Most pet accident and injury insurance plans provide some dental coverage, although the extent of that protection varies. Accident-only plans often only pay for tooth extractions, but some cover dental conditions such as gingivitis but won’t pay for crown placement or root canals.
Some insurers also offer add-ons that reimburse for fillings and root canals. Most plans don’t cover annual dental cleanings, but many companies offer wellness options that provide at least limited reimbursement for these procedures. Most policies apply pre-existing condition exclusions to dental claims, and some require regular dental cleanings or exams for coverage to apply.
A Quick Look at Our Top Picks in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Reimburses for dental illnesses
Comprehensive medical coverage
Multiple deductible and annual limit options
Click to Get Quote
Best Value
Spot Pet Insurance
Adjustable annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
Wellness plans provide limited reimbursement for dental cleanings
No per-incident or lifetime coverage limits
Click to Get Quote
Figo Pet Insurance
Dental illness coverage included in accident and illness plan
Multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits
Covers alternative treatments and specialist visits
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Lemonade Pet Insurance
Well-designed app
Comprehensive dental illness add on
Multiple pet and annual discounts
Click to Get Quote
Trupanion Pet Insurance
Pays claims directly to many veterinary practices
Reimburses up to 90%
Lifetime per-condition deductible
Click to Get Quote
The 10 Best Pet Insurance Plans for Dental
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance — Best Overall
Compare Pumpkin PlansPumpkin has one of the most comprehensive basic plans on the market. The company’s standard accident and illness plan covers cancer, hip dysplasia, hereditary conditions, and dental illnesses. Pumpkin reimburses for tests, exam fees, and surgeries related to covered dental diseases but generally won’t pay for root canals, implants, or fillings.
All plans feature a 90% reimbursement rate, but you can choose from multiple annual limits and deductibles to tweak your premium. Alternative therapies and some virtual veterinary visits are included in the basic plan. The company offers discounts for multiple pets and covers some “cured” pre-existing conditions under specific circumstances.
Compare Pumpkin Plans
Pumpkin has one of the most comprehensive basic plans on the market. The company’s standard accident and illness plan covers cancer, hip dysplasia, hereditary conditions, and dental illnesses. Pumpkin reimburses for tests, exam fees, and surgeries related to covered dental diseases but generally won’t pay for root canals, implants, or fillings.
Pros
Reimburses for dental illnesses
Comprehensive medical coverage
Multiple deductible and annual limit options
Cons
Root canals, implants, and fillings not covered
- Spot Pet Insurance — Best Value
Compare Spot PlansSpot offers fantastic comprehensive accident and illness coverage that reimburses for surgery and serious conditions such as cancer. Its accident-only option only pays for unexpected tooth extractions, while the accident and illness plan covers dental illnesses and diseases.
Spot’s insurance plans don’t include coverage for dental cleaning, but two wellness options provide limited reimbursement for this and some other types of routine health care. It’s a great choice for those on a budget, as you can pick between several annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates to create an affordable insurance plan that meets your pet’s specific needs. Spot plans don’t have per-incident or lifetime coverage limits.
Reimburses for dental illnesses
Comprehensive medical coverage
Multiple deductible and annual limit options
- Reimburses for dental illnesses
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Multiple deductible and annual limit options
Root canals, implants, and fillings not covered
- Root canals, implants, and fillings not covered
Compare Spot Plans
Spot offers fantastic comprehensive accident and illness coverage that reimburses for surgery and serious conditions such as cancer. Its accident-only option only pays for unexpected tooth extractions, while the accident and illness plan covers dental illnesses and diseases.
Pros
Adjustable annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
Wellness plans provide limited reimbursement for dental cleanings
No per-incident or lifetime coverage limits
Cons
Limited dental coverage with accident-only plan
- Figo Pet Insurance
Compare Figo PlansFigo covers dental illnesses in its accident and illness plan. The company offers multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits so you can adjust your premium to fit your budget. The accident and illness package includes coverage for chronic conditions and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Figo also reimburses for alternative treatments and specialist visits. The company’s wellness plans provide limited reimbursement for dental cleanings. You’ll need to purchase an add-on if you’re interested in having veterinary exam fees covered.
