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Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Work?
Taking good care of your pet’s teeth now can help prevent costly health problems later. Pet insurance can protect you from unforeseen vet bills, and some policies cover eligible dental work. However, what kind of dental treatment is covered can vary depending on the type of pet insurance you choose.
Common Pet Dental Issues
Because animals tend to hide pain, it can be difficult to diagnose pet dental issues without a thorough dental exam. Up to 90% of dogs over the age of 3 have periodontal disease, the Cornell Canine Health Center reports. Up to 90% of cats over age 4 have some type of dental illness, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.
The most common pet dental problems are:
- Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums
- Periodontitis, which results from untreated gingivitis
- Tooth resorption, or the erosion of an entire tooth, typically requiring extraction
- Fractured teeth or other dental injuries, which affect an estimated 1 in 4 pets
How Much Do Pet Dental Procedures Cost?
The ASPCA estimates dental care costs an average of $500 annually for dogs and $300 for cats. Prices vary depending on factors such as your location and your pet’s age, breed, and size. Here’s what you can expect to spend on some common pet dental procedures:
| Dental Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dental cleaning with anesthesia | $450-$1,000 |
| Dental extraction | $500-$3,000 |
| Root canal | $1,000-$3,000 per tooth |
| Dental X-rays | $150-$1,000 |
| Gingivitis | $300-$700 |
| Periodontal disease | $400-$1,000 |
| Tooth fractures | $200-$500 |
| Abscessed teeth | $200-$500 |
How Much Does Pet Dental Insurance Cost?
Pet accident and illness insurance to cover your pet’s dental illnesses and emergencies costs an average of $56.30 per month for dogs and $31.94 for cats, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).
Once you have pet insurance, you can add a wellness plan, which typically covers part of the cost of dental cleanings. On average, you’ll spend an additional $587.78 annually for a dog wellness plan and $242.69 for a cat wellness plan, NAPHIA reports.
However, caps for dental cleanings tend to be low, so even with a wellness plan, you’ll likely pay several hundred dollars for a dental cleaning. Carefully weigh whether the potential benefits of a wellness plan outweigh the premiums, or whether you’re better off saving that money for your pet’s care.
How to Get Pet Insurance
Your home or auto insurance company may sell pet insurance; you can also buy it from companies that specialize in pet insurance. To get pet insurance:
- Determine the coverage you want. Do you need accident-only insurance, accident and illness insurance, or a complete package including a wellness plan? Also consider health risks your pet faces due to breed conditions or habits (like eating rocks).
- Do some research. Review pet insurance websites to get a general idea of what each company offers and weed out those that don’t have the coverage you want.
- Get quotes. Streamline your search by using a website that gathers quotes from multiple pet insurance providers all in one place. Be sure to get quotes for the same deductibles, reimbursement rates, types of coverage, and coverage caps.
- Compare coverage and costs. Review the details of each provider’s coverage, typically available in a sample policy on their website. Evaluate coverage limitations, waiting periods, and exclusions. Contact the company to clarify anything you don’t understand.
- Purchase a policy. Provide some basic information about your pet and pay your premium, which you can typically do monthly or annually. Consider setting up autopay to ensure your pet is protected.
The Bottom Line
Pet insurance can help keep pricey dental treatments from taking a bite out of your pet-care budget. However, pet dental coverage can vary from one insurance plan to another, so it’s important to do your homework before you buy a policy.
Because pet insurance won’t cover all your dental care costs, consider setting aside money for annual dental cleanings in a sinking fund. Stashing your cash in a high-yield savings account can help your money earn more—giving you more to spend on your beloved pet.
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