A CT scan uses X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of your pet's body, helping veterinarians diagnose injuries, tumors or internal organ problems. Most pet insurance plans cover CT scans when they're medically necessary to diagnose a new condition. You'll pay the full veterinary bill upfront, then submit a claim to get reimbursed based on your policy's specific terms.
Does Pet Insurance Cover CT Scans?
Updated: September 30, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers CT scans when they're medically necessary to diagnose 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?
Pet insurance coverage for CT scans depends on your policy type and why your pet needs the scan, as outlined below.
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 1 to 14 days, with accidents that occur during this time excluded from coverage.
Accident and illness policies
These comprehensive plans cover CT scans for both accidents and illnesses. Whether your pet needs a scan to detect a brain tumor, diagnose internal bleeding from an accident or investigate unexplained seizures, you're covered after meeting your deductible. This coverage applies as long as the condition doesn’t happen before enrollment or during the waiting periods.
Who Has CT Scan Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies cover CT scans through standard plans when they're medically necessary to diagnose a new condition. See how major insurers provide CT scan coverage and what makes each one stand out in the table below.
AKC | Covers CT scans for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment |
Embrace | Covers CT scans for accidents that happen on the policy's effective date |
Figo | Covers CT scans with the option for 100% reimbursement available |
Healthy Paws | Covers CT scans with no payout limits and offers the option to pay veterinarians directly |
Lemonade | Covers CT scans with up to $100,000 in annual limits |
MetLife | Covers CT scans with a 0-day waiting period for accidents |
Pets Best | Covers CT scans with the option for unlimited coverage and direct vet pay |
Trupanion | Covers CT scans with no payout limits and offers the option to pay veterinarians directly |
Wagmo | Covers CT scans with the option for 100% reimbursement available |
Coverage details vary by state and individual policy terms. Review your specific policy documents for exact coverage terms and exclusions.
Do You Need CT Scan Coverage?
Whether CT scan coverage matters for your situation depends on the factors below.
- 1
Your pet's breed and health risks
Some breeds are more likely to need CT scans than others. Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems, while Golden Retrievers have higher cancer rates. Bulldogs and Pugs may require CT scans to diagnose respiratory issues common in flat-faced breeds. If your pet belongs to a high-risk breed, CT scan coverage provides valuable financial protection.
- 2
Your pet's age
Older pets develop age-related conditions like tumors, neurological disorders and organ problems that often require CT scans for diagnosis. Enrolling while your pet is young locks in lower rates before health issues emerge.
- 3
Your pet's activity level
Active dogs who run off-leash, play rough with other dogs or participate in agility training face higher injury risks requiring diagnostic imaging. Outdoor cats encounter dangers like car accidents and falls that can cause internal injuries needing CT scans.
- 4
Your financial situation
CT scans cost around $1,113 for dogs and $915 for cats, according to CareCredit’s 2024 study. If this expense would strain your budget, pet insurance that reimburses 60% to 90% of the cost can help in managing your finances.
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% helps manage your finances when your pet needs diagnostic imaging. Whether you need coverage will depend on your pet’s breed-specific health risks, age and lifestyle factors that increase injury likelihood.
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.
Does pet insurance cover CT scans for emergency visits?
Pet insurance covers emergency CT scans when they're medically necessary to diagnose covered accidents or illnesses. You'll pay the emergency vet bill upfront, then submit a claim for reimbursement. Emergency visits that occur during your waiting period aren't covered.
What happens if my vet recommends a CT scan but my insurance denies coverage?
Insurance companies deny CT scan coverage when the scan isn't medically necessary, the condition is pre-existing or the scan occurs during waiting periods. If your claim is denied, request a detailed explanation and review your policy documents to understand the specific exclusion. You can appeal the decision with supporting documentation from your veterinarian explaining medical necessity.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs." Accessed September 30, 2025.