Does pet insurance cover dental disease?

The short answer

Yes, pet insurance can cover dental disease, but it depends on your policy. Many insurers cover accidental dental injuries, but place limits on treatment for dental disease.

Napo pet insurance provides lifetime cover for dogs and cats, including dental treatment for both accidents and illnesses. General dental disease is covered, provided your pet has had an annual dental checkup in the 12 months before their symptoms were first identified.

What is dental disease?

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. It usually starts with plaque building up on the teeth. Over time, this can lead to sore gums, bad breath, damaged teeth and even tooth loss. Left untreated, the dental treatment cost for a dog or cat can climb quickly, which is a key reason why having cover matters.

Because pets can't tell us when something hurts, dental problems sometimes go unnoticed until they're causing discomfort. That's why regular dental checkups are such an important part of your pet's healthcare. They give your vet the chance to spot problems early and recommend treatment if needed.

Does pet insurance usually cover dental?

This is one of the areas where pet insurance policies can differ the most, which is why it's worth checking the details before you buy. That goes for both dog dental insurance and cat dental insurance.

Many policies will cover dental treatment following an accident, but place tighter restrictions on dental disease caused by illness. Some insurers only cover extractions, while others exclude dental disease altogether. It's also common for insurers to ask for evidence of regular dental checkups before they'll pay a claim.

Routine dental care is different again. Preventative treatments, such as routine descaling, polishing and professional teeth cleaning, are generally considered part of the ongoing cost of owning a pet, so they aren't usually covered by insurance.

Understanding these differences can help you avoid surprises if your pet ever needs dental treatment!

What Napo covers

At Napo pet insurance, our dental cover is for dental treatment that's recommended and carried out by your vet. This includes:

• dental treatment following an accident

• dental treatment for an illness, including general dental disease

• treatment such as tartar removal and dental extractions to treat dental disease

To be eligible, your claim must also meet the rest of your policy terms. In particular, your pet must:

• have had an annual dental checkup in the 12 months before the symptoms of the injury or illness were first identified

• not have shown symptoms of the conditions before your policy started or during your waiting period

• have received treatment within six months of your vet first recommending it

The aim is simple: if your pet develops an eligible dental illness or suffers an accidental dental injury, your insurance is there to help with the cost of treatment.

What Napo doesn't cover

Dental exclusions are common across UK pet insurance providers, so it's just as important to understand what isn’t covered. 

At Napo, your policy doesn't include:

• dental treatment if your pet hasn't had an annual dental checkup or dental conditions where your pet has shown symptoms before your policy start date, in the 24 hours before your accident cover starts, or during your 10 day waiting period for illness cover

• dental treatment that isn't carried out within six months of your vet first recommending it

• dental treatment that hasn't been prescribed by a vet

• cosmetic or elective (non-essential) dentistry

• routine or preventative dental healthcare (including descaling, polishing and professional cleaning), even if your vet recommends it

Routine dental care is still one of the best ways to help keep your pet's teeth healthy, but insurance is designed to help with unexpected illnesses and injuries rather than ongoing preventative care.

Keeping your dental cover valid

The easiest way to keep your dental cover in place is to make sure your pet has a dental checkup every year. This means your vet has physically examined your pet's teeth and dental health, and recorded that examination in your pet's medical history.

It's a simple appointment that's good for your pet's health, as it gives your vet the chance to spot any developing dental problems early!

How to claim for dental treatment at Napo

If your pet needs dental treatment that's covered by your policy, claiming with Napo is much the same as any other veterinary claim. Your vet will diagnose the problem and recommend any treatment that's needed. 

We'll review your claim alongside your pet's clinical history and confirm the treatment meets your policy terms, including the annual dental check requirement.

If you make an eligible claim, you'll pay a £99 excess once per condition, per policy year for dental treatment. A 20% co-payment towards each claim for dental fees may also apply to your policy if you’ve selected this option, or when your pet turns nine. Dental claims are covered up to a maximum of £2,000 per policy year.

Frequently asked questions

Does Napo pet insurance cover teeth cleaning?

Routine or preventative dental care isn't covered by Napo. This includes treatments such as descaling, polishing and professional teeth cleaning, even if your vet recommends them. 

However, treatment such as tartar removal can be covered when it's needed to treat dental disease, provided your policy's dental care requirements have been met. To be eligible for cover, your pet must have had a dental checkup within the previous 12 months, and any treatment your vet recommends must be carried out within six months of that recommendation. If these requirements aren't met, dental claims may not be covered.

Are pre-existing dental problems covered by Napo?

No. As with other illnesses, dental conditions that your pet has shown symptoms of before your policy start date or during your waiting period aren't covered.

Do I need annual dental checks to stay covered?

Yes. To claim for dental treatment, your pet must have had an annual dental checkup in the 12 months before the symptoms of the injury or illness were first identified. Your vet should record details of the dental exam in your pet's medical history.

Is my breed more prone to dental issues?

Some breeds are more likely to experience dental problems than others. Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas are often more prone to plaque buildup and gum disease because of the way their teeth are positioned, while some flat faced breeds such as French Bulldogs can also be at higher risk. Cats can develop dental disease too, so regular checkups are important whatever breed you have!

What counts as accidental dental damage?

Accidental dental damage is an injury to your pet's teeth or mouth caused by an unexpected accident or traumatic event, rather than an illness that develops over time. 

If treatment is recommended and carried out by your vet, accidental dental treatment is covered by Napo, provided your claim meets the rest of your policy terms.

Main takeaway

Dental treatment is one of the areas where pet insurance policies differ most, so it's worth understanding the details before you need to make a claim.

At Napo pet insurance, eligible dental treatment is covered for both accidents and illnesses, including general dental disease. The key thing to remember is your pet needs an annual dental checkup in the 12 months before their symptoms were first identified, and the claim must meet the rest of your policy terms.

That clarity means you can spend less time worrying about what's covered, and more time getting your pet back to feeling their best!