Top 10 Dental Insurance for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Dental Insurance For Dogs. If you love your dog, you probably want to keep them healthy and happy. You may take them to the vet regularly, feed them quality food, and play with them often. But do you pay attention to their dental health?

How does dental insurance for dogs work?

Dental insurance for dogs works similarly to dental insurance for humans. You pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurance company in exchange for a certain amount of coverage for your dog’s dental care. The coverage amount depends on the type and level of plan you choose.

There are two main types of dental insurance for dogs: wellness plans and accident/illness plans.

Wellness plans: These are preventive plans that cover routine dental care, such as exams, cleanings, x-rays, and sealants. They may also cover some minor procedures, such as fillings or extractions. Wellness plans usually have a low deductible or no deductible at all. They also have a maximum annual limit on how much they will pay for your dog’s dental care.
Accident/illness plans: These are comprehensive plans that cover major dental procedures, such as root canals, crowns, implants, and braces. They may also cover some emergency dental care, such as surgery or hospitalization. Accident/illness plans usually have a high deductible and a co-pay. They also have a maximum annual limit or a lifetime limit on how much they will pay for your dog’s dental care.

Some insurance companies offer both types of plans as separate options or as a bundle. Some also offer add-ons or riders that can enhance the coverage of the basic plans.

To apply for dental insurance for your dog, you need to provide some information about your dog, such as its name, age, breed, gender, health history, and microchip number. You may also need to answer some questions about your dog’s dental health and habits, such as how often you brush their teeth, what kind of food they eat, and if they have any existing dental problems.

The insurance company will then evaluate your application and determine if your dog is eligible for coverage. They may also require a physical examination or a dental record from your veterinarian to verify your dog’s dental condition.

If your application is approved, you will receive a policy document that outlines the terms and conditions of the coverage. You should read the policy carefully and make sure you understand what is included and excluded in the coverage.

What does dental insurance for dogs cover?

Dental insurance for dogs covers different aspects of your dog’s dental care depending on the type and level of plan you choose. Generally speaking, most plans cover the following services:

Dental exams: These are checkups that assess your dog’s oral health and detect any signs of disease or damage.
Dental cleanings: These are procedures that remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth and gums.
Dental x-rays: These are images that show the internal structure of your dog’s teeth and bones.
Dental sealants: These are coatings that protect your dog’s teeth from decay.
Dental fillings: These are materials that fill in cavities or holes in your dog’s teeth.
Dental extractions: These are procedures that remove damaged or infected teeth from your dog’s mouth.
Dental root canals: These are procedures that treat infected or inflamed nerves and tissues inside your dog’s teeth.
Dental crowns: These are caps that cover and restore broken or decayed teeth.
Dental implants: These are artificial roots that replace missing teeth and support artificial teeth.
Dental braces: These are devices that correct misaligned or crooked teeth.

Some plans may also cover the following services:

Dental surgery: This is a procedure that involves cutting or removing tissue from your dog’s mouth, such as tumors, cysts, or abscesses.
Dental hospitalization: This is a service that provides intensive care for your dog in case of a dental emergency, such as trauma, bleeding, or infection.
Dental medications: These are drugs that treat pain, inflammation, infection, or other conditions related to your dog’s dental health.

The coverage amount for each service varies depending on the plan. Some plans may pay a fixed amount, such as $50 or $100, regardless of the actual cost of the service. Some plans may pay a percentage of the cost of the service, such as 80% or 90%, after you pay the deductible and co-pay. Some plans may pay the actual cost of the service, up to the maximum annual limit or lifetime limit of the plan.

You should check the policy document carefully and make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered by the plan.

What does dental insurance for dogs not cover?

Dental insurance for dogs does not cover everything. There are some exclusions and limitations that you should be aware of before buying a plan. Some of the common exclusions and limitations are:

Pre-existing conditions: If your dog has any dental problems that existed before you bought the plan or during the waiting period, they will not be covered by the plan. For example, if your dog has periodontal disease or a broken tooth before you buy the plan, you will not receive any coverage for those conditions.
Age limits: If your dog is too young or too old, it may not be eligible for coverage or it may have reduced coverage. For example, some plans may not cover dogs under six months or over eight years old.
Breed restrictions: If your dog belongs to a breed that is prone to dental problems, it may not be eligible for coverage or it may have higher premiums. For example, some plans may not cover brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, or boxers, because they have narrow jaws and crowded teeth.
Cosmetic procedures: If you want to improve your dog’s appearance rather than their health, you will not receive any coverage from the plan. For example, if you want to whiten your dog’s teeth or give them veneers, you will have to pay for those procedures out of your own pocket.
Alternative treatments: If you want to use unconventional methods to treat your dog’s dental problems, you will not receive any coverage from the plan. For example, if you want to use acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal remedies for your dog’s dental health, you will have to pay for those treatments out of your own pocket.

You should check the policy document carefully and make sure you understand what is covered and what is not covered by the plan.

How much does dental insurance for dogs cost?

The cost of dental insurance for dogs depends on several factors, such as:

The type and level of coverage: Wellness plans are usually cheaper than accident/illness plans. Higher coverage amounts usually cost more than lower coverage amounts.
The age and health of your dog: Younger and healthier dogs usually cost less than older and sicker dogs.
The breed and value of your dog: Breeds that are prone to dental problems usually cost more than breeds that are not. Dogs that are rare or expensive usually cost more than dogs that are common or cheap.
The location and lifestyle of your dog: Dogs that live in urban areas or have active lifestyles usually cost more than dogs that live in rural areas or have sedentary lifestyles.

