- Pumpkin Team
- Nov 12
- 8 min read
Key points:
Accident-only plans help with the cost related to dental injuries, like when your pet fractures a tooth during playtime.
Accident & illness plans help cover veterinary bills like gum disease or periodontal disease.
Routine cleaning costs aren’t usually covered, but treatment cleanings can be.
Dental illness (and the vet bills that go along with it) are costly to treat, so finding pet insurance that includes dental coverage is a great choice. But not all pet insurance plans are created equal. There is significant variation in benefits, exclusions, and qualifying conditions for dental illness coverage.
To help you navigate the complicated world of pet dental illness coverage, we’re laying out the conditions and services that pet insurance plans may cover, the ones they may not, plus the limitations you need to know about.
Why do I need coverage for dental illnesses?
Dental disease (AKA periodontal or gum disease) is one of the most common illnesses seen in dogs and cats. An estimated 70% of cats and 80% of dogs develop dental disease by age three, but it often goes undetected by pet owners. Left untreated, dental disease can cause:
Chronic pain
Tooth loss
Infections or abscesses
Eroded gums
Deciduous teeth
It can even lead to dangerous infections that spread to major organs, causing health issues for the heart, liver, and kidneys. When the disease is discovered, treatment can be costly and time-consuming, especially if it’s diagnosed in the later stages.
Serious cases of gum disease or periodontal disease can wreak havoc on a pet’s mouth and body,
eventually leading to an increased risk of heart, kidney, and liver disease. Between 2022 and 2025¹, the average claim cost for dogs with periodontal disease was $1,106 – just think of all the treats you could buy with that! For cats, the average was nearly the same at $1,010.
Given the serious nature of advanced periodontal disease, protecting your pet’s teeth is essential for their overall health and well-being. Considering the high price tag, coverage for diagnostics and treatments for dental illness is a vital part of your pet’s overall insurance coverage.
Tip: A regular tooth brushing schedule can help prevent periodontal disease. If you can’t brush your pet’s teeth daily, try to clean those teeth at least once a week! Still have questions? Ask your veterinarian for cleaning tips at your next checkup.
Does pet insurance cover dental illnesses?
A pet insurance plan with extensive accident and illness coverage should cover dental illnesses.
Be mindful that pet insurance coverage doesn’t always include dental illness coverage. Many pet insurance plans do exclude dental illness coverage or have preventive care requirements you must meet before your pet can be covered. It pays to delve into the policies of the plans you are considering to fully understand what is included in their dental coverage.
With Pumpkin plans, we are proud to offer coverage for dental illnesses because we know it’s a necessity, not a nice-to-have. Dental illnesses can happen to any pet at any age, so having this coverage is crucial.
Let’s break down what’s typically included and how Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans make it easier to keep your pet smiling.
Does pet insurance cover dental cleanings?
Most standard accident & illness pet insurance plans can help pay you back for eligible veterinary bills related to:
Dental injuries (like a fractured or broken tooth from chomping on a hard toy or bone)
Dental illnesses (like periodontal disease or oral infections)
Medically necessary dental surgeries, such as tooth extractions or tumor removals.
Routine cleanings, though? Usually not included unless your plan offers a wellness add-on.
Also, keep in mind: veterinary expenses related to pre-existing conditions (any dental issues that appear before your plan’s start date or during a waiting period) are typically excluded from coverage.
Pet insurance from Pumpkin does cover cured and curable pre-existing conditions. If your pet fully recovers and remains symptom-free and treatment-free for a set amount of time, eligible veterinary bills related to that condition may qualify for reimbursement in the future.
Does pet insurance cover tooth extractions?
Plans that include dental illness coverage (like Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans) can help by reimbursing eligible costs for accident- or illness-related dental care, including:
Tooth extractions
X-rays and diagnostic scans
Anesthesia
Prescribed medications
Post-operative care
Emergency oral surgery
So, if your dog breaks a tooth while playing fetch, or your cat develops a painful abscess, those veterinary bills could be eligible for reimbursement, turning a stressful situation a bit more manageable.
Pumpkin Cat and Dog Insurance plans help with covered veterinary expenses for dental illnesses and injuries — no annual cleanings required to stay covered.
What other dental conditions and services does pet insurance cover?
Some pet insurance plans will cover dental treatments for illnesses and accidents. This can include a wide range of conditions your pet might experience, including:
Gingivitis
Stomatitis
Periodontal disease
Tooth abscesses
Oral growths and tumors
Fractured jaw or tooth
It may also cover a range of veterinary services and treatments for covered conditions, like:
Tooth extractions
X-rays
Scans
Treatments
Prescription medicine
Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans cover treatments for dental illnesses and tooth extractions for dental accidents or illnesses.
Which dental services will pet insurance not cover?
Even the best dental insurance for dogs and cats has limits. Here are expenses you usually won’t find covered:
Cosmetic or elective dental procedures (like teeth whitening)
Caps, crowns, filings
Root canals, endodontic therapy, or dental implants
Non-medically necessary extractions
Preventive products (toothbrushes, chews, supplements)
Unsure whether a procedure is considered “medically necessary?” Your veterinarian can help clarify, and your provider can confirm if it’s eligible under your plan.
