not usually. Some wellness plans cover routine care like dental cleanings. Most accident and illness policies exclude routine dental care altogether.
Is dental coverage worth it for my pet?
Getting coverage for your pet can be worth it if your pet is prone to dental problems or if dental care lands on the pricey side. For example, purebred Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Siamese cats can develop a condition known as FORLs, or lesions that destroy the teeth. Instead of paying thousands for dental extractions, pet insurance could cover your dental vet bill.
You can also enjoy coverage benefits if you already bought pet insurance with dental illness coverage.
On the other hand, you might not buy coverage if dental care is the only treatment you want coverage for. In this case, you could pay less by paying out of pocket. For example, treating periodontitis could cost $400 to $850, but you’re not likely to use that coverage every year.
What types of pet dental treatments are covered?
You can stick with your standard accident and illness policy if you’re looking for emergency dental coverage. But you’ll need separate coverage for routine dental care at an extra cost. Before paying for another insurance policy, understand which policies cover which treatments.
Accident and illness policies may cover:
- Abscesses
- Broken, chipped or fractured teeth
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
- Root canals and crowns
- Tooth removal
- Other dental diseases
Wellness plans may cover:
- Dental exams
- Dental cleanings
- Anesthesia
- Dietary chews and supplements
- Pet toothbrushes and toothpaste
Keep in mind that waiting periods apply to dental accidents and illnesses. Many insurers require you to wait a few days for accidents and up to 30 days for illnesses. So make sure you check your policy before heading to the vet.
Compare pet insurance with dental coverage
Pet insurance companies that cover dental diseases
| Providers | Dental coverage? |
|---|---|
| ASPCA | Yes |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | Yes – up to $1,000 per year |
| Nationwide | Yes |
| Pets Best Insurance Services | Yes, pets older than 2 must have dental cleaning in last 13 months |
| Trupanion | Yes |
What dental treatments aren’t covered by pet insurance?
Because insurers can cover or exclude different illnesses, make sure you understand your policy’s exclusions before getting dental care for your pet. Insurance may not cover these treatments:
- Cosmetic procedures
- Orthodontics
- Pre-existing dental illnesses
- Routine dental care – excluded on accident and illness policies
- Any oral treatments specifically excluded from your policy
Do deductibles apply to my pet’s dental treatments?
It depends on the type of policy you have. For dental illnesses, the deductible you chose on your accident and illness policy will apply to your pet’s treatments. However, many wellness plans don’t require a deductible before getting routine dental care like cleanings.
Bottom line
You can find pet insurance options to cover dental care, including illnesses or routine dental cleanings. However, you’ll pay extra if you weren’t planning to get accident and illness insurance or a pet wellness plan. To find the best rates for dental coverage, shop several pet insurers who offer this benefit.
Frequently asked questions about pet dental coverage
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