What is pet dental insurance, and what does it cover?
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits
One of the most popular optional extras for pet insurance is dental coverage. Oral health can be crucial for pets, but most standard pet insurance policies won’t cover it automatically (unless you opt-in, which can add to your premium).
So what’s included in dental cover? And more importantly, what’s not?
Here’s what you need to know about dental coverage for pet insurance.
Do pets need oral care?
Usually, we only think to bathe or brush our furry friends, but oral care is essential to looking after a pet.
From an early age, it’s important to desensitise your pet to teeth/cheek brushing with toothpaste specifically designed for their needs (not for humans).
Most vets will recommend you brush your pet’s teeth daily or at least 2 - 3 times per week. Some dental treats can help clean teeth, but it’s still vital to get in there yourself if your pet tolerates it. Otherwise, our pets can develop many of the same problems we do: cavities, gingivitis, fractured teeth, bad breath, and more.
What does dental cover pet insurance cover?
Dental cover (sometimes called “Major Dental Coverage”) is designed to reimburse eligible oral veterinary treatment and care costs under your pet insurance policy, usually up to a certain percentage or limit.
Typically, dental coverage is only offered as an optional extra on an accident & illness or comprehensive policy – so you’re unlikely to get it on a cheap pet insurance policy.
Some pet insurance providers who offer dental benefits may cover the treatment of:
- Gingivitis
- Abscesses
- Oral tumours
- Medically-necessary removal of teeth (due to infection, cavities, tooth fracture)
Keep in mind that limits, excesses, waiting periods, and exclusions may apply.
You may also have to showcase a history of annual dental checks to your provider to support your claim. Doing this proves that the claim wasn’t a result of negligence, poor caretaking, or a pre-existing condition – all of which are standard pet insurance exclusions.
What isn’t covered by dental pet insurance?
Dental coverage isn’t a standard inclusion on most pet insurance policies. Unless the product disclosure statement (PDS) says dental care is covered, any claims related to oral injuries or illnesses likely won’t be approved.
However, even when dental coverage is offered, some common exclusions may apply, such as:
- Dental procedures and care.
- Certain oral or dental diseases.
- Fractured or chipped teeth.
- Routine or preventative dental treatments.
- Electric procedures like teeth cleaning/scaling.
- Removal of deciduous teeth.
- Orthodontics and crowns (such as root canals and cosmetic or corrective dental surgery).
- Pre-existing oral conditions.
Read the PDS and talk to your pet insurance provider if you’re unsure about the terms and conditions of your coverage.
Should I get dental coverage for my pet?
Determining the right level of pet insurance coverage for you will depend on your needs and circumstances. For example, dental coverage might suit someone looking for comprehensive protection for their pet, while someone on a budget might opt out.
Comparing pet insurance policies can give you an idea about the value and coverage available to you so that you can make an informed decision.
Which pet insurance providers cover dental?
A few pet insurance providers in Australia offer dental coverage, typically as an optional extra or as part of their comprehensive plans.
- Australian Seniors
- Bow Wow Meow
- Bupa
- Coles*
- Guild Insurance
- Knose*
- HCF*
- HIF
- Mad Paws
- Petsy
- PetsOnMe*
- Pounce
- Prosure
- Trupanion*
*Provider won a 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Award.
Be aware that limits, exclusions, waiting periods, and excesses may apply, and will vary depending on the pet insurance policy.
Some pet insurance providers may also offer limited dental care protection (usually teeth-cleaning) as a non-insurance benefit or an optional extra. These providers include:
- RACQ* (teeth cleaning optional benefit).
- PetSecure (teeth cleaning optional benefit).
- Woolworths* (optional non-insurance routine care benefit).
- Medibank* (routine care optional benefit).
Always read the PDS for the full story on benefits, terms, and conditions.
Looking for a winner? Check out our best pet insurance hub for policies by Mozo award-winning providers.
Compare a selection of pet insurance policies below.
Compare pet insurance
Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits.
-
Pet Protection Plus
Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).
annual benefit limit
$5,000, $10,000 or $25,000benefit percentage
80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $150, $200, $300, $500choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
CompareComparePet Protection Plus
Petsy has zero sublimits and an annual limit up to $25k. Get a pre-existing conditions assessment in your cooling-off period - free of charge for members only. Dedicated all Australian customer service team. Cancel your policy and receive a full refund of your premium in the first 30 days (T&Cs apply).
- annual benefit limit
- $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $150, $200, $300, $500
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- 5% discount for second pet covered with Petsy applied for lifetime of the policy
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- Yes
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for Non-specified accidental injury, 14 days for Non-specified illness, and dental illness, 6 months for specified conditions and behavioural problems
- special offers
- Use code "BREAST" and Petsy will donate $50 to National Breast Cancer Foundation
- pre approval process
- Online, phone and written approval. Customer can also request for us to pay the vet directly.
- claims service
- Electronically by your vet, online claims
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Petsy pet insurance
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Value Cover
Get great value coverage with Knose Value Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.
annual benefit limit
$7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000benefit percentage
70%, 80% or 90%choice of excess
$0, $100, $200 Annual Excesschoice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
CompareCompareValue Cover
Get great value coverage with Knose Value Cover. Award-winning pet insurance designed with the help of vets. No sub-limits or hidden costs. Customise your plan to help fit your budget. Australian-based customer care.
