We all want what is best for our pets. This means that we have to maintain their dental health, too, but it can be pricey.
Pet insurance is a great way to pay for any medical bills. Some pet insurance covers dental care, which you can use to keep your pets’ gums and teeth in good condition.
Understanding how pet insurance and dental plans work is important to make an informed decision about their healthcare.
Let’s take a look at why you need dental coverage in pet insurance plans.
Is Dental Care Covered by Pet Insurance?
Some don’t cover dental care at all, but there are many pet insurance plans that offer great dental benefits. The type of dental coverage depends on the specific insurance policy you pick. Some insurance providers only cover specific treatments like tooth extractions. Others might have limits on how much coverage they provide.
Pet owners should review their insurance policies carefully to understand the different dental services that are covered. If there are any limits, you should definitely look into it. Plus, providers can also offer optional coverage for routine services. But you might need to pay an additional fee for it.
Dental Insurance Coverage and Exclusions
Nobody wants to be blindsided when their pet needs urgent care. This is why you should read the policy plan carefully so that you don’t get frustrated later when you need a reimbursement.
Typical Dental Coverage
Most policies will cover the dental care procedures below.
Crowns
Pet insurance usually covers dental caps that can protect fractured or damaged teeth.
Extractions
Extractions for infected, unsalvageable, or abscessed teeth are necessary. If you don’t get the procedure, it can cause your dog a lot of pain.
Oral Surgery
Some dental surgeries, like removing abscesses or tumors, are usually covered by insurance. However, it is best if you check whether you need to add it to your policy.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Plaque made up of bad bacteria can often build up on the teeth, which start to infect the tooth. Your pet will need scaling and polishing to treat or prevent gum disease. Some plans offer wellness or preventative care add-ons that offer periodontal disease treatments.
Root Canals
Sometimes, pet insurance will pay for root canals if it's saving a fully damaged tooth.
Common Exclusions
There are some dental care procedures that are usually not included.
Cosmetic Procedures
Any dental procedures that are for cosmetic purposes will not be covered. You can’t get insurance to pay for your cat’s teeth whitening.
Orthodontic Procedures
You might be surprised to learn that dogs can wear braces, too! But, you will not find coverage to correct teeth alignment.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Any dental problems that were diagnosed during the waiting period or before enrolling for the pet insurance will not be covered.
Routine Care
You will need to add a preventive add-on to cover routine care costs.
Pet Dental Insurance Costs
The cost of your pet insurance will depend on your pet’s breed and age. Where you live, and the type of insurance plans and add-ons you get will also determine the cost.
In the United States, dog owners may have to pay $17 monthly for accidental-only insurance. For accident and illness plans, you may have to pay $56 monthly. For cats, accident-only plans can cost $10 monthly, and accident and illness plans can cost $32 monthly.
You should note that accident or illness and accident plans have limited dental coverage. If you want to make sure you can make payments for their dental health, you might want to check out some wellness and preventative add-ons. With enough maintenance, you can keep your pet healthier for longer and avoid massive dental costs.
Pet Dental Insurance Benefits
Dental care insurance for pets can make sure that your pet’s oral health is taken care of without any financial burden.
Pet dental insurance has plenty of benefits.
Prevent Costly Dental Issues
If you can add preventative care to your insurance plan, you will be able to avoid costly problems when your pet grows old. Routine cleaning doesn’t come cheap, so we do recommend getting an add-on if you can. Even just removing tar and plaque from the teeth can cost $150 to $350. Usually, a basic wellness policy can cost around $10 but offers hundreds in coverage.
Improving Pet Health
A lot of pet owners may not get some treatments or even avoid going to the vet since it can be expensive. But every pet deserves healthcare to treat their ailments and make sure they aren’t in pain. Pet insurance is a great way to pay for treatments and preventative care that will help your pet live a healthy, long life.
Peace of Mind
You don’t want to be stuck with a huge bill while also dealing with your furry friend going through health problems. It can cause a lot of stress to see your pet in pain but be unable to pay $200 for a tooth extraction. If your pet needs extractions for several teeth, a root canal, or surgery, it can cost thousands of dollars.
Pet insurance will ensure that you are able to pay for your pet’s care without emptying your savings account.
How to Prevent Dental Problems for Pets
Even if you do get a pet insurance plan with dental care, there are still some things you can do to take care of your dog's oral health.
Here are some ways to prevent dental problems in the future.
Regular Dental Checkups
We recommend that pet owners get routine dental checkups to make sure their gums and teeth are healthy. Vets can check for signs of dental diseases. Catching them early and treating them quickly can prevent major health issues.
Brushing
There are plenty of easy pet toothbrushes and yummy toothpaste you can use for your pets. Make sure to get toothpaste that is safe for pets, as human toothpaste can harm your pets. Brushing their teeth regularly can prevent dental diseases.
Dental Toys and Treats
There are also many dental treats and toys that can break down plaque and tartar buildup.
Diet
Pet owners can focus on a diet that promotes good dental health. You can consult with your vet about what would be a good option for your pet.
Conclusion
Getting pet insurance that covers dental is a great idea to make sure your pets stay healthy. Good dental hygiene will keep your pets’ digestive health up.
