- Pets have teeth, just like humans, and those teeth require care. This is especially true as animals get older. Poor dental care can result in broken, infected, and damaged teeth, and can lead to gum disease. Gum and periodontal disease can result in bacteria being released into the blood, which can lead to heart problems and a variety of other serious medical diseases. Buying a pet dental insurance plan is an excellent way to ensure your pet's mouth and body remain healthy. Moreover, dental insurance typically saves money in the long-term, as one visit to the veterinarian to repair a mouthful of cavities can cost hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
- Pet dental insurance may be a part of your pet's medical insurance, may be offered as a bonus plan or extra, or may need to be purchased separately from your pet medical insurance policy. Some pet dental plans only cover emergency dental care, while other types only provide coverage for regular cleanings and maintenance work. Some types of dental insurance allow reimbursement for both types of care. The type of pet dental insurance you purchase is a complicated decision, and should depend on the needs of your pet, their current dental and physical health, and your budget limitations.
- Pet dental insurance can provide you with peace of mind knowing that your pet's teeth, gums, and overall health are protected. If a serious problem occurs, such as damage to your pet's teeth or an oral infection, you will not be forced to watch your pet suffer while you try to come up with the hundreds or thousands of dollars needed to have your pet treated. Moreover, pet dental insurance will enable you to protect and maintain more than just your pet's mouth. Many illnesses stem from poor oral hygiene, and Penn researchers have even discovered higher levels of inflammatory substances in the blood of dogs with poor oral care. As increasing evidence points to the mouth as a main source of infection and inflammation that can result in illness throughout the body, the importance of regular cleanings and quality dental care becomes obvious.
- Pet dental insurance plans work in the same way that dental plans for humans work. Usually, only some types of procedures are covered. The difference between pet dental plans and human dental plans is that a veterinarian, not a dentist or other professional, treats pets when there is a problem with their teeth. The cover levels, benefits, and features of your pet's dental plan will depend on what policy you choose. Generally, a veterinarian will see your pet, copays and other out-of pocket expenses will be required up front, and the veterinarian will bill the insurance provider directly for the remainder of the balance owed. In some cases, you are responsible for paying for the entire vet visit up-front, and will then submit a form to the insurance provider for reimbursement of covered expenses. Most pet insurance policies have deductibles that need to be met before cover begins, similar to the deductibles included with most human insurance plans.
- Most medical insurance plans for pets do not cover dental procedures, but check your existing plan to see if dental work is covered before taking out an additional policy. Make certain you read the fine print included with your policy, and ask about any cover limitations or hidden fees before agreeing to any policy. Some pet dental insurance plans only cover emergency treatment, while other plans only provide cover for routine care and cleanings. These cover limits are not always obvious, and you need to discuss any concerns about your pet's cover with your insurance provider before agreeing to take out a policy. Also, check to make certain your current veterinarian is listed on your policy. Some policies only allow you to visit certain vets, and if you are attached to your pet's current vet, you need to be sure your visits to his or her office will be covered.
