By the time they’re three years old, most American dogs have an active dental disease, and its treatment can be expensive. Dog dental insurance might save thousands of dollars in dental care, but if your dog never needs a dentist, you could pay hundreds every year for insurance you never use. Or your insurance plan might not cover your dog’s treatment. Is canine dental insurance worth the cost?
How Dog Dental Insurance Works
Dental insurance for dogs is not sold alone. It’s sold as part of a comprehensive illness-and-accident pet insurance policy.
In most cases, you pay for veterinary services when they are performed, then submit a claim with itemized receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. Dental coverage is subject to waiting periods specified in the pet insurance policy, usually between 2 and 30 days before a treated condition is eligible for reimbursement.
Pet health policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so it makes sense to enroll at-risk dogs before they develop gingivitis or periodontal disease.
What Dog Dental Insurance Covers
Most canine dental insurance plans cover:
- Treatment for periodontal disease, gingivitis, oral tumors, and stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth).
- Emergency procedures such as treatment for illnesses and accidents, including tooth extractions, root canals, X-rays, and prescription medications.
- Treatment of fractures and other trauma injuries to the teeth and jaws.
Basic illness-and-accident policies do not cover the following, but they may be provided for in an add-on wellness policy:
- Annual dental exams
- Routine tooth cleaning.
- Dietary supplements and dental chews.
Dental coverage in an illness-and-accident policy requires:
- Annual dental examinations.
- Following your veterinarian’s specific recommendations for routine care.
Annual Exams and Tooth Cleaning
Illness-and-accident policies that include dental coverage do not usually pay for annual exams or tooth cleaning unless they are part of the treatment plan for a dog who developed dental disease after being enrolled. Dental exams and tooth cleanings are preventive measures, and in most cases those expenses are covered or partially covered by optional add-on wellness policies.
Pet health insurance reimburses or pays for the treatment of unexpected illnesses, accidents, or injuries, while pet wellness plans help pay for routine preventive care. Health insurance is sold as stand-alone plans while pet wellness plans are add-on options purchased with health insurance plans.
| Feature | Pet Health Insurance | Pet Wellness Plan |
| Typical coverage | Accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics, hospitalization, medications | Vaccinations, annual exams, flea/tick prevention, deworming, dental cleanings, sometimes microchipping |
| When benefits apply | Usually after a deductible and subject to reimbursement limits | Most plans offer a set allowance or discounts for listed services |
| Pre-existing conditions | Commonly excluded | Usually not relevant, since plans focus on routine care |
| Emergency care | Generally covered, depending on the policy | Usually not covered |
| Cost structure | Monthly premium, deductible, and reimbursement percentage, usually with annual limits | Usually an additional monthly fee with defined benefits |
Understanding Insurance Policy Terms
Every policy that pays for illnesses, accidents, and dental procedures for dogs will define the policy’s
- Annual limits (maximum payouts per year)
- Reimbursement rates (such as 70% or 90% of eligible veterinary expenses, up to the policy’s limit)
- Co-Insurance (the difference between the reimbursement rate and 100%, which is your responsibility)
- Annual deductible rates (the amount you pay for covered conditions before being reimbursed)
What You Will Pay for Your Dog’s Dental Treatment
If your insured dog is in an accident or becomes ill, you are responsible for paying the policy’s deductible, plus your co-insurance percentage of remaining eligible expenses, plus any veterinary treatment fees exceeding the policy’s annual limit.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Canine Dental Insurance?
Monthly premiums for canine dental insurance depend on:
- the type of coverage and its limits
- the dog’s breed and age
- the dog’s health condition
- location (city and state)
- the insurance provider and its underwriting criteria
- deductibles and reimbursement rates
- optional add-ons, such as wellness care plans
- discounts for insuring multiple pets and in some cases registered service or therapy dogs or the owner’s military service
Dental Insurance and Dog Breeds
Some breed-specific factors can affect dental coverage. Breeds with potentially higher dental insurance costs include small and toy breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese, Toy Poodles, and Shih Tzus, which often have crowded teeth in their small mouths, leading to plaque buildup and gum disease; brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers, whose compact skulls can overcrowd teeth; and breeds prone to periodontal pockets, tartar buildup, and gum disease such as Dachshunds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Greyhounds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These dogs as well as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Irish Wolfhounds tend to have the high health insurance premiums.
