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How Pet Insurance Covers Dental Issues
Dental disease affects the majority of dogs and cats by adulthood, but pet insurance coverage for dental issues is more nuanced than accident/illness coverage generally. Most base plans cover dental illness resulting from an accident or disease (like a broken tooth from trauma, or an infection requiring extraction), but routine cleanings are typically excluded unless you add a wellness plan.
What's Typically Covered vs. Excluded
| Dental Issue | Usually Covered? |
|---|---|
| Tooth extraction due to disease/infection | Yes, on standard accident + illness plans |
| Broken tooth from an accident | Yes, as an accident claim |
| Routine dental cleaning | No — requires a wellness add-on |
| Pre-existing dental disease | No — excluded like any pre-existing condition |
Typical Dental Treatment Costs
Dental extractions can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple case to $1,500-$3,000+ for extensive periodontal disease requiring multiple extractions under anesthesia — costs that a standard accident + illness plan can meaningfully offset once your deductible is met.
Getting the Right Dental Coverage
- Confirm illness-related dental coverage: Standard plans should cover dental disease requiring treatment, not just accidents — verify this specifically
- Add wellness coverage if you want cleanings covered: Only available through optional add-ons at insurers like Lemonade
- Enroll before dental issues develop: Existing dental disease at enrollment will be excluded as pre-existing
Frequently Asked Questions
Not on standard accident + illness plans — routine cleanings require an optional wellness add-on, offered by some insurers like Lemonade. Standard plans do cover dental treatment resulting from disease or injury, though.
Yes, generally, if the extraction is due to disease or injury diagnosed after your policy's effective date and waiting period. Pre-existing dental disease at the time of enrollment would be excluded.