Best Pet Insurance That Covers Dental and Surgery
1. Why Dental and Surgery Coverage Matters in Pet Insurance
As pet parents, we all want to give our furry companions the healthiest, happiest life possible. But when it comes to their health, two of the most common and expensive needs are dental treatments and surgical procedures. A chipped tooth, an oral infection, or even routine dental cleanings can cost hundreds, while emergency surgeries like tumor removals or cruciate ligament repairs can run into the thousands. Without insurance, these necessary procedures can leave pet owners financially and emotionally overwhelmed. That’s why choosing a pet insurance plan in the USA that covers dental care and surgeries isn’t just smart it’s essential. In 2025, as vet care costs continue to rise, more pet owners are demanding policies that go beyond basic accident coverage. Luckily, some insurers are stepping up to the plate, offering comprehensive policies that include everything from root canals to soft-tissue surgeries. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into which companies are leading the pack, how their coverage works, and how to pick a plan that fits both your pet’s needs and your budget.
2. Understanding Dental and Surgical Coverage in Pet Insurance
Pet insurance isn't always as straightforward as it should be especially when it comes to dental and surgery coverage. First, let’s break it down. Dental coverage typically falls into two categories: preventive and treatment. Preventive care includes things like annual cleanings, which are sometimes covered under wellness plans or add-ons. Treatment, however, covers things like tooth extractions, gum disease, fractured teeth, and oral infections. These can get pricey fast—just like in human dentistry. Then there’s surgical coverage, which can span a wide range of procedures, including foreign object removal, tumor excision, orthopedic surgeries, and emergency interventions. Some insurers cover surgeries under standard accident-and-illness plans, while others may have breed-specific exclusions or long waiting periods. The key is knowing what’s included, what’s optional, and what might be excluded based on your pet’s age or medical history. Some providers limit dental or surgical benefits to emergencies only, while others offer full coverage if certain conditions are met. As we explore the top companies, we’ll call out who does it best, where the fine print hides, and how to get the most from your policy.
3. Top Pet Insurance Companies in the USA That Cover Dental and Surgery (2025 Picks)
1. Embrace Pet Insurance
Why It Stands Out: Embrace provides one of the most comprehensive dental coverage packages on the market. It covers treatment for broken, infected, or diseased teeth, including extractions. While routine cleanings require a wellness add-on, surgical dental procedures are covered under their illness plan. Embrace also covers all medically necessary surgeries from orthopedic to emergency soft-tissue procedures. Their policies are customizable, which allows you to choose the deductible and annual limit that fits your wallet. Bonus: curable pre-existing conditions may be covered after a symptom-free period.
2. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
Why It Stands Out: Healthy Paws is known for unlimited lifetime benefits and fast claim payouts. While it doesn't cover routine dental cleanings, it does cover dental injuries and illness-related treatments, such as tooth extractions due to trauma or disease. On the surgical side, Healthy Paws offers robust coverage for accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and emergency surgeries. Their simple policy structure makes it easy to understand what’s covered, and their customer service consistently ranks among the best in the U.S.
3. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Why It Stands Out: Backed by one of the most trusted names in animal welfare, ASPCA Pet Insurance covers both preventive and treatment-related dental services with the right plan. Their Complete Coverage plan includes procedures for broken teeth, periodontal disease, and oral infections. It also reimburses for many types of surgeries, including those related to cancer, injuries, or congenital conditions. You can customize your reimbursement rate and deductible, making ASPCA one of the more flexible insurers in terms of budget and coverage.
4. Spot Pet Insurance
Why It Stands Out: Spot is a newer provider but has quickly gained traction thanks to its clear coverage options and no upper age limits for enrollment. Spot’s plans include dental illness and injury, plus a wellness add-on for routine dental care like cleanings. It also covers all standard surgeries under its accident and illness policy. With customizable coverage options, it’s especially useful for pet owners who want to tailor a policy to specific health concerns.
5. Trupanion
Why It Stands Out: Trupanion stands out for offering direct payment to vets, which means you’re not stuck paying thousands upfront. Its dental coverage includes illness and injury-related procedures, like extractions for fractured teeth or gum disease. Trupanion also offers one of the most extensive surgical coverages in the U.S. including orthopedic surgeries, tumor removals, and emergency procedures. There are no payout caps, and once a deductible is met per condition, it never resets.
