Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

When we hear the word ultrasound, most of us think of its use in diagnosing and monitoring pregnancy. However, ultrasounds have many other beneficial uses in human and veterinary medicine. If your pup is suffering from symptoms that aren’t immediately obvious from a physical examination, an ultrasound can be an invaluable tool to help veterinarians diagnose many conditions.

However, diagnostic testing and imaging can be expensive — sometimes more so than treatment. Medical concerns are worrisome not just about your dog’s health but also about how to manage your vet bills. I’ll help you understand when pet insurance includes coverage for ultrasound and when it doesn’t.

What Is An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound, also called a sonogram, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to visualize structures in the body. Ultrasound machines send a focused stream of high-frequency sound waves into a targeted area. These sound waves can pass through, bounce off, or be absorbed by the soft tissues they come into contact with.

By creating a real-time, two-dimensional image, ultrasound helps veterinarians diagnose pregnancy, assess heart conditions, examine some abdominal organs, locate swallowed foreign objects, detect tumors and cysts, evaluate the eyes for certain diseases, and more. Vets also use ultrasound for image guidance during certain procedures. Unlike X-rays, sonography doesn’t use radiation, but your vet will likely shave the area to obtain ideal images.

Most ultrasound procedures don’t require anesthesia, except for ultrasound-guided biopsies. Most dogs tend to relax comfortably during the scan. However, dogs who are particularly anxious or fidgety may need a sedative. In cases where a vet performs a biopsy, a short-acting anesthetic or a more potent sedative will be necessary to keep your pet calm and minimize risks.

What’s The Difference Between An Ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan & X-Ray?

Ultrasounds, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography) scans, and X-rays are all noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques, but some tools have limitations. For example, ultrasound is ineffective for assessing the lungs, brain, spine, and bones. Veterinarians request different diagnostics to obtain images of the body inside and out, depending on the targeted area and specific symptoms.

• X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that passes through body tissues to produce black-and-white, two-dimensional images on a screen. These radiographs are commonly used to check for issues like dental problems, fractures, and the presence of foreign objects. Dog X-ray costs range from $75-$500.
• A CT scan captures rapid X-ray images to create a more thorough, detailed 3D view of the area being examined. Typically, healthcare providers request a CT scan before performing an MRI. These scans can detect early signs of arthritis, tumors, and the blood vessels in the vicinity. Medical teams frequently rely on these images to assess whether cancer has metastasized to other areas of the body. CT scans for dogs can range from $1,500 to $3,500.
• An MRI utilizes powerful magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses to produce clear images of soft tissues such as intervertebral discs, the brain, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Unlike CT scans or other diagnostic methods, MRIs are often better at detecting certain abnormalities that might be overlooked. The average cost of a dog MRI is $2,000 or more.
• Ultrasound technology utilizes sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures. As these waves move through the body, they capture shadows and reflections, which can be viewed in real-time on a computer screen.

The veterinarian can create a treatment plan based on the imaging results, which may involve surgery, medications, therapy, and strategies for future prevention.

How Much Does A Dog Ultrasound Cost?

According to Lemonade pet insurance, the cost of an ultrasound for a dog can range from $350 to $1,000 or more. What affects the cost of sonograms? Where you live, how long the scan takes, if a consultation is required with an ultrasound specialist, and if your dog needs sedation. If your vet’s office doesn’t have the equipment (most do) or your pup’s case is complex, you may need to see a sonogram specialist, which can significantly increase the cost. Ultrasound performed at an emergency animal hospital is also more expensive than at a regular vet clinic.

All types of imaging come with hefty fees on top of other diagnostic testing required, vet exam fees, and, of course, the cost of treatment. That’s why having pet insurance can be a game changer for your finances. The average monthly premium for an accident-and-illness pet insurance policy is around $55.

When Will Pet Insurance Cover An Ultrasound?

Pet insurance policies include coverage for ultrasounds related to qualifying accidents and illnesses. These eligible conditions must not have been diagnosed or shown symptoms before the start date of the pet insurance policy and are subject to any waiting periods.

When Are Ultrasounds Excluded From Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance coverage excludes ultrasound if the need is associated with a pre-existing condition or an excluded accident or illness. For example, if your dog was diagnosed with a heart condition or defect before you enrolled them in pet insurance, an ultrasound to assess how that heart condition could be progressing would be excluded from your new policy because it’s associated with a pre-existing heart condition.

Another significant limitation of pet insurance coverage for ultrasound procedures pertains to pregnant dogs. Most insurance providers do not cover ultrasounds associated with a normal pregnancy or breeding-related issues. While some pet insurers might cover ultrasounds during pregnancy, this is typically only in emergency situations — provided that the conception occurred after the waiting period of your pet’s policy. If you request an ultrasound during a routine veterinary appointment to evaluate your pregnant dog’s health, the insurer will likely not cover the cost. Learn more about pet insurance coverage for pregnancy.

Best Pet Insurance For Ultrasounds

The good news is that you have plenty of options for dog insurance companies that cover ultrasounds for qualifying conditions. However, I know it’s difficult to weed through all of your options to determine which companies are your best choices.

Thanks to my colleague’s thorough pet insurance comparison article, you can assess the top pet insurance providers. To assist you in understanding the variations among pet insurance providers, she provides comparison tables that highlight many factors. These include coverage details, exclusions, waiting periods, age restrictions, plan customizations, and sample pricing.

As long as they are unrelated to any pre-existing or excluded conditions, ultrasounds are currently covered by all insurance policies. Before signing up for a new insurance policy, it’s crucial to carefully read the fine print to ensure that it satisfies your needs.

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Why Trust Canine Journal?

Canine Journal has been covering the topic of pet insurance for 12+ years, well before other conglomerates discovered the rising popularity of health care for our pets. Sally Jones has been researching and writing about pet insurance and canine health issues for 10 years. Many on our team have personal experience with pet insurance, including Kimberly Alt, who has been Canine Journal’s go-to author for pet insurance for over a decade, having written about nearly every facet related to pet insurance. We also have our in-house pet insurance agent, Michelle Schenker, who reviews all pet insurance articles for accuracy and compliance.