Pet insurance dental coverage is worth it for most pet parents, especially if you've got a small breed or older furry friend. Here's the deal: dental disease is incredibly common in pets, with most dogs and cats developing some form of periodontal disease by age 3. Most standard pet insurance covers dental accidents and illnesses (think broken teeth, gum disease), but routine cleanings usually need a wellness add-on. With dental work potentially costing hundreds to thousands of dollars, having coverage beats getting hit with surprise bills. The key? Get coverage before problems show up.
Most comprehensive pet insurance plans cover dental accidents and illnesses like broken teeth, periodontal disease, and infections, but not routine preventive care.
Here's what's typically covered and what isn't:
Usually Covered (Standard Plans):
Usually Not Covered (Without Wellness Add-on):
Covered with Wellness Add-ons:
The reality? Dental disease was the fourth most frequent pet insurance claim for cats and sixth most frequent for dogs, so this stuff comes up more than you'd think.
Veterinary dental costs vary significantly based on your location, the complexity of the procedure, and your pet's specific needs.
Basic Cleaning Costs:
When Things Go Sideways:
The reality is that dental problems can quickly escalate from routine maintenance to expensive medical procedures, making insurance coverage a smart financial hedge for many pet owners.
Research consistently shows that smaller dog breeds face significantly higher rates of dental disease compared to larger breeds.
High-Risk Groups:
Why Small Dogs Get Hit Harder: Their teeth are crowded together in smaller mouths, making plaque buildup easier and cleaning more difficult. Plus, dental disease often progresses without obvious symptoms until it's advanced.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats, and by the time your pet is 3 years old, they'll very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease.
If you've got a small breed, dental coverage isn't just nice to have—it's often essential.
Dental coverage makes financial sense when you consider that many plans offer it as part of comprehensive coverage or through affordable wellness add-ons.
The Math:
You Should Definitely Consider It If:
Skip It If:
The smart money is on getting comprehensive coverage early, just like savvy RV owners who understand that proper insurance prevents small problems from becoming major headaches down the road.
Here's where timing matters big time. Any dental illness or injury before you buy coverage—or even mild gum inflammation—can void coverage for related conditions.
The Pre-existing Problem:
The Fix: Get coverage while your pet is young and healthy. If you're interested in pet insurance, it's important to enroll early before dental disease is present. The Veterinary Oral Health Council provides valuable guidance on maintaining your pet's dental health to prevent pre-existing conditions from developing in the first place.
Standard Accident & Illness Plans:
Accident-Only Plans:
Wellness Add-ons/Preventive Plans:
Comprehensive Plans:
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider:
Red Flags to Watch For:
Scenario: 5-year-old Yorkshire Terrier needs dental work
Without Insurance:
With Comprehensive + Wellness Coverage:
The coverage often pays for itself when your pet faces their first major dental procedure, especially for breeds prone to dental issues.
Ready to protect your pet's oral health? Review your current coverage or get a free quote that includes dental benefits. Better yet, schedule a dental check-up with your vet to assess your pet's current oral health—then make an informed decision that sets your furry friend up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Don't wait until your pet's breath could knock you over or they're pawing at their mouth in pain. By then, you're looking at treatment costs, not prevention. Get covered, get ahead of the problem, and keep those tail-wagging, purring moments coming for years to come.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
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