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Pet Insurance that Covers Dental in 2024

  • Based on our analysis, the best dental insurance for pets is offered by: Lemonade, MetLife, and Paw Protect.
  • Dental repairs and extractions are typically covered by accident and illness plans or accident-only plans, depending on their cause.
  • Routine dental care, like exams and cleanings, is usually only available through wellness plans.
  • At a minimum, it’s a good idea to ensure you have accident coverage as the risk for dental injury is high in dogs and cats.
Best Preventative Care Add-On

Lemonade Pet Insurance

GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
4.8
Maximum annual coverage?
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices?
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices?
$100, $250, $500
Best for Same-Day Accident Coverage

MetLife Pet Insurance

GET A QUOTE on MetLife's secure website
4.7
Maximum annual coverage?
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices?
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices?
$50, $100, $250, $500
Best for No Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Paw Protect

GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
5.0
Maximum annual coverage?
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices?
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices?
$100, $250, $500

A veterinarian’s opinion on pet dental insurance

We asked Dr. Stephanie Liff, a vet with over 15 years of experience, about pet dental insurance and she said the following:

“Dental care is imperative in pets, and so any policy that will help to make this care less of a financial issue is beneficial. Also, dental injuries and accidents are quite common – with some publications even citing that 26% of dogs will encounter carnassial slab fractures in their life, making coverage imperative for these expensive accidents.” - Dr. Liff, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Liff recommends opting for a plan that will cover accidents and injuries for pet dental issues, at a minimum. Optional wellness plans can also cover routine dental care like cleanings, extractions, and more.

Below, you can see a list of our top recommended plans for the best pet dental insurance.

Compare Top Pet Insurance Plans

Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin
Embrace Lemonade Pets Best Paw Protect Healthy Paws Spot Fetch Figo ASPCA Pumpkin
Hide top plans Show top plans

Does pet insurance cover dental care?

Yes, pet insurance can cover dental care, but it depends on the type of policy you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included with pet insurance that covers dental:

Accident-only policies

Accident-only pet insurance covers dental issues caused by accidents.

Examples include:

  • Extracting teeth due to accidental trauma, like being hit by a car
  • Repairing broken teeth from biting something too hard
  • Treating oral injuries from an animal attack

Accident & illness policies

Accident and illness policies offer broader coverage. You’ll want this type of plan for coverage of periodontal disease (dental disease) treatment.

Examples include:

  • Treating dental diseases such as periodontal disease or cavities
  • Extracting compromised teeth due to illness or injury
  • Repairing broken or fractured teeth
  • Root canals, abscesses, and more

Wellness & preventive care policies

These are add-ons to your main policy.

They cover routine dental care like:

  • Regular dental cleanings and polishing
  • Dental exams fees
  • Preventative treatments like fluoride or sealants

Understanding what’s covered

The best pet insurance policies usually include some sort of dental coverage. However, policies can vary widely depending on the provider. It’s essential to review the policy documents to know exactly what’s included and excluded when it comes to dental treatment.

For more details on what pet insurance covers, check out our complete guide.

Which pet insurance covers dental?

Advertiser Disclosure

Best Preventative Care Add-On

Lemonade Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE on Lemonade's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - $100,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Lemonade insurance covers a variety of dental concerns like cleanings, x-rays, anesthesia, and tooth polishing through their Preventative+ plan, and offers coverage for gum disease treatment and tooth extraction through an add-on. We also love that Lemonade has a convenient app that allows you to manage your policy online.

With Lemonade’s accident and illness plan, there is no waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for illnesses, and a 30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions in most states.

PROS

  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Discount for bundling with other policies from Lemonade
  • Various add-ons available

CONS

  • Age restrictions
  • Not available in certain states
  • No unlimited coverage option

Best for Same-Day Accident Coverage

MetLife Pet Insurance

4.7
GET A QUOTE on MetLife's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$1,000-$10,000
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

MetLife may cover acute dental illnesses or accidents, such as periodontal disease and fractured teeth. They also offer a preventative care add-on that includes coverage for dental cleanings.

