Dog Insurance That Covers Dental: Top Options

A lot of pet owners, 5,534 to be exact, got free quotes from top pet insurance companies in the last month. This shows how many people want insurance that covers dental care for their pets. Dental care is key to keeping pets healthy and happy.

Pet dental insurance covers two main things: accidents and illnesses. Accidents are things like chipping a tooth, while illnesses are diseases like cavities. Insurers pay for many procedures, like fixing broken teeth and treating gum disease.

But, they don’t cover everything. Things like pre-existing conditions and cosmetic dentistry are not covered. Also, fillings, implants, and routine cleanings are often not included.

Key Takeaways

• Pet owners are increasingly seeking comprehensive insurance plans that cover dental care for their dogs.
• Dental insurance covers both accidents and illnesses affecting a pet’s oral health.
• Common covered procedures include tooth extractions, root canals, and treatments for gum disease.
• Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic dentistry, and routine cleanings are often excluded from coverage.
• Evaluating factors like premiums, deductibles, and reimbursement levels is crucial when selecting a pet dental insurance policy.

Overview of Pet Dental Insurance Coverage

When looking at pet dental insurance, it’s key to know what dental issues are covered. Dental accidents, like chipped or lost teeth, are often covered under accident-only or accident-and-illness policies. But, dental illnesses, such as cavities and gum disease, are trickier when it comes to insurance.

Dental Accidents and Dental Illnesses

Dental accidents from mouth trauma are usually covered by standard accident or accident-and-illness policies. But, dental illnesses, like cavities and gum disease, are often not covered or have special rules. Insurers try to limit claims for these common dental diseases in dogs and cats.

Procedures Typically Covered

• Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Crowns
• Gingivitis and periodontitis
• Root canals
• Stomatitis
• Tooth extractions

Exclusions and Limitations

Pet dental insurance covers many dental procedures but has exclusions and limits. Common exclusions include:

1. Cosmetic dentistry
2. Fillings
3. Implants
4. Pet orthodontics
5. Routine dental cleanings

Insurers may also set rules or limits on certain dental procedures. Also, pre-existing dental conditions are usually not covered. So, it’s best to sign up for insurance before any dental problems start.

“Dental disease in pets can make other illnesses worse, like diabetes, kidney, or heart issues.”

Importance of Dental Care for Dogs

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is key to their health. Not taking care of their teeth can lead to serious problems like gum disease. This can cause a lot of pain and lead to other health issues.

Most dogs over four years old have gum disease, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. Over 70% of cats over two years also face this problem. Neglecting dental care can lead to a lot of pain and high vet bills later.

Dental issues in pets can cause many health problems. These include gum disease, tooth decay, and infections that spread. It can also cause bad breath, make eating hard, and lead to weight loss.

Regular dental cleanings and care are vital for your dog’s health. Pet insurance plans like the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan’s Complete CoverageSM can help cover these costs. This includes coverage for gum disease, tooth abscesses, and even cancerous growths.

At home, practicing good dental hygiene is important. Brushing your pet’s teeth every day, giving them dental chews and toys, and feeding a balanced diet can help. Avoid giving them hard objects that could harm their teeth.

Putting your dog’s dental health first can prevent future pain and costs. Regular vet check-ups, cleanings, and home care are key to a healthy, happy smile for your pet.

Average Costs of Common Dental Treatments

The cost of dog and cat dental care varies a lot, depending on the dental problem. Carecredit says the average cost for pet dental treatments is between $50 and $300. But, treating periodontal disease can cost $400 to $1,000. Issues like abscessed teeth, root canals, and misaligned teeth can cost $200 to $3,000.

Cost Breakdown by Dental Issue

Here’s a closer look at the costs for different pet dental problems:

These costs can change a lot. They depend on your pet’s location, the vet’s experience, and how bad the dental issue is. Regular check-ups and teeth cleanings can help avoid more expensive treatments later.

Factors Affecting Pet Insurance Premiums

Pet insurance premiums can change a lot based on several factors. Variables that determine pet insurance rates include your pet’s age, breed, location, coverage limits, deductible, and reimbursement percentage.

Older pets and some dog breeds have higher insurance rates because they face more health risks. For instance, what makes dog and cat insurance more expensive is breeds like bulldogs or pugs, which often have breathing and other health issues. Big dog breeds also usually cost more to insure.

Higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, and higher reimbursement percentages make plans more expensive. But, mixed breed pets are usually cheaper to insure than purebreds because they have fewer health issues.