Dental Insurance and Your Dog’s Age
The cost of dental procedures varies by location, the dog’s overall health, and age. Some companies do not insure dogs above a certain age and the cost of coverage increases with age.
| Whole Dog Journal Rating | Insurer | Dental Accidents/ Injuries | Dental Illness/ Disease | Routine Dental Cleaning | Policy Covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Trupanion | Yes | Yes | No | Extractions, crowns/caps, root canals, tooth resorption, abscesses, jaw repair. |
| Fetch Pet | Yes (adult teeth) | Yes (teeth & gums) | Yes, with Wellness | Periodontal disease, oral tumors, fractures, extractions, root canals, crowns, gingivitis, tooth resorption. |
| Pets Best | Yes | Yes (per conditions) | Yes, with Wellness | Periodontal disease, fractures, extractions. Requires cleaning exam under anesthesia. Significant policy requirements. |
| Spot | Yes | Yes | Yes, with Wellness | Dental disease, caps, crowns, root canals. More limited than Fetch. |
| Figo | Yes | Yes | Yes, with Wellness | Dental illness and injury, subject to policy’s exclusions and limits. |
| Met Life | Yes | Yes | Yes, with Wellness | Periodontal disease, gingivitis, stomatitis, abscesses, oral growths/cancers, injuries, extractions, endodontics. |
| ASPCA | Yes | Yes (with Complete Coverage policy) | Yes, with Wellness | Gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease, oral tumors, extractions, diagnostics. Does not cover endodontics, orthodontics, caps, implants, or fillings. |
| Pumpkin | Yes | Yes | Yes, with high-tier Wellness | Dental illnesses |
| Lemonade | Yes | Requires add-on policy | Yes, with Wellness | Policies changed in 2026. Base policy covers accidents but dental illness now requires a separate add-on policy. Dental illness now has a $1,000 annual limit and deductible. |
| Odie | Yes | Yes | Yes, with Wellness | Policy-specific terms vary by state for illness/injury coverage. Maintenance and tooth-type restrictions. |
| Embrace | Yes | Yes | Yes, with Wellness | Dental illness coverage (eligible extractions, gingivitis, periodontal disease) is capped at $1,000 per policy year. |
| Healthy Paws | Yes | Yes | No | Covers non-routine dental treatment, extraction/reconstruction of teeth damaged in accident. Periodontal disease is not covered. |
| Prudent Pet | Yes | Yes with Accident+Illness policy | Yes, with Wellness | Accident-only policy covers extractions caused by injury. Accident+Illness can cover extractions and cleaning. Crowns and root canals excluded. |
| AKC | Yes for injured adult teeth | No | Yes, with Wellness | Specifically excludes gingivitis, periodontal disease, root canals, caps/crowns, diseased teeth, abscesses, deciduous teeth, and other dental conditions. |
Thanks to their interactive websites, it’s easy to compare the policies and rates of leading pet insurance companies. Do this by visiting insurance websites and entering your dog’s breed, age, location, and other requested information. In addition to focusing on included dental procedures, study everything the policy covers and doesn’t cover. Most insurers will provide a sample policy for your review. Every insurance company invites prospective clients to connect with them by phone, chat, or email with questions about their plans.
Trupanion Pet Insurance from State Farm offers basic policies for dogs up to 14 years old that cover treatment for new dental illnesses and injuries, such as tooth extractions, caps, crowns, root canals, jaw fractures, tooth repairs, root abscesses, and tooth resorption. The policy does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine dental cleanings, or preventive care. The insurance reimburses 90% of eligible expenses after a lifetime (one-time) deductible has been paid for the condition. Trupanion pays veterinary fees directly to clinics at checkout (no reimbursement application needed) and there is no reimbursement maximum (no per-incident, annual, or lifetime limits).
Fetch Pet Insurance covers dental treatments for dogs regardless of age with a policy that covers injury and disease in every adult tooth. Its dental coverage includes treatments for periodontal disease, oral tumors, fractured teeth, root canals, crowns, gum disease, tooth resorption, tooth extractions, and gingivitis. Pre-existing conditions, cosmetic and orthodontic procedures, including implants, fillings, and caps, are not included. Routine dental cleanings, which are not in the standard plan, are covered in a Fetch Wellness add-on. The standard policy has an annual limit of $5,000, annual deductible of $500, and 70% reimbursement rate.
Pets Best Pet Insurance from Progressive covers dental emergencies, periodontal disease, extractions, and endodontic treatment for canine and carnassial teeth with its basic illness-and-accidents policy. There is no annual limit (maximum payment) to coverage. The basic policy has a $500 deductible and 80% reimbursement rate. An add-on policy covers dental cleanings.
Spot Pet Insurance covers dental expenses in its basic illness-and-accidents policy. The annual limit for illness and accident claims is $2,500, and the policy covers 70% or 90% of eligible expenses with deductibles of $250 or $500. An add-on wellness plan covers annual dental cleanings.
Figo Pet Insurance provides dental coverage in its basic illness-and-accident policy, which covers expenses for the treatment of dental illness or accidents. Its most popular policy has a limit of $10,000, $750 deductible, and 70% reimbursement rate.
An optional Basic Wellness plan covers annual tooth cleanings.
