Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning?
Usually not under a standard policy. Most accident-and-illness plans cover dental injuries and some dental illnesses, such as extractions for periodontal disease, but exclude routine cleanings. To get cleanings covered you typically need a wellness or dental add-on, often about $10 to $20 a month for wellness, and plans may require regular cleanings to keep dental illness coverage.
Dental disease is one of the most common problems vets treat, especially in cats and small dogs. That makes dental coverage worth a close look, because it's split between "illness" coverage and "routine care" coverage.
Dental coverage by type
| Dental service | Standard accident & illness plan | Wellness / dental add-on |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth broken in an accident | Usually covered | — |
| Extractions for periodontal disease | Often covered (varies by insurer) | Some add-ons |
| Gum disease treatment, infections, abscesses | Often covered | Some add-ons |
| Routine cleaning (scale and polish) | Usually not covered | Covered by some plans, with a cap |
| Orthodontics | Usually not covered | Usually not covered |
| Pre-existing dental disease | Not covered | Some dental care add-ons |
Examples from insurers
- Healthy Paws covers extraction and reconstruction of teeth damaged in an accident, but not routine cleanings (GoodRx).
- ASPCA Complete Coverage covers dental treatment for illness and accidents; routine cleanings require its preventive care add-on (GoodRx).
- Lemonade sells a Dental Illness add-on (extractions, dental surgery, gum disease; $1,000 annual limit; excludes routine cleanings) and a Dental Care add-on that also includes routine cleanings, in states where available. Its Preventative+ package may cover routine cleanings.
Why insurers exclude routine cleanings
Routine cleanings are predictable maintenance, like vaccines, so insurers treat them as preventive care rather than insurable risk. GoodRx notes some policies may require regular cleanings to keep dental illness coverage, so read the conditions.
What dental cleanings cost without coverage
GoodRx puts cleanings at about $100 to over $1,000, depending on complexity, anesthesia and location. A veterinarian quoted by Adopt a Pet gave $300 to $2,000 for dogs and $300 to $800 for cats when extractions or oral surgery are needed.
Is a wellness add-on worth it for cleanings?
Compare the add-on's yearly cost (GoodRx cites about $10 to $20 a month, so roughly $120 to $240 a year) with the reimbursement caps for cleanings and other wellness items you'd use anyway. If your pet needs a cleaning every year, it may break even; if not, paying directly is often cheaper.
Tips to keep dental bills down
- Brush your pet's teeth at home with pet toothpaste.
- Ask your vet about dental diets and chews with the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.
- Don't skip annual exams; catching gum disease early avoids extractions.
See what pet insurance covers and find veterinarians near you.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.
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