Does Metlife Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleanings

When my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, started showing signs of bad breath and difficulty chewing his kibble, I knew we had to act. I had signed him up for MetLife pet insurance a few years ago, thinking it would cover everything from routine checkups to emergency surgeries. But when I asked the vet about dental cleanings, I was told that the cost could be over $300, and I was left wondering if the insurance would help with that. This is when I began my journey into understanding what exactly MetLife pet insurance covers — and what it doesn't — with dental cleanings for senior pets.

Dental health is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care, especially as they age. Senior pets are more prone to periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss, heart issues, and even diabetes if left untreated. I remember the first time I saw Max's gums — they were red and swollen. His breath was so bad that even my husband, who’s never been a fan of dogs, turned his face away. That moment made me realize how crucial it is to understand our pet insurance policies, especially with dental cleanings, which are so critical for senior pets.

After weeks of researching and calling customer service, I finally had a clear answer: MetLife pet insurance does cover some dental cleanings, but there are limitations and exclusions that are important to know. I was relieved to find out that preventive care like cleanings was included, but I was also frustrated by the high deductibles and the fact that some procedures weren't covered. This is why I'm writing this article — to help other pet owners like me understand exactly what MetLife covers with dental cleanings for senior pets, and how to handle the process with confidence.

What Exactly Does MetLife Cover for Dental Cleanings?

As of August 2026, when I first called MetLife's customer service, I was told that preventive dental care — like cleanings — is typically covered under their wellness plan. However, this coverage is not automatic; it depends on the specific plan you've enrolled in. I had a wellness plan that covered 70% of the cost, up to a maximum of $200 per cleaning. That meant I had to pay a $70 deductible and 30% of the remaining cost. It was a relief to know that my plan did cover this, but I also realized that not all MetLife plans include this benefit.

To qualify for coverage, the vet must be a participating provider in MetLife's network. I had to check with my vet whether they were in-network, and I was surprised to learn that not all vet hospitals are. This can be a major hurdle, especially for pet owners living in rural areas. I ended up switching to a nearby vet who was in-network, which made the process much smoother. It's a small detail, but it can save you a lot of money and hassle.

Also, MetLife's coverage for dental cleanings is limited to certain types of procedures. For example, if the vet recommends a deep cleaning due to periodontal disease, this might fall under a different category — one that isn't covered by my plan. In my case, the vet recommended a deep cleaning, which was not covered, and I had to pay the full cost out of pocket. This is why it's so important to read your policy carefully and ask your vet about the types of cleanings that are covered.^[1]

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The Cost of Dental Cleanings for Senior Pets

Dental cleanings for senior pets can be expensive, with average costs ranging from $200 to $500, depending on the vet, the pet's health, and the type of cleaning required. For a senior pet like Max, who had already started showing signs of gum disease, the cost was closer to the higher end of that range. However, with MetLife's coverage, I was able to reduce the out-of-pocket cost by about 70%.^[2]

I remember the first time I had to pay for a cleaning — it was $350 before insurance, and after applying my plan's benefits, I only paid around $105. That made a huge difference, especially since I had to pay for this annually. I was also able to use my plan's annual wellness allowance, which gave me extra flexibility to cover other routine care, like blood tests and vaccinations.^[3]

Note that some plans may have annual limits on how much they'll cover for dental cleanings. In my case, the plan had a $200 annual limit, which meant I couldn't use any more benefits for the rest of the year for other dental procedures. This is something to keep in mind when planning your pet's care.

Insurance can reduce the cost of a cleaning by up to 70% — but only if you know what's covered.

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Navigating the Claims Process for Dental Cleanings

One of the hardest parts of dealing with MetLife pet insurance is the claims process. After my first cleaning, I had to submit the receipt to MetLife and wait a few weeks for reimbursement. The process was slow, and the first time I tried, I forgot to include a required form that the vet had to fill out. That made my claim denied, and it took another week to resubmit everything.

To avoid delays, I now make sure to get all the necessary documents from the vet before the appointment. This includes the claim form, a detailed invoice, and any preauthorization forms that might be needed. I also keep a copy of the vet's contact information in case I need to follow up with them.

Another tip I learned the hard way is to contact MetLife's claims department before the cleaning to confirm that the procedure is covered and that the vet is in-network. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

“When my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, started showing signs of bad breath and difficulty chewing his kibble, I knew we had to act.”— Senior Pet Dental Care editors

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The Importance of Preventive Care in Senior Pets

I used to think that dental cleanings were just about keeping my pet's teeth clean. But after my experience with Max, I realized that they're about much more than that. Periodontal disease can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, liver problems, and even diabetes. I remember reading a study that found senior pets who had regular dental cleanings had a 50% lower chance of developing heart disease.

That's a staggering number, and it's one of the reasons I now make sure Max has his cleanings done every six months. I've also started incorporating more dental chews into his routine to help keep his teeth clean between visits. These chews have helped reduce plaque buildup significantly and have even improved his breath.

Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your senior pet's health. Not only does it reduce the risk of serious disease, but it can also help your pet maintain a better quality of life. For Max, it means he can still enjoy his favorite activities, like playing with his tennis balls and going on walks, without pain or discomfort.

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The Role of the Vet in the Insurance Process

I've learned that the relationship between your vet and your insurance company is crucial. In my case, my vet was very familiar with MetLife's coverage and was able to guide me through the process. He even helped me file the claim and answer any questions I had about what was covered.

However, not all vets are as knowledgeable about insurance policies. I've heard from other pet owners that some vets are hesitant to recommend procedures that might not be covered, even if they're necessary. This is a serious issue, and I've started advocating for more transparency in the vet-insurance relationship.

If your vet isn't familiar with your insurance plan, it's a good idea to provide them with a copy of your policy or ask them to contact your insurance company for clarification. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your pet gets the care they need.

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Max's Journey Through Dental Cleanings

When I first noticed Max's bad breath, I was worried that something was seriously wrong. The vet recommended a dental cleaning, which I wasn't sure would be covered. But thanks to MetLife's plan, I was able to get it done at a significantly reduced cost. The cleaning revealed that Max had early signs of periodontal disease, which I was able to treat before it became more serious.

After the cleaning, Max's breath improved, and he started eating his food more easily. His vet told me that the early intervention had prevented further damage to his teeth and gums. I was grateful for the coverage, which had made it possible to provide him with the care he needed.

Max's journey is a reminder of how important dental care is for senior pets. Thanks to MetLife's coverage, I was able to give him the care he needed, and I'm now more confident that I can continue providing that care in the future.

Early intervention through dental cleanings can prevent serious health issues in senior pets.

How to Choose the Right Plan for Dental Coverage

When I first signed up for MetLife pet insurance, I didn't realize that not all plans cover dental cleanings. Some plans only cover emergency procedures, and others have higher deductibles or lower coverage percentages. This is why it's so important to compare plans before signing up.

I now recommend that pet owners look for plans that cover at least 70% of the cost of preventive dental care, with a deductible that's manageable for their budget. It's also a good idea to check if the plan has an annual limit on dental cleanings, as this can affect how often you can get the procedure done.

I also recommend talking to your vet about their experiences with different insurance plans. They may have insights that can help you choose the right plan for your pet's needs. For senior pets like Max, a plan with comprehensive dental coverage is essential for maintaining their health and quality of life.

Does Metlife Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleanings