The essentials
- Insurance usually covers imaging — Certain policies may have limitations for X-ray coverage.
- X-rays cost $80 to $400 each — These screenings can be more expensive for large dogs than for smaller pets.
- Pre-existing conditions typically aren’t covered — If your pet’s X-rays are related to a pre-existing or chronic condition, it’s unlikely that your pet insurance will cover the bill.
Accidents are inevitable. Whether they play a little too rough at the park or trip down the stairs, eventually your pet will probably require an X-ray. The good news is that pet insurance usually covers X-rays and other diagnostic tests, as long as they aren’t related to a pre-existing condition. Read on to learn more about the specific cases where pet insurance will or won’t cover X-rays, as well as how much they typically cost. Use our pet insurance glossary to help uncomplicate insurance language.
How much do X-rays cost?
You can expect to pay $80 to $400 per X-ray, but the cost depends on several factors, including the size of your pet. For example, if it’s for a medical emergency, you can expect to spend more than you would at your usual vet.
Even with a pet insurance policy, you’re typically expected to pay the total cost upfront. Once you submit a claim with your pet insurance company, you may be reimbursed a certain percentage depending on your policy coverage.
- Emergencies. X-rays taken at an emergency clinic usually cost more than X-rays taken at a regular vet’s office.
- Pet size. A cat or small dog may need a few X-rays. A big dog may need several, even just for one area.
- Body part. Some body parts — legs or hips — require more X-rays. The chest or abdomen tends to require fewer X-rays.
- Sedation. Some pets are nervous about going to the vet and may struggle to stay still for the X-ray. If that’s the case, the vet may need to sedate the dog or cat, which will add to the total cost.
- Multiple fractures. For broken bones in multiple areas, more than one X-ray is necessary to assess the injuries. More X-rays might mean a longer visit and sedatives.
Pet insurance companies that cover the cost of X-rays
Pet insurance policies help keep your pet in good health. However, different companies and different policies offer varying degrees of coverage. Not all companies cover the cost of X-rays. Here are some top pet insurance providers that do offer X-ray coverage:
- Healthy Paws. Healthy Paws has plans to cover X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other treatments for accidents and illnesses. Pet owners can customize their plan’s deductible as well as reimbursements at 70%, 80%, or 90%. And, there’s only a 15-day waiting period.
- Pets Best. Pets Best offers dog insurance, cat insurance, and a wellness plan. Wellness plans only cover routine visits, but the company’s accident and illness policies cover X-rays for pets. Deductible options range from $50 to $1,000, and pet owners can further customize the policy by choosing reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%.
- ASPCA. ASPCA’s accident and illness policies cover pet X-rays and other imaging. Like the previous plans, reimbursement options include 70%, 80%, or 90% with a $100, , $250, or $500 annual deductible. Pet owners may save money by choosing an annual maximum limit ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, but ASPCA also offers an unlimited plan.
- Fetch by the Dodo. Fetch offers coverage for imaging and ultrasounds, vet exam fees, behavioral and physical therapy, holistic care, and dental care visits. Deductible options are $300, $500, or $700 with maximum limits of $5,000 or $10,000 or unlimited, and reimbursement rates of 70%, 80% or 90%.
👉 X-rays are only covered when related to injury or illness. X-rays related to pre-existing conditions or electives during routine care are ineligible
Other diagnostics covered by pet insurance
Some pet insurance policies cover X-rays along with other diagnostic tests as long as they aren’t part of a pre-existing condition. Diagnostic tests may be required if your pet has an accident, like breaking a bone, or has symptoms of a serious illness.
Ultrasounds
An ultrasound allows the vet to see soft tissue and fluids in the pet’s body. Ultrasounds can help detect and monitor pregnancies, but they can also be useful in assessing internal tumors and heart functions. Vets can also use them to examine internal organs for abnormalities. Ultrasounds cost around $300 to $800 each without insurance.
CT Scans
A CT scan compiles an image of the tissue, bones, and organs of a specific area in the pet’s body and usually requires anesthesia to keep the pet from moving during the scan. Vets typically use CT scans to get a closer look at the nasal or oral cavities, inner ears, abdomen (including lungs, chest, and spine), and extremities. Vets may use CT scans for brain analysis, but MRIs are typically preferred. CT scans cost around $1,000 to $2,000 without pet insurance.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an in-depth diagnostic test that can show a vet the soft tissue around organs and other areas inside the pet’s body. MRIs are usually used to examine the brain and spine. This type of advanced imaging can catch tiny abnormalities that can’t be seen by other diagnostic tests, like CT scans or radiographs. An MRI may also be used for pets with a seizure disorder to determine any potential causes and treatments. MRIs may cost $2,500 or more, but many pet insurance policies help cover the cost.
When does insurance not cover X-rays?
X-rays and other diagnostic imaging aren’t always covered by pet insurance. For example, an X-ray may not be eligible for coverage if you’ve recently signed up for pet insurance and are within the waiting period.
- Pre-existing conditions. Some companies or policies don’t offer coverage related to medical conditions your pet already has or had in the past. However, some policies offer a stipulation, where a past issue that’s been fully treated and healed is no longer considered pre-existing after a certain number of days (usually a full year).
- Type of coverage. The type of policy you have for your pet will also determine whether X-rays are covered. Wellness plans are a popular choice for pet parents who want to cover routine visits, but they don’t cover X-rays or other treatments related to accidents or illnesses like a comprehensive plan would.
- Waiting period. After signing up for a pet health insurance policy, you’ll have a waiting period before coverage kicks in. If your pet has an accident and needs an X-ray during this waiting period, you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
👉 Many pet insurance plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Learn how to get coverage for X-rays and more if your pet has previous health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover dog X-rays?
Pet insurance usually covers dog X-rays for accidents and new illnesses, but it depends on your provider and policy as well as the reason for the X-ray. If your dog needs an X-ray related to a pre-existing condition, it may not be covered by pet insurance. Also, if you’re within a waiting period shortly after signing up for a new policy, X-rays during that time likely aren’t covered.
Does pet insurance cover diagnostic tests?
Many pet insurance policies cover diagnostic tests for eligible ailments or accidents, but it ultimately depends on your policy. Be sure to talk with your pet insurance company about what is eligible for coverage based on your plan.
How much are X-rays for small dogs?
X-rays start around $80 each and are typically less expensive overall for small dogs. Large dogs may require multiple X-rays, while small dogs usually require fewer.
Does pet insurance cover regular vet visits?
Most pet insurance policies cover accidents or unexpected illnesses, but many companies offer add-on wellness or preventative care plans that will also cover regular vet visits for an extra charge. You can learn more here.
What is the average cost of X-rays for a dog?
The average cost of an X-ray is $150 to $250. You may pay less, around $80, or as much as $400. Your exact costs depend on your dog’s size and the complexity of the issue that requires the X-ray. Pets that can’t sit still for the imaging procedure may also require sedation or anesthesia for an added cost. Additionally, an x-ray at an emergency clinic may cost more than it would at a general practice.
