Just like humans, pets need proper dental hygiene to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. However, unlike us, they can't book an appointment with the dentist or tell us when something's wrong – and they can’t tell us that they’re in pain, either. This is why you need to pay attention to them and get them checked out by a vet on a regular basis.
Pet dental insurance is a financial safety net designed to help cover the costs of veterinary dental care. But is it worth the investment? Navigating the world of insurance can be daunting, but we’re about to sink our teeth into the pros and cons of pet dental insurance to help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you and your furry family members.
So, let's sink our canines into this topic and find out if pet dental insurance packs a bite worth sinking your money into.
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Content:
- What’s Covered with Dental Pet Insurance
- What’s Not Covered with Dental Pet Insurance
- How to Choose Dental Coverage for Your Pet
- Is Dental Insurance for Dogs Worth It
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What’s Covered with Dental Pet Insurance
The world of pet insurance is complex, especially when it is broken down into different components, such as dental. Regular pet insurance doesn’t usually come with dental included, and some providers don’t offer dental coverage at all.
Generally, just as with non-dental pet insurance, there will be types or levels of coverage. For pet insurance cover dental, these are:
1: Dental Accidents
Dental accidents in pets include things like cracked, badly chipped, fractured, or broken teeth, or losing one or more teeth in an accident. Gum disease isn’t an accident, because it happens over time, but running into a glass door and shattering a front tooth is. And, according to research, it can cost as much as $2,500 to remove your dog’s tooth in an emergency or urgent case. That’s a lot of money if you haven’t got it.
You’ll more than likely find that anesthesia is included along with removal of baby teeth (extraction,) as well as crowns. You must read the T&Cs of your policy before singing on the proverbial dotted line to ensure that you are 100% covered for everything you’ll likely encounter.
You can’t see into the future, but you can prepare for it!
2: Dental Illnesses
Gum disease, periodontal disease, gingivitis, cancerous growths, stomatitis, and more, are all dental illnesses that are covered by most dental-specific or addon plans packs. They just couldn’t have existed before the policy was taken out. If it’s already there, it’s a pre-existing condition, and it probably won’t be covered by the plan.
3: Dental Accidents & Illnesses
As the name suggests, an accident and illness policy will cover (to a point) both dental accidents and illnesses. This type will, of course, cost more than subscribing to one or the other.
Read more: Pet Insurance for Dogs & Puppies
4: Emergency Only
Some plans, like Petcube’s Emergency Fund, only deals with life-threatening or emergency cases. So, for example, a broken tooth that leads to an abscess is life-threatening because it can quickly develop into sepsis.
For just $29 per month, you’ll unlock access to $3,000 of emergency care cover in those high-stress pet emergency situations – and it all starts with a quick snap or a video call with a licensed and trained veterinarian. It gets better, too! You’ll get 27% off the subscription price right now by using this link. Consider it our way of saying thanks for sticking around and reading the blog!
What’s Not Covered with Dental Pet Insurance
Although some providers offer packages where discounts are involved, things like cosmetic or aesthetic dental treatments, orthodontic, or endodontic treatments are not covered by standard dental pet insurance plans. This includes:
- Root canal treatments;
- Fillings;
- Braces/straightening therapies;
- Teeth whitening;
- Cosmetic teeth cleaning;
- Teeth implants;
- At-home dental equipment or care;
- And similar.
Essentially, if it’s not necessary for the health and wellbeing of your pet, it probably isn’t covered by regular pet or dental-specific insurance policies.
Anything that is classed as “routine,” such as regular checkups, aren’t often included in a typical, standard pet dental insurance plan, but many companies offer add-ons, such as “wellness packages or plans,” which cover them, or offer a discounted price on them. The add-on price is often worth it, especially as studies show that teeth cleaning with anesthesia for a dog can cost as much as $350+.
At the same time, however, Dr. J Greenwood reminds us: “Toothbrushing is so vitally important if you want to keep your dog’s mouth in tip top condition!”
Pre-existing dental issues or conditions are not covered by cat or dog dental insurance, much the same as pre-exiting conditions aren’t covered with typical non-dental/regular pet insurance.
Read more: How Does Pet Insurance Work?
How to Choose Dental Coverage for Your Pet
Primarily, check your regular pet insurance policy, as it might cover some dental work. Alternatively, you might be able to add something on to your regular policy, such as a wellness plan, which offers covered or subsidized dental treatments.
Do you want a dental-only plan, or a regular pet insurance policy with a dental addon? That’s one thing you’ll need to figure out before you start shopping around, along with your budget, your needs, and your dog’s medical history and age. This is important in some instances as there are often older age restrictions and more.
Is Dental Insurance for Dogs Worth It
I’m actually going to answer this question with a couple of facts, which I think proves the point quite eloquently:
According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, up to 90% of all dogs aged three and over will have some level of periodontal disease. Studies also show that risks of the disease increase with age, and it is more prolific in smaller breeds.
Chances are that your dog will need dental treatment at least once in their lifetime. According to market research, periodontal disease can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 to treat. Unless you have a few hundred dollars lying around spare, dental insurance is definitely going to be worth it. It’ll cost a lot more in an emergency situation, unless you have something like Petcube’s Emergency Fund!
Now, let’s just pretend that you are a bad pet parent and ignore your dog’s dental issues. They might get an abscess (infection) with a broken tooth that goes unfixed. When the infection also goes untreated, your pet has an extremely substantial risk of developing sepsis, which can kill humans and animals alike in a matter of hours, in severe cases.
You will need to take into account factors such as your pet's breed and age, their predisposition to dental problems and treatment, as well as your own monetary budget. Additionally, don't forget to read the fine print of any insurance policy carefully to understand coverage limits, exclusions, and waiting periods.
Read more: Pet Insurance for Cats
FAQs
Does regular pet insurance cover dental problems?
Generally, dental issues (accidents or illnesses) aren’t covered by standard pet insurance policies – but it pays to read the small print, as each provider and policy are vastly different. Lifetime policies usually contain some sort of dental coverage, too. Pet insurance with dental included is usually more expensive, especially if a dental/wellness plan has been added on. Compare the increased price to the cost of vet care without insurance, though, and you’ll soon realize why it’s often the better option.
Is periodontal disease in dogs covered by insurance?
Periodontal disease, along with root canals, are one of those things that you’ll either find on a policy… or you won’t. There’s no set rule across the board; some veterinary surgeries offer it, while others don’t.
Some dental accidents and illnesses might be covered by your standard, no-dental pet insurance policy, but you’ll need to read it and find out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to invest in pet dental insurance ultimately boils down to your individual circumstances and priorities. While it can provide financial peace of mind and help offset the costs of unexpected dental procedures, it's essential to weigh the premiums against potential savings and the likelihood of needing extensive dental care for your pet.
Ultimately, whether pet dental insurance is worth it depends on your pet's specific needs and your willingness to invest in their long-term health and well-being. By staying informed and weighing your options carefully, you can make the best decision for both your pet and your wallet.
Remember: a healthy smile is priceless, whether it's on a human face or a furry one.
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