Pet Dental Insurance: A Buyer's Guide

That’s where pet dental insurance comes in. With coverage from one of our best pet insurance companies, you can offset the cost of out-of-pocket dental bills and ensure your furry friend achieves optimal oral health. Here’s what you need to know about pet dental insurance.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Care?

Pet insurance coverage varies by insurance company. In general, however, it falls into three categories:

1. Dental accidents
2. Dental illnesses
3. Preventive dental care

Typically, most pet insurers will reimburse you for dental accidents like broken or chipped teeth. However, with dental illnesses like gingivitis and gum disease, coverage is less common. You’ll have to shop around to find an insurance company that includes dental illnesses in its policies.

Also, regular teeth cleanings and other preventive care services are usually excluded from accident-only and accident and illness plans. To receive coverage for routine dental work, you’ll likely need to invest in a pet wellness plan, which is usually an add-on or rider.

How Pet Dental Insurance Works

• Pay upfront at the vet: Once your furry friend receives a dental service at the vet, you need to cover the cost upfront and collect an itemized receipt and medical records.
• File your claim: Submit your claim with your pet insurance company through their online portal, mobile app, email, fax, or mail.
• Receive reimbursement: As long as the service is part of your plan, the insurer will reimburse you through check or direct deposit, typically within 30 days (though some companies offer faster turnarounds).
• Consider direct vet pay options: Some pet insurance companies offer direct vet pay, meaning they'll pay your veterinarian for dental services directly, so you don't have to come up with the money upfront.
• Understand coverage exclusions: Pre-existing conditions related to your pet's mouth, teeth, and gums, as well as cosmetic services like professional teeth whitening, fillings, and implants, will likely be excluded from your plan.

What Does Pet Dental Insurance Cover?

Accident-and-illness Plans

"Every pet insurance plan is different, but extractions of diseased or injured teeth are a primary reason for pet parents to make dental claims," says Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinarian at Rover. Some policies also provide coverage for more advanced or specialist procedures, such as:

• Root canals: A root canal can preserve your pet's severely infected or damaged teeth and help them avoid more extensive procedures.
• Full-mouth extractions: Full-mouth extractions are typically performed to treat pets with stomatitis and other inflammatory conditions in the mouth.
• Vital pulp therapy: Known as an alternative to extractions and root canals, vital pulp therapy aims to preserve pulp when your pet has undergone dental trauma.
• Oral tumors: Oral malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and osteosarcoma are examples of tumors that occur in dogs, while squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma are more commonly seen in cats.
• Major oral trauma: Car accidents, high falls, and other incidents can lead to serious oral trauma in pets that warrants immediate medical attention.

Wellness Plans

“Wellness plans often focus on pet preventative care, so many will cover routine cleanings and/or dental X-rays. However, any additional diagnostics or treatments like extractions are outside the plan,” explains Dr. Greenstein. 

Most wellness policies cap reimbursements for dental cleanings. Some companies, like Embrace, also cover dental maintenance items such as chews, oral rinses, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

Dental Care at Our Top Pet Insurers

Before you move forward with a pet insurance policy, make sure you understand which dental services are covered. Otherwise, you may be forced to pay hefty out-of-pocket costs for dental accidents, illnesses, and routine services.  

Here’s a look at how the leading pet insurance companies include dental care in their coverage options:

Bottom Line

Pet dental insurance can be a smart investment for your furry friend's oral health. It helps manage veterinary costs while ensuring your pet gets necessary dental care.

You can choose accident-and-illness coverage for pet emergencies or add wellness plans for routine cleanings. Compare options from leading insurers to find the plan that fits your pet's needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet dental insurance worth it?

Yes, in many cases, pet dental insurance is worthwhile. It can motivate you to take care of your pet's oral health and reduce the risk of costly vet bills related to dental accidents, illnesses, and wellness services.

Is there pet insurance that covers dental?

Yes, many pet insurance companies help pay for dental care, including ASPCA Pet Health, CarePlus by Chewy, Embrace, Fetch, Figo, Lemonade, MetLife, Pets Best, Pumpkin, and Spot.