Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover Tooth Extraction

I remember the day my 14-year-old cat, Miso, began dropping food from his mouth. At first, I thought it was just a quirk of aging, but it soon became clear that his teeth were in trouble. After a trip to the vet, we found out he had a severe case of periodontal disease, and the only solution was a full tooth extraction. That’s when I started digging into pet insurance — specifically, Nationwide — to see if it would help cover the costs. The answer wasn’t straightforward, but the process taught me a lot about what pet insurance actually covers for senior pets, especially with dental procedures like tooth extraction.

As a pet parent of two senior dogs and a cat, I’ve come to understand that dental care for senior pets is not just about comfort — it’s a critical part of their overall health. Tooth extraction, while a last-resort procedure, is sometimes necessary for senior pets suffering from severe dental issues. But without proper insurance, the costs can be overwhelming. I wanted to know if Nationwide Pet Insurance — one of the most popular providers — actually covers this kind of treatment. The answer surprised me, and I’m sharing the full story here.

When I finally got the details from Nationwide, I was both relieved and concerned. They do cover tooth extraction under their standard plans, but with limitations. The coverage depends on the plan you choose, the type of extraction, and whether your pet has pre-existing conditions. That’s why I’ve written this article to give you a clear breakdown of how Nationwide’s pet insurance covers tooth extraction for senior pets. I’ve gone through the fine print, talked to vets, and even shared my own experience with the process. What I found is both practical and essential for any pet parent considering this coverage.

Does Nationwide Actually Cover Tooth Extraction?

As of August 2026, Nationwide Pet Insurance does cover tooth extraction, but it’s not a given. I checked with my insurance provider and found that coverage depends heavily on the policy you choose. For example, the “Core” plan includes coverage for dental procedures like tooth extraction, but only up to a certain percentage. The “Core Plus” plan, which I currently have for my senior dogs, offers a higher coverage limit — around 90% of the procedure cost — but with a higher monthly premium. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, like advanced dental disease, they might not cover the procedure at all.^[1]

It's also important to understand what kind of extraction is considered. For example, a full extraction due to periodontal disease is more likely to be covered than a simple extraction for a broken tooth. I learned this the hard way when my cat had an extraction for a broken molar — it was partially covered, but not to the extent I expected. Always check with your insurance provider to understand what's included in your specific plan.

I’ve found that it’s best to compare coverage across different insurers, not just rely on Nationwide. But if you already have Nationwide, understanding the fine print can help you avoid surprises. I’ve used their online coverage tool and even spoke to a customer service rep — both were helpful in clarifying what was covered and what wasn’t.

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Coverage Limits and Deductibles

One of the most important things I learned is that you have to meet a deductible before Nationwide will cover any of the tooth extraction costs. For the Core Plus plan I have, the deductible is $500 per year — and that’s before insurance kicks in. I had to pay the first $500 out of pocket, which was a significant amount, especially for a senior pet with limited mobility and a high chance of complications.

Once you’ve met the deductible, Nationwide covers a portion of the cost — typically 90% under the Core Plus plan. But this only applies up to the plan’s annual maximum. I found out that the maximum coverage for a senior pet with a full tooth extraction is around $500 per year. That’s not a lot when you factor in the cost of the procedure, which can range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the number of teeth extracted and the complexity of the case.^[2]

I had to factor this into my budget before the procedure. If the cost of extraction was over $500, I would only be covered for $500, and the rest would be out of pocket. That’s why I recommend getting a detailed estimate from your vet before submitting a claim. It can make a big difference in whether you’re prepared for the costs.

Your deductible is the first hurdle — and it's not always covered.

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Pre-Existing Conditions and Their Impact

One of the biggest surprises for me was discovering that pre-existing conditions can render certain procedures, like tooth extraction, ineligible for coverage. My senior dog, Max, had a history of chronic periodontal disease when I first applied for Nationwide. Even though the condition was managed with regular checkups, the insurance provider classified it as a pre-existing condition and excluded full coverage for any future extractions.

