Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover Dental Care?

Pets are more than just animals—they’re family. And just like any family member, their health is a top priority. One of the most overlooked aspects of pet health is dental care. Many pet owners assume that bad breath or yellow teeth are just part of a pet’s life, but poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and infections.

With veterinary costs rising and pet insurance becoming increasingly popular, a common question arises: Does Nationwide Pet Insurance cover dental care? The short answer is yes—but with some important nuances. Let’s dive deeper into what’s covered, what’s not, and why dental care for pets is more critical than ever.

The Growing Importance of Pet Dental Health

Why Dental Care Matters for Pets

Just like humans, pets can suffer from gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age three. Left untreated, these issues can lead to:

• Pain and discomfort (pets often hide pain, making it hard to detect)
• Organ damage (bacteria from the mouth can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys)
• Expensive emergency treatments (extractions and surgeries can cost thousands)

The Rising Cost of Veterinary Care

Inflation isn’t just affecting human healthcare—vet bills are skyrocketing too. A routine dental cleaning can cost $300–$800, while extractions or surgeries can exceed $1,500. For many pet owners, insurance is becoming a financial lifeline.

What Does Nationwide Pet Insurance Cover?

Nationwide is one of the few providers offering comprehensive dental coverage, but policies vary. Here’s what you need to know.

Routine Dental Care

Nationwide’s Whole Pet with Wellness plan includes coverage for:

• Annual dental cleanings (under the wellness benefit)
• Oral exams
• Preventive treatments like fluoride applications

However, this is an add-on to their standard accident-and-illness policy, meaning you’ll pay extra for wellness coverage.

Dental Treatments for Illness or Injury

Nationwide’s standard Major Medical plan covers dental procedures only if they’re medically necessary, such as:

• Tooth extractions (due to disease or trauma)
• Treatment for periodontal disease
• Oral surgeries (e.g., fractured jaw repair)

Cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening) are not covered.

Exclusions to Watch Out For

Even with coverage, some dental issues may not be included:

• Pre-existing conditions (if your pet had dental disease before enrollment)
• Preventive care (unless you have the wellness add-on)
• Non-essential procedures (e.g., orthodontics for pets)

How Does Nationwide Compare to Other Pet Insurance Providers?

Nationwide vs. Healthy Paws

• Healthy Paws does not cover dental illness unless it’s caused by an accident.
• Nationwide covers dental disease under their Major Medical plan.

Nationwide vs. Trupanion

• Trupanion covers dental injuries and diseases but excludes routine cleanings.
• Nationwide offers wellness add-ons for preventive care.

Nationwide vs. Embrace

• Embrace includes dental illness coverage but requires a separate wellness plan for cleanings.
• Nationwide provides a more bundled approach.

Real-Life Scenarios: When Dental Coverage Saves the Day

Case 1: Severe Periodontal Disease

A 5-year-old Labrador, Max, developed advanced gum disease due to lack of cleanings. His owner had Nationwide’s Major Medical plan, which covered $1,200 of his $1,500 extraction surgery. Without insurance, the bill would’ve been devastating.

Case 2: Broken Tooth from Chewing

A German Shepherd, Luna, cracked a tooth on a hard toy. Nationwide’s policy covered 80% of the $800 extraction since it was an accidental injury.

Case 3: Routine Cleaning Denied

A cat owner with only the basic Nationwide plan was surprised when their claim for a $400 cleaning was denied—they hadn’t purchased the wellness add-on.

How to Maximize Your Nationwide Dental Coverage

1. Choose the Right Plan – If dental care is a priority, opt for Whole Pet with Wellness.
2. Start Early – Enroll your pet before dental issues arise to avoid pre-existing condition exclusions.
3. Regular Checkups – Catching problems early can prevent costly surgeries later.
4. Read the Fine Print – Know what’s covered and what requires additional riders.

The Future of Pet Dental Insurance

As veterinary medicine advances, more insurers may expand dental coverage. With AI-powered diagnostics and telemedicine on the rise, preventive care could become more accessible and affordable.

For now, Nationwide remains a strong option for pet owners who prioritize dental health—but always compare policies to find the best fit for your furry friend.

By understanding your coverage, you can ensure your pet’s smile stays healthy—without breaking the bank.