A CT scan is one of the most commonly used diagnostic imaging tests in the United States. Doctors may order a CT scan to examine the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis, bones, blood vessels, or other parts of the body.
However, the price of a CT scan can vary significantly depending on the type of scan, location, medical facility, insurance coverage, and whether contrast is used.
For patients paying cash, current MDsave marketplace data shows national averages of approximately $355 for a CT scan without contrast, $457 with contrast, and $529 with and without contrast. The actual price can be significantly different depending on the provider and location. (mdsave.com)
If you have health insurance, your personal cost may be different from the cash price. Your deductible, copayment, coinsurance, network, allowed amount, and out-of-pocket maximum can all affect what you ultimately pay.
This guide explains CT scan costs in the USA in 2026, including prices without insurance, insurance-related expenses, contrast costs, common types of CT scans, and ways to compare prices.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost in the USA?
There is no single nationwide price for a CT scan.
The cost depends on factors such as:
- Type of CT scan
- Body part being examined
- Use of contrast
- Location
- Hospital or imaging center
- Insurance status
- Insurance network
- Deductible
- Coinsurance
- Facility charges
- Radiologist fees
- Additional medical services
Current MDsave marketplace data provides the following national averages:
| CT Scan Type | MDsave National Average |
|---|---|
| CT scan without contrast | About $355 |
| CT scan with contrast | About $457 |
| CT scan with and without contrast | About $529 |
| Abdomen and pelvis CT with contrast | About $618 |
| Abdomen and pelvis CT without contrast | About $472 |
| Abdomen and pelvis CT with and without contrast | About $669 |
These are marketplace averages and are not guaranteed prices. MDsave currently lists CT scan prices ranging from about $160 to $1,772 depending on the procedure and provider. (mdsave.com)
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost Without Insurance?
People without health insurance may have to pay the full self-pay or cash price for a CT scan.
The good news is that the cash price is not necessarily the same at every facility.
Independent imaging centers may offer upfront prices that are different from hospital charges.
Current MDsave data shows that CT scans without contrast have a national marketplace average of about $355, with listed prices ranging from approximately $160 to $929. (mdsave.com)
The price for a specific patient can still be higher or lower.
Before scheduling a scan, ask the facility for the complete self-pay price and find out exactly what is included.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost With Insurance?
Having insurance does not necessarily mean that your CT scan will be free.
Your cost can depend on:
- Deductible
- Copayment
- Coinsurance
- Allowed amount
- Provider network
- Prior authorization
- Out-of-pocket maximum
For example, if your insurance plan requires you to meet a deductible before paying for diagnostic imaging, you may have to pay some or all of the applicable allowed amount until the deductible is satisfied.
HealthCare.gov explains that deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs can all contribute to your total healthcare spending. (healthcare.gov)
What Is the Allowed Amount for a CT Scan?
The allowed amount is an important part of understanding an insured patient’s CT scan bill.
HealthCare.gov defines the allowed amount as the maximum amount a health plan will pay for a covered healthcare service. It can also be referred to as an eligible expense, payment allowance, or negotiated rate. (healthcare.gov)
Suppose a facility has a listed charge of $1,200, but your insurance plan has an allowed amount of $500 for the procedure.
Your cost-sharing calculation may be based on the applicable allowed amount rather than the original listed charge, depending on your plan and circumstances.
This is why insured patients should ask their insurance company about the negotiated or allowed amount before expensive imaging whenever possible.
CT Scan Cost With a High-Deductible Health Plan
A high-deductible health plan can make the initial cost of diagnostic imaging more significant.
If you have a $3,000 deductible and have not paid anything toward it, a CT scan that is subject to the deductible could leave you responsible for the applicable allowed amount until you reach the deductible.
After the deductible is met, your plan may apply coinsurance or another cost-sharing structure.
HealthCare.gov recommends comparing estimated total yearly healthcare costs rather than looking only at the monthly insurance premium. (healthcare.gov)
CT Scan With Contrast vs. Without Contrast
One of the factors that can affect the price is whether contrast is used.
A CT scan without contrast does not use contrast material for the examination.
A contrast-enhanced CT uses contrast to help improve visualization of certain structures or abnormalities.
Current MDsave national averages show:
- CT without contrast: about $355
- CT with contrast: about $457
- CT with and without contrast: about $529 (mdsave.com)
These figures are marketplace averages and not fixed national prices.
The physician ordering the scan determines whether contrast is appropriate for the clinical situation.
Why Does a CT Scan With Contrast Cost More?
Contrast-enhanced imaging can involve additional costs associated with the contrast material and its administration.
Depending on the facility, these costs may be incorporated into the overall procedure price or billed separately.
Before your appointment, ask whether the quoted price includes:
- CT scan
- Contrast material
- Contrast administration
- Facility charges
- Radiologist interpretation
This can help prevent confusion when you receive your bill.