Met Life Pet Insurance covers periodontal disease, gingivitis and stomatitis, tooth abscesses, oral growths, cancers, dental injuries, diagnostics and treatments, cleanings and extractions related to dental injuries or illnesses, deciduous tooth removal related to illness or injury, endodontics like root canals and crowns, and orthodontics. Its optional Preventive Care Plan covers routine dental cleanings, tooth extractions related to routine care, associated blood work, pain management, and diagnostic tools, and deciduous tooth removal. Met Life’s annual limit ranges from $500 to $25,000 in $1,000 increments depending on your choice of options. Its reimbursement rate options are 50%, 70%, 80%, and 90%, and deductible payments range from $0 to $750 in $50 increments. Met Life also offers $1,000 to $2,500 deductible options.
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance covers tooth extractions for dental accidents, treatment for conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease, and tooth cleanings prescribed for dental diseases in its basic policy. It does not cover cosmetic procedures. The website offers different combinations of annual limits, reimbursement rates, and deductibles, such as limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, or $10,000; 70%, 80%, or 90% reimbursements; and $500, $250, or $100 deductibles. A Basic Preventive Care add-on policy covers preventive tooth cleaning.
Pumpkin Care Health Insurance offers an illness-and accidents policy that covers dental illnesses such as periodontal disease and gingivitis and other dental procedures. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or dental cleaning except for dogs with active dental disease. Not covered are routine dental cleanings for dogs who do not have an active dental disease, caps, crowns, root canals, fillings, implants, or planing, even when related to periodontal disease. The most popular plan among its several options has an annual limit of $10,000 with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement rate. A Preventive Essentials add-on wellness plan covers dental cleaning.
Lemonade Pet Insurance is available in 42 states plus Washington, DC. Its basic illness-and-accident policy, which pays a maximum of $5,000 per year after a $250 deductible for 80% of covered claims, does not cover dental procedures. An optional dental add-on policy, which is separate from Lemonade’s optional Wellness Program, covers dental illness diagnosis and treatment with a $1,000 annual limit.
Odie Pet Insurance includes dental care in its basic illness-and-accidents policy, which does not cover pre-existing conditions except for those that were cured at least 18 months before applying. Beginning at age 3 for periodontal disease coverage, teeth must be annually cleaned and examined under general anesthesia and any periodontal disease found during the exam must be treated before periodontal disease coverage becomes available. The basic policy pays up to $10,000 (annual limit) reimbursing 90% of veterinary fees with a deductible of $500. A Wellness Plus add-on plan covers annual tooth cleaning.
Embrace Pet Insurance covers periodontal disease, abscessed teeth, misaligned teeth, gingivitis, tooth loss, jaw fractures, oral trauma, and tooth fractures in its illness-and-accident policy. Options include policies with annual limits of $5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or unlimited; deductibles of $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000; and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%. A Wellness Rewards add-on program covers preventive dental cleaning.
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance covers tooth extractions, root canals, reconstructions, bone grafts, stomatitis, dental malocclusion, and broken or chipped teeth. Its deductibles range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the plan you select. Reimbursement rates range from 50% to 90% of billed expenses, and Healthy Paws does not have an annual or lifetime payout cap.
Prudent Pet Insurance includes dental procedures in its basic illness-and-accidents policy, which has several options. The most popular has a $10,000 annual limit, $500 deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate. Annual cleanings are in a wellness add-on policy.
AKC Pet Insurance from the American Kennel Club covers pre-existing conditions with basic policies whose deductibles range from $100 to $1,000; reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% of billed services, and with annual payment caps of $500 to $2,500, depending on your chosen options. AKC policies specifically exclude most dental illnesses.
Accident-Only Policies
Some insurers offer inexpensive stand-alone accident-only policies that cover exam fees, diagnostics, and treatments for new injuries and emergencies related to accidents, such as bite wounds, cuts, broken bones, lodged foreign objects, and toxic ingestions. These are not dental policies, but they do pay for treatments to teeth injured in accidents. Accident-only policies are offered by ASPCA, Pets Best, Spot, Embrace, and Prudent Pet Insurance.
Is It Worth Buying Dog Dental Insurance?
Like most forms of insurance, pet dental insurance is an unnecessary expense if your dog never needs it and a budget-saving investment if your dog undergoes oral surgery, treatment for periodontal disease, tooth repairs, or other expensive dental treatments. To determine whether dental insurance is right for you, consider how an unexpected bill for your dog’s dental problems, illness, or an accident could affect your family’s finances. For example, treating periodontal disease or gingivitis can cost between $300 and $1,000. Simple extractions average $35 to $75 per tooth and most root canals cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Advanced oral surgery can cost thousands of dollars.
According to organizations that track pet health expenses, the average vet visit for dogs in the United States is under $200. If your dog remains healthy and accident-free, the monthly premiums for pet insurance will quickly exceed the cost of routine checkups. But if your dog is injured or becomes seriously ill, her treatment can cost more than many pet owners can pay. Finding a balance between the risks your dog faces, insurance that covers those risks, and what you can afford requires research, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. The most common conditions treated by veterinarians involve dental illness, so if your dog is likely to develop tooth or gum problems, focus on the details of insurance policies that include dental care.
