Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental?

Pet insurance covers an array of procedures, conditions and illnesses - but, does it cover dental care for your dog or cat?

There are many aspects to your pet’s dental health, so here’s a condensed explanation of what your pet insurance policy covers when it comes to oral hygiene.

Dental Pet Insurance: What Does It Cover?

Every pet insurance policy is different when it comes to dental coverage.

Most of the time, teeth cleanings are not covered by pet insurance as it’s considered routine or wellness. And, because pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, any dental issues your pet may have before you buy pet insurance will not be covered under your policy.

So, while your dog or cat’s dental cleaning will need to be paid for out of pocket, here are some things that pet insurance will cover.

Fractured teeth and dental accidents are always covered by pet insurance. And, some comprehensive pet insurance companies offer coverage for dental diseases and illnesses. Such as - periodontal disease, gingivitis and oral tumors.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats deal with some kind of periodontal disease by the age of 3. And, other dental illnesses and injuries that can often occur include:

• Malocclusions
• Feline Tooth Resorption Syndrome
• Dental Epulis
• Complicated Dental Fractures
• Uncomplicated Dental Fractures

An Example Policy of Pet Dental Insurance by SPOT

To get a better idea of dental coverage for your pet, here is what SPOT pet insurance covers according to their website:

• For their Accident Only Plan
• They cover tooth extractions for your dog or cat’s dental issues related to injuries.
• With their Accident and Illness Plan, treatment for dental issues (as long as it’s not a pre-existing condition) such as:
• Gingivitis
• Stomatitis
• Periodontal Disease
• Fractured Teeth
• Epulides and Tumors

If you want your pet’s dental cleanings to also be covered, you can purchase an add-on preventive care plan to be reimbursed for those dental cleanings.

“With our Gold Plan, you get $100 for dental cleanings each year. With our Platinum Plan, you can use up to $150 on dental cleanings.”

Routine Dental Care - Is It Covered?

As a general rule, routine dental care such as teeth cleanings are not included in most pet insurance plans. This is because it is considered wellness, not accident or illness. Due to this, some pet insurance policies allow for a wellness add on - which sometimes allows dental care to be reimbursed by your provider.

Yet, if you can afford to pay for these cleanings and visits out of pocket - adding wellness to your plan may not be worth the cost.

Some dental care you can expect to pay for out of pocket include:

• Routine dental cleaning
• Annual Dental Checkups
• Teeth Brushing by vet or groomer
• Pet toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental chews or supplements

How To Find the Right Dental Insurance Plan For Your Pet

Dental coverage can make it easier to keep your pet’s teeth healthy. So, make sure you buy a pet insurance policy that covers what you want it to.

Every dog / cat is different, therefore paying attention to the history of your breed is crucial when determining their long term health and wellness.

Fursure makes finding the best pet insurance for your pet simple and easy. To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes, buy a pet insurance policy today!