Adjustable annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
Wellness plans provide limited reimbursement for dental cleanings
No per-incident or lifetime coverage limits
- Adjustable annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates
- Wellness plans provide limited reimbursement for dental cleanings
- No per-incident or lifetime coverage limits
Limited dental coverage with accident-only plan
- Limited dental coverage with accident-only plan
Compare Figo Plans
Figo covers dental illnesses in its accident and illness plan. The company offers multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits so you can adjust your premium to fit your budget. The accident and illness package includes coverage for chronic conditions and the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Pros
Dental illness coverage included in accident and illness plan
Multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits
Covers alternative treatments and specialist visits
Cons
Routine dental cleaning reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
- Lemonade Pet Insurance
Compare Lemonade PlansLemonade’s pet insurance has many fans thanks to its comprehensive coverage and well-designed app. The accident and illness plan covers diagnostic tests and even the treatment of serious illnesses. You can purchase the dental illness add-on if you’re interested in coverage for root canals, crowns, and gingivitis treatment, and the wellness plan provides some reimbursement for dental cleanings.
Veterinary exam fees aren’t included in the plan, but Lemonade offers an add-on you can purchase if you’re interested. Multiple pet and annual discounts are available.
Dental illness coverage included in accident and illness plan
Multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits
Covers alternative treatments and specialist visits
- Dental illness coverage included in accident and illness plan
- Multiple deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits
- Covers alternative treatments and specialist visits
Routine dental cleaning reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
- Routine dental cleaning reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
Compare Lemonade Plans
Lemonade’s pet insurance has many fans thanks to its comprehensive coverage and well-designed app. The accident and illness plan covers diagnostic tests and even the treatment of serious illnesses. You can purchase the dental illness add-on if you’re interested in coverage for root canals, crowns, and gingivitis treatment, and the wellness plan provides some reimbursement for dental cleanings.
Pros
Well-designed app
Comprehensive dental illness add on
Multiple pet and annual discounts
Cons
Routine dental cleanings reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
- Trupanion Pet Insurance
Compare Trupanion PlansTrupanion has one comprehensive accident and illness plan that covers surgeries, tests, and prescriptions. Trupanion’s plan pays for dental accidents and injuries, although regular dental examinations are required. Trupanion reimburses up to 90% and has direct payment arrangements with several veterinary practices.
With the company’s lifetime per-condition deductible, you only have to pay once for coverage to kick in, potentially saving you cash if your pet develops a chronic condition that requires regular veterinary care over a period of years.
Well-designed app
Comprehensive dental illness add on
Multiple pet and annual discounts
- Well-designed app
- Comprehensive dental illness add on
- Multiple pet and annual discounts
Routine dental cleanings reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
- Routine dental cleanings reimbursement requires wellness plan purchase
Compare Trupanion Plans
Trupanion has one comprehensive accident and illness plan that covers surgeries, tests, and prescriptions. Trupanion’s plan pays for dental accidents and injuries, although regular dental examinations are required. Trupanion reimburses up to 90% and has direct payment arrangements with several veterinary practices.
Pros
Pays claims directly to many veterinary practices
Reimburses up to 90%
Lifetime per-condition deductible
Cons
Dental coverage requires regular examinations
No wellness package
- MetLife Pet Insurance
Compare MetLife PlansMetlife’s accident and illness plan covers everything from hospitalization to diagnostic tests and exam fees. Dental accidents and illnesses are also included. Treatment for fractured teeth and gum disease is often covered, depending on what caused the condition and whether your pet has any pre-existing dental conditions.
However, the accident and illness plan doesn’t help with dental cleanings and regular tooth extractions. Most claims are paid out quickly in less than 10 days. And you can choose from several reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limit options.
Pays claims directly to many veterinary practices
Reimburses up to 90%
Lifetime per-condition deductible
- Pays claims directly to many veterinary practices
- Reimburses up to 90%
- Lifetime per-condition deductible
Dental coverage requires regular examinations
No wellness package
- Dental coverage requires regular examinations
- No wellness package
Compare MetLife Plans
Metlife’s accident and illness plan covers everything from hospitalization to diagnostic tests and exam fees. Dental accidents and illnesses are also included. Treatment for fractured teeth and gum disease is often covered, depending on what caused the condition and whether your pet has any pre-existing dental conditions.