How Much Does an Abdomen CT Scan Cost?
An abdominal CT scan can have different prices depending on whether contrast is used and which areas are included.
Current MDsave marketplace averages include approximately:
- Abdomen and pelvis CT with contrast: $618
- Abdomen and pelvis CT without contrast: $472
- Abdomen and pelvis CT with and without contrast: $669 (mdsave.com)
These prices are reference figures only.
The actual cost depends on the provider, location, imaging protocol, and insurance situation.
How Much Does a Brain CT Scan Cost?
A brain or head CT may be ordered for a variety of medical reasons.
The price can depend on:
- Whether contrast is used
- Facility
- Geographic location
- Insurance
- Network status
- Additional services
Before scheduling, ask for the price of the exact CT procedure ordered by the physician.
A general “CT scan price” may not represent the price of a specific head or brain CT.
How Much Does a Chest CT Scan Cost?
A chest CT examines structures within the chest and may be performed with or without contrast depending on the clinical situation.
The cost can vary between hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.
If you are paying cash, request an upfront self-pay price.
If you have insurance, verify that the imaging facility is in-network and ask whether prior authorization is required.
How Much Does a CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis Cost?
Abdomen-and-pelvis CT scans can cost more than a basic CT of one body region because the examination may involve a larger imaging protocol.
Current MDsave data lists a national average of approximately:
- $472 without contrast
- $618 with contrast
- $669 with and without contrast (mdsave.com)
MDsave currently lists prices for this combined procedure ranging from approximately $256 to $1,772 depending on the provider and procedure. (mdsave.com)
CT Scan Cost at a Hospital vs. Imaging Center
The location where the CT scan is performed can influence the price.
Hospitals may have facility-related charges that differ from those at independent outpatient imaging centers.
An independent imaging center may advertise an upfront cash price, while a hospital may use a different billing structure.
However, there is no universal rule that every hospital is more expensive than every imaging center.
If your doctor allows you to choose where the scan is performed, compare prices from multiple facilities.
Why Can Two CT Scans Have Different Prices?
Two facilities can charge different amounts for what appears to be the same CT scan because of differences in:
- Geographic location
- Equipment
- Facility costs
- Insurance contracts
- Provider agreements
- Radiologist fees
- Contrast requirements
- Imaging protocol
- Hospital versus outpatient setting
This is why patients should compare the exact procedure rather than relying on a generic CT scan price.
Does Health Insurance Cover CT Scans?
Health insurance may cover medically necessary CT scans when the procedure meets the requirements of the plan.
However, coverage does not automatically mean that the patient pays nothing.
Depending on the policy, the patient may have to pay:
- Deductible
- Copayment
- Coinsurance
- Other applicable cost sharing
The insurance plan may also require prior authorization.
Always check your plan before scheduling the procedure.
What Is Prior Authorization for a CT Scan?
Prior authorization is a process in which an insurance company reviews certain medical services before they are performed.
Some insurance plans require prior authorization for specific imaging procedures.
If authorization is required, your physician’s office may need to submit information supporting the medical necessity of the CT scan.
If you skip a required authorization process, you could face unexpected coverage problems depending on your plan.
Ask your insurance company or doctor’s office whether prior authorization is required.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost in an Emergency Room?
A CT scan performed during an emergency room visit can be considerably different from an outpatient cash price.
An emergency visit can involve multiple separate charges, including:
- Emergency department facility fee
- Physician fee
- CT imaging
- Radiologist interpretation
- Laboratory tests
- Medication
- Other medical services
Therefore, a $355 or $457 outpatient marketplace average should not be interpreted as the expected total cost of a CT scan performed during an emergency room visit.
Emergency department billing can involve substantially more than the imaging procedure itself.
CT Scan Cost Without Insurance at an Imaging Center
Patients without insurance can sometimes find transparent cash pricing through independent imaging centers.
MDsave currently lists thousands of CT procedure providers and allows cash-paying patients to compare upfront prices. (mdsave.com)
For example, current listed prices for CT procedures vary substantially between providers.
Before paying, confirm that the package includes all relevant fees.
Ask whether the price includes the radiologist’s interpretation.
Some bundled imaging services include both technical and physician-related charges, while other billing arrangements may separate them.
How to Save Money on a CT Scan
There are several ways patients may be able to reduce the cost of non-emergency imaging.
Compare Multiple Facilities
Call several imaging centers and ask for their self-pay price.
Ask for an Upfront Cash Price
Do not assume the standard billed charge is the same as the cash price.
Verify Insurance Network Status
If you have insurance, make sure the imaging center is in-network for your specific plan.
Ask Your Insurance Company About the Allowed Amount
Your insurer may be able to provide an estimate based on the procedure and facility.
Check Your Deductible
Find out how much of your deductible has already been satisfied.
