MRI and CT Scan Costs: What to Expect With and Without Insurance

Medical imaging is one of the most price-variable services in healthcare. The same MRI can cost $400 at an independent imaging center or $4,000 at a hospital — same machine, same quality, dramatically different price.

Average MRI costs without insurance: brain MRI $1,000-$3,500, knee MRI $800-$2,500, shoulder MRI $800-$2,500, spine MRI $1,000-$3,500, abdominal MRI $1,500-$4,000. With contrast dye, add $200-$500.

Average CT scan costs without insurance: head CT $500-$2,000, chest CT $500-$2,500, abdominal CT $800-$3,000, CT angiogram $1,000-$5,000. CT scans are generally less expensive than MRIs.

Hospital-based imaging centers charge 2-4x more than independent freestanding centers. The quality is equivalent — both use FDA-approved equipment and board-certified radiologists read the images.

With insurance, your cost depends on your plan. If you haven't met your deductible, you may pay full negotiated rate ($300-$1,500). After deductible, coinsurance of 20-40% applies. Some plans require prior authorization.

Cash-pay prices are often the best deal for uninsured patients. Many imaging centers offer self-pay rates of $300-$800 for MRIs when you pay upfront. Always ask for the cash price — it's often less than the insurance-negotiated rate.

Online price comparison tools like MDsave, New Choice Health, and Healthcare Bluebook can help you find the lowest prices in your area. Prices for the same scan can vary by 500% within the same city.

Urgent versus non-urgent matters. If your doctor says the scan is routine or non-urgent, take time to shop around. If it's emergent, go to the nearest appropriate facility — price shopping isn't appropriate in emergencies.

Ask your doctor if imaging is truly necessary. Studies show up to 30% of medical imaging may be unnecessary. A good doctor will explain why imaging is needed and what they expect to find or rule out.

Some hospitals offer financial assistance programs for imaging. If you're uninsured or underinsured, ask the billing department about charity care, payment plans, or hardship discounts before your scan.