Where you live can also affect your pet insurance costs, with prices changing by region. Pet insurance premiums go up as your pet gets older. So, think about this when looking for a policy.

“The average monthly pet insurance premiums for different cat breeds range from $30.73 for Siamese to $37.36 for Maine Coons.”

How to Save Money on Pet Dental Insurance

As a pet owner, keeping your furry friend’s teeth healthy can cost a lot. But, with smart choices, you can save on pet dental insurance. This way, you can keep your pet’s smile bright without spending too much.

Purchase Insurance Early

Buying pet insurance early helps avoid claim denials for pre-existing conditions. Most dental problems start early, often before your pet turns three. Issues like unerupted teeth and baby teeth retention show up in pets under a year old.

Add Wellness Coverage

For routine dental care, choose a pet insurance plan with wellness coverage. These plans can cover up to $150 a year for dental cleanings and other important services like vaccines and parasite preventives.

Follow Veterinary Recommendations

Pet insurance often requires following vet advice for dental care and cleanings. This usually means an annual check-up and dental cleaning for most pets. Some pets might need cleanings twice a year.

Explore Payment Options

You must pay for dental care first and then claim insurance. Options like CareCredit let you pay over time without interest. You can also use savings for your pet’s dental care.

By using these tips, pet owners can save on dental insurance. This helps ensure their pets get the dental care they need for good oral health.

Expert Advice on Choosing a Policy

Choosing the best pet dental insurance policy is crucial. Experts say to do your homework and make a smart choice. “There are many options available. Do some research on policies and make an informed decision,” advises Kristi Flynn, DVM and Veterinary Clinical Sciences Professor at the University of Michigan.

To pick the right veterinarian recommendations for pet dental insurance, consider these key factors:

1. Coverage Scope: Make sure the policy covers the dental procedures your pet needs, like cleanings, extractions, and root canals.
2. Deductibles and Reimbursement Rates: Know the deductible and how much the policy will pay back. These can affect your costs.
3. Waiting Periods: Understand the waiting times before you can use the dental coverage. This can impact when you can get benefits.
4. Network of Providers: Check if you can see any vet or if you must use in-network ones, which might limit your choices.
5. Ongoing Costs: Think about the monthly or yearly costs and if they fit your budget. Make sure the policy is affordable over time.

By carefully considering expert tips on selecting the best dog and cat dental coverage, pet owners can find a policy that offers great coverage and is cost-effective for their pets.

“There are many options available. Do some research on policies and make an informed decision.”

– Kristi Flynn, DVM, Veterinary Clinical Sciences Professor, University of Michigan

Waiting Periods for Dental Coverage

Pet insurance that covers dental care has waiting periods. These are the times between when you start your policy and when it actually kicks in. It’s key to know about these waiting times. Any dental issues that happen during this period might not be covered.

Waiting periods for pet dental insurance can be quite different. They range from just 1 day to 30 days, based on the provider and where you live. Some insurers might wait 14 days for dental accidents and 30 days for illnesses. Others could cover dental accidents right away but wait 6 months for some conditions.

If your pet gets a dental problem during the waiting period, it might not be covered. This is because it would be seen as a pre-existing condition. To avoid this, it’s best to get pet insurance, including dental coverage, early, before dental issues can happen.

Some companies, like Companion Protect, offer pet insurance with no waiting periods for pets from certain shelters. In these cases, coverage can start right after you buy the policy.

Knowing about waiting periods for pet dental insurance helps pet owners make smart choices. It ensures their pets get the coverage they need when dental emergencies or illnesses strike.

“Waiting periods in pet insurance are designed to protect the insurance company from fraudulent claims, while keeping monthly premiums affordable for pet owners. It’s important to research and understand these waiting periods before purchasing a policy.”

Top Pet Insurance Providers Covering Dental Care

Several pet insurance companies are great for dental care. They offer coverage for dental accidents, illnesses, and some preventive care. Let’s look at what makes these plans stand out:

Fetch by The Dodo

Fetch covers dental illnesses and injuries. This includes gum disease care, prescription meds, and more. It also covers all your pet’s adult teeth.

Monthly costs are $90 for dogs and $45 for cats. You must submit medical records and some conditions aren’t covered.

Figo Pet Insurance

Figo covers dental issues under its standard plan and more with add-ons. Wellness add-ons help with exams and vaccines but not dental cleanings. You can add a vet exam add-on for diagnosis and treatment costs.

The standard plan is $54 for dogs and $25 for cats. Pets must be 8 weeks old, and records are needed. Some conditions and routine dental care aren’t covered.

