Does pet insurance cover X-rays?

Pet insurance and X-rays: Are they covered?

Most standard pet insurance plans cover X-rays if they’re related to an accident or illness that’s also covered under the policy. For instance, if your dog takes a tumble down the stairs and breaks its leg, the X-rays to diagnose the fracture would be eligible for reimbursement.

However, there are exceptions to this coverage. If X-rays are part of monitoring a preexisting condition — one that your pet was showing symptoms of, diagnosed with or treated for before the policy takes effect — they likely won’t be covered.

For example, if your dog was diagnosed with congestive heart failure before your policy started, X-rays to measure the size of your dog’s heart most likely won’t be eligible for reimbursement.

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How much do X-rays cost with pet insurance?

X-rays typically cost $100 to $300 per image, but pricing can exceed $400 under some circumstances. Costs vary based on your pet’s size, the complexity of the injury and whether sedation is required.

Many pet insurance providers operate on a reimbursement model: you pay the vet bill upfront, submit a claim and receive a percentage of the cost back. Common reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%. Policies with higher reimbursement rates tend to have higher premiums, which can increase the overall pet insurance cost.

For example, if your policy offers 70% reimbursement and the X-ray costs $300, you’ll get $210 back after submitting your claim. However, some plans have limits on how much you can be reimbursed per incident, per year or over your pet's lifetime.

Factors that may influence the cost of X-rays

• Sedation: If your pet needs sedation, this can add to the overall cost, especially if it is a larger breed.
• Clinic type and location: Emergency clinics or larger veterinary practices typically charge more than regular vet offices. Geographic location also plays a role in pricing.
• Injury complexity: The cost may increase if the injury requires multiple X-rays or is located in a hard-to-reach area, such as a joint.
• Pet size: Smaller pets generally need fewer X-rays, while larger pets may require more for a comprehensive diagnosis.

How to file an X-ray claim with pet insurance

Most pet insurance providers offer digital claim submission options, making it easy to file quickly.

While each policy has its own guidelines — especially for diagnostic procedures like X-rays — the process typically follows these steps:

1. Gather the necessary documentation.

   Before filing a claim for X-rays, ensure you collect all required paperwork, which typically includes:

   • Veterinary invoice: This is the itemized bill detailing the charges for the X-rays and related treatments that the vet gives you.
   • Medical records: The insurance company will need any documentation supporting the necessity of the X-rays, such as vet notes about your pet’s symptoms or prior examinations.
   • Additional materials: Insurers may request additional materials. For example, Lemonade allows you to submit a short video explaining the incident and why the X-rays were necessary.
2. File the claim through the provider’s portal or app.

   Many pet insurance providers offer streamlined platforms for submitting claims. Here’s how a few popular companies handle the process:

   • Lemonade: Use the app to upload invoices, medical records and any additional materials.
   • Embrace Pet Insurance: Submit claims through their app or website. No separate claim form is needed if filing digitally, and you can track the status from your account.
   • ASPCA Pet Health Insurance: Claims can be submitted via the Member Center on the app or website. Upload all documentation directly from your device.
3. Submit the claim.

   After ensuring all documentation is complete, submit your claim through the provider’s platform. Be thorough — missing or incomplete information can delay processing.

How insurers evaluate X-ray claims

Insurance providers evaluate claims based on several factors:

• Policy coverage: X-rays typically fall under accident or illness coverage rather than routine care.
• Medical necessity: Insurers require documentation proving the X-rays were needed to diagnose or treat a covered condition.
• Preexisting conditions: If the X-rays are tied to a preexisting condition, the claim is likely to be denied.
• Vet’s diagnosis: A clear explanation from your vet about why the X-rays were needed can improve your claim’s approval chances.

Tips for submitting a successful X-ray claim

• Be thorough and accurate: Ensure all documentation is legible and complete, including the diagnosis, invoice and related treatment details.
• File promptly: Double-check your policy’s deadline. Many insurers require claims to be submitted within a specific time frame, such as 90 or 180 days.
• Include everything requested: Missing documents or incomplete forms can slow down or jeopardize your claim.

Why pet insurance may deny X-ray claims

• Preexisting conditions: X-rays tied to conditions diagnosed before the policy start date are often excluded.
• Policy exclusions: Some plans exclude X-rays related to conditions not covered under accident or illness coverage.
• Incomplete documentation: Missing medical records or unclear invoices may lead to denial. Ensure all documents include essential details, like the pet’s information, service dates and itemized charges.

What exclusions apply to X-ray coverage?

Most pet insurance policies cover X-rays for accidents and illnesses, but certain exclusions apply.

• Preexisting conditions: If your pet was treated for or showed symptoms of a condition before your policy started, X-rays related to that condition most likely won’t be covered.
• Preventive X-rays: X-rays taken without symptoms or a diagnosed issue — such as general health screenings — are typically not covered.
• Elective procedures: X-rays associated with nonmedically necessary procedures, such as imaging for cosmetic surgeries, are rarely covered.

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