Updated: December 29, 2025
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Pet insurance may cover X-rays when they're medically necessary to diagnose covered accidents or illnesses, excluding pre-existing conditions. Pet insurance coverage varies by provider and policy terms.
Most major pet insurance companies, like AKC, Nationwide and Pets Best include X-ray coverage in their standard plans.
To determine if you need pet insurance that covers X-rays, consider your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle, along with your financial situation.
X-Rays let veterinarians see inside your pet’s body to check for problems such as broken bones, breathing issues, tumors or swallowed objects. Pet insurance covers X-rays when they’re medically necessary to diagnose a covered condition.
It reimburses 60% to 90% of the cost after you pay your deductible and file a claim. Coverage depends on your specific policy terms and whether the X-ray relates to a pre-existing condition.
Your coverage for X-rays depends on which type of pet insurance policy you have:
These cover X-rays only when they're needed to diagnose injuries from accidents like broken bones, cuts or poisoning.
These plans cover X-rays for new accidents and illnesses, making them the most comprehensive option for diagnostic imaging.
These policies provide reimbursement for eligible costs, whether your dog needs an X-ray for a broken leg or to check for bladder stones. However, they won't cover X-rays related to conditions that your pet had before enrollment or during the waiting period.
These plans help maintain your pet’s health by covering routine X-rays used for preventive care, like yearly checkups or pre-surgery exams. Wellness coverage usually has annual limits and may not cover diagnostic X-rays when your pet is sick or injured.
Most pet insurance companies cover X-rays in their base policies when related to new conditions. Review the table below to see how major insurers provide X-ray coverage.
Extends to curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment | |
Starts immediately for new accidents on the policy's effective date | |
Has a one-day waiting period for new accidents and up to 100% reimbursement available | |
Comes with unlimited coverage, plus the option to pay veterinarians directly | |
Has a two-day waiting period for new accidents and up to $100,000 in annual limits | |
Comes with a zero-day waiting period for new accidents | |
Has a two-day waiting period for covered accidents | |
Includes the option for unlimited coverage and direct payment to veterinarians | |
Comes with no payout limits, plus the option for direct vet pay | |
Reimburses up to 100% of eligible costs for covered conditions | |
Coverage differs depending on your state and policy, so it’s best to review your plan documents for the exact details.
Compare the top pet insurance companies to determine the best option for your pet:
Since X-ray coverage comes standard with most pet insurance plans for covered conditions, the question isn't whether you need this coverage. Several factors can help you decide how much pet insurance you need.
Older pets often need X-rays more often to detect issues like arthritis, heart disease or tumors. If your pet is over seven years old, consider getting pet insurance with comprehensive accident and illness coverage.
Puppies and kittens may also need X-rays after swallowing something they shouldn’t, so full coverage is still a good idea for young pets.
Some breeds are more prone to conditions that require X-rays, such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or bloat in Great Danes. If you have a purebred dog that’s at higher risk for genetic problems, look for a plan with no annual limits and higher reimbursement rates.
Mixed breeds tend to have fewer inherited health issues, so an accident-only plan might be enough for a healthy mixed-breed pet.
Active outdoor pets get injured more often and need X-rays for broken bones or internal damage. If your pet hikes, visits dog parks or spends time outdoors, get comprehensive coverage with a low deductible.
Indoor cats need coverage for illnesses like urinary blockages, but a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums.
According to Preventive Vet, pet X-rays usually cost between $150 and $250, depending on the type and location. Emergency X-rays often cost more and some cases require multiple images or follow-ups.
A plan that covers both accidents and illnesses helps with these unexpected expenses. With insurance, you’ll get reimbursed for covered costs based on the terms of your policy.
X-ray coverage is standard with accident-only and accident and illness policies from providers like AKC, Nationwide and Pets Best, protecting you from diagnostic imaging costs that can reach hundreds of dollars. While most insurers won't cover pre-existing conditions, new injuries and illnesses qualify for reimbursement. Choose the best pet insurance with X-ray coverage based on your pet's age, breed and lifestyle, along with your financial situation.
Many pet owners have questions about X-ray coverage, so we’ve shared a few helpful answers below:
According to Preventive Vet, pet X-rays cost $150 to $250 on average, depending on complexity and your location. Emergency X-rays often cost more than routine imaging, and you may need multiple views or follow-up films, which can raise the total expense.
Accident-only plans cover X-rays for injuries from accidents like broken bones or poisoning, while accident and illness policies provide the most comprehensive coverage for both injuries and illnesses. Wellness plans may also cover routine X-rays as part of their preventive care benefits, though adding them to your policy can increase pet insurance costs.
Before purchasing a policy, compare quotes and read the fine print to find the cheapest pet insurance with quality X-ray coverage.
Most pet insurance companies don't cover X-rays for pre-existing conditions, which are health issues your pet had before enrollment or during waiting periods. However, AKC covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous coverage.
Waiting periods for X-ray coverage vary by provider. Embrace and MetLife both have a zero-day waiting period for accidents, while others may take up to 14 days. Most insurers have longer waiting periods for illnesses. Check your specific policy for exact waiting period terms.
Pet insurance may cover multiple X-rays for the same condition, including follow-up films and progress monitoring. However, you'll still need to meet your deductible requirements and coverage depends on whether the condition developed after your waiting period ended.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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.
