When we think about covering the costs of veterinary care for our cats, we typically think about things like routine exams, vaccines, and the price of treating them after major diseases or accidents occur. However, dental care for our cats is equally as vital as it is for us to preserve their general health.
Dental disease in cats can be as severe as any other ailment in the same species. Poor dental hygiene, if left untreated, can result in bad breath, infection, tooth loss, and malnutrition, among other things. Unfortunately, this occurs frequently because of the high cost of veterinary dental care. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence.
Several cat owners opt to put off the cost of annual dental cleanings, allowing the condition to gradually develop over time, ultimately resulting in more expensive procedures down the road. Given the fact that specific dental procedures can cost upwards of $1,000, you may want to consider including dental coverage as part of your pet insurance policy.
Here’s everything you need to know about pet dentistry insurance, as well as how to get the best coverage for your animal companion.
What is the procedure for obtaining dental insurance for cats?
Dental insurance for pets is not marketed independently from other types of insurance, unlike human health insurance. It is instead incorporated as a component in most standard pet insurance policies. After meeting their deductible, owners often pay a monthly charge toward their annual premium. After meeting the deductible, they are reimbursed for a specific proportion of the upfront vet bills they paid for out of pocket.
Remember that not all pet insurance policies cover the cost of dental treatments, and not all procedures are covered, so it’s vital to thoroughly check the specifics of each policy to ensure that you choose the best option for your pet’s needs.
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Which pet insurance providers provide coverage for dental care?
The majority of pet insurance companies give some level of dental care for cats, but each plan is different. Pet dentistry plans are available from a wide range of insurance carriers, including the following:
- Hartville Pet Insurance
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
- Petplan Pet Insurance
- Pets Best Pet Insurance
- Pet’s First Pet Insurance
What is the purpose of having dental insurance for my pet?
Cats over the age of three show indications of dental illness, and 70 to 80 percent of cats have dental issues. Insurers are concerned about the financial risk associated with such extensive prevalence at such a young age, which is why they frequently limit or refuse dental coverage. Examples include establishing a maximum reimbursement rate, excluding coverage for particular treatments, and denying claims relating to pre-existing illnesses.
What is a pre-existing condition, and how to insure it?
In the context of pet insurance, a pre-existing condition refers to any health concern that was identified before your pet’s insurance coverage went into effect. It might be caused by periodontal disease, or it could be caused by an accident, such as a lost tooth while playing. Pre-existing conditions can also be inherited, and they can encompass both short- and long-term disorders, depending on the situation.
It’s crucial to know that no pet insurance policy will cover pre-existing conditions, which means you will not be paid for any expenditures incurred as a result of such ailments (although you should still enroll to receive coverage for other health concerns that might arise due to accident or illness in the years to come).
Therefore, it is essential to enroll in cat insurance as soon as possible before your cat develops dental disease or other health concerns that might result in expensive treatments, drugs, and veterinarian visits throughout its lifespan.
What kind of dental procedures are covered by cat health insurance?
There are a variety of plans available that cover pet dentistry insurance for concerns such as:
- Stomatitis
- Root canal therapy and dental crowns
- Dental injuries (chipped, broken, and fractured teeth)
- Tooth extractions
- Periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
What kind of dental procedures are not covered by cat insurance?
Routine dental cleanings are considered preventative treatment, and as a result, they are generally excluded from coverage under standard accident/illness insurance policies. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies provide additional pet health policies that will pay you for the costs of cat dental cleaning.
Some organizations may have coverage criteria that vary depending on your pet’s age. For example, some companies may demand a veterinarian to do an oral examination to identify any current health issues in pets over the age of three when enrolling pets above that age. A pet insurance policy will never pay for pre-existing problems or reimburse you for the expense of cosmetic treatments; instead, it will only pay for procedures that are considered medically essential for the health of your pet’s well-being.
What is the process for adding pet dental insurance?
The majority of the finest pet insurance providers cover dental treatment for accidents and diseases that occur after the policy becomes effective by default. When purchasing pet dentistry insurance, you will generally need to include a preventative care plan if you want routine care to be covered under the policy’s terms.
