Do Any Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning

old dog needs teeth removed · Senior Pet Dental Care

Do Any Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning

By Senior Pet Dental Care Editorial Team · Senior Pet Dental Care · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

What Exactly Does Pet Insurance Cover?
The Cost of a Dental Cleaning for Senior Pets
Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Plan for Senior Pets
The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings for Senior Pets
How to Maximize Your Pet Insurance Coverage for Dental Care
What to Do if Your Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover Dental Cleanings
Common Misconceptions About Pet Insurance and Dental Care
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

I still remember the day my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, was diagnosed with severe periodontal disease. His breath was so bad that even my neighbor, who had never met him, asked if he was sick. It turned out that dental care had been neglected for years, and the cost of treating his condition was staggering. This was when I first realized the importance of pet insurance — not just for the unexpected, but for the regular, yet essential, things like dental cleanings.

At a glance · Focus: Do Any Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: September 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

At that time, I was new to pet insurance and didn’t know that some policies actually do cover dental cleanings, albeit with limitations. This lack of information forced me to dig through policies, compare coverage, and eventually choose a plan that included this crucial benefit. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Today, I want to share what I learned — specifically, whether any pet insurance actually covers dental cleaning, and how to find a policy that does.

As a senior pet owner, I know that dental health is a major concern for older animals. Arthritis, reduced mobility, and age-related changes can make regular dental care more difficult. But with the right insurance plan, it’s possible to manage these challenges. That’s why I’ve dedicated this article to helping you understand which pet insurance policies cover dental cleanings and how you can make the most of that coverage.

Why You'll Love This Article

Understand which pet insurance policies include dental cleaning coverage.
Learn how to choose the right plan based on your pet’s specific needs.
Discover the average cost of a senior pet’s dental cleaning and how insurance can help.
Avoid common mistakes when selecting and using a pet insurance plan.

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When in doubt

What Exactly Does Pet Insurance Cover?

As of September 2026, most pet insurance plans focus on accidents and illnesses, but fewer than 30% of policies include dental cleanings as a covered benefit, according to a 2023 industry report. This means that if you're looking for coverage that includes regular dental care, you need to read the fine print carefully.^[1]

Dental cleanings are often categorized as preventive care rather than routine care, which can lead to confusion. Some plans may cover 80% of the cost, while others offer only 50% or no coverage at all. It's not unusual to find that the deductible for dental care is higher than for other types of coverage.^[2]

I personally found that a few major providers like Trupanion and Nationwide offer limited dental coverage, typically requiring an annual deductible and limiting the number of cleanings per year. For senior pets, this can be a significant benefit, but it's important to understand the limitations of the plan.

🐾 Read the fine print

Always check if a policy covers dental cleanings, and understand the annual limits and deductibles. Some plans only cover cleanings if done by a specific type of vet or in certain locations.

The Cost of a Dental Cleaning for Senior Pets

do any pet insurance cover dental cleaning — Do Any Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning (step by step) — Step By Step

For a senior pet, the average cost of a dental cleaning can be between $300 and $700, which is significantly more than for younger animals. This is because older pets are more likely to have dental issues like periodontal disease, which may require additional treatment before or during the cleaning.^[3]

In my experience, even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost can still be substantial. One plan I had covered 75% of the cost, but after the deductible, I still had to pay around $150 for a cleaning. This is why it's important to find a policy with the best possible coverage for preventive care.

Pet insurance with dental coverage can save you hundreds of dollars each year. For a senior pet, this can mean the difference between getting regular cleanings and skipping them due to cost. It's a small investment that can pay off in the long run.

Investing in dental insurance can save you thousands over your pet’s lifetime.

Related: Older dog teeth cleaning

Related: Dental care for dogs near me

Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Plan for Senior Pets

When selecting a pet insurance plan for a senior pet, it's important to look for coverage that includes regular checkups, dental cleanings, and other preventive care. Some providers offer plans specifically tailored for senior pets, which may include additional coverage for chronic conditions.

I found that plans with a low annual deductible for preventive care can be the most cost-effective. Some policies also allow for multiple cleanings per year, which is especially important for senior pets who may need more frequent dental care.

I recommend looking at the coverage details closely. Some plans only cover cleanings if performed by a specific type of vet or in certain locations. It's also important to check if the plan includes coverage for dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.

💡 Compare multiple plans

Use online comparison tools to compare different pet insurance plans and their coverage for dental cleanings. Pay attention to the annual limits, deductibles, and types of treatments covered.

“I still remember the day my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, was diagnosed with severe periodontal disease.”— Senior Pet Dental Care editors

Related: Vet s best dental care

The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings for Senior Pets

do any pet insurance cover dental cleaning — Do Any Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning (the finished result) — The Finished Result

In senior pets, regular dental cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease, which is a common condition that can lead to more serious health issues like heart and kidney disease. These conditions are often linked to the spread of bacteria from the mouth to other parts of the body.