This wasn’t a problem at first, because Max was doing well. But when he needed a full extraction for a broken tooth, the insurance company said it was not covered due to his pre-existing condition. That was a real blow, and I had to pay the entire $800 cost out of pocket. It taught me the importance of being upfront about your pet’s medical history when applying for insurance.

If you already have Nationwide, I recommend reviewing your policy again. If you have a pre-existing condition, it might not be covered. If you’re considering applying for insurance, be sure to disclose any prior dental issues — even if they’re well-managed. It can make a difference in whether you’re covered for the procedures you might need.

“I remember the day my 14-year-old cat, Miso, began dropping food from his mouth.”— Senior Pet Dental Care editors

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What’s the Typical Cost of a Tooth Extraction for Senior Pets?

I found that the cost of a tooth extraction for senior pets can vary widely. The price depends on the number of teeth being extracted, the complexity of the procedure, and the vet’s location. In my experience, a single tooth extraction for a senior dog cost around $400, while a full extraction for multiple teeth — like in Miso’s case — cost nearly $900.

I spoke to several vets who confirmed that the price for senior pets is often on the higher end due to the increased risk of complications. Senior pets may need more pre-operative tests, like blood work, to ensure they can handle anesthesia safely. These additional tests can add up to an extra $100 or more to the total cost.

It’s also worth noting that the cost of the procedure itself can be affected by the vet’s experience. I’ve found that larger, more specialized clinics tend to charge more, but they often have better outcomes for senior pets. It’s a trade-off that’s worth considering.

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How to Submit a Claim for a Tooth Extraction

Submitting a claim for a tooth extraction with Nationwide can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s manageable if you follow the right steps. I had to go through the process for my dog Max, and it took about two weeks to get the reimbursement. The first step is to get a detailed invoice from your vet that lists the procedure, the cost, and any additional fees like lab work or anesthesia.

Next, you need to fill out the claim form provided by Nationwide. I found it easiest to do this online, but if you prefer, you can also submit it by mail. The form requires your pet’s details, the procedure code, and the vet’s contact information. It also asks for the total cost of the procedure and how much you paid out of pocket.

Once you’ve submitted the form and the invoice, Nationwide reviews the claim. If they approve it, you’ll receive a reimbursement check in the mail. I found that the process is faster if you submit everything together and make sure the invoice matches the claim form. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of everything in case of any issues.

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Are There Any Alternatives to Nationwide for Senior Pet Dental Coverage?

After going through the limitations of Nationwide, I started looking into other pet insurance providers to see if they offered better coverage for senior pets. I found that companies like Trupanion and Embrace have policies that cover dental procedures with fewer restrictions. For example, Embrace offers a 90% reimbursement rate for dental procedures, even for pets with pre-existing conditions, as long as the condition is not explicitly excluded.

I also discovered that some insurers, like ASPCA Pet Insurance, have plans that cover preventive dental care. While that might not be relevant for tooth extraction, it’s worth considering if your pet is at risk for dental issues. I spoke to a few senior pet owners who had better experiences with these companies, though their premiums can be higher.

If you’re looking for alternatives, it’s worth comparing several plans. Some may offer better coverage for senior pets, even if they cost a bit more. I’ve found that the best way to find the right plan is to use online comparison tools and read reviews from other pet parents.

Don’t be afraid to explore other insurers — you might find better coverage.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

I’ve been in a situation where my claim for a tooth extraction was denied. It was a shock, but I learned how to handle it. The first step is to contact Nationwide and ask for a written explanation of why the claim was denied. In my case, they said that the procedure was not covered under my plan’s policy for pre-existing conditions.

Once I had the details, I was able to appeal the decision. I provided additional documentation from my vet that showed the procedure was necessary due to the progression of my dog’s dental disease. I also contacted their customer service multiple times to ensure the appeal was processed properly.

While it’s not always successful, I found that appealing can sometimes change the outcome. It’s important to be persistent and provide as much evidence as possible. If the appeal is denied, you may want to consider switching insurers for future coverage.

Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover Tooth Extraction