4. What’s Typically Covered and What’s Not
Understanding the fine print is the most important part of choosing dental and surgical coverage. Most insurers do cover surgeries related to accidents and illnesses: think broken bones, swallowed toys, ligament tears, and tumor removals. Dental coverage, on the other hand, can be more restrictive. Common inclusions under illness plans are tooth extractions, treatment for gum disease, and root canals if deemed medically necessary. Preventive dental care, like cleanings and routine checkups, is often only available through wellness add-ons. What’s often excluded? Cosmetic procedures, pre-existing conditions, elective surgeries (such as declawing), and anything related to breeding. Some insurers also require your pet to have annual dental exams and cleanings to remain eligible for dental treatment coverage. So yes it’s a little complicated. But if you’re willing to read the fine print and ask questions before signing up, you can find a plan that gives you real peace of mind.
5. Cost Breakdown: What You Can Expect to Pay in 2025
So what’s the financial reality of dental and surgical care and what does insurance really save you? In the U.S., a dental cleaning alone can cost $300–$700 depending on the clinic and region. Tooth extractions may cost up to $1,000 or more, especially if anesthesia or X-rays are involved. Surgeries? Even higher. Orthopedic procedures like cruciate ligament repair can run between $3,000 and $5,000. Tumor removals might range from $1,500 to $4,000, and foreign object surgeries often cost over $2,000. With pet insurance that covers these services, your out-of-pocket costs shrink dramatically. For example, with a 90% reimbursement rate, a $3,500 surgery becomes a $350 expense plus your deductible. Monthly premiums in 2025 range from $25–$70/month depending on your pet’s age, breed, and location. Add a $10–$20/month wellness add-on if you want preventive dental care. In the long run, the math often works in your favor especially if your pet is prone to dental issues or active enough to require occasional surgery.
6. How to Choose the Right Plan for Dental and Surgical Protection
Choosing a policy with strong dental and surgery coverage doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know what to look for. Start with your pet’s breed and health history. Certain breeds are more prone to dental issues (like greyhounds or Yorkies), while others may face orthopedic challenges. Next, consider your vet’s recommendations. If they’ve already flagged a need for dental cleanings or possible future surgeries, choose a plan that won’t leave you high and dry when it matters. Look for providers that offer high reimbursement rates (80–90%), low deductibles, and unlimited annual coverage if possible. Also, double-check if dental coverage includes both illness and trauma not just one or the other. Finally, examine the claims process: Is it app-based? How quickly are reimbursements processed? Can they pay your vet directly? These small features can make a big difference during a stressful medical emergency. And remember just because a plan is affordable doesn’t mean it lacks protection. The best value comes from coverage that fits your specific needs, not just the lowest price tag.
FAQs: Pet Insurance with Dental and Surgery Coverage
Q1: Does pet insurance cover dental cleanings?
A: Typically no, unless you purchase a wellness add-on. Most standard plans cover dental treatment, not preventive care like cleanings.
Q2: Are surgeries always covered by pet insurance?
A: Most medically necessary surgeries for illness or injury are covered under accident-and-illness plans. Elective or cosmetic surgeries are not.
Q3: What’s the best pet insurance for dental and surgical coverage?
A: Embrace, Trupanion, ASPCA, and Spot offer excellent dental and surgical coverage with customizable plans and flexible reimbursement options.
Q4: Can I get coverage if my pet already has dental disease?
A: Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded, but future, unrelated dental issues may still be covered. Always check your provider's pre-existing policy rules.
Q5: Do I need a vet exam before enrolling in pet insurance?
A: Some providers require a recent exam (within the past 12 months) to activate full dental or surgical coverage. It’s a good idea to have one anyway for accurate policy evaluation.
Dental health and surgical emergencies can sneak up on any pet and they’re never cheap. The right insurance plan ensures your best friend gets the care they need, without putting your finances at risk.
👉 Want to compare the best plans for dental and surgical coverage in the U.S.?
Explore top providers like Embrace, Healthy Paws, and Trupanion to find the policy that fits your needs, budget, and pet’s unique health profile.