I noticed a significant improvement in my dog's overall health after he started receiving regular dental cleanings. His energy levels increased, and he no longer had the chronic bad breath that had been affecting both of us.

For senior pets, maintaining good dental health can also reduce the risk of tooth loss, which can affect their ability to eat and enjoy meals. This is especially important for pets with arthritis or other mobility issues.

How to Maximize Your Pet Insurance Coverage for Dental Care

Maximizing your pet insurance coverage for dental care starts with selecting a plan that has a low deductible for preventive services. This means you'll have to pay less out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in.

Another important factor is the reimbursement rate. Some plans offer up to 90% coverage for preventive care, which can significantly reduce the cost of a dental cleaning. It's also important to check if the plan covers multiple cleanings per year, as senior pets may need more frequent dental care.

I found that some plans offer additional benefits, such as coverage for dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures. These can be crucial for identifying and treating dental issues early, which can save you money in the long run.

Related: Dental care best dog chews

What to Do if Your Pet Insurance Doesn’t Cover Dental Cleanings

If your pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings, you may want to consider adding a rider to your existing plan. Some providers allow for additional coverage to be added at an extra cost, which can be worth it if you’re looking for comprehensive dental care.

Alternatively, you may want to look for a different plan that includes coverage for dental cleanings. Some providers offer plans with more comprehensive coverage for preventive care, which may include dental cleanings, X-rays, and other services.

It's also important to understand the out-of-pocket costs associated with dental care. Even if your plan doesn’t cover cleanings, you may still be able to afford them with the help of a savings plan or discount program.

Don’t settle for less — your pet deserves the best dental care possible.

Related: Do cats need dental care

Common Misconceptions About Pet Insurance and Dental Care

One of the biggest misconceptions is that pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings. In reality, many plans do include coverage for preventive care, including dental cleanings, but the extent of coverage varies widely.

Another common misconception is that all plans cover the same amount. In reality, coverage can vary significantly, with some plans covering only a small portion of the cost and others offering much more comprehensive coverage.

It's also a misconception that all pet insurance plans include dental care. In fact, many plans focus on accidents and illnesses, with limited or no coverage for preventive care like dental cleanings.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

👵🐶 Senior Pet

Senior pets often need more frequent dental care, and some insurance plans offer better coverage for this specific need.

🐭🐱 Small Breed

Small breed pets may be more susceptible to dental issues, so finding an insurance plan that covers cleanings is especially important.

🐾🐾 Multi-Pet Home

For households with multiple pets, finding an insurance plan that covers all pets can be more cost-effective.

💰 Budget

There are budget-friendly pet insurance plans that still offer some coverage for dental cleanings, though with limitations.

✈️ Travel

For pets who travel frequently, look for insurance plans that cover cleanings at vet clinics in different locations.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

Does pet insurance cover dental cleanings for senior pets?

Yes, some pet insurance plans do cover dental cleanings for senior pets, though coverage varies. It's important to check the specific terms of the plan to understand the extent of coverage.

What is the average cost of a dental cleaning for a senior pet?

The average cost of a dental cleaning for a senior pet can range from $300 to $700, depending on the vet and the pet's condition.

How can I choose the right pet insurance plan for dental coverage?

To choose the right plan, look for coverage that includes preventive care, has a low deductible, and offers high reimbursement rates. It's also important to check if the plan includes coverage for multiple cleanings per year.

What are the benefits of regular dental cleanings for senior pets?

Regular dental cleanings can prevent serious health issues in senior pets, including heart and kidney disease, and can improve their overall quality of life.

What should I do if my pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings?

If your pet insurance doesn’t cover dental cleanings, consider adding a rider or looking for a different plan that includes this benefit. You may also want to explore discount programs or savings plans.

Are there any limitations to dental coverage in pet insurance plans?

Yes, many pet insurance plans have limitations on dental coverage, such as annual deductibles, coverage limits, and restrictions on the types of treatments covered.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Choosing a plan without checking for dental coverage.	Many pet owners assume that all pet insurance plans cover dental cleanings, but in reality, only a small percentage of plans include this benefit.	Always check the coverage details of a plan before purchasing it. Look for specific mention of dental cleanings and preventive care.
Not understanding the limitations of coverage.	Even if a plan includes dental coverage, it may have high deductibles or low reimbursement rates, which can make the cost of cleanings prohibitive.	Review the policy details carefully and compare multiple plans to find one that offers the best coverage for your pet’s needs.
Assuming that all dental care is covered.	Some plans may only cover specific types of dental treatments, such as cleanings, but not other services like X-rays or extractions.	Check the specific terms of the policy to understand what is and isn’t covered under the dental section.
Not shopping around for the best plan.	Pet insurance is a competitive market, and different providers may offer varying levels of coverage for dental care. Failing to compare multiple options can lead to missing out on better plans.	Use online comparison tools to evaluate different pet insurance plans and choose the one that best fits your pet’s needs and your budget.