Best Pet Dental Insurance

According to the Veterinary Information Network, dental disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers have higher risks due to crowded teeth, while brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs experience dental problems from jaw misalignment. Cats commonly develop tooth resorption, affecting 20% to 60% of cats, as per Cornell University College of Medicine.

Dental procedures can impact your budget without insurance coverage. According to CareCredit’s 2024 data, common dental treatment costs include:

• Dental X-rays: $75 for cats
• Dental cleaning: $376 for dogs, $430 for cats
• Dental disease/periodontitis (cleaning): $270 for dogs
• Dental consultation: $50 for cats
• Dental tooth extraction: $81 for cats

These costs vary by location, veterinarian and your pet's condition severity.

Annual limits between $10,000 and unlimited work best for comprehensive dental coverage, as complex procedures like multiple extractions or surgeries can cost thousands of dollars. Choose deductibles between $250 and $500 to balance affordable premiums with manageable out-of-pocket costs when filing dental claims. Select 80% to 90% reimbursement rates for dental coverage, as the 10% to 20% difference in monthly premiums is minimal compared to savings on expensive procedures.

Get quotes from at least three providers to compare dental coverage costs for your pet's specific profile, using the same deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate. Look for pet insurance discounts on insuring multiple pets or bundling policies that can reduce premiums by 5% to 10%. Also, compare whether dental cleaning requires a separate wellness plan or comes included with standard coverage.

Understanding policy details prevents surprise claim denials when seeking dental treatment. Key terms to review include:

• Waiting periods: Most providers require 14 days before coverage for dental accidents and illnesses begins.
• Pre-existing conditions: Dental issues diagnosed before coverage starts are usually excluded.
• Routine vs. illness coverage: Some insurers cover dental diseases under standard plans, while others require an optional add-on. Similarly, some companies require optional wellness plans for routine dental cleanings.
• Treatment exclusions: Cosmetic procedures and some orthodontic treatments usually aren't covered.
• Curable conditions: Depending on the insurer, pre-existing dental issues may be covered if they are cured and symptom-free for six to 12 months after treatment.

Research provider reviews on Trustpilot and Reddit to gauge customer satisfaction with dental claim processing. Look for complaints about denied dental claims or slow reimbursement processing in customer reviews. Also, check how providers handle common dental procedures like extractions and periodontal treatment in their claim examples.

Enrolling pets before age two ensures dental issues won't be classified as pre-existing conditions when coverage begins. Waiting until dental problems develop means those conditions and related treatments won't be covered under your policy. Young pets have minimal dental history, making them more likely to qualify for comprehensive coverage without exclusions.