How Much Does an MRI Cost Without Insurance in the U.S. in 2025?

MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical imaging technique that uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. With nearly 40 million scans performed annually in the United States alone, MRI remains one of the most in-demand diagnostic tools in modern healthcare.

This report analyzes average costs for MRI without insurance across U.S. hospitals using a full-body MRI scan as an example.

*All data is aggregated from the AllClinics platform.

What factors influence MRI costs?

In general, the cost of an MRI scan in the U.S. depends on multiple factors. The most significant of them include the following:

• Health insurance plan: Some plans cover most or all of the cost, while others require a copayment, deductible, or coinsurance. If you're uninsured, you'll pay the full price, which can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.
• Body part being scanned: Different body parts require different levels of imaging complexity. For example, an MRI of the brain or spine might be more expensive than one of a knee or ankle due to the time required, level of detail needed, and equipment used.
• MRI type: The type of MRI scan also affects the price. For example, a contrast-enhanced MRI involves the injection of dye to improve image clarity, which increases the cost, while a standard MRI is usually less expensive.
• Location of medical facility: Urban hospitals, academic medical centers, and high-demand regions may charge more than community clinics or rural facilities.
• Provider: Different healthcare providers set their specific pricing. A large hospital network may have higher overhead costs than an independent imaging center, leading to higher scan prices.
• Radiologist fees: After the scan, a radiologist reviews and interprets the images. This is a separate service and may be billed independently, adding to the total cost.

The cost of an MRI scan reflects several underlying expenses, including the high cost of maintaining and operating MRI machines, the salaries for skilled radiologists and MRI technicians, and a range of administrative and facility-related fees.

Does health insurance cover the full cost of an MRI?

Most health insurance plans in the U.S. cover a significant portion of the cost of an MRI, especially when it is considered medically necessary. While insurance may not cover the entire amount, it can greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

How much does a full-body MRI scan cost without insurance?

The average cost of a full-body MRI scan in the U.S. without insurance is $2,219.48, based on data from 90 U.S. hospitals. However, the actual price can vary greatly. Full-body MRI doesn’t have a dedicated CPT code, so clinics often bill it under 76498 (“Unlisted MRI procedure”), which can vary in cost. Some facilities combine separate codes for chest, abdomen, and pelvis scans, which can change the total price.

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