The average cost of dental insurance for dogs ranges from $15 to $75 per month . However, this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific plan and provider.

You should compare different quotes from different providers and choose the one that offers the best value for your money. You should also look for discounts and promotions that can lower your premiums.

How to find the best dental insurance for dogs?

Finding the best dental insurance for dogs can be challenging because there are many providers and plans to choose from. You should do some research and compare different options before making a decision. Here are some tips to help you find the best dental insurance for dogs:

Know your needs and budget: You should have a clear idea of what kind of dental care your dog needs and how much you can afford to pay. You should also consider your dog’s age, health, breed, value, and lifestyle.
Shop around and compare: You should look for different providers and plans online or offline. You should compare their features, benefits, costs, exclusions, limitations, reviews, ratings, and customer service.
Read the fine print: You should read the plan document carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. You should also check the claim process and requirements.
Ask questions and get advice: You should ask questions to the provider or agent if you have any doubts or concerns. You should also seek advice from other sources, such as veterinarians, pet owners, or experts.

Pros and cons of getting dental insurance for dogs

Getting dental insurance for dogs has its pros and cons. You should weigh them carefully before buying a plan. Here are some of the pros and cons of getting dental insurance for dogs:

Pros:

You may save money on expensive dental procedures that can improve your dog’s health and quality of life.
You may prevent or treat many dental problems that can cause pain, discomfort, or infection to your dog.
You may enjoy the benefits of having peace of mind, financial security, and convenience in case your dog needs dental care.

Cons:

You may have to pay a high premium or a deductible for the coverage, which may not be worth it if your dog does not need much dental care.
You may have to deal with some exclusions or limitations that may prevent you from getting the coverage or reduce the coverage amount.
You may have to go through a complicated or lengthy claim process that may cause you more stress and hassle.

But how do you find the best dental insurance for your dog? There are many providers and plans to choose from, and they may vary in terms of coverage, cost, exclusions, limitations, and customer service. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 10 dental insurance for dogs based on their features, benefits, reviews, ratings, and customer satisfaction.

Here are the top 10 dental insurance for dogs:

Embrace Pet Insurance:

Embrace offers comprehensive dental coverage for dogs as part of its accident and illness plan. It covers up to $1,000 per year for dental illnesses and injuries, such as tooth fractures, abscesses, gingivitis, and periodontitis. It also covers up to $650 per year for dental cleanings and preventive care. Embrace has a high customer satisfaction rating and a fast and easy claim process.

2. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance:

Healthy Paws covers dental accidents for dogs as part of its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an accident, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. Healthy Paws has a high customer satisfaction rating and a simple and transparent policy.

3. Petplan Pet Insurance:

Petplan covers dental injuries and illnesses for dogs as part of its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 100% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an injury or illness, such as tooth fractures, infections, or oral tumors. It does not cover dental cleanings or preventive care. Petplan has a high customer satisfaction rating and a flexible and customizable policy.

4. Pets Best Pet Insurance:

Pets Best covers dental accidents for dogs as part of its accident only plan or its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an accident, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. Pets Best has a high customer satisfaction rating and a low deductible and premium.

5. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance:

ASPCA covers dental injuries for dogs as part of its complete coverage plan or its accident only plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an injury, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. ASPCA has a high customer satisfaction rating and a wide network of veterinarians.

6. Nationwide Pet Insurance:

Nationwide covers dental injuries and illnesses for dogs as part of its whole pet with wellness plan or its major medical plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an injury or illness, such as tooth fractures, infections, or oral tumors. It also covers up to $100 per year for dental cleanings and preventive care with its whole pet with wellness plan. Nationwide has a high customer satisfaction rating and a comprehensive policy.

7. Trupanion Pet Insurance:

Trupanion covers dental injuries and illnesses for dogs as part of its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an injury or illness, such as tooth fractures, infections, or oral tumors. It does not cover dental cleanings or preventive care. Trupanion has a high customer satisfaction rating and a direct payment option.

8. Figo Pet Insurance:

Figo covers dental accidents for dogs as part of its accident only plan or its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 100% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an accident, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. Figo has a high customer satisfaction rating and a user-friendly app and portal.

9. PetFirst Pet Insurance:

PetFirst covers dental accidents for dogs as part of its accident only plan or its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 90% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an accident, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. PetFirst has a high customer satisfaction rating and a short waiting period.

10. AKC Pet Insurance:

AKC covers dental accidents for dogs as part of its accident only plan or its accident and illness plan. It covers up to 80% of the actual cost of dental treatments that are medically necessary due to an accident, such as tooth extractions or root canals. It does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care. AKC has a high customer satisfaction rating and a variety of add-ons and riders.

Conclusion

However, dental insurance for dogs is not for everyone. It may not be worth getting if your dog does not need much dental care or if you can afford to pay for it out of your own pocket. It may also have some drawbacks, such as high premiums, deductibles, exclusions, limitations, and claim issues.

If you are interested in getting dental insurance for your dog, you should do some research and compare different options. You should also consider your needs and budget, read the fine print, ask questions, and get advice. You should also weigh the pros and cons of getting dental insurance for your dog and decide if it is worth getting.

I hope this article helps you with understanding dental insurance for dogs. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.