We love that MetLife has same-day accident coverage, which goes into effect at midnight on the day you buy a policy, a far shorter wait than many pet insurance companies require.

We also like how they offer a variety of discounts for pet parents, like multi-pet discounts, employer benefit discounts, first-responder discounts, health care worker discounts, and more. On top of that, your deductible has the potential to decrease each year you don’t file a claim!

If you have multiple pets, you can take advantage of Metlife’s family plan. The family plan lets you purchase one policy, with one deductible and annual limit, that can be shared between up to three pets.

With MetLife, you don’t need an initial exam to enroll your pet, there is no upper age limit, and many accidents and illnesses are covered as part of your insurance plan.

Accident coverage (and wellness coverage, if you choose to opt-in) goes into effect at midnight on the day you enroll your pet. Illness coverage requires a 14-day wait before coverage is effective. Many orthopedic conditions are also covered at the time that illness coverage kicks in.

PROS

  • Deductible as low as $50
  • Coverage for exotic animals
  • No initial exam required for enrollment
  • Super short waiting period of accident coverage

CONS

  • No unlimited coverage option
  • No vet-direct pay
  • Max 3 pets for multipet/family policy

Best for No Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Paw Protect

5.0
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Paw Protect offers coverage for dental accidents, illnesses, and injury, including periodontal disease, broken teeth, abscesses, and more. They also offer a Wellness Rewards plan add on with $250, $450, or $650 in yearly coverage that can reimburse you for things like teeth cleanings and routine wellness care.

Paw Protect offers customers a $2,000 interest-free charge card that can be used to pay the vet directly, so you have no out-of-pocket expenses. Most other providers require you to pay upfront and be reimbursed.

Paw Protect insurance comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case you have an emergency and aren’t sure whether to take your animal in for a visit. It also offers considerable discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

Paw Protect accident and illness plan has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Wellness plan add-on available
  • Pays vet directly

CONS

  • Max age for full coverage
  • Doesn’t cover boarding

Best for a High Coverage Limit

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Healthy Paws covers dental accidents and injuries like necessary tooth extraction but does not cover elective procedures, dental illness like periodontal disease, pre-existing dental conditions, or dental cleanings and does not offer an add-on for them either.

Healthy Paws has excellent customer reviews and is one of the few providers on the market that can pay the vet for you directly. This is a huge draw for many pet owners as it means next to no out-of-pocket costs to you. The only caveat is that you must call and request a simple authorization before the vet treats your pet. Otherwise, you can pay and be reimbursed.

With the Healthy Paws accident and illness plan there’s a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illness and a 12-month waiting period for conditions linked to hip dysplasia or if your pet is under the age of six. These are some of the longest waiting periods in the industry, which could be a deal-breaker for some people.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage
  • Affordable plans
  • Five reimbursement levels to choose from

CONS

  • Max age limit for enrollment
  • Doesn’t cover dental disease
  • No wellness add-on available

Best for Discounts

Embrace Pet Insurance

4.8
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$5,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
70%, 80%, 90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Embrace offers coverage for dental accidents and illnesses with their standard coverage plan, which includes things like tooth repair, extractions, and medically necessary treatment. They do not cover routine cleanings but offer a Wellness add on that can reimburse you for that, up to a chosen amount per year.

Embrace offers highly customizable plans and ample discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). Their plans can be tailored for up to unlimited coverage.

In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace.

With Embrace’s accident and illness plan you’ll have a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

PROS

  • Affordable plans
  • Many options to customize plans
  • Various discounts available

CONS

  • Doesn’t pay vet directly
  • No exotic pet coverage

Best Coverage Without an Add-On

Pumpkin Pet Insurance

4.2
GET A QUOTE via Petinsurer.com's secure website
Maximum annual coverage
$10,000 - Unlimited
Reimbursement choices
90%
Deductible choices
$100, $250, $500, $1,000
Why We Like It

Editor's take

Pumpkin insurance covers various dental issues related to accidents, injury, or illness but does not cover routine or preventive dental care. They do not offer an add-on to cover routine dental care.

