Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Dental? A Complete Guide for Pet Owners
If you’re a pet owner, you know how important it is to take care of your furry friend’s teeth. Dental problems can cause pain, infection, and even serious health issues for your pet. But dental care can also be expensive, especially if your pet needs a procedure like a root canal or a tooth extraction.
That’s why many pet owners are looking for pet insurance that covers dental care. But not all pet insurance plans are created equal when it comes to dental coverage. Some may only cover dental accidents, while others may cover dental illnesses as well. And some may not cover dental care at all.
So, how do you know if Spot pet insurance covers dental care for your pet? And what are the benefits and limitations of their dental coverage? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more, so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s dental health.
What is Spot Pet Insurance?
Spot is a pet insurance company that offers customizable and affordable plans for dogs and cats. Spot was founded by Cesar Millan, the famous dog trainer and TV personality, who is also the company’s chief training officer. Spot’s mission is to help pet owners provide the best care for their pets, and to support animal welfare causes.
Spot’s plans cover accidents and illnesses, including dental accidents and illnesses, up to your chosen annual limit. You can also add preventive care coverage as an optional add-on, which can cover routine dental cleanings and wellness exams. Spot lets you choose your own deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit, so you can tailor your plan to your budget and your pet’s needs.
Spot is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, which has an A rating from A.M. Best. Spot has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, and a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google. Spot is also the only pet insurance company that is endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which sets the standards for veterinary excellence.
Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Dental Accidents?
Yes, Spot pet insurance covers dental accidents, such as broken or chipped teeth, up to your chosen annual limit. The only treatment covered for dental accidents is tooth extractions. Spot does not cover cosmetic, endodontic, or orthodontic services, such as caps, implants, or fillings.
To be eligible for dental accident coverage, your pet must have had a complete oral exam by a veterinarian within the 12 months prior to the accident. If your pet did not have an oral exam, you can still get coverage if you have one done within 30 days of enrolling in Spot, and if there are no signs of dental disease or injury.
Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Dental Illnesses?
Yes, Spot pet insurance covers dental illnesses, such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, stomatitis, and root canals, up to your chosen annual limit. However, there are some conditions and requirements for dental illness coverage.
First, your pet must be at least three years old to be eligible for dental illness coverage. If your pet is younger than three, Spot will not cover any dental illnesses, unless they are caused by a covered accident.
Second, your pet must have had a dental cleaning under general anesthesia by a veterinarian within the 13 months prior to the onset of the dental illness. If your pet did not have a dental cleaning, you can still get coverage if you have one done within 30 days of enrolling in Spot, and if there are no signs of dental disease or injury.
Third, Spot will only cover dental illnesses that are diagnosed and treated by a licensed veterinarian. Spot will not cover any dental illnesses that are caused by neglect, poor hygiene, or pre-existing conditions.
Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover Preventive Dental Care?
No, Spot’s base plans do not cover preventive dental care, such as teeth cleaning, scaling, polishing, or fluoride treatment. However, you can add preventive care coverage as an optional add-on to your plan, for an additional cost.
Spot’s preventive care coverage offers two options: Basic and Prime. Both options cover wellness exams, vaccinations, and deworming. The Prime option also covers dental cleaning, blood tests, and urinalysis. The Basic option costs $9.95 per month, and the Prime option costs $24.95 per month.
Spot’s preventive care coverage does not have any deductibles, co-pays, or waiting periods. You can get reimbursed for the full amount of the covered services, up to the annual benefit limit. The annual benefit limit for the Basic option is $250, and for the Prime option is $450.
How Much Does Spot Pet Insurance Cost?
The cost of Spot pet insurance depends on several factors, such as your pet’s age, breed, and location, as well as your chosen deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit. You can get a free quote from Spot’s website, or use their online calculator to compare different options.
According to Spot’s website, the average monthly premium for a dog is $35, and for a cat is $18. However, these are just estimates, and your actual premium may vary depending on your specific situation.
Here are some examples of Spot’s monthly premiums for different pets and plans, based on their website:
| Pet | Age | Breed | Deductible | Reimbursement | Annual Limit | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | 1 year | Labrador Retriever | $250 | 80% | $5,000 | $38.95 |
| Dog | 5 years | Poodle | $500 | 70% | $10,000 | $52.95 |
| Cat | 2 years | Domestic Shorthair | $100 | 90% | Unlimited | $26.95 |
| Cat | 7 years | Persian | $250 | 80% | $5,000 | $31.95 |
As you can see, the monthly premium varies depending on the pet and the plan. Generally, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium. The higher the reimbursement percentage, the higher the premium. The higher the annual limit, the higher the premium.
