Does pet insurance cover dental cleaning? Dental care is an important part of your pet’s overall health, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise.
Just like humans, pets can suffer from plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay if their teeth aren’t cleaned regularly.
Professional dental cleanings at the vet can help prevent serious issues, but they can also be expensive; sometimes costing hundreds of dollars per visit.
Because of the cost, many pet owners turn to pet insurance and ask a common question: Does pet insurance cover dental cleaning?
The answer depends on the type of insurance plan you have and the specific coverage it offers.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning?
Dental care is a key part of your pet’s overall health, but it’s often something pet owners don’t think about until there’s a problem.
Just like people, pets can suffer from dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These problems can cause pain, lead to infections, and even affect your pet’s major organs over time.
Regular brushing helps, but it’s not enough. That’s why professional dental cleanings at the vet are so important.
However, these cleanings aren’t cheap. A routine dental cleaning for a dog or cat can cost anywhere from $300 to $700, and that price can go higher if your pet needs additional treatment.
Because of the cost, many pet owners wonder whether pet insurance can help cover it. The answer isn’t simple; it depends on your policy and the type of coverage you have.
Routine vs. Medical Dental Care
Pet insurance companies usually separate dental care into two main categories: routine dental care and medical dental care.
Routine Dental Care
This refers to regular cleanings done to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy. These cleanings help prevent disease and are considered part of general wellness or preventive care.
Medical Dental Care
This on the other hand, involves treatment for existing dental problems. This includes things like infections, broken teeth, extractions, abscesses, or surgery due to dental disease.
Most standard pet insurance plans do not cover routine dental cleanings. These are often excluded unless you pay extra for additional coverage.
However, if your pet has a dental illness or gets hurt and needs treatment, your insurance may cover the medical dental procedure, depending on the policy.
When Is Dental Cleaning Covered?
Dental cleanings may be covered by pet insurance in certain situations:
You Have A Wellness Or Preventive Care Add-On
Some pet insurance providers offer optional wellness plans that cover routine care like vaccinations, checkups, and dental cleanings. These plans cost extra each month but can help with preventive expenses.
The Cleaning Is Part Of Treating A Health Problem
If your pet has a severe gum infection, tooth decay, or another condition that needs professional dental care, the treatment (including cleaning) may be covered under your regular insurance plan.
If your pet doesn’t have any medical dental issues and you don’t have wellness coverage, you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket for routine cleanings.
How To Know What’s Covered
Because coverage varies by company and plan, it’s important to:
Read Your Policy Carefully
Look for sections that talk about dental care and check if it mentions cleanings, illnesses, or exclusions.
Call The Insurance Provider
If you’re not sure what’s covered, it’s a good idea to ask directly.
Check If They Offer Wellness Add-Ons
If you want help with preventive dental care, see if your provider offers a plan you can add for an extra fee.
Understanding your policy will help you avoid surprise expenses and choose the right coverage for your pet’s needs.
Why Dental Cleaning Is Still Worth It
Even if dental cleanings aren’t covered by insurance, they’re still a smart investment in your pet’s health.
Poor dental hygiene can lead to painful infections, tooth loss, and long-term problems with the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Treating these problems later can be far more expensive than regular cleanings.
Pets often hide signs of pain, so you may not even know they have dental problems until they become serious.
Regular cleanings can catch issues early and help your pet stay comfortable and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Pet insurance can help with some dental costs, but routine cleanings are usually not covered under basic plans.
You’ll likely need to pay extra for a wellness add-on to get that kind of support. However, insurance often does cover dental treatments that are medically necessary due to injury or illness.
If your goal is to protect your pet’s dental health and avoid big vet bills in the future, it’s a good idea to:
- Understand your current plan,
- Consider adding a wellness option if available,
- And keep up with regular cleanings, even if you have to pay for them yourself.
Taking care of your pet’s teeth now can lead to a healthier, happier life for them; and fewer unexpected expenses for you down the road.