Pros
Fast reimbursement
Accident and illness plan includes dental coverage
Multiple reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit options
Cons
Plan doesn’t cover routine cleanings and extractions
- Fetch Pet Insurance
Compare Fetch PlansFetch’s accident and illness plan comes fully loaded, providing coverage for everything from acupuncture to gum disease. The plan reimburses up to 90%, and you can submit claims through the app. The plan has a 15-day waiting period for coverage to kick in for most accidents and illnesses.
However, there’s a 6-month waiting period for knee and hip issues, although you can have your pet examined by a veterinarian and apply for a waiver to move things along. Fetch covers some “cured” pre-existing conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms for an extended period.
Fast reimbursement
Accident and illness plan includes dental coverage
Multiple reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit options
- Fast reimbursement
- Accident and illness plan includes dental coverage
- Multiple reimbursement rate, deductible, and annual limit options
Plan doesn’t cover routine cleanings and extractions
- Plan doesn’t cover routine cleanings and extractions
Compare Fetch Plans
Fetch’s accident and illness plan comes fully loaded, providing coverage for everything from acupuncture to gum disease. The plan reimburses up to 90%, and you can submit claims through the app. The plan has a 15-day waiting period for coverage to kick in for most accidents and illnesses.
Pros
Extremely comprehensive accident and illness plan
Basic plan features dental coverage, including treatment for gum disease
Easy app-based claims submission process
Cons
6-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions
- Hartville Pet Insurance
Compare Hartville PlansHartville offers pet owners several options, including accident-only and accident and illness coverage, which reimburse for some types of dental care. Accident plans generally only cover tooth extractions related to incidents. The company’s illness plan pays for gingivitis treatment under certain circumstances but won’t reimburse for crowns or root canals.
There are three deductible and reimbursement rates to choose from, and an unlimited annual limit option can save you money if your pet has a condition requiring expensive care. Hartville’s wellness plans offer limited reimbursement for routine dental cleanings.
Extremely comprehensive accident and illness plan
Basic plan features dental coverage, including treatment for gum disease
Easy app-based claims submission process
- Extremely comprehensive accident and illness plan
- Basic plan features dental coverage, including treatment for gum disease
- Easy app-based claims submission process
6-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions
- 6-month waiting period for hip and knee conditions
Compare Hartville Plans
Hartville offers pet owners several options, including accident-only and accident and illness coverage, which reimburse for some types of dental care. Accident plans generally only cover tooth extractions related to incidents. The company’s illness plan pays for gingivitis treatment under certain circumstances but won’t reimburse for crowns or root canals.
Pros
Offers a stand-alone accident plan with some dental coverage
Multiple deductible and reimbursement rates
Wellness plans offer limited reimbursement for routine dental cleanings
Cons
Crowns and root canals not covered
- Progressive Pet Insurance
Compare Progressive PlansProgressive has a basic accident and illness plan that includes some dental coverage. The company’s BestBenefit plan reimburses for dental care related to accidents and will help pay for gingivitis treatment. To qualify, pets must be free from pre-existing dental conditions at enrollment, and animals older than 3 only qualify if they’ve had a dental cleaning under anesthesia in the 13 months before a claim is submitted.
Progressives’ BestWellness plan provides some reimbursement for routine dental cleanings, and there are multiple reimbursement levels to help you keep your policy premiums under control. Enrollment includes access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline.
Offers a stand-alone accident plan with some dental coverage
Multiple deductible and reimbursement rates
Wellness plans offer limited reimbursement for routine dental cleanings
- Offers a stand-alone accident plan with some dental coverage
- Multiple deductible and reimbursement rates
- Wellness plans offer limited reimbursement for routine dental cleanings
Crowns and root canals not covered
- Crowns and root canals not covered
Compare Progressive Plans
Progressive has a basic accident and illness plan that includes some dental coverage. The company’s BestBenefit plan reimburses for dental care related to accidents and will help pay for gingivitis treatment. To qualify, pets must be free from pre-existing dental conditions at enrollment, and animals older than 3 only qualify if they’ve had a dental cleaning under anesthesia in the 13 months before a claim is submitted.
