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.
This content is for educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Do your own research before investing.