80 to 90 percent of dogs and cats develop periodontal disease by age 3. Dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300 to $700 for routine cases, and dental surgery for infections or tooth extractions can run $500 to $2,000 or more. However, dental coverage is one of the most misunderstood areas of pet insurance, what is and is not covered varies dramatically between plans.
Standard pet insurance (accident and illness plans) does not cover routine dental cleanings, even though vets recommend annual cleanings for most dogs and cats. Routine cleanings are considered preventive care and are only reimbursable through wellness plan add-ons. These add-ons typically reimburse $75 to $150 per year for dental cleaning, which may not fully cover the cost.
Dental illness, meaning conditions like periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth root abscesses, and the need for tooth extractions due to disease, is covered by several insurers including ASPCA, Pets Best, Lemonade, Fetch, and Embrace. These insurers include dental illness in their base accident and illness plans. However, many other insurers only cover dental accidents (like a broken tooth from trauma) and exclude dental disease entirely.
Dental accidents, such as a broken or fractured tooth from trauma (biting a hard object, a collision), are covered by most accident and illness plans. If your pet needs a tooth extraction due to an accident rather than disease progression, it is more likely to be covered even by plans with limited dental coverage.
If your vet has ever noted dental disease, tartar buildup, or recommended a cleaning in your records before enrollment, some insurers may classify subsequent dental conditions as pre-existing. Enroll early and keep up with annual cleanings before any disease is noted, both for your pet's health and to keep a clean dental record for insurance purposes.
Key takeaways
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