Pros
Gingivitis treatment often included in the core BestBenefit plan
Multiple reimbursement levels
24/7 veterinary helpline
Cons
Requires proof of dental cleaning under anesthesia within 13 months of claim submission
- ASPCA Pet Insurance
Compare ASPCA PlansThe ASPCA’s CompleteCoverage plan combines comprehensive accident and illness coverage. Tooth extractions are sometimes covered under the stand-alone accident plan. The CompleteCoverage plan pays for some dental treatments but generally excludes coverage for fillings and crowns. ASPCA’s coverage extends to some “cured” pre-existing conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 180 days after enrollment.
Unfortunately, the “cured” pre-existing condition exception doesn’t apply to ligament and knee problems. You can tweak your premium by choosing between reimbursement levels, and you may qualify for a discount if you insure multiple pets through the company.
Gingivitis treatment often included in the core BestBenefit plan
Multiple reimbursement levels
24/7 veterinary helpline
- Gingivitis treatment often included in the core BestBenefit plan
- Multiple reimbursement levels
- 24/7 veterinary helpline
Requires proof of dental cleaning under anesthesia within 13 months of claim submission
- Requires proof of dental cleaning under anesthesia within 13 months of claim submission
Compare ASPCA Plans
The ASPCA’s CompleteCoverage plan combines comprehensive accident and illness coverage. Tooth extractions are sometimes covered under the stand-alone accident plan. The CompleteCoverage plan pays for some dental treatments but generally excludes coverage for fillings and crowns. ASPCA’s coverage extends to some “cured” pre-existing conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for at least 180 days after enrollment.
Pros
Accident and illness plan offers limited dental coverage
Certain “cured” pre-existing conditions are covered after a 180-day waiting period
Multiple pet discount
Cons
Fillings and crown placement not included in CompleteCoverage
Accident and illness plan offers limited dental coverage
Certain “cured” pre-existing conditions are covered after a 180-day waiting period
Multiple pet discount
- Accident and illness plan offers limited dental coverage
- Certain “cured” pre-existing conditions are covered after a 180-day waiting period
- Multiple pet discount
Fillings and crown placement not included in CompleteCoverage
- Fillings and crown placement not included in CompleteCoverage
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Plan
What to Look for in Pet Dental Insurance
When deciding what pet insurance plans to include on our list, we focused on more than just the availability of dental coverage. We also considered factors such as policy coverage comprehensiveness, customer service quality, and how easy the claims process usually is. Read on to learn more about a few factors to consider when selecting a pet insurance plan with dental coverage.
Policy Coverage
Many veterinary insurance plans include a provision for dental care. Accident-only policies restrict coverage to non-routine tooth extractions, and most accident and illness plans cover dental care, but several exclude procedures such as root canals and crown placements.
Most plans don’t include coverage for routine teeth cleanings under anesthesia, which can cost anywhere from $250–$1300 for a dog and between $100–$400 for a cat. Plan on paying a bit more if your pet needs medication or a tooth pulled.
Many companies offering accident and insurance plans also have wellness packages that reimburse for dental cleanings. Some have multiple tiers of coverage to choose from, allowing you to select your level of reimbursement.
Customer Service & Reputation
Good customer service can make a huge difference in your stress level when you’re trying to file an insurance claim for a sizable veterinary bill. You can spend a little time looking through reviews to see what other pet parents have to say about their customer service experiences.
Some companies have well-designed apps you can use to purchase plans, submit claims, and even communicate with customer service representatives. Others allow you to bundle coverage and manage your insurance products from the same app-based environment. Consider purchasing your pet’s insurance from a company that provides the communications options you feel most comfortable using.
Claim Repayment
Most companies make the claim submission process relatively straightforward, allowing pet parents to upload bills for submission via an app or website. Most plans require you to pay your pet’s veterinary bill up front and submit the claim for reimbursement. You’ll also be on the hook for tracking down and submitting any additional documentation.
