What is pet dental insurance, and what does it cover?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.