Is cat dental insurance worth it?
When we think of our cats getting sick, dental problems are not typically the first thing that comes to mind. The fact is, though, there are many dental problems cats can experience in their lifetime that can lead to significant health issues in the future. This is why it is crucial to take your cat for regular check-ups and ensure their teeth get checked out during this process.
Having a better idea of your cat’s dental health will help you identify problems earlier to treat them more effectively. Though critical, taking your cat for dental treatments and procedures can add up quickly. This is why it is helpful to have dental insurance coverage for your cat. With insurance coverage, you can ensure your cat gets the dental attention it needs without having to debate whether or not you can afford it.
Dental insurance coverage for your cat gives you the peace of mind that your cat’s dental health is cared for. It’s an important part of your cat’s holistic health and will prevent them from experiencing severe medical issues down the road.
What does cat dental insurance cover?
Policy providers offer different dental insurance plans that cover various dental treatments and procedures. Some providers may offer separate plans that include accident-only dental coverage, illness-only dental coverage, or a combination of the two. Depending on the policy provider, you may be covered for a range of dental procedures, including:
- Tooth extractions: Any broken or damaged teeth that may need to be removed may be covered under a dental insurance plan.
- Dental caps: Advanced dental procedures, such as dental caps, can be covered.
- Fractured tooth or jaw treatment: Some injuries may cause your cat to have a fractured jaw or tooth, which requires medical treatment to fix.
- Dental procedures: Root canals and other treatments that may require anesthetics may be covered by a cat dental insurance policy.
Coverage for these dental procedures can help you avoid common serious dental issues pets may experience later in life, including periodontal disease or stomatitis. Most cat dental insurance providers offer treatments related to any dental issues that are hereditary or caused by an illness. However, most policies will not cover any pre-existing conditions that were present before you got dental insurance coverage for your cat. Additionally, many policies will not cover regular teeth cleanings either.
How are cat dental insurance premiums determined?
Your cat’s unique characteristics, combined with your insurance provider and what they have to offer, will help you determine your dental insurance plan’s premium. Details that affect your premium include:
- Age: Your cat’s age will affect the monthly premium set. If you have an older cat, you may be required to pay more money monthly for coverage.
- Breed: Some cat breeds are more likely to develop serious dental issues as opposed to others. If your cat’s breed is more susceptible to certain dental diseases or illnesses, you can expect to pay more for dental coverage.
- Plan details: The procedures and types of coverage included in your cat’s dental plan will contribute to your overall monthly premium. Plans that offer more complex procedures and treatments are likely to cost more than those that offer basic coverage.
- Coverage options: Your dental insurance plan’s yearly deductible, reimbursement percentage, and coverage cap will contribute to how much you are expected to pay monthly.
How to choose the best cat dental insurance?
There are plenty of cat dental insurance plans available to choose from, but how do you know which one is the best for your cat? Taking a few different details and considerations into account, you can find the right plan for you and your cat:
- Consider your cat’s needs: Your cat may be more likely to develop certain dental issues and conditions or are more susceptible to certain illnesses or injuries that can result in dental issues. Consider what types of procedures your cat may need in the future based on their breed, age, and overall health to determine a plan that will adequately meet your cat’s needs.
- Determine what you want for coverage: There are many options available regarding cat dental plan deductibles, reimbursements, and overall coverage caps. You will want to determine your expectations for coverage to help you decide on the right plan for you.
- Read the reviews: Before landing on a plan, review what customers who have plans under the insurance provider you are considering have to say about the plan. You will want to know how they handle and process claims and how they treat their customers overall. Additionally, take a look at whether your insurance provider has any accreditations from trusted groups like the Better Business Bureau. We’ve also written a review on certain providers that can be helpful for you to decide on which insurer to go with.