X-rays are diagnostic imaging tests that veterinarians use to see inside your pet's body and identify issues like broken bones, respiratory issues, tumors or foreign objects. Pet insurance typically covers X-rays when they're medically necessary to diagnose a covered condition, reimbursing you for 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.
Does Pet Insurance Cover X-Rays?
Updated: September 17, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Pet insurance covers X-rays when they're medically necessary to diagnose covered accidents or illnesses, excluding pre-existing conditions.
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.
How Does Pet Insurance Work for X-Rays?
What Covers X-Rays?
Your coverage for X-rays usually depends on which type of pet insurance policy you have:
Accident-only plans
These cover X-rays only when they're needed to diagnose injuries from accidents like broken bones, cuts or poisoning.
Accident and illness policies
These plans cover X-rays for new accidents and illnesses, making them the most comprehensive option for diagnostic imaging. Whether your dog needs an X-ray for a broken leg or to check for bladder stones, these policies reimburse eligible costs. However, they won't cover X-rays related to conditions that your pet had before enrollment or during the waiting period.
Wellness plans
These plans focus on maintaining your pet's health and cover routine X-rays as part of preventive care, such as annual health screenings or pre-surgical imaging. Wellness coverage usually has annual limits and may not cover diagnostic X-rays when your pet is sick or injured.
Who Has X-Ray Coverage?
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.
AKC | Extends to curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous enrollment |
Embrace | Starts immediately for new accidents on the policy's effective date |
Figo | Has a 1-day waiting period for new accidents and up to 100% reimbursement available |
Healthy Paws | Comes with unlimited coverage, plus the option to pay veterinarians directly |
Lemonade | Has a 2-day waiting period for new accidents and up to $100,000 in annual limits |
MetLife | Comes with a 0-day waiting period for new accidents |
Nationwide | Has a 2-day waiting period for covered accidents |
Pets Best | Includes the option for unlimited coverage and direct payment to veterinarians |
Trupanion | Comes with no payout limits, plus the option for direct vet pay |
Wagmo | Reimburses 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 X-Ray Coverage?
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 which level of coverage makes the most sense for your pet's needs.
- 1
Your pet's age
Older pets need X-rays more frequently to diagnose age-related conditions like arthritis, heart disease or tumors. Consider comprehensive accident and illness coverage if your pet is over 7 years old. Puppies and kittens might need X-rays if they swallow foreign objects, so even young pets benefit from full coverage.
- 2
Your pet’s breed
Certain breeds face higher risks for conditions that require X-ray diagnosis, such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds or bloat in Great Danes. If you own a purebred dog prone to genetic conditions, prioritize plans with no annual limits and higher reimbursement rates. Mixed breeds typically have fewer genetic health problems due to their diverse genetics, so accident-only coverage might be sufficient for healthy mixed breeds.
- 3
Your pet’s lifestyle
Active outdoor pets face higher injury risks that often require X-ray diagnosis, from broken bones to internal injuries. Choose comprehensive coverage with low deductibles if your pet frequently hikes, plays at dog parks or roams outdoors. Indoor cats still need coverage for illnesses like urinary blockages, but you might consider higher deductibles to lower monthly premiums.
- 4
Your financial situation
According to a study by Preventive Vet, X-rays for pets cost about $150 to $250, depending on the complexity and location. Emergency X-rays often cost more than routine imaging, plus you may need multiple views or follow-up films, so consider plans that cover both accident and illness scenarios. Having coverage means you’ll be reimbursed for eligible costs based on your policy’s specific terms.
Will Pet Insurance Cover X-Rays: Bottom Line
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 your coverage level based on your pet's age, breed and lifestyle, along with your financial situation.
Are X-Rays Covered by Pet Insurance: FAQ
We’ve answered some frequently asked questions about pet insurance that covers X-rays below:
How much do pet X-rays typically cost?
According to Preventive Vet, pet X-rays cost $150 to $250 on average, depending on complexity and your location. Emergency X-rays often cost significantly more than routine imaging and you may need multiple views or follow-up films, which increases the total expense.
What types of pet insurance plans cover X-rays?
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.
Do pet insurance companies cover X-rays for pre-existing conditions?
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.
How long do I have to wait before X-ray coverage begins?
Waiting periods for X-ray coverage vary by provider. Embrace and MetLife have a 0-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.
Will pet insurance cover multiple X-rays for the same condition?
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. 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
- Preventive Vet. "Pet Emergency Statistics and Veterinary Costs." Accessed September 17, 2025.