Most dogs and cats face dental disease by age three, making pet dental insurance a crucial consideration for pet owners. Untreated dental issues can lead to significant health problems, including tooth loss and heart complications. However, not all insurance plans cover dental treatments, with some charging extra for coverage or excluding common conditions like periodontal disease altogether.
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To identify the best pet dental insurance options, we evaluated companies offering extensive coverage for dental issues within their standard plans. Additionally, we considered insurers with optional wellness plans that facilitate preventive care through routine dental cleanings.
**ASPCA**: Rated 5.0 on NerdWallet, ASPCA offers comprehensive coverage for dental diseases, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. The policy covers dental accidents like tooth extractions and abscess treatments, though it excludes crowns and implants. Their optional wellness packages can reimburse routine dental cleanings. The waiting period for accidents and illness coverage is 14 days, with no waiting period for preventive care.
**Embrace**: Also rated 4.6, Embrace covers a range of dental conditions, including broken teeth and gingivitis. Although it allows customization of plans, it imposes a $1,000 annual limit on dental care, which may not suffice for costly treatments. Embrace has a wellness plan covering routine dental care, effective immediately, while accident and illness coverage often follows a 14-day waiting period.
**MetLife**: Another option rated 5.0, MetLife stands out by covering more dental care, including endodontic and orthodontic procedures. Although it begins accident coverage immediately with a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage, it does not offer a direct payment option to vets.
**Pumpkin**: Rated 5.0, Pumpkin provides immediate reimbursement for dental expenses through its PumpkinNow service. It covers extractions and other necessary dental treatments but excludes aesthetic procedures. The standard waiting period for all claims is 14 days.
**Spot**: Spot, also rated 5.0, offers coverage for various dental treatments but does not include root canals or crowns. Their preventive care plans aid in covering routine dental cleanings, with a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses.
Pet dental insurance generally covers accidents and illnesses related to dental issues, but routine care usually requires a separate wellness plan. These are essential for managing routine dental maintenance like cleanings, helping prevent larger issues over time.
Many policies do not cover pre-existing dental conditions, so it's essential to understand the specifics of each plan when enrolling. Costs for dental care, including extractions, can range significantly; routine cleanings average about $388 for dogs and $375 for cats, dependent on various factors including location and pet health. Owners should inquire about coverage specifics and annual limits when selecting a policy.