Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental? Does It Cost More?

Dental care is essential for our beloved pets. Proper dental maintenance will keep your pet healthy and happy, although sometimes these services can be expensive. When left untreated, dental problems can lead to more severe issues, which is why you should have proper coverage for them.

Many people wonder if pet insurance covers dental issues and care. Luckily, there are insurance companies that cover dental, and their price can vary depending on your exact needs and the policies you choose.

If you’re considering a dental policy for your furry friend, check out the rest of our article to find out why it is important, whether it costs more, and which insurance companies offer it.

Do You Need Dental Insurance for Your Pet?

Dental hygiene in pets is vital as it prevents bad breath, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene could lead to severe dental issues, and your pet could develop life-threatening symptoms.

Many pet owners forget to include proper dental maintenance into their routine, leading to plaque and tartar that can potentially infect the gums. If that happens, your pet can develop abscesses which would require costly treatment.

If you are looking for the best dental plan, we recommend checking a few different companies to compare policies and find the one that best fits your needs. These are just a few of the best-rated pet insurance companies you can start with:

Top Rated Pet Insurance Companies:

Pets with improper oral hygiene can also suffer from periodontal disease that can cause tooth loss and gingivitis, leading to other expensive treatments and medication you’ll need to fund. There are various other dental health issues and diseases which can be costly to treat on your own.

If you have dental insurance, it will cover the majority of costs depending on your premium, saving you money in the long run. However, as not all companies have this type of policy, you’ll need to do your research to find the best fit for you and your pet.

What Represents Pet Dental Care?

Pet dental care includes any procedure involving your pet’s mouth, gums, and teeth.

It’s best to take your pet to regular dental vet checks at least once a year. However, if you notice any of the following signs, you should go for a checkup sooner:

Our pets cannot talk, so it’s up to us to figure out when something is wrong and provide them with the needed care and support, lowering the chances of severe issues.

How Can I Take Care of My Pet’s Teeth?

The best way to promote good oral hygiene in pets is to daily brush their teeth. It’s best to start this from a young age so your pet will have time to adjust to brushing. Once brushing becomes a habit for both of you, it will develop into a bonding routine with extreme health benefits for your pet.

You could also introduce dental “diets” and dental chews to your pet as they are excellent at controlling plaque and tartar. Another thing you can do is consult your vet for dental hygiene gels and products you can use on a daily basis.

Common Dental Problems In Pets

Not taking proper care of your pet’s dental health could develop various issues, from mild to severe, which is why you should never neglect this portion of the daily maintenance routine. If your furry friend doesn’t receive the needed oral hygiene, it could develop:

Some of these conditions are included in insurance cost treatments while others are not, so you should always discuss all the available policies with your insurance company to find the proper coverage.

Dental Issues That Pet Insurance Covers

Most pet insurance companies that cover dental care costs have a list of diseases and procedures they fund. These can vary from company to company, but there’s some sort of a standard that you can notice among pet insurance policies. Typically, they will cover costs for:

However, some companies provide dental coverage only in cases of dental accidents and not dental illnesses. That’s why it’s crucial to check the policy thoroughly before you sign up for it.

If you're searching for a pet insurance plan that will suit you and your pet, you may want to take a closer look at Spot. This company offers highly customizable plans at a range of budget levels.

Dental Issues That Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Similarly to some standard procedures that the majority of pet insurance companies include, there’s a list of common procedures these policies exclude:

Pet Insurance Companies That Provide Dental Insurance Policies

Although dental insurance policies are not common in all pet insurance providers, there are companies that offer this service. Here’s a list of some pet insurance companies that will cover dental costs based on the plan you have:

Besides the companies on the list, there are other pet insurance providers that offer some sort of dental coverage, so always check all the available options before choosing the one for your pet.

Does Pet Insurance Cost More When It Covers Dental?

Pet insurance does cost more when it covers dental care, as you’ll need to purchase separate policies that are not a part of the original package. Typically, dental care is included in:

As these policies are commonly not standard, it’s likely your pet insurance will cost more with these add-ons. The prices vary per the pet insurance provider, and all the services included in the policy.

Many companies will require you to bring your pet to exams and annual cleanings before covering dental treatment for illness, and you’ll need to pay for those services out of your pocket. Also, many of them have a certain reimbursement amount per year or condition, which might not cover your final costs.

Is Pet Dental Care Without Insurance Expensive?

Pet dental care without insurance is typically extremely expensive. The costs depend on your pet, region, and other factors, but the price adds up, especially if your pet needs additional scanning, x-rays, and blood tests prior to the procedure.

Another factor is that almost all animals experience dental problems once they are over 2 years old, meaning that even the healthiest pet will eventually need dental care. In our opinion, it’s better to spend a couple of bucks more on pet insurance that includes dental than to pay for procedures from your own pocket.

Conclusion

Pet insurance occasionally covers dental, and it’s likely that your premium will be higher when dental care is included. However, it’s well worth the price as you won’t have to worry about expensive dental costs your beloved pet might face in the future.

Ensure you carefully choose the pet insurance provider to make a balance between the needed services and your budget.

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Featured Image Credit: DWhiteeye, Shutterstock