Does Pet Insurance Cover Dental Cleaning For Older Dogs? (The Real Answer In 2026)

January and February are when most of us sit down with a cup of coffee, look at last year’s vet bills, and think about the year ahead.

If you have an older dog, one of those big line items you are probably staring at is dental cleaning, often $500 to $1,200 depending on where you live and how much work your vet needs to do.

So the question hits hard: “Does pet insurance actually pay for this, or am I still going to be stuck with the full bill?”

I have helped pet owners navigate this exact decision for years, and I will give you the straight, no-fluff truth. Basic accident & illness plans almost never cover routine dental cleanings for older dogs, but certain “wellness” add-on riders do.

Below I will show you which plans include it, how much those riders cost, the pros/cons of buying one vs. saving the money yourself, and a simple way to decide what is best for your budget and your dog’s needs.

The Hard Truth About Standard Pet Insurance & Dental

Most pet insurance policies sold in the U.S. and UK fall into two categories: accident-only or accident & illness.

Neither of those typically covers routine or preventive dental care, and that includes the professional cleaning older dogs usually need every 1 to 2 years.

Why? Insurance companies classify regular dental cleanings as “preventive” or “wellness” care, the same bucket as annual vaccines, flea meds, and wellness exams.

They expect you to budget for those the way you budget for food and heartworm prevention. So if your policy says “illness coverage,” it usually means sicknesses like kidney disease or broken bones, not tartar buildup or periodontal disease that comes with age.

When Dental Cleaning Is Covered (The Exceptions)

There are two situations where dental work might be covered:

1. Extractions Due to Illness or Injury: If your vet diagnoses severe periodontal disease, fractured teeth, or abscesses, many accident & illness plans will cover extractions, x-rays, and anesthesia, as long as it’s not labeled “routine cleaning.”
2. Wellness or Routine Care Riders/Add-Ons: These are optional extras you pay more for each month. They reimburse a set dollar amount per year for things like dental cleanings, wellness exams, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention.

Most major insurers offer wellness riders (Trupanion calls it “Recovery & Care,” Embrace has “Wellness Rewards,” Healthy Paws has no wellness but some competitors do).

Typical reimbursement is $250 to $600 per year for dental, often enough to cover one cleaning for an older dog.

Check Trupanion

Cost Reality Check: Wellness Rider vs. Saving the Money Yourself

Let’s run some real numbers (based on 2026 average quotes for a 9-year-old medium-sized dog).

If your dog needs a cleaning every year and the rider gives $400 reimbursement, you come out ahead.

If your dog has great teeth and only needs one every 2 to 3 years, you are better off putting that extra $30/month into a savings account earmarked “Dog Dental Fund.”

Pros & Cons: Insurance Rider vs. DIY Savings

Wellness Rider Pros

• Covers routine dental, exams, vaccines, flea/tick
• No need to save; money is already set aside
• Some plans pay you directly (you pay vet, get check back)

Wellness Rider Cons

• Extra monthly cost (adds 30 to 60% to premium)
• Reimbursement caps (e.g., $500/year total wellness)
• Waiting periods for new policies (usually 30 days)

DIY Savings Account Pros

• You keep 100% of the money
• No waiting periods or caps
• Interest if you put it in a high-yield account

DIY Savings Account Cons

• You have to actually save the money each month
• No coverage for other wellness items (vaccines, etc.)

My personal rule: If your older dog already has dental issues or you know you will do yearly cleanings, the rider usually pays for itself. If your dog has great teeth and you are disciplined about saving, the savings account wins.

Quick Checklist: Should You Add a Wellness Rider?

• Does your dog already need dental cleanings every 1 to 2 years? → Rider probably worth it
• Are you good at putting money aside each month? → Savings account may be better
• Do you want coverage for vaccines, flea meds, annual exams too? → Rider makes more sense
• Is your budget tight? → Start a small “dental fund” jar and build from there

 

Disclaimer

I am not a financial advisor, insurance agent, or veterinarian. This article is for informational purposes only and reflects general trends in pet insurance as of 2026. Coverage, costs, and waiting periods vary by insurer, location, breed, age, and policy terms. Always read the full policy documents and speak with your vet and insurance provider before making decisions about coverage or your pet’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does any Pet Insurance Cover Routine Dental Cleanings without a Wellness Rider?

No, routine/preventive dental is almost never covered under basic accident & illness plans. Only wellness or routine care add-ons include it.

How Much Do Wellness Riders Usually Cost Per Month?

In 2026, most add $20 to $45 per month depending on the reimbursement level ($250 to $600/year) and your dog’s age/breed.

Is it Better to Buy Insurance or just Save for Dental Cleanings?

If your dog will need yearly cleanings, the rider often breaks even or saves money. If cleanings are every 2 to 3 years and you’re disciplined about saving, a savings account gives you more flexibility.

At what Age Do Most Dogs Need Professional Dental Cleanings?

Most vets recommend starting at age 3 to 5 and then every 1 to 2 years after that, depending on breed, diet, and dental health. Small breeds and dogs with crowded teeth often need them more frequently.

Conclusion

Dental cleanings for older dogs are expensive, but they are one of the best things you can do for their long-term health and comfort.

Standard pet insurance will not cover routine cleanings, but wellness riders can reimburse a good chunk of the cost. If that extra monthly premium feels too high, a dedicated savings account is just as effective, and you keep every dollar.

Pick one path this month: call your insurance company to ask about wellness add-ons, or open a small savings account labeled “Puppy Dental Fund.” Either way, you’re taking a smart step toward keeping your senior dog comfortable and healthy.

What is your plan, rider or savings? Drop a comment and let me know, I would love to hear what other owners are doing for their older pups!

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