You can also save money on your premium by taking advantage of Spot’s discounts. Spot offers a 10% discount for multiple pets, a 10% discount for service and therapy animals, a 5% discount for military members, and a 5% discount for paying annually.
What are the Benefits of Spot Pet Insurance?
Spot pet insurance offers several benefits for pet owners who want to protect their pets’ health and their wallets. Here are some of the main benefits of Spot:
- Customizable and affordable plans: You can choose your own deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit, to fit your budget and your pet’s needs. You can also add preventive care coverage as an optional add-on, to cover routine dental cleanings and wellness exams.
- Comprehensive coverage: Spot covers accidents and illnesses, including dental accidents and illnesses, up to your chosen annual limit. Spot also covers alternative therapies, behavioral issues, prescription food, and supplements, as long as they are prescribed by a veterinarian for a covered condition.
- No network restrictions: You can visit any licensed veterinarian in the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico, and get reimbursed for the covered services. Spot does not have any network restrictions or preferred providers.
- Fast and easy claims process: You can submit your claims online or through the Spot app, and get reimbursed within days. Spot does not require any medical records or receipts to process your claims, unless they are requested for verification purposes.
- Excellent customer service: Spot has a friendly and knowledgeable customer service team, available by phone, email, or chat, seven days a week. Spot also has a dedicated claims team, available by phone or email, Monday to Friday. Spot’s customer service has received positive reviews from many satisfied customers.
What are the Limitations of Spot Pet Insurance?
Spot pet insurance also has some limitations that you should be aware of before enrolling. Here are some of the main limitations of Spot:
- Waiting periods: Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions and intervertebral disc disease. This means that you cannot get reimbursed for any conditions that occur or show symptoms during these waiting periods.
- Pre-existing conditions: Spot does not cover any conditions that your pet had or showed signs of before enrolling in Spot, or during the waiting periods. This includes any chronic, recurring, or incurable conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or arthritis.
- Age restrictions: Spot does not accept any pets younger than 8 weeks or older than 14 years at the time of enrollment. However, once enrolled, your pet will have coverage for life, as long as you renew your policy and pay your premiums.
- Exclusions: Spot does not cover any costs that are not related to a covered accident or illness, such as cosmetic procedures, breeding costs, grooming, boarding, or training. Spot also does not cover any costs that result from neglect, abuse, or intentional injury.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Spot pet insurance and dental coverage:
- Q: How do I enroll in Spot pet insurance?
- A: You can enroll in Spot pet insurance online, by phone, or by mail. You’ll need to provide some basic information about your pet, such as their name, age, breed, and gender. You’ll also need to choose your deductible, reimbursement percentage, and annual limit, and whether you want to add preventive care coverage. You’ll then need to provide your payment information and agree to the terms and conditions of the policy.
- Q: How do I file a claim with Spot pet insurance?
- A: You can file a claim with Spot pet insurance online or through the Spot app. You’ll need to fill out a claim form and upload a copy of your vet invoice. You don’t need to submit any medical records or receipts, unless they are requested by Spot for verification purposes. You’ll then need to submit your claim and wait for approval. Spot will process your claim within days and reimburse you according to your plan.
- Q: How do I cancel my Spot pet insurance policy?
- A: You can cancel your Spot pet insurance policy at any time, without any fees or penalties. You just need to contact Spot’s customer service by phone, email, or chat, and request a cancellation. You’ll receive a confirmation email and a prorated refund for any unused premium. You can also reinstate your policy within 60 days of cancellation, without any waiting periods or exclusions.
Conclusion
Spot pet insurance is a great option for pet owners who want to protect their pets’ dental health, as well as their overall health. Spot covers dental accidents and illnesses, up to your chosen annual limit, as long as your pet meets the eligibility and maintenance requirements. Spot also offers preventive care coverage as an optional add-on, which can cover routine dental cleanings and wellness exams.
Spot’s plans are customizable and affordable, and you can visit any licensed veterinarian in the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico. Spot has a fast and easy claims process, and excellent customer service. Spot is also endorsed by the AAHA and Cesar Millan, and has a high rating from customers and experts.
If you’re interested in Spot pet insurance, you can get a free quote from their website, or call their toll-free number to speak to a representative. You can also check out their blog, social media, and testimonials for more information and tips on pet care.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand if Spot pet insurance covers dental care for your pet, and what are the benefits and limitations of their dental coverage. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading, and happy pet parenting! 🐶🐱