- annual benefit limit
- $7,500, $12,5000, or $25,000
- benefit percentage
- 70%, 80% or 90%
- choice of excess
- $0, $100, $200 Annual Excess
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Optional
- emergency boarding
- Yes, up to 30 days
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- Yes, only while in New Zealand on a trip of not more than 60 days
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 6
- waiting period
- 1 day for illness, 14 days of illness, and 6 months for specified conditions
- special offers
- Get 10% off your first-year premium using the promo code "MOZO10"
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Online by you or your vet
- other benefits
- Optional excess is charged once per annual policy period. Complimentary access to the Knose Pet Health Hotline.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Knose pet insurance
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Accident & Illness Pet Insurance - 2024
Comprehensive Pet Insurance
Give your pet the care they need with Budget Direct’s Comprehensive Pet Insurance. Get a generous $15,000 annual policy limit, routine care options to choose from and up to 80% money back on eligible vet bills (T&Cs apply). Get cover for orthopaedic care, accidental injury and illness cover as well as choice of vet.
annual benefit limit
$15,000benefit percentage
80%choice of excess
$100, $200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
CompareCompareComprehensive Pet Insurance
Give your pet the care they need with Budget Direct’s Comprehensive Pet Insurance. Get a generous $15,000 annual policy limit, routine care options to choose from and up to 80% money back on eligible vet bills (T&Cs apply). Get cover for orthopaedic care, accidental injury and illness cover as well as choice of vet.
- annual benefit limit
- $15,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%
- choice of excess
- $100, $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Receive 15% off the first year’s premium for new policies quoted online
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- Optional
- routine care limit
- -
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $2,600
- hip joint surgery
- Yes, orthopaedic limit up to $8,000
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $1,500
- dental cover
- Optional Extra- Dental checkups, scale and polish only.
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for accidental injuries, 30 days for illness and tick paralysis, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- -
- claims service
- Submit claim by email or by post
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Budget Direct pet insurance
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Basic
Get a Basic Pet Insurance policy from Coles Insurance and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries covered, plus 4 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
annual benefit limit
$10,000benefit percentage
80%, 100%choice of excess
$200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
CompareCompareBasic
Get a Basic Pet Insurance policy from Coles Insurance and collect 10 Flybuys points for every $1 you spend in the pet aisle at Coles (max cap applies). All accidents and injuries covered, plus 4 specified illnesses covered. Up to 100% back on eligible vet bills. Cured pre-existing conditions covered. Exclusions, excess, limits, and T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Guild Insurance Limited.
- annual benefit limit
- $10,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 100%
- choice of excess
- $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Save 5% when you insure two or more pets on one policy
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- N/A
- dog
- yes
- cat
- yes
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes, up to $3,000
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes - for covered conditions
- tick paralysis
- Yes, up to $2,500
- dental cover
- No
- emergency boarding
- No
- theft or straying
- No
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes, up to $500
- maximum age in years
- 8
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 21 days for accidents and specified illnesses, waiting period waived for specified accidents, 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Written approval
- claims service
- Online claims
- other benefits
- -
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Coles pet insurance
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Dog Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
annual benefit limit
$30,000benefit percentage
80%, 90% or 100%choice of excess
$0 - $200choice of vet
Yesavailable discounts
- Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
CompareCompareDog Plan
Get dental, physio and behaviour cover included as standard with Fetch 30k cover with no sub-limits. Your plan includes free 24/7 vet support and an all Aussie vet nurse team to manage claims. Claims are paid directly to your vet.
- annual benefit limit
- $30,000
- benefit percentage
- 80%, 90% or 100%
- choice of excess
- $0 - $200
- choice of vet
- Yes
- available discounts
- Get an extra 5% off your entire plan when two or more pets are covered under the same plan.
- accident only cover
- no
- accident and illness cover
- yes
- routine care
- No
- routine care limit
- n/a
- dog
- yes
- cat
- no
- ct and mris
- Yes
- cruciate ligament condition limits
- Yes
- hip joint surgery
- Yes
- total hip replacement
- Yes
- tick paralysis
- Yes
- dental cover
- Yes
- emergency boarding
- Up to 14 days
- theft or straying
- No - optional support with a social media campaign targeting up to 5,000 people in your postcode
- death from illness
- No
- legal liability
- No
- overseas pet travel insurance
- No
- essential euthanasia
- Yes
- maximum age in years
- 9
- minimum age in weeks
- 8
- waiting period
- 2 days for injury, 30 days illness, Cruciate rupture, Patellar Luxation, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) and Cherry Eye, has a 90-day waiting period.. Option to submit a video to have waiting period waived.
- special offers
- -
- pre approval process
- Ask your vet to submit a pre-approval and get the outcome in-app.
- claims service
- Claim in-app or your vet submits online.
- other benefits
- Free 24/7 vet support in-app. Physio, Behavior cover included. See PDS for more.
- other restrictions
- -
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read reviews and learn more about Fetch pet insurance
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* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Pet Insurance Awards
