Dental disease is common in pets but many pet insurance policies exclude or limit dental cover.
Why Dental Cover Matters
| Condition | Common In | Treatment Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Periodontal disease | Dogs, cats | £200-£800 |
| Tooth fracture | Dogs | £300-£1,000 |
| Tooth extraction | Both | £150-£500 |
| Root canal | Dogs | £500-£1,500 |
| Stomatitis | Cats | £400-£1,000 |
What Policies Typically Cover
| Dental Issue | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Accidental tooth damage | Usually yes |
| Tooth fracture from trauma | Usually yes |
| Periodontal disease | Rare (considered preventable) |
| Routine dental cleaning | No |
| Tooth extraction due to disease | Usually no |
| Pre-existing dental conditions | No |
Policy Levels
| Cover Level | Dental Coverage |
|---|---|
| Accident-only | Dental accidents only |
| Time-limited | Accidents + some disease (up to time limit) |
| Maximum benefit | Accidents + disease (up to £X per condition) |
| Lifetime | Accidents + disease (renews annually) |
Lifetime policies are most likely to cover dental disease.
What to Check in a Policy
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Accidental dental cover | Included? Any limit? |
| Periodontal disease cover | Included? Excluded? |
| Waiting period | Often 6-12 months for dental claims |
| Annual limit | Per condition or overall? |
| Per-condition limit | Lifetime or fixed amount? |
| Pre-existing exclusion | Previous dental issues excluded |
The 6-12 Month Waiting Period
Many insurers impose a waiting period for dental cover:
| Policy Start | Dental Claims |
|---|---|
| Month 1-6 | Usually not covered |
| Month 6-12 | Partial cover may apply |
| Month 12+ | Full cover (if policy includes dental) |
This prevents claims for pre-existing dental disease.
How to Reduce Dental Costs
| Method | Savings |
|---|---|
| Regular brushing | Prevents most dental disease |
| Dental chews and toys | Reduces plaque |
| Annual dental check | Catches problems early |
| Dental diet food | Clinically proven to reduce tartar |
| Insurance with dental cover | Covers unexpected costs |
Claims Example
| Scenario | Without Insurance | With Dental Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Dog breaks a tooth | £800 | Claim £800 (minus excess) |
| Cat needs extraction | £400 | Claim £400 (minus excess) |
| Periodontal treatment | £600 | Check if policy covers |
Bottom Line
Dental cover in pet insurance varies widely. Accidental damage is usually covered; disease-related dental issues often aren’t. Lifetime policies offer the best dental cover. Expect a 6-12 month waiting period for dental claims. Regular brushing and checkups prevent most dental problems. Read the policy wording carefully — dental is one of the most commonly excluded areas.
What to watch out for
The biggest surprise for pet owners is that dental disease is almost universally excluded from cover. Insurers consider it a preventable condition — the argument being that regular brushing and checkups should stop it developing. That means a £600 periodontal treatment for your cat or a £1,500 root canal for your dog comes out of your pocket, regardless of your policy.
Another trap is assuming that a “lifetime” policy covers everything dental. Even the best lifetime policies typically limit disease-related dental cover to a per-condition cap, and some impose sub-limits on dental treatment that are far lower than the overall annual limit. Check the specific dental sub-limit before you assume you are covered for a major procedure.
Keeping dental cover current
Dental needs change as your pet ages. Younger pets are more prone to accidental damage — broken teeth from chewing hard objects or rough play — while older pets face increasing risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay. Review your policy as your pet ages to make sure the level of dental cover still matches their likely needs.
If you have a breed predisposed to dental problems — small dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are particularly prone — consider whether the cost of a lifetime policy with strong dental cover is justified by the likely treatment costs. Sometimes setting aside a monthly amount in a dedicated savings account for veterinary dental work is a practical alternative to relying on insurance that may not pay out for the conditions your pet is most likely to develop.