Trupanion Pet Insurance

Trupanion covers dental accidents and illnesses in its base plan. It includes specialty treatments for rare dental issues. But, it doesn’t offer wellness plans for routine dental cleanings.

It’s a bit pricier but offers unlimited coverage and 90% reimbursement. Premiums are $123 for dogs and $53 for cats. Pets need yearly dental exams and following vet advice. Some conditions and late claims aren’t covered.

Spot Pet Insurance

Spot’s plan covers dental accidents and illnesses for $68 a month for dogs and $30 for cats. You need a preventive plan for dental cleanings. The Gold plan gives $100 for cleanings yearly, and Platinum offers $150.

Pets must be 8 weeks old, and records are needed. Some conditions and actions aren’t covered.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

ASPCA covers dental disease and injury but not routine cleanings. Dental cleanings are covered with the preventative care add-on. Premiums are $47 for dogs and $29 for cats.

how much is dog walking insurance

As a professional dog walker, getting the right insurance is key to protecting your business and the pets you care for. The cost of dog walking insurance varies a lot. Knowing what affects the rates can help you choose wisely.

The cost of dog walking insurance is usually between $15 and $90 a month. On average, it’s about $66 a month for dogs and $32 for cats. The exact cost depends on the coverage limits, deductibles, and how much you get back from claims you make.

For rates for pet sitter liability coverage, you might pay $300 to $1,000 a year. This insurance covers injuries or damages to pets while you’re taking care of them.

The pricing for professional dog walker insurance changes based on your business size, how many pets you look after, and the risks of your job. Generally, you’ll pay between $500 to $1,500 a year. This covers liability, property damage, and even injuries to pets.

Remember, the cost of your insurance is an investment in your business, your clients, and their pets’ safety. By looking into and comparing insurance options, you can find the right mix of coverage and cost. This way, you can focus on giving the best care to the dogs and cats you look after.

Comparing Pet Dental Insurance Options

Looking at pet dental insurance plans shows big differences between dogs and cats. Many plans cover everything from simple cleanings to complex procedures like tooth removal and treating dental illnesses. But, each insurance company offers different coverage.

We looked at top pet insurance companies like Fetch, Figo, Trupanion, Spot, and ASPCA. We found that dental care types, waiting times, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and monthly costs vary a lot. When picking a plan, think about what procedures are covered, any extra preventive care, and how it fits your pet’s needs and your budget.

As shown, dog and cat dental insurance plans differ a lot, with cat plans often being cheaper. Some insurers also offer extra dental care services that can be good for your pet’s health. When choosing dental insurance for your pet, think about their specific needs, your budget, and the cost-benefit to find the best plan.

“Maintaining your pet’s dental health is crucial for their overall well-being, and pet dental insurance can be a valuable investment in their long-term health and happiness.”

Is Pet Dental Insurance Worth It?

Thinking about pet dental insurance? It’s important to look at how a big vet bill would affect your wallet versus the yearly cost of insurance. For instance, a dog’s tooth extraction can range from $150 to $1,500. Without insurance, you’d have to pay this yourself.

Example Cost Analysis

Let’s dive into the costs and benefits of pet dental insurance. The average monthly cost for pet insurance varies by breed:

• Labrador Retriever: $37.50/month
• Golden Retriever: $38.44/month
• Chihuahua: $16.37/month
• French Bulldog: $50.77/month

Assuming an average monthly premium of $30 for a mixed-breed dog, the yearly cost would be about $360. But, a single dental procedure could cost $500 or more without insurance.

When you compare potential costs to the yearly premium, pet dental insurance can save you money. Make sure to check the policy details to fit your pet’s needs and your budget.

“Typically, pet insurance policies reimburse around 90% of the cost of covered veterinary services, so pet owners can expect to pay only a small portion of the bill out of pocket.”

Deciding on pet dental insurance depends on your situation and your pet’s needs. By understanding the savings and coverage, you can choose what’s best for your pet’s health and your wallet.

Conclusion

Pet dental insurance can be a great way to cover your pet’s dental costs. It’s important to look at the policy details and think about your pet’s age and breed. By getting coverage early and following vet advice, you can keep your pet’s teeth healthy for years.

Key points about pet dental insurance include understanding what the policy covers, saving money with annual payments, and how different factors affect premiums. Pet owners should check out various insurance options to find the best fit for their budget and needs.

Getting pet dental insurance can ease the cost of unexpected dental problems. This lets you give your pet the best care possible. By considering the main points from this article, pet owners can decide if dental insurance is right for them.