Where other companies let you choose low reimbursement levels, Pumpkin ensures you get 90% back from covered claims and has no maximum age of enrollment. As an added benefit, owners with multiple pets get a 10% discount on policies. When it comes to coverage, what is offered as add-ons from other companies comes standard at Pumpkin.

Pumpkin has a standard accident & illness plan that covers exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary & congenital conditions, rehab therapies, and end-of-life services. You can also customize your plan with an optional add-on for preventative care, but this does not include coverage for dental cleanings.

With Pumpkin’s accident & illness plan, there is a 14-day waiting period. While this is longer than some other providers, Pumpkin has no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia or knee injuries making it a great option for animals prone to joint issues. On the downside, their add-on plan for preventive care doesn’t have a lot of coverage.

PROS

  • Unlimited coverage option
  • Optional wellness add-on available

CONS

  • Only one reimbursement option
  • No vet-direct pay

What isn’t covered under pet dental insurance?

Pet insurance companies often exclude specific dental services from their coverage. It’s essential to compare policies before choosing one.

Here’s a list of common exclusions under pet insurance that covers dental issues:

Review your policy carefully

Insurance companies can deny coverage for non-essential procedures, so it’s crucial to read the terms and conditions before purchasing a plan.

How much does pet dental insurance cost?

Pet dental insurance is typically sold as part of an accident-and-illness or accident-only pet insurance policy.

The table below displays the average monthly premiums for these types of pet insurance.

Type Accident & Illness Accident-only
Dog Insurance $53.34 $16.70
Cat Insurance $32.25 $10.18

This information is based on data provided by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA).

The final cost of your premium will depend on multiple factors, such as your pet’s breed and age.

For more information on how much you can expect to pay, check out our complete guide on what pet insurance costs.

How much does pet dental treatment cost?

Pet dental care is costly, especially if you don’t have insurance to pick up part of the tab.

If your pet develops dental issues, especially if they’re severe, you’ll likely have ongoing medical and dental expenses to cover.

How much you spend on your pet’s dental treatment depends on these factors:

For example, it costs much more to treat an advanced dental illness than it does to get routine dental care. Costs also vary based on where you live, as some cities have higher costs of living than others.

These are the estimated out-of-pocket costs for some of the most common pet dental health services:

Treatment Estimated Cost
Dental cleanings $50 to $300
Dental cleaning with periodontal disease $519 to 768
Dental X-rays $150 to $300
Anesthesia $300 to $500
Oral examination $50 to $100
Oral surgery $400 to $1,000

For a more comprehensive review on how much you can expect to pay and ways to save money, check out our complete guide on dog dental cleaning costs.

How to save money on pet dental care

In addition to getting pet dental insurance, these are some other ways you can save money on your pet’s dental care:

1

Make sure your pet has regular dental cleanings and other routine veterinary services.

If your pet doesn’t see a vet regularly, you may not notice signs of dental illness before it becomes severe. When a disease gets worse, it’s more difficult to treat, making it more expensive to get the care your pet needs.

See More See Less
2

Seek treatment for dental injuries as soon as they occur.

If you take a wait-and-see approach, the issue may get worse instead of getting better. For example, if your dog sustains an injury to its gums, the tissue could become infected. Your best bet is to treat the problem before dangerous bacteria invade the delicate tissue.

See More See Less
3

Consider financing options to help you cover the cost of treatment.

CareCredit is one of the most popular, as it’s designed specifically for medical and dental expenses. The company regularly extends special financing offers, such as no interest for 6 months on charges of $200 or more, making it a little easier to treat a dental disease without emptying your bank account.

See More See Less
4

Set aside money in a savings account.

It’s helpful to earmark some of the money in your savings account for pet dental cleanings and treatment for a wide range of dental problems. Even if you can only spare $25 per month, that’s still $300 per year that you can use to pay for your pet’s dental care.

