How Much Does a CT Scan Cost?
A CT scan costs $250-$3,000+ depending on the body part, facility, contrast use, and insurance coverage. Like MRIs, the same CT scan can cost 3-5x more at a hospital than a freestanding imaging center. Enter your details for a realistic estimate.
CT Scan Value Calculator
Fill in the details below for an accurate estimate
Why Knowing Your CT Scan Value Matters
CT scans are one of the most commonly ordered imaging studies — over 80 million are performed annually in the US. Pricing is wildly inconsistent: the same chest CT can cost $250 at a cash-pay imaging center or $2,500 at a hospital outpatient department. With insurance, your cost depends on deductible status and facility network status. Shopping for CT scans is one of the easiest ways to save money on healthcare — quality is equivalent across facilities using modern equipment.
Key Factors That Affect CT Scan Value
Understanding what drives the price of ct scan helps you get the most accurate valuation.
Body Part
Head/brain CT: $300-$2,000. Chest CT: $300-$2,500. Abdomen/pelvis CT: $400-$3,000. Spine (cervical/lumbar): $300-$2,500. Cardiac CT (calcium score): $100-$400. CT angiography: $500-$3,500. Sinus CT: $200-$1,500.
Facility Type
Freestanding imaging center: $250-$800. Outpatient hospital: $1,000-$2,500. ER/inpatient hospital: $2,000-$4,000+. Cash-pay imaging centers advertise transparent pricing online — compare before booking.
With or Without Contrast
Without contrast: base price. With contrast (IV iodine): adds $100-$400. With and without (both): adds $200-$600. Contrast improves visualization of blood vessels, tumors, and inflammation. Your doctor determines if contrast is needed.
Insurance Status
With insurance (deductible met): $50-$200 copay. With insurance (deductible not met): $250-$1,500. Cash pay at imaging center: $250-$800. Cash pay at hospital: $1,000-$3,000. Medicare: covers 80% of approved amount.
Urgency
Scheduled outpatient: lowest cost, choose your facility. ER-ordered: highest cost (ER facility fee applies). Urgent/same-day at imaging center: usually same price as scheduled. Hospital inpatient: billed at hospital rates.
Tips for Valuing CT Scan
Get the most accurate estimate by following these tips when evaluating your ct scan.
Specify the body part being scanned
Note whether contrast is required
Include your insurance status and deductible situation
Compare hospital vs. imaging center pricing in your area
CT Scan Market Insights
CT scan prices have decreased at imaging centers due to competition and technology improvements, but hospital prices continue to rise. A cardiac calcium score CT ($100-$250) is one of the best-value screening tests in medicine, predicting heart attack risk better than cholesterol tests. Price transparency tools and cash-pay imaging centers have disrupted the market — in many cases, paying cash at a freestanding center is cheaper than using insurance at a hospital, even with good coverage.
Get Unlimited CT Scan Valuations
Value items on the go with our mobile app. Available on iOS and Android.
CT Scan Valuation FAQ
How much is a CT scan without insurance?
At a freestanding imaging center: $250-$800. At a hospital: $1,000-$3,000+. Always ask for the cash-pay rate — many imaging centers advertise flat rates of $250-$500 for common CT scans. These are comparable quality to hospital scans.
CT scan vs MRI: which costs more?
CT scans are generally 20-40% cheaper than MRIs. CT: $250-$800 at imaging center. MRI: $400-$1,200 at imaging center. CT scans are faster (5-15 minutes vs. 30-60 minutes) and better for bones, lungs, and emergencies. MRIs are better for soft tissue, joints, and brain.
Is a CT scan covered by insurance?
Yes, when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. Most plans require prior authorization for outpatient CT scans. In-network copay: $50-$200 (deductible met). If your deductible isn't met, you pay the negotiated rate. ER-ordered CT scans are covered as emergency care.
Are CT scans safe?
CT scans use X-ray radiation. A single scan carries minimal risk. The radiation dose varies: head CT ~2 mSv, chest CT ~7 mSv, abdomen CT ~10 mSv (compare to natural background radiation of ~3 mSv/year). Benefits of a medically necessary CT scan almost always outweigh the small radiation risk.