A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of your pet’s body, helping vets find injuries, tumors or problems with internal organs. Most pet insurance plans cover CT scans when they’re needed to diagnose a new condition. You’ll pay the vet first, then file a claim for reimbursement based on your policy’s terms.
Does Pet Insurance Cover CT Scans?
Updated: November 18, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Standard pet insurance coverage includes CT scans for diagnosing new accidents or illnesses, reimbursing eligible costs based on your policy’s terms.
Insurers like Healthy Paws, Pets Best and Trupanion provide CT scan coverage with the option for direct vet pay.
Consider your pet's breed health risks, age-related conditions and activity level to determine whether you need pet insurance that covers CT scans.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for CT Scans?
What Covers CT Scans?
Coverage for CT scans depends on your pet insurance plan and why your pet needs the scan. The two plan types below explain what to expect.
Accident-Only Plans
These policies cover CT scans only when they're needed to diagnose injuries from accidents like car strikes, falls or animal attacks. Most accident-only plans have waiting periods of one to 14 days, with accidents that occur during this time excluded from coverage.
Accident and Illness Policies
Accident and illness plans cover CT scans for both injuries and health conditions. After you meet your deductible, your pet is covered for scans to check issues like brain tumors, internal bleeding, or unexplained seizures. Coverage doesn’t apply to conditions that begin before enrollment or during the waiting period.
Who Has CT Scan Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies include CT scan coverage in their standard plans when it’s needed to diagnose a new condition. The details that follow explain how leading insurers provide this coverage and what sets them apart.
Covers CT scans for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment | |
Covers CT scans for accidents that happen on the policy's effective date | |
Covers CT scans with the option for 100% reimbursement available | |
Covers CT scans with no payout limits and offers the option to pay veterinarians directly | |
Covers CT scans with up to $100,000 in annual limits | |
Covers CT scans with a 0-day waiting period for accidents | |
Covers CT scans with the option for unlimited coverage and direct vet pay | |
Covers CT scans with no payout limits and offers the option to pay veterinarians directly | |
Covers CT scans with the option for 100% reimbursement available | |
Coverage varies depending on your state and policy. Make sure to read your policy documents carefully to understand what’s included and what’s not.
Compare the top pet insurance companies with CT scan coverage to determine the best option for your pet:
Do You Need CT Scan Coverage?
If you’re unsure whether CT scan coverage is necessary, these points can help you decide.
- 1Your Pet's Breed and Health Risks
Some breeds are more prone to conditions that may require CT scans. Dachshunds often experience spinal issues, Golden Retrievers have higher cancer risks and flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs sometimes need scans to diagnose breathing problems. Pet insurance is worth it for its CT scan coverage, providing helpful financial protection for these breeds.
- 2Your Pet's Age
Older pets develop age-related conditions like tumors, neurological disorders and organ problems that often require CT scans for diagnosis. Getting pet insurance while your pet is young locks in lower rates before health issues emerge.
- 3Your Pet's Activity Level
Active dogs that run off-leash, play rough with other dogs or join agility training are more likely to get injuries that require diagnostic imaging. Outdoor cats encounter dangers like car accidents and falls that can cause internal injuries needing CT scans.
- 4Your Financial Situation
CareCredit’s 2024 study shows that CT scans average $1,113 for dogs and $915 for cats. If that cost feels high, pet insurance that reimburses 60% to 90% of covered expenses can help reduce the financial burden.
Does Pet Insurance Cover CT Scans?: Bottom Line
Most pet insurance plans cover CT scans for new accidents and illnesses, with companies like Healthy Paws, Pets Best, and Trupanion offering direct vet pay options.
Since scans cost around $915 to $1,113, pet insurance that reimburses 60% to 90% can make diagnostic imaging more affordable. Before shopping around for the best pet insurance with CT scan coverage, consider your pet’s breed, age and lifestyle, especially if they’re more prone to injuries or health issues.
Does Pet Insurance Cover CT Scans?: FAQ
We’ve addressed frequently asked questions about pet insurance CT scan coverage:
Does pet insurance cover CT scans for pre-existing conditions?
Most pet insurance plans don't cover CT scans for pre-existing conditions, which are health issues that existed before your policy started or during waiting periods. However, AKC offers coverage for both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment.
What's the difference between accident-only and accident and illness coverage for CT scans?
Accident-only plans cover CT scans for injuries from accidents like car strikes, falls or animal attacks. Accident and illness policies cover CT scans for both accidents and illnesses, including brain tumors, internal bleeding and unexplained seizures.
Will my pet insurance cover multiple CT scans?
Pet insurance covers multiple CT scans as long as each scan is medically necessary for a covered condition and you haven't reached your policy limits. If your pet has a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring with CT scans, choose a policy with high annual limits to ensure continuous coverage, though it may increase your pet insurance costs. Always compare multiple quotes and read the fine print to get the most affordable pet insurance with quality CT scan coverage.
Does pet insurance cover CT scans for emergency visits?
Pet insurance covers emergency CT scans when they’re needed to diagnose a covered accident or illness. You’ll pay the emergency vet bill first, then file a claim for reimbursement. Emergency vet visits that happen during the waiting period aren’t covered.
What happens if my vet recommends a CT scan but my insurance denies coverage?
Insurance companies may deny CT scan coverage if the scan isn’t required for a covered condition, if the issue is pre-existing, or if it happens during the waiting period.
If your claim is denied, ask for a detailed explanation and review your policy to see why it was excluded. You can file an appeal with supporting documents from your veterinarian explaining why the scan was needed.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs." Accessed September 30, 2025.