Introduction
Dental health is just as important for cats as it is for humans, yet it’s often overlooked. Gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections can cause serious health problems in felines if left untreated. As veterinary costs continue to rise in 2025, many pet owners are wondering: Does pet insurance cover dental care for cats?
The short answer is — it depends on your policy. Some cat insurance plans do include dental coverage, but the type of care they cover varies. In this article, we’ll explore the types of dental treatments covered by pet insurance, the difference between medical and preventive dental care, and what to look for when choosing a policy that protects your cat’s oral health.
Why Dental Health Matters for Cats
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats. Conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and abscesses can be painful and may even lead to more serious complications like heart or kidney disease if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Unfortunately, dental procedures can be costly. Routine dental cleanings often range from $200 to $600, and more complex treatments like extractions or oral surgery can cost far more. Pet insurance can help reduce these expenses — but only if dental coverage is included in your plan.
Types of Dental Care: Medical vs. Preventive
To understand whether pet insurance covers dental care, it’s important to separate medical dental care from preventive dental care.
Medical dental care includes treatment for illness or injury affecting the teeth, gums, or mouth. This might involve tooth extractions due to infection, surgery for abscesses, or emergency treatment for a broken tooth. Most standard pet insurance plans do cover this type of dental care, as long as it’s related to an accident or disease and not pre-existing.
Preventive dental care, on the other hand, includes regular cleanings, polishing, oral exams, and routine checkups designed to prevent disease. This kind of care is typically not covered under standard policies, but it may be included if your insurance provider offers a wellness or preventive care add-on. These add-ons come at an extra monthly cost but can help cover annual dental cleanings and related services.
What Dental Treatments Are Typically Covered?
In most cases, pet insurance for cats will cover dental care only when it’s medically necessary. This means if your cat breaks a tooth while playing, gets an oral infection, or needs surgery due to dental disease, your policy is likely to reimburse you — provided the issue is not pre-existing and all policy conditions are met.
Covered procedures usually include:
- Tooth extractions due to injury or infection
- Treatment for gingivitis or periodontal disease
- Oral surgery related to trauma or illness
- Antibiotics or pain medications for dental infections
Coverage varies by provider, so it’s essential to read the policy’s terms and definitions regarding dental illness and accident care.
What’s Usually Not Covered
Most basic pet insurance plans do not cover routine dental cleanings, cosmetic procedures, or dental diets. Cleanings are often excluded unless you have a wellness plan, and even then, coverage may be limited to once per year. Similarly, insurance won’t cover dental conditions that existed before your policy started or that developed during the waiting period.
Other exclusions typically include:
- Routine cleanings without symptoms or illness
- Cosmetic dental work (such as whitening or polishing)
- Preventive treatments without a diagnosis
- Conditions resulting from neglect, such as lack of basic dental care
The Role of Wellness Plans in Dental Coverage
Some pet insurance providers offer optional wellness or preventive care plans, which can be added to your primary policy for an additional monthly fee. These plans may cover:
- Annual dental exams
- Professional teeth cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Oral health supplements
If you’re looking to maintain your cat’s dental health year-round — and reduce the risk of costly treatments later — a wellness add-on could be worth considering.
Tips for Choosing a Dental-Friendly Insurance Plan
When reviewing pet insurance policies, be sure to:
- Look for terms like “dental illness” or “dental accidents” in the coverage section
- Check if routine dental care is included in a wellness add-on
- Confirm there are no dental-specific exclusions hidden in the fine print
- Ask whether coverage requires proof of regular dental maintenance (some plans require annual cleanings to stay eligible for coverage)
Choosing a policy with clear dental benefits can save you hundreds of dollars if your cat ever needs treatment.
Is Dental Insurance for Cats Worth It?
Yes — especially if your cat is prone to dental issues or getting older. Dental care is one of the most expensive and overlooked aspects of veterinary care. Having insurance that covers medical dental treatment ensures that you can afford urgent care when your cat needs it most, without delay.
If you also invest in preventive dental care, your cat is more likely to avoid serious problems down the road — and wellness add-ons can help you manage those costs as well.
Conclusion
So, does pet insurance cover dental care for cats? In most cases, yes — but only for medically necessary treatments such as injuries, infections, or illness-related procedures. Routine cleanings and preventive dental care are generally excluded unless you add a wellness plan.
To protect your cat’s full health, look for a pet insurance policy that includes or allows for dental coverage, and be sure to understand the fine print. A healthy mouth leads to a healthier cat — and the right insurance plan can help you keep both in check without breaking the bank.
