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Updated July 2026Yes — most accident-and-illness pet insurance plans cover dental illness and injuries (like extractions or a broken tooth), but routine cleanings are only covered if you add a wellness plan. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and cats — and one of the most misunderstood parts of pet insurance. Here's exactly what is and isn't covered.
Dental illness vs. routine cleaning
Most accident-and-illness plans cover dental illness and injury — think extractions, broken teeth, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. What they usually don't cover is routine cleaning, which is considered preventive care.
How to get cleanings covered
To get routine dental cleanings covered, you'll generally need a wellness add-on (sometimes called a preventive or routine-care plan). These cost extra but make yearly costs predictable.
Common exclusions to watch for
Pre-existing dental conditions are excluded. Some insurers also require proof of an annual dental exam to keep dental illness coverage valid — read the policy's fine print before you buy.
Dental illness vs routine cleaning
The key distinction: dental illness and injury are covered on most accident-and-illness plans — extractions, broken or fractured teeth, and periodontal (gum) disease when not pre-existing. Routine cleanings are preventive care and are only covered if you add a wellness plan. So a cracked tooth from a chew toy is typically covered; the yearly scale-and-polish usually isn't.
The dental pre-existing trap
Dental disease develops slowly, which creates a common trap: if a vet notes tartar, gingivitis, or a bad tooth before your policy starts, later treatment for that can be ruled pre-existing and excluded. The fix is to enroll early and, ideally, start coverage before a dental problem is on record.
How to maximize dental coverage
If dental matters to you, favor insurers known for strong dental terms (for example Embrace and Fetch), keep your vet records clean and current, and consider a wellness add-on if you want routine cleanings included. Compare options in our provider reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet insurance cover tooth extractions?
Yes — if the extraction is due to illness or injury and not a pre-existing condition, most accident-and-illness plans cover it.
Does pet insurance cover teeth cleaning?
Routine cleaning is typically covered only with a wellness/preventive add-on, not the base plan.
What pet insurance is best for dental?
Look for plans that explicitly include dental illness with no separate sub-limit, and offer a wellness add-on for cleanings.
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Costs: How much does dog dental cleaning cost? · Cat dental cleaning cost