See More See Less

By combining these strategies with an affordable pet insurance plan, you can ensure your pet’s dental health is in top shape without straining your budget.

Check out our full guide on how to choose pet insurance for more info.

How other providers offer dental coverage

Compare Coverage
Accident & Illness Plan
Available
Available
Accident-Only Plan
Available
Not Available
Surgery
Covered
Covered
Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
Covered
Covered
Chronic Conditions
Covered
test-product-property-111
Dental Disease
Covered
Covered
Allergies
Covered
Covered
Cancer Treatment
Covered
Covered
Physical Therapy
Covered
Covered
Alternative Therapies
Covered
Covered
Behavioral issues
Covered
Covered
Breed Specific Issues
Covered
Covered
Emergency Vet Visits
Covered
Covered
Telehealth Visits
Covered
Covered
24/7 Vet Chat
Covered
Covered
Specialist Visits
Covered
Covered
Exam Fees
Covered
Covered
Blood Tests
Covered
Covered
Laboratory Testing
Covered
Covered
X-Rays & CT Scans
Covered
Covered
Wellness Coverage
Add On
Add On
Prescription Medication
Covered
Covered
Prescription Food
Covered
Add On
Microchipping
Covered
Add On
Boarding
Not covered
Not covered
Euthanasia
Covered
Covered
Max Enrollment Age
No Max
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
14 days
2 days
Illness Waiting Period
14 days
14 days
Orthopedic Waiting Period
14 days
6 months

Is pet dental insurance worth it?

Pet dental insurance can be a valuable investment. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. It’s so common that it affects up to 89% of all dogs over the age of 3 and up to 90% of all cats over the age of 4, and it can be expensive to treat. Without coverage, the costs of procedures like extractions, root canals, or oral surgeries can add up quickly and cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance that covers dental ensures you’re not faced with large out-of-pocket expenses if your pet requires treatment.

Another reason pet dental insurance is worth considering is that dental health is closely tied to overall health. Poor dental care can lead to serious issues, such as infections that spread to other organs. With dental coverage, you can stay proactive about your pet’s dental health, helping prevent more significant health problems down the road.

However, it’s essential to weigh the cost of the policy against the potential benefits. If your pet is young and healthy, you may not need extensive coverage right away. On the other hand, it’s important to remember that pet insurance will always be cheaper to get when your pet is young and healthy, and you won’t run the risk of them developing pre-existing conditions.

Ultimately, pet dental insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you’re financially prepared to handle any dental issues that arise. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks related to pet insurance plans, explore our comprehensive guide on whether pet insurance is worth it.

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Pet dental insurance FAQs

Does pet dental insurance exist by itself?

It’s extremely rare for an insurance company to offer a stand-alone dental insurance policy for pets. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but you’ll likely have to look for a general pet insurance plan that covers dental services.

Does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning?

Some pet insurance policies cover routine dental cleanings for cats and dogs. During a routine cleaning, a veterinarian removes plaque and tartar buildup, which helps with preventing dental problems like gum disease. The vet also looks for signs of oral cancer, mouth ulcers, unerupted teeth and other issues that could turn into major problems later on.

Does pet insurance cover tooth extractions?

Many pet insurance plans cover tooth extractions, but you need to read the terms of your policy to determine if there are any exclusions. For example, some plans only cover extractions related to dental accidents.

Does pet dental insurance have any waiting periods?

In insurance lingo, a waiting period is the time between when you purchase your policy and when you can start using the benefits. Some plans have shorter waiting periods than others. For example, MetLife’s accident and wellness coverage begins on the date your policy goes into effect.

Is dental work covered as a preexisting condition?

Pet insurance companies generally don’t cover any dental work related to a preexisting condition. If your pet develops a dental condition before you have insurance in place, your policy probably won’t cover it.

About the Author

Sarah Stasik
Sarah Stasik Personal Finance

Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.

With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.

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