Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your pet's internal organs, helping veterinarians diagnose conditions like kidney disease, heart problems or bladder stones. Most pet insurance plans cover ultrasounds when they're medically necessary for diagnosing a new illness or injury, reimbursing 60% to 90% of the cost after you meet your deductible and file a claim.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasound?
Updated: September 19, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers ultrasounds when they're medically necessary to diagnose new conditions, with most plans reimbursing 60% to 90% of the cost after your deductible.
Major companies like Healthy Paws, Pets Best and Trupanion provide ultrasound coverage with no payout limits.
Whether you need pet insurance that covers ultrasounds depends on your pet’s specific profile, your vet’s recommendation and your financial situation.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for Ultrasounds?
What Covers Ultrasounds?
Coverage for your pet's ultrasound depends on which type of insurance plan you choose.
Accident-only plan
This plan covers ultrasounds only when they're needed to diagnose injuries from accidents like car crashes, falls or fights with other animals.
Accident and illness policy
This comprehensive plan covers ultrasounds for both accidents and illnesses when they're medically necessary. Your veterinarian might recommend an ultrasound to diagnose abdominal pain, heart murmurs, bladder stones or internal injuries. That said, ultrasounds won’t be covered if they’re related to a condition that started before enrollment or during the waiting period.
Who Has Ultrasound Coverage?
Most pet insurance companies cover ultrasounds through their standard plans when they're medically necessary for diagnosing new conditions. The table below shows how insurers provide ultrasound coverage across their plan types.
AKC | Covers ultrasounds for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage |
Embrace | Ultrasound coverage for new accidents begins on the policy's effective date |
Figo | Reimburses up to 100% of eligible costs |
Healthy Paws | Has no payout limits, plus the option to pay veterinarians directly |
Lemonade | Provides the option for up to $100,000 in annual limits |
MetLife | Ultrasound coverage for new accidents starts immediately |
Pets Best | Offers unlimited coverage and direct payment to veterinarians |
Trupanion | Has no payout limits and the option for direct vet pay |
Wagmo | Pays back up to 100% of eligible costs for covered conditions |
Coverage details vary by state and individual policy terms. Review your specific policy documents for exact coverage terms and exclusions.
Do You Need Ultrasound Coverage?
Several factors can help you decide whether pet insurance with ultrasound coverage makes financial sense for your situation.
- 1
Your pet’s age and breed
Senior pets have greater chances of developing heart disease, kidney problems and other conditions that require ultrasound testing. Purebred animals also carry genetic risks that often need diagnostic imaging. Having financial protection grows more important as pets get older and health problems emerge.
- 2
Your pet’s health history
Pets with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart murmurs often need regular ultrasounds for monitoring. Young, healthy pets may only need occasional diagnostic imaging for accidents or sudden illness.
- 3
Your veterinarian’s recommendations
Some vets rely more heavily on diagnostic imaging than others for treatment decisions. Specialist veterinarians and emergency clinics frequently use ultrasounds for accurate diagnoses. Ask your vet about their typical diagnostic approach to gauge how often you might need this coverage.
- 4
Your financial situation
Dog ultrasounds cost an average of $453, while cat ultrasounds cost around $465, according to CareCredit's 2024 study. With insurance, you get back 60% to 90% of these expenses once you've paid your deductible, which helps manage unexpected vet bills.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasound?: Bottom Line
Pet insurance pays for ultrasounds when your veterinarian orders diagnostic imaging to identify new health problems. Providers like Healthy Paws, Pets Best and Trupanion offer ultrasound coverage without payout caps. When deciding whether you need pet insurance that covers ultrasounds, factor in your pet's breed and age, your veterinarian's diagnostic approach and your budget.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasound?: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions that pet owners have about ultrasound coverage:
How much does a pet ultrasound cost without insurance?
Pet ultrasounds cost an average of $453 for dogs and $465 for cats, according to CareCredit's 2024 study. However, costs vary widely based on your location, the type of ultrasound needed and whether you visit a regular veterinarian or emergency clinic. Complex cases requiring specialized imaging may cost more, while basic abdominal ultrasounds might fall on the lower end of this range.
What conditions typically require ultrasounds in pets?
Veterinarians commonly use ultrasounds to diagnose kidney disease, heart problems, bladder stones, abdominal pain and heart murmurs. Ultrasounds are also used for detecting internal injuries after accidents and monitoring chronic conditions like diabetes.
Do I need to pay upfront for my pet's ultrasound?
Pet insurance works on a reimbursement basis, meaning you'll pay the veterinarian upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement. However, some providers like Healthy Paws, Pets Best and Trupanion offer direct payment options where they pay the veterinarian directly.
Will my pet insurance cover ultrasounds for pre-existing conditions?
Most pet insurance plans don't cover ultrasounds related to pre-existing conditions. Generally, any condition that showed signs or symptoms before your policy started or during waiting periods will be considered pre-existing and excluded from coverage. However, AKC offers coverage for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment.
How quickly will I get reimbursed for ultrasound costs?
Most pet insurance companies take five to 15 business days to process claims once they have all your paperwork. You can get your money back faster by sending clear photos of detailed vet bills and making sure you don't miss any required claim information.
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 19, 2025.