When it comes to protecting your pet’s health, finding pet insurance that covers dental and surgery can save you thousands of dollars. Dental disease is one of the most common yet overlooked conditions in dogs and cats, and unexpected surgeries — from broken bones to tumor removals — can be financially devastating.
In this guide, we explore top-rated pet insurance companies that cover dental work and surgical procedures, what to look for in a policy, what’s included (and not), and how to choose the right coverage for your pet’s needs in 2025.
Why Dental and Surgical Coverage Matters
Dental Coverage
According to the American Veterinary Dental College, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age 3. Dental issues can lead to:
- Tooth loss
- Gum infections
- Pain and difficulty eating
- Systemic infections affecting the heart, liver, or kidneys
Routine cleanings, tooth extractions, and treatment of dental injuries can cost $500 to $3,000 or more — often not covered under basic pet plans.
Surgery Coverage
Surgical procedures, whether emergency or planned, are another major veterinary cost. Common surgeries include:
- ACL/CCL repair
- Tumor removal
- Foreign object removal
- Hip dysplasia treatment
- Bladder stone surgery
Major surgeries can range from $1,500 to over $5,000 depending on severity and location.
What Kind of Dental Care Is Covered by Pet Insurance?
Pet insurance coverage varies, but most insurers separate dental illness and dental accidents.
| Type of Dental Issue | Typically Covered? | Example Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Dental accidents | ✅ Yes | Broken teeth, jaw injury from trauma |
| Dental illness treatment | ✅ Some plans | Gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay |
| Routine cleanings | ❌ Only with wellness add-on | Dental scaling, polishing |
| Preventive dental care | ❌ Only with wellness | Annual exams, dental chews |
Look for policies that offer comprehensive dental illness coverage and optional wellness plans for preventive care.
Best Pet Insurance Plans That Cover Dental and Surgery (2025)
| Company | Dental Illness | Dental Accidents | Surgery Coverage | Wellness Add-on | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embrace | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Comprehensive | ✅ Yes | Full coverage with customization |
| Healthy Paws | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Extensive | ❌ No | Major surgeries and emergencies |
| Fetch by The Dodo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Strong | ❌ No | Complete dental illness & surgery |
| ASPCA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Broad | ✅ Yes | Balanced plans with wellness |
| Pets Best | ✅ Yes (with plan) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Customizable | ✅ Yes | Affordable options with dental |
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace offers some of the most comprehensive dental and surgical coverage available.
Highlights:
- Covers dental illnesses like periodontal disease, gingivitis, and infections.
- Covers dental injuries such as fractured teeth and trauma.
- All necessary surgeries included under accident/illness policy.
- Optional Wellness Rewards plan for preventive dental cleanings.
Annual dental exam required for dental illness coverage to apply — common among top insurers.
2. Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws focuses on emergency and major medical events, with unlimited lifetime benefits.
Highlights:
- No caps on surgery coverage.
- Covers dental injuries only (not illnesses).
- Fast claims reimbursement.
- Ideal for pet owners concerned with unexpected, high-cost surgery.
If your primary concern is major surgery coverage, Healthy Paws is a strong contender, but dental illness is not included.
3. Fetch by The Dodo
Fetch (formerly Petplan) is known for premium-level dental coverage.
Highlights:
- Covers injuries and illnesses affecting teeth and gums.
- Includes root canals, crowns, and extractions (when medically necessary).
- Covers complex surgeries, including ACL, growth removals, and more.
- Requires annual dental exam and cleanings.
This is one of the few insurers that offers extensive dental coverage without requiring a separate wellness plan.
4. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
ASPCA offers flexible plans, including options for both dental coverage and surgeries.
Highlights:
- Covers dental diseases and injuries.
- Add-on wellness plans include routine dental cleanings.
- Broad surgical coverage.
- 24/7 vet helpline.
ASPCA is ideal for pet owners seeking routine dental maintenance and surgical support under one roof.
5. Pets Best
Pets Best offers customizable accident and illness coverage, plus wellness add-ons for dental care.
Highlights:
- Dental illness coverage available under higher-tier plans.
- Routine cleanings included in wellness plans.
- Surgery coverage includes common procedures and emergencies.
- No upper age limit for enrollment.
Pets Best is ideal for older pets or those seeking affordable, modular policies with essential dental and surgical coverage.
What’s Not Covered
Even with top-tier plans, there are limits to dental and surgery coverage:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- Elective surgeries (e.g., tail docking, ear cropping)
- Orthodontics or dental braces
- Routine dental cleanings (unless added via wellness)
Be sure to read the fine print on dental exclusions and check if annual dental exams are a requirement.
How Much Does Pet Insurance with Dental and Surgery Cost?
Premiums vary depending on your:
- Pet’s age, breed, and species
- Location (urban areas often cost more)
- Chosen deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit
- Add-ons like dental cleanings or wellness packages
Average monthly premiums:
- Dogs: $35–$70/month
- Cats: $25–$45/month
- Add-on wellness plan: $10–$20/month
How to Choose the Right Plan
When comparing pet insurance for dental and surgery, keep the following in mind:
✅ Look for dental illness + dental injury coverage
✅ Choose policies with broad surgical coverage
✅ Consider wellness add-ons if you want cleanings included
✅ Make sure there are no annual caps on surgery if your pet has chronic issues
✅ Check reimbursement time, claim process, and customer support ratings
Final Thoughts
The best pet insurance for dental and surgical coverage offers more than just peace of mind — it provides essential financial protection for two of the most expensive categories of veterinary care. Whether you choose Embrace for all-in-one coverage or Fetch for dental-focused protection, make sure to evaluate each policy based on your pet’s specific needs and your budget.
For full protection, consider pairing accident and illness coverage with a wellness plan to manage both major and routine expenses.
FAQs
Does pet insurance cover dental cleanings?
Usually not — unless you purchase a wellness add-on that explicitly includes it.
What types of surgeries are covered?
Most medically necessary surgeries are covered, including tumor removals, orthopedic procedures, and emergency operations.
Is dental insurance for pets worth it?
Yes — especially for breeds prone to dental disease. Treatments for advanced dental issues can cost thousands of dollars.
Can I get pet insurance after surgery or a dental diagnosis?
Yes, but those specific conditions may be excluded as pre-existing, so earlier enrollment is better.