Cost of dental care with and without insurance
The cost of dental procedures can add up fast, especially if your pet needs multiple extractions or advanced imaging. According to Pumpkin's claims data between 2022 and 2025¹, here’s what you might pay for dental care without insurance:
Procedure | Average Cost for Cats | Average Cost for Dogs |
Dental X-rays | $411 to $1,161 | $350 to $660 |
Dental Cleaning | $574 to $3,001 | $521 to $2,847 |
Tooth extraction | $1,098 to $2,850 | $1,220 to $3,985 |
And that’s before anesthesia, vet exam fees, and post-op care. With an accident & illness plan that includes dental illness coverage, these veterinary bills are reimbursable. That way, you can afford care without cutting corners.
What's the difference between preventive dental care and treatment for dental illnesses?
Dental preventive care refers to services you perform or pay for that are intended to help prevent dental illnesses from developing. This can include getting regular dental cleanings or purchasing tooth-friendly snacks and toys.
Dental illness treatment refers to diagnostics and treatments intended to treat a dental illness.
Are there any requirements, conditions, or limits of dental illness coverage I should know about?
Yes, there are a few. If your pet has a dental illness that is a pre-existing condition, this would not be covered by most pet insurance policies. Likewise, if a dental illness occurred or showed symptoms during a waiting period, this may not be covered.
Before covering your pet’s dental treatments for illnesses, some pet insurance plans require you to bring your pet in for an annual dental exam and dental cleaning – and pay for it out of pocket.
Additionally, they might only reimburse you up to a certain amount (like $1,000) per year or
condition.
Luckily, Pumpkin insurance plans don’t require you to bring your pet in for an annual teeth cleaning. Pumpkin plans also don’t have a separate annual limit just for dental illnesses, so you won’t encounter extra surprises when it’s time to take your pet to the vet. If your pet needs expensive surgery for gum disease, Pumpkin plans will reimburse you for eligible expenses up to your plan’s annual limit.
Pet health insurance should cover dental problems
Dental problems are no fun for you or your pet, and dental illness coverage can save you thousands of dollars over your pet’s lifetime. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all insurance plans are created equal – and neither is all dental illness coverage.
Do your homework and find out if the pet insurance plan you’re considering offers this coverage – and don’t forget to read the fine print! Next, take your research a step further and see what specific benefits the plan offers, as well as exclusions, requirements, and limits you might have to take into consideration.
As pet parents, our kids deserve only the best pet dental care, and pet insurance can help make that possible. Find out more ways Pumpkin plans can help keep your four-legged friends healthy and happy!
Ways to protect your pet's dental health
If you are looking for more information on how you can take care of your pets teeth, continue reading with these helpful guides:
FAQS
Does pet dental insurance exist by itself?
You likely won’t find pet dental insurance as a separate form of insurance from a pet accident & illness insurance plan. That’s why it’s extra important to make sure dental illness coverage is included in your pet insurance plan.
You may be able to find a wellness plan that includes routine dental care as a benefit, but this won’t help you pay for costs related to dental illnesses or accidents.Which is the best pet insurance plan for dental illness coverage?
Which is the best pet insurance plan for dental illness coverage?
A great pet insurance plan will include dental illness coverage in its policy. That said, dental coverage differs greatly from provider to provider. The best insurance plan for you and your pet will depend on your individual needs, budget, and coverage requirements.
For assistance comparing different pet insurance providers, we have a helpful comparison page here. This page offers an in-depth look at plans from providers like AKC, Embrace, Trupanion, Figo, and Healthy Paws.
What measures can I take to protect my pet’s dental health?
Giving your pet’s teeth regular attention is an immense help when it comes to keeping dental issues at bay. While brushing your dog’s teeth can be a handful, and wrangling your cat for a cleaning might be a workout, it’s so worth it.
We created a full guide to caring for your pet’s dental health, but we’ll give you the speedy version here:
Create a regular at-home teeth cleaning schedule
Schedule regular professional dental checkups and cleanings
Ensure your pet eats a balanced, healthy diet
Find dental-friendly toys and treats
Based on Pumpkin Claims data processed from October 2022 to October 2025. The examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible claim. Coverage and reimbursement rates vary based on policy options. This does not guarantee coverage. Individual results may vary and statistics may change during different time periods.
DISCLOSURE
Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies it sells. For more details visit pumpkin.care/underwriting-information *Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement. COMPARISON INFORMATION: Comparison information is provided using publicly available information as of 11/21/2021 and is only meant to summarize program features, not a specific plan. Review the provider’s plan terms for more details. The description of the providers’ plans are not provided by that company. If you have questions about other plans, please contact an agent of that company. It is our intention to provide fair and accurate comparison information. We attempt to keep information up to date but it may change from time to time. If you are aware of any inaccuracies or changes in the information provided, let us know by emailing [email protected]. All trademarks are the property of Pumpkin or a related company or licensor unless otherwise noted. Copyright © 2021 Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. All rights reserved.
