Insurance specialist
A few seconds ago, your veterinarian informed you that your dog needs to have three teeth extracted. You were also shown the cost, which was more than $800.
The estimate is quite confusing, and you’re wondering if your pet insurance will cover it. You would think that dental work is included in pet insurance, wouldn’t you?
The solution is complicated. Some insurance plans cover dental extractions, some don’t. The coverage depends on the reason your pet needs the surgery and the plan you have.
If you know these facts today, you will not be surprised when paying at the checkout.
Table of Contents
Does Your Pet Insurance Cover Dental Extractions?
The answer depends on your specific policy and the extraction’s cause.
The majority of standard pet insurance covers dental extractions when they are medically necessary. It means that a dental problem caused by an accident or a disease is the case.
If your dog breaks a tooth while chewing a bone, you should be covered. On the other hand, if your cat gets tooth resorption due to disease, the insurance will probably cover it.
Whereas if an extraction is a result of poor dental hygiene, these are completely different. They are usually not a part of dental policies.
Research shows that at the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental problems. Therefore, dental coverage becomes more and more critical as your pet gets older.
What’s the Difference Between Accident-Related and Illness-Related Dental Coverage?
Firstly, insurance companies characterize dental issues in different categories.
Accident-Related Dental Damage
This kind of insurance protects against sudden injuries. For instance, your dog was hit by a car and as a result, its teeth were broken; your cat fell and broke one of its canines.
Most of the accident and illness policy scenarios include these cases. The extraction is the treatment of an injury, not a way to keep dental health.
Usually, dental claims related to accidents are accepted without any difficulties.
Illness-Connected Dental Problems
It refers to the development of diseases. Tooth root infections, oral abscesses, or oral tumors are examples.
The inclusion of these ailments is determined by how advanced your policy is. Basic ones may not cover these while comprehensive will.
The most important question is whether or not the condition arose naturally or as a result of negligence.
Why Do Some Policies Exclude Dental Extractions?
Dental diseases, which are preventable, are dealt with by the insurers in a different way than other diseases.
Most of dental troubles are originated by the lack of care. The person does not brush, the dental cleanings are not done, the preventive precautions are neglected.
Insurance companies do not want to be the ones that pay for the maintenance of the issues. They are set up to take care of the unexpected medical cases.
It’s similar to car insurance. They will cover the damages caused by a crash, but not the oil changes or tire rotations.
This is the reason that routine dental cleanings are normally not covered. The dental extractions that are necessary due to decay are usually in the same group.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Add-On or Wellness Plan?
In addition, several dental insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on.
Such health packages focus on preventive measures. They include yearly cleanings, dental exams, and sometimes extractions attributable to regular disease.
On the whole, these are what they include:
- Professional dental cleanings (1-2 per year)
- Oral X-rays during cleaning
- Extractions related to periodontal disease
- Dental fluoride treatments
- Minor dental treatments
Additions like these cost a separate premium every month. They are not part of your main insurance policy.
They generally come with restrictions, most commonly of $250 to $500 for each year.
How Much Do Dental Extractions Cost Without Insurance?
Costs vary widely based on complexity and location.
Simple extractions are cheaper. These involve loose teeth or baby teeth. Complex extractions require surgery and cost significantly more.
| Procedure Type | Average Cost (US) | Average Cost (UK) |
| Simple Extraction | $10 – $15 per tooth | £8 – £12 per tooth |
| Surgical Extraction | $25 – $35 per tooth | £20 – £30 per tooth |
| Full Dental with Multiple Extractions | $800 – $1,500 | £600 – £1,200 |
These prices don’t include the dental cleaning, anesthesia, or pre-surgical bloodwork. Those add several hundred dollars or pounds to the total.
Research indicates that full-mouth extractions for cats with severe dental disease can cost upward of $2,000 in major metropolitan areas.
You may also read: Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?
What Should You Look for in Dental Coverage?
Before you jump to conclusions, make sure you understand your coverage by reading your policy documents thoroughly.
Check the exact wording about dental care. Does it say “accident only” or “accident and illness”?
Be on a lookout for the waiting periods. A lot of policies will not cover dental work for the first six to twelve months.
Understand the part about dental benefits and pre-existing conditions. Thus, if dental disease is already present in your pet, the latter will not be covered.
Inquire about the limits to the coverage. Some policies restrict dental claimants to a defined dollar amount per year.
Find out if routine disease is classified asan illness. For example, the most common periodontal disease is often at the exclusion list of insurers.
Can You Get Coverage for Existing Dental Problems?
No. Dental problems that already exist are considered pre-existing conditions.
Insurance won’t cover treatment if your pet has broken teeth, gum disease, or loose teeth that are pre-existing.
The same goes even if it’s not the problem that has been formally diagnosed. A few medical records are checked by the insurer when making a claim.
Any notes from previous vet visits about dental concerns will disqualify coverage.
Why buying insurance while your pet is young and healthy is a smart move is precisely due to this reason.
Final Thoughts
Dental extraction is a part of pet insurance dental coverage; however, the extent of the coverage greatly differs from one policy to another, as well as the particular circumstances.
Usually, dental injuries caused by accidents are covered under the standard accident plans. Extractions due to illness are only allowed if the coverage and policy details permit.
Basically, the excellent choice is a comprehensive coverage purchase made early enough before dental problems arise. If you can afford it, incorporate a wellness plan for preventive care.
Be sure to read your policy carefully and confirm various dental situations with the insurer. Knowing your coverage now will save you the hassle of worrying about money when your furry friend needs medical care.
