How Much Does a CT Scan Cost in the U.S.?
The average cost of a CT scan in the U.S. without insurance ranges from $300 to $7,000+. The actual costs depend on the body area being scanned, the type of medical facility, the insurance plan, and additional services.
CT imaging is a common medical procedure that helps diagnose a wide range of conditions by providing detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s internal organs, bones, and tissues. According to statistics, more than 80 million CT scans are performed in the United States annually.
This report analyzes the average cost of CT scans across U.S. hospitals, highlighting expenses for patients without insurance.
*All data is aggregated from the AllClinics platform.
Factors Influencing CT Scan Imaging Cost
The cost of CT imaging depends on the procedure's purpose, the type of scan, and the location of the medical facility. The key factors include the following:
- Type of CT Scan: Standard types of CT scans that produce cross-sectional images of the body are less expensive than specialized scans, such as CT angiography or cardiac CT, which require contrast agents or advanced imaging technology.
- Body Area Being Scanned: Scanning larger or multiple regions usually increases the cost. Plus, some areas require contrast agents or extended imaging time.
- Facility Type: Hospital radiology departments often charge more than standalone imaging centers.
- Geographic Location: Costs vary by city, region, and country. Usually, urban centers have higher healthcare fees than rural areas.
- Insurance Coverage: Insurance plans negotiate different rates with providers, which can affect the cost of CT imaging for patients.
- Urgency of Scanning: Emergency or after‑hours scans may be priced higher than scheduled outpatient scans.
- Additional Services: Patients may also pay for complementary services such as additional imaging views, sedation, consultation fees, or the cost of storing and transferring images.
CT Scan vs. X-Ray
CT scans and X-rays are similar imaging techniques but differ in complexity. An X-ray is quicker and produces flat, 2D images, primarily of bones and basic chest or lung structures. In contrast, CT scans provide detailed, 3D images of bones, organs, and soft tissues, making them more suitable for complex diagnoses.
The cost of an X-ray is lower, typically ranging from $105 to $893.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost with Insurance
In the U.S., insurance usually covers CT scans only if a doctor orders the procedure for a medically necessary reason, such as diagnosing an injury, infection, or serious condition. Routine or screening scans without a clear medical reason may not be covered.
Patients may have to pay a copay, coinsurance, or meet a deductible before full coverage applies.
How Much Does a CT Scan Cost Without Insurance
The cost of a CT scan without insurance varies widely depending on the body part being examined and whether the scan is performed with or without contrast. Pricing also differs significantly between hospitals.
Below, you’ll find the average prices for common CT scan types, based on data from 301 U.S. hospitals.
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