However, some insurers work directly with veterinarians, so you can avoid making a large payment and waiting for the repayment. These options often don’t require up-front payment from you as the insurance company reimburses the veterinarian directly.
Most plans pay directly into your bank account, but some offer options such as Venmo and PayPal. Wellness plan-related reimbursement often moves quite quickly. Companies usually take between 1 and 2 weeks to pay accident and illness plan-related claims, although some regularly pay out within a few days of receiving all required documentation. But keep in mind that each company has its own rules regarding exclusions and pre-existing conditions, so review any policy before making a commitment to ensure you understand which claims most likely won’t be covered.
Price of Policy
Pet accident and insurance plan prices vary based on factors such as the average cost of veterinary treatment where you live and the type of pet you have. Dogs cost more to insure than cats, and coverage is often pricier if you live in a large city, but there are several ways to tweak the price you pay for pet insurance.
Accident-only plans provide limited protection at a reasonable price. They won’t kick in if your pet gets sick but will help you if it is injured in an accident. Some companies offer one-option, no-frills accident and illness combination plans that provide just the basics to keep prices low. And many let pet parents set their own annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.
Plan Customization
Many companies offer standard accident and illness plans and add-ons to beef up their basic coverage options. Others concentrate on delivering a core set of services without offering extras. A few have dental add-ons that provide extensive coverage for illnesses like gingivitis and pay for procedures such as root canals and crown placements. But there are other customization options available as well, including packages that cover breeding costs and ones that pay for veterinary exam fees. Several providers also offer add-ons to cover alternative treatments such as acupuncture and physical therapy.
Will Pet Insurance Cover My Pet When I Travel?
Most pet insurance plans reimburse for expenses as long as the event is covered and treatment is provided by a licensed veterinarian anywhere in the US. Some extend coverage to Canada, and others offer worldwide protection. The reimbursement process typically remains the same if your pet requires medical care while away from home.
When Is the Best Time to Purchase Pet Insurance?
Purchasing insurance when your pet is young is usually the best option. Not only will your premiums be lower, but your pet probably won’t be subject to any pre-existing condition exclusions. Getting in on those lower premiums while your pet is young can save you a bundle. Enrolling pets as youngsters also reduces the chance that a claim will be rejected because a condition appeared during the waiting period.
Are Pre-Existing Conditions Ever Covered?
Most plans apply pre-existing condition exclusions, but there’s a lot of variation regarding what will or won’t be covered. Some plans cover “cured” pre-existing conditions, illnesses that have been treated and haven’t returned for a specific period. Others reimburse for pre-existing conditions as long as the pet hasn’t required treatment for a defined period since enrollment.
What’s the Best Budget Option?
Several pet insurance companies offer tools you can use to set a policy premium within your budget. Plans that offer multiple reimbursement rates, deductible levels, and annual limits are often good choices if you’re trying to save on premiums. But keep in mind that you’ll need to stash some cash away if you opt for a high deductible, as you’ll need to meet it before your pet’s insurance kicks in.
What the Users Say
Pet parents have good things to say about pet insurance plans in general, and several have mentioned the large amounts of money the policies have saved them on medical and dental care. Pumpkin often gets high praise for the ease of its claims process and fantastic customer service.
Lemonade’s app consistently gets high marks for its ease of use, and the company’s quick and easy claims process and fast reimbursement times also come up in reviews. Pet parents sometimes express dismay about insurers’ lengthy waiting periods and pre-existing condition exclusions to deny coverage.
Which Pet Insurance Provider Is Best for You?
Because dental insurance is often packaged with accident and illness plans, evaluate whether each plan will meet your pet’s medical needs. Pre-existing condition exclusions are generally the most important factors for pet parents to consider. Pay extra attention to how these clauses apply to dental issues and don’t forget to consider how these exclusions may apply to any non-dental medical conditions your pet may have.
Conclusion
Pet accident and illness insurance plans help protect your pocketbook if your pet needs expensive medical care. Most companies include dental coverage in their accident and illness plans, although many exclude specific procedures. Accident-only plans only reimburse for unexpected tooth extractions, and accident and illness plans usually don’t cover routine dental care. However, most companies have wellness plans that provide some reimbursement for dental cleanings.
Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock
