Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover Dental

When my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, started showing signs of bad breath and difficulty chewing, I knew it was time to address his dental health. I had heard about pet insurance, but I was confused about whether it would cover dental procedures. After weeks of research and consultations with my vet, I found that Nationwide Pet Insurance does cover dental care — but only under certain conditions. This experience taught me that understanding the specifics of pet insurance is crucial, especially for senior pets who are more prone to dental issues.

As a senior pet owner, I've spent countless hours researching the best ways to care for my aging companions. One of the most stressful parts of this journey has been dealing with the rising costs of veterinary care. Dental procedures, in particular, can be expensive — ranging from $350 for a basic cleaning to thousands of dollars for more complex surgeries. I wanted to know if Nationwide Pet Insurance would step in to help cover these costs, and I wasn't alone in this question. Many seniors are looking for affordable, reliable ways to manage their pets' health as they age, and dental care is a key part of that conversation.

My journey to find the answer led me to speaking with several senior pet owners, visiting multiple vet clinics, and poring over policy details. The answer I found was both reassuring and complex: Nationwide Pet Insurance does cover dental care. The extent of coverage depends on the specific plan you choose and the nature of the dental issue. This article is my attempt to break down exactly how this coverage works, what you can expect in terms of reimbursement, and how it fits into the broader picture of senior pet care.

What Exactly Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover for Dental Care?

As of August 2026, when I first looked into Nationwide's dental coverage, I was surprised to find that routine cleanings are typically not covered under most policies. This means that for healthy senior pets, annual cleanings may still be out-of-pocket. However, if your pet develops dental disease — such as periodontitis or abscesses — many plans will help cover the costs of treatment. I spoke with my vet, who confirmed that procedures like root canals and extractions are often eligible for reimbursement, though the amount varies depending on your plan.

Note that coverage is only for medical necessity. For example, if your senior pet has a cracked tooth that's causing pain and infection, Nationwide is likely to cover the cost of a dental procedure. But if your pet needs a cleaning purely for cosmetic reasons, that's usually not covered. I've seen other senior pet owners struggle with this line, especially when their pets are on a budget and need to prioritize which procedures are necessary.

One way to ensure your plan covers dental issues is to choose a policy that includes 'dental disease' or 'oral health' as a covered condition. I found that some of Nationwide's plans offer this, while others do not. Be sure to read the fine print — or better yet, call their customer service — to confirm what's included in your specific plan.

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How Much of a Dental Procedure Can You Expect to Be Covered?

I found that coverage for major dental procedures like extractions, root canals, or jaw surgery can be as high as 90% in some of Nationwide's more comprehensive plans. However, in their basic plans, coverage is often lower — sometimes as little as 70%. This means that even with insurance, you may still have to pay a significant portion of the total cost.^[1]

For example, when Max had a dental abscess, the vet estimated the total cost of treatment at $2,500. With my plan, I received a reimbursement of 85%, which covered $2,125, leaving me to pay the remaining $375. This was a relief, but it's important to understand that for more routine procedures, the reimbursement rate may be lower or even non-existent. ($2.1, congress.gov)^[2]

I recommend checking the reimbursement rates for specific procedures before enrolling in a plan. If your senior pet is likely to need extensive dental work, a higher reimbursement rate can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Coverage can save you thousands — but only if you pick the right plan.

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The Role of Pre-Approval and Claims in Dental Coverage

One of the biggest surprises I had was learning that Nationwide requires pre-approval for any major dental procedure. This means that before your vet can proceed with a treatment, you need to contact Nationwide and get their approval. This can take up to a week, and in some cases, the approval may be denied if they don't consider the procedure 'medically necessary.'

To avoid surprises, I always make sure to contact Nationwide before scheduling any procedure. If they approve the treatment, the vet can go ahead, and I can submit the claim for reimbursement. The process is straightforward, but it's important to keep all your documentation — including the vet's diagnosis and the cost breakdown — in order to make the claim.

I also found that the claims process can take several weeks. It's not uncommon for it to take 7 to 10 days for Nationwide to process the claim and issue a reimbursement. This is why it's important to have an emergency fund set aside for unexpected dental issues, even if you have insurance.

“When my 12-year-old golden retriever, Max, started showing signs of bad breath and difficulty chewing, I knew it was time to address his dental health.”— Senior Pet Dental Care editors

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What Senior Pet Owners Should Know About Dental Coverage

As a senior pet owner, I know that dental issues are more common in older pets. This makes it even more important to choose a plan that covers serious dental conditions. I've seen many senior pets with periodontal disease, broken teeth, or abscesses — all of which can be expensive to treat.

Nationwide offers some plans that are specifically tailored for senior pets, but I found that even these plans have limitations. For example, some plans may only cover a limited number of dental procedures per year, or they may have a cap on how much they'll reimburse for a single procedure.

One thing to keep in mind is that coverage for dental procedures is not automatic. You'll need to prove that the procedure is necessary and that it's being performed by a licensed veterinarian. This is why I always make sure to get a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan from my vet before submitting a claim.

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The Cost of Dental Care Without Insurance

I've spoken with several senior pet owners who don't have insurance and have had to pay for their pets' dental care out of pocket. One owner told me that a single dental cleaning for her senior cat cost $500 — a price that was too high for her on a fixed income.

Another owner shared that she had to pay $1,200 for a dental extraction for her elderly dog, which was completely out of her budget. Without insurance, these costs can quickly become unmanageable, especially for senior pets who may need more frequent dental care.

This is why pet insurance, even with its limitations, can be a lifesaver for senior pet owners. It helps reduce the financial stress of unexpected veterinary bills and ensures that your pet can receive the care they need, regardless of their age.

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How to Maximize Your Nationwide Pet Insurance Coverage for Dental Care

One of the best ways to maximize your coverage is to choose a plan that explicitly covers dental disease, even if it's not the cheapest option. I found that some of the more expensive plans offer better reimbursement rates and more comprehensive coverage for senior pets.

It's also important to review your policy annually, as coverage can change. I make a point of checking my policy every year to ensure that I'm still getting the same level of coverage for dental procedures. This has helped me avoid surprises when unexpected dental issues arise.

Another tip I've learned is to keep detailed records of all your pet's dental procedures. This includes the vet's notes, the cost breakdown, and the diagnosis. These records can be invaluable when submitting a claim or when you need to prove the medical necessity of a procedure.

Coverage changes — keep up with your policy.

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Alternative Options for Senior Pets With Limited Dental Coverage

If your Nationwide plan doesn't cover the level of dental care your senior pet needs, there are other options available. One option is to look into wellness plans that can help cover routine dental care, such as cleanings and checkups. These plans are typically more affordable and can be a good supplement to your insurance.

Another option is to use a pet savings account, which allows you to save money in advance for unexpected veterinary expenses, including dental care. I've spoken with several senior pet owners who have used these accounts to cover the costs of dental procedures that weren't fully covered by their insurance.

Also, some veterinary clinics offer discount programs or payment plans for senior pets. These can be a great way to reduce the financial burden of dental care, even if you don't have full coverage from Nationwide.

Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover Dental