6 Best Companies for Pet Dental Insurance – NerdWallet
Keeping your pet’s smile bright and healthy is essential for their overall wellbeing. Dental issues such as periodontal disease, broken teeth, and infections can cause pain and lead to costly veterinary bills. That’s why many pet owners are turning to pet dental insurance for peace of mind and financial protection. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 6 best companies for pet dental insurance recommended by NerdWallet to help you make an informed choice in protecting your furry friend’s dental health.
Why You Need Pet Dental Insurance
Dental care is often overlooked in pet insurance plans, but it can represent a significant portion of your veterinary expenses. Routine cleanings, extractions, emergency dental surgeries, and treatments for oral diseases add up quickly. Investing in dedicated pet dental insurance ensures your dog or cat receives timely dental care without breaking your budget.
- Prevent costly dental surgeries: Early detection and treatment with coverage means less out-of-pocket.
- Maintain your pet’s quality of life: Healthy teeth reduce pain and risk of systemic infections.
- Financial relief: Manage unexpected dental emergencies affordably.
- Comprehensive coverage: Some companies include both preventive and major dental work.
How to Choose the Best Pet Dental Insurance
When evaluating pet dental insurance providers, consider these important factors:
- Coverage options: Does the plan include preventive cleanings, X-rays, periodontal disease, and extractions?
- Reimbursement levels: What percentage of dental bills will the insurer cover?
- Deductibles and premiums: Compare the cost versus benefits for each company.
- Waiting periods and exclusions: Some companies exclude pre-existing dental conditions.
- Customer service and claim process: Reviews about ease of claim filing and support matter.
Top 6 Pet Dental Insurance Companies According to NerdWallet
| Company | Dental Coverage Highlights | Reimbursement | Annual Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace Pet Insurance | Includes dental injuries and illnesses (periodontal disease), optional wellness add-on | 80% (Standard Plan) | $200 | Comprehensive coverage with wellness add-ons |
| Healthy Paws | Dental illnesses & injuries covered; no caps on claims | 90% | $100 | Unlimited coverage and high reimbursement |
| Petplan | Includes dental accidents and diseases; exam fees and X-rays covered | 90% | $100-$250 | Great for pets prone to dental issues |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | Dental illnesses and injuries included; optional wellness coverage | 70%-90% | $100-$250 | Flexible plans to customize dental protection |
| Trupanion | Dental injury coverage; dental illness included in select states | 90% | $0 | Zero deductible with fast claim payout |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Full dental coverage for injuries and diseases; optional Preventive Care | 90% | $100-$250 | High-tech claims app and extensive dental protection |
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace is known for its comprehensive pet insurance policies with strong dental coverage for injuries and illnesses such as gingivitis and broken teeth. It also offers a wellness rewards program that reimburses routine dental cleanings and dental exams, which is a bonus for preventive care advocates.
2. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws stands out with its unlimited lifetime coverage and 90% reimbursement rate, making it a favorite for pets that may require extensive dental treatments over time. While premium costs can be higher, the quality of service and claims process is highly rated by pet owners.
3. Petplan
Petplan covers a broad spectrum of dental procedures, including X-rays and exam fees, which many competitors exclude. Their flexible deductible options and coverage for both dental injuries and diseases make it ideal for animals with chronic dental issues.
4. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA offers customizable plans that include dental injury and illness coverage. The option to add wellness coverage helps you manage routine dental care costs. This company is trusted for its charitable mission and solid customer support.
5. Trupanion
Trupanion is unique in offering zero deductible plans with straightforward 90% coverage for dental injuries. This can be advantageous for pet owners who want less upfront payment. However, coverage for dental illnesses varies by state, so check local availability.
6. Figo Pet Insurance
Figo provides excellent dental insurance paired with a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies claims. Their plans cover dental injuries and diseases extensively and include options for preventive dental care, perfect for owners focused on regular maintenance.
Benefits of Pet Dental Insurance
- Cost Savings: Avoid large unexpected bills for dental emergencies or infections.
- Early Detection: Insurance encourages regular vet dental exams aiding early problem identification.
- Comprehensive Care: Covers a range of procedures from cleanings to tooth extractions.
- Peace of Mind: Know your pet’s oral health is protected regardless of accidents.
Practical Tips When Buying Pet Dental Insurance
- Read the fine print: Understand which dental treatments are covered, especially exclusions and waiting periods.
- Compare annual caps: Some insurers have limits on payouts for dental claims.
- Consider preventive add-ons: If you want coverage for routine dental cleanings.
- Check the claim process: Choose companies with fast and straightforward reimbursement options.
- Review pet age and breed limitations: Some insurers have restrictions on older pets or specific breeds prone to dental issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet dental insurance is an important decision that protects your furry family members from costly dental health issues. The 6 best companies for pet dental insurance recommended by NerdWallet, including Embrace, Healthy Paws, and Petplan, offer diverse coverage options to suit different budgets and needs. Whether you want full protection for dental diseases or coverage primarily focused on emergencies, these companies provide reliable and affordable solutions.
Remember, investing in pet dental insurance not only saves money but also helps maintain your pet’s overall health and happiness. Start comparing plans today to give your dog or cat the dental care they deserve!
