Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

Your pet is family. You don’t cut corners when it comes to your family’s health, but the rising cost of veterinary care can force impossible choices. And when advanced diagnostics like an ultrasound are needed? The practical reality of that cost can be as daunting as the diagnosis itself.

But you’re not alone. Does pet insurance cover ultrasounds? Yes, at Embrace if your vet says an ultrasound is medically necessary, we cover it (with a few standard policy conditions). Let us give you peace of mind. You can still provide your pet with a gold standard level of care, without the added stress of financial worries.

To make it easier, let's break down ultrasounds: what they are, why they're used, and how your insurance coverage helps.

A white dog stands at a veterinary examination table next to an ultrasound machine, demonstrating how pet insurance coverage can help offset costs for important diagnostic procedures and treatments.

What Are Ultrasounds?

When your vet needs to see inside your pet without surgery, they turn to an ultrasound. This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create a real-time moving image. A handheld device sends out these sound waves, which bounce off your pet's internal organs and tissues, creating echoes. These echoes are then captured and processed by a computer, forming a grainy, black and white picture on a screen.

Unlike a static X-ray, an ultrasound shows movement, revealing how organs are functioning and if there are any abnormalities. It's a painless procedure, often requiring only a bit of gel on your pet's skin to help the sound waves travel. This non-invasive tool provides valuable insights into your pet's internal health, helping to make accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

When Is an Ultrasound Necessary?

When your veterinarian needs a clear, detailed look inside your pet's body, an ultrasound is often the most effective tool. This becomes necessary in situations such as:

Abdominal Concerns: Identifying tumors, organ enlargement, fluid accumulation, or ingested foreign objects. For example, if your dog is throwing up, an ultrasound might be necessary to determine the cause.
Cardiac Evaluation: Assessing heart function, detecting murmurs, or diagnosing congenital defects.
Unexplained Symptoms or Conditions: When other diagnostic methods are inconclusive or insufficient, and a deeper internal examination is required.
Musculoskeletal Evaluations: Assessing tendons, ligaments, and joints for injuries or abnormalities. This might be necessary if you’re wondering, "Why is my dog limping?"

A dachshund puppy with sleek black and tan markings sits attentively on green grass, representing the importance of knowing when pet insurance covers diagnostic ultrasounds, which typically depends on your policy terms and whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary rather than routine.

When Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

At Embrace, we're glad to say that ultrasounds are typically covered under our pet insurance accident and illness plan, which is designed to support you when your pet needs it most. If your vet recommends an ultrasound to diagnose or treat a new accident or illness, you can generally expect coverage.

Take, for example, Zuzu, the sweetest Dachshund you could imagine. When her parents noticed changes in her behavior, their vet performed an ultrasound to rule out potential issues. This revealed a mass on her spleen, leading to a necessary splenectomy. Because the ultrasound was crucial in diagnosing a new condition, it was covered under her Embrace policy. And don’t worry, Zuzu made it through the surgery with flying colors!

Of course, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Coverage is designed for new, unexpected issues, not pre-existing conditions. And, just like any insurance, standard policy terms like waiting periods, co-pays, and deductibles apply. Additionally, breeding or pregnancy-related ultrasounds are not covered, as pregnancy is generally not covered by pet insurance.

Understanding these policy details is key to maximizing your benefits. By being transparent, we aim to make essential diagnostics like ultrasounds more accessible, so you can focus on your pet's well-being.

Choosing a Plan for Ultrasound Insurance Coverage

Choosing the right pet insurance plan with adequate ultrasound insurance coverage is essential for ensuring your pet's health and your financial peace of mind. When comparing pet insurance policies, prioritize those that explicitly include coverage for diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds.

At Embrace, we believe you and your vet know your pet best. That's why the ability to customize your policy and benefit from flexible coverage terms is so important to us. We want to empower you to choose what's best for your pet, including complementary medicine options, giving you access to a wider range of treatments. This includes the ability to make informed decisions about diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds, ensuring you can explore all available options for your pet's care.

Cat receiving nutritional supplements from veterinarian because he got wellness rewards for his routine care

Preventative Care May Reduce the Need for Ultrasounds

While pet insurance typically focuses on covering unexpected accidents and illnesses, routine and preventive care are equally important for your pet's long-term health. For example, regular bloodwork and physical exams can help detect early signs of your dog’s organ dysfunction or find that your cat has tumors before they become too big, potentially avoiding the need for a more invasive and costly ultrasound later on.

This is where Embrace's Wellness Rewards plan comes in. This optional, non-insurance add-on is designed to help you budget for everyday veterinary expenses. With a wellness plan, you can receive reimbursements for routine care like annual exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and even wellness screenings.

This means you can proactively manage your pet's health, potentially catching issues early and reducing the likelihood of needing more extensive diagnostics down the line.

So, Does Pet Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

If your vet recommends advanced diagnostics like an ultrasound, you can feel confident knowing that pet insurance typically covers these important procedures for new accidents and illnesses. While policy terms and conditions apply, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can provide your furry family member with essential care is invaluable.

Just as you wouldn't cut corners when it comes to any family member's health, pet insurance allows you to extend that same level of care to your fur babies. They're more than just animals; they're family, and they deserve a lifetime of love, protection, and the best possible care.

If you're ready to ensure your pet can get the best care, get a quote today and see how pet insurance can help you be prepared.