Three inquiries to make of your cat insurance provider
Always go past the headlines and ask pet insurance providers these three easy questions to ensure that you wind up with coverage that will provide your pet with the finest possible care:
- In terms of the Veterinary Fees Coverage, are there any additional restrictions?
- Do you provide insurance coverage for oral sickness and injury?
- Will I have to pay extra if I file a claim?
Suppose you pick a cat insurance plan that provides coverage for the rest of your life. In that case, pet insurance companies will not impose further restrictions on particular ailments or diagnostic instruments. We do cover dental sickness and injury if you get a yearly dental exam and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations, which you should do anyhow. And, no, you will not be charged any additional fees if you file a claim.
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Is it necessary to insure my pet against dental injuries and illnesses?
As a responsible pet owner, it is your responsibility to keep their coats in good condition and their teeth healthy. Was it ever brought to your thought that if their mouths aren’t healthy, it has the potential to influence the rest of their bodies? This has the potential to cause additional sickness.
Cats are prone to the same dental and gum issues as we are, including plaque buildup, periodontal disease, cavities, and gingivitis, just like humans. For obvious reasons, our four-legged companions make extensive use of their teeth, grooming themselves and carrying various objects in their mouths while exploring and playing – making dental insurance especially vital in the event of dental injuries or diseases. Furthermore, while you may anticipate dental care to be covered across the board, some insurance may not offer coverage for both injury and sickness, which means that less expensive pet insurance coverage may result in a higher overall expense.
Do cat insurance policies cover teeth preventative descaling?
The expense of routine health checks and treatments, such as prophylactic descaling and vaccines, as well as protection against internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and worms, is entirely your burden. Nevertheless, suppose your pet develops a dental condition or injury despite your best efforts.
If your pet displays indications of common dental issues (as described above), they may be feeling discomfort in their mouth, which your veterinarian should address. As long as your cat has received an annual dental examination and you have completed any suggested treatments within three months of the examination, you are protected under this policy. Yearly booster appointments make for convenient scheduling of annual dental examinations, and most veterinarians are delighted to do both procedures simultaneously.
Preventing dental issues in cats
There are things you can do at your house to maintain your pet’s teeth healthy and white, including daily brushing, feeding high-quality food, and utilizing dental treats that a veterinarian has prescribed. Because human toothpaste includes fluoride and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, cats mustn’t consume human toothpaste. This can cause renal failure in cats.
Beginning at a young age will allow you to familiarize your pet with the procedure of cleaning their teeth. While puppies and kittens also have temporary teeth that will be replaced between the ages of three and five months, they are more likely to accept having their teeth brushed if they are exposed to the process when they are very young. They will also accept you are putting your fingers in their mouths if they are exposed to the process while they are very young. When applying the pet-friendly dental gel, it is preferable to do so with a finger applicator.
FAQs
Cost of cleaning cat teeth?
The cost of cleaning will vary based on the amount of plaque and tartar that has accumulated. Following an examination of your pet’s teeth, your veterinarian should be able to offer you with an estimate of the cost.
For dental aches, what can I give my cat to alleviate the discomfort?
If you observe your pet displaying any indications of pain, you should always visit your veterinarian. Please do not utilize human medications or any other medication that has been recommended by your veterinarian for another purpose.
How frequently should cats have their teeth cleaned?
It is recommended that you get your kitty’s teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once every ten months to evaluate whether or not any treatment is required. During the time between sessions, you should create a home cleaning program that will help you keep a healthy mouth and teeth.
The Most Important Takeaways
- Without insurance, the expense of treating the majority of pet dental disorders can be too expensive.
- Many cat insurance policies cover treatments for oral injuries and dental illness in pets, but a different preventative care plan often provides coverage for routine cleanings.
- As previously said, cat insurance companies do not give coverage for pre-existing diseases such as gum disease, which affects two out of every three cats by the age of four; therefore, it is advisable to enroll your cat in a dental insurance program as soon as possible.