Ask About Additional Fees
Make sure the quote includes contrast, radiologist interpretation, and facility charges when applicable.
Questions to Ask Before Scheduling a CT Scan
Before your appointment, ask:
- What is the total cash price?
- Does the price include contrast?
- Does the price include the radiologist’s interpretation?
- Are there separate facility fees?
- Is the imaging center in-network?
- Do I need prior authorization?
- What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?
- How much of my deductible remains?
- Can I receive a written estimate?
- When will the radiology report be available?
These questions can help you understand the potential cost before the scan.
CT Scan vs. MRI: Which Costs More?
CT scans and MRIs are different diagnostic imaging technologies.
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, while CT uses X-ray technology to create cross-sectional images.
The prices can also differ.
Current MDsave data lists CT scan averages of approximately $355 without contrast, $457 with contrast, and $529 with and without contrast. (mdsave.com)
Current MDsave MRI pricing can be higher for several MRI procedures.
However, the cost should not determine which test you receive.
The physician should determine the appropriate imaging study based on the medical situation.
Does the Out-of-Pocket Maximum Help With CT Scan Costs?
For people with Marketplace health insurance, the out-of-pocket maximum can limit eligible covered in-network expenses during a plan year.
For 2026, HealthCare.gov states that the Marketplace out-of-pocket maximum cannot exceed $10,600 for an individual or $21,200 for a family. (healthcare.gov)
Individual plans can have lower limits.
The out-of-pocket maximum generally does not include monthly premiums, services the plan does not cover, or out-of-network costs under the applicable rules. (healthcare.gov)
Is a CT Scan Expensive Without Insurance?
A CT scan can be relatively affordable at some outpatient imaging centers compared with hospital-based charges, but prices vary significantly.
Current MDsave data shows CT procedures ranging from approximately $160 to $1,772 depending on the procedure and provider. (mdsave.com)
A patient should therefore avoid assuming that a single national average represents the actual price available in their city.
The best way to determine the cash price is to request an exact quote from local providers.
How to Get a CT Scan Price Estimate
A practical process is:
Step 1: Get the Exact Procedure Name
Ask your physician for the exact CT scan being ordered.
Step 2: Contact Multiple Facilities
Request the self-pay price from several providers.
Step 3: Give Them the Procedure Details
Tell the facility whether the order specifies contrast.
Step 4: Ask What Is Included
Confirm whether the price includes facility and radiologist fees.
Step 5: Check Insurance
If you have insurance, ask your insurer for an estimated allowed amount and your expected cost sharing.
Step 6: Compare the Complete Price
Compare the total expected cost rather than only the advertised procedure price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CT scan cost in the USA without insurance?
Current MDsave data shows a national marketplace average of about $355 for a CT scan without contrast, although actual prices vary by provider and location. (mdsave.com)
How much does a CT scan cost with contrast?
MDsave currently lists a national average of approximately $457 for a CT scan with contrast. (mdsave.com)
How much does a CT scan cost with and without contrast?
The current MDsave national average is approximately $529 for a CT scan with and without contrast. (mdsave.com)
How much does an abdomen and pelvis CT cost?
Current MDsave averages are approximately $472 without contrast, $618 with contrast, and $669 with and without contrast. (mdsave.com)
Is a CT scan covered by health insurance?
Many insurance plans cover medically necessary CT scans, but your personal cost depends on your plan’s deductible, coinsurance, copayment, network, and authorization requirements.
Is a CT scan cheaper at an imaging center?
It can be, but prices vary by provider and location. Comparing local facilities can help you find the available cash prices.
Does insurance cover the full cost of a CT scan?
Not necessarily. Even when a CT scan is covered, you may have deductible, copayment, or coinsurance responsibilities.
Do I need prior authorization for a CT scan?
Some insurance plans require prior authorization for certain imaging procedures. Check with your insurance company or doctor’s office.
Is contrast included in the CT scan price?
Not always. Ask the facility whether contrast and its administration are included in the quoted price.
Can I negotiate the cost of a CT scan?
Some facilities offer self-pay or cash pricing. Ask the provider whether a lower upfront price is available and what services are included.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a CT scan in the USA can vary significantly depending on the procedure, location, facility, contrast requirements, and insurance coverage.
For cash-paying patients, current MDsave marketplace averages are approximately $355 for CT without contrast, $457 with contrast, and $529 with and without contrast. (mdsave.com)
Patients with insurance should not assume that the advertised cash price represents their final cost. Deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, provider networks, allowed amounts, and prior authorization can all affect the amount they pay.
The most practical approach is to obtain the exact procedure name from your doctor, compare prices from multiple facilities, verify insurance network status, and ask for a complete estimate before scheduling the scan.
For non-emergency imaging, comparing providers can sometimes reveal substantial price differences. For emergency situations, however, medical care should not be delayed because of price concerns.
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