How Much Does a CT Scan Cost Without Insurance?

Quick answer: Without insurance, a CT scan in the U.S. usually costs $300–$900 at an independent imaging center and $1,000–$3,500 at a hospital outpatient department. In an emergency room, the total bill can reach several thousand dollars. IV contrast typically adds $100–$400. The body part, your location and where you go matter far more than the scanner itself.

CT scan prices by body part

These are typical 2026 self-pay ranges. They include the scan and the radiologist’s reading.

CT exam	CPT code	Imaging center	Hospital outpatient
Head, without contrast	70450	$300–$700	$1,000–$2,500
Chest, without contrast	71250	$300–$800	$1,500–$3,000
Abdomen and pelvis, without contrast	74176	$400–$900	$1,500–$3,500
Spine, one region (neck, mid or lower back)	72125 / 72128 / 72131	$300–$650	$900–$2,200
Arm or leg	73200 / 73700	$250–$500	$700–$1,500
Coronary CT angiography	75574	$500–$1,200	$1,500–$3,500
Low-dose lung cancer screening	71271	$100–$400	Varies
IV contrast adds	—	+$100–$400	+$100–$400

Want a quick number for your situation? Try our estimator:

What Medicare pays: a useful reference

Medicare sets its own prices, and they are much lower than typical cash prices. Under the 2026 physician fee schedule, the national rate at an independent imaging center is about $107 for a head CT without contrast (70450), $133 for a chest CT without contrast (71250) and $300 for an abdomen and pelvis CT with contrast (74177). Hospital outpatient payments are higher because they include a separate facility payment.

You can’t pay the Medicare rate if you aren’t on Medicare, but knowing it helps. A cash quote of two to three times the Medicare rate is common. A quote of ten times it is a sign to shop around.

Why the price varies so much

• Hospital vs. imaging center. Hospital outpatient departments add a facility fee. The same scan on the same kind of machine can cost three times more.
• Emergency room. The CT is bundled into the ER facility charge, and the total bill is usually the highest. In a true emergency, go anyway: the No Surprises Act protects you from most surprise out-of-network bills for emergency care.
• Contrast. IV contrast adds the contrast agent, the IV line and extra scan time. «With and without contrast» means two sets of images and costs more again.
• How many areas. Chest, abdomen and pelvis are often billed as separate exams, except the combined abdomen-and-pelvis codes.
• Where you live. Prices in big coastal cities are often higher than in smaller markets.

How to pay less for a CT scan

1. Get the exact CPT code from your doctor’s office. Prices are quoted by code.
2. Call three or four places and ask for the self-pay price, and whether it includes the radiologist’s reading.
3. Ask your doctor whether the order can go to an accredited independent imaging center, if that’s appropriate for you.
4. Ask hospitals for their self-pay discount. Many offer a discount off their list price, but you usually have to ask.
5. Ask about paying at the time of service. Some centers give an extra discount for paying in full.
6. Check the hospital’s posted prices. Hospitals must publish prices online under the federal price transparency rule.
7. Ask about financial assistance. Nonprofit hospitals must have a financial assistance policy.

Your right to a Good Faith Estimate

If you are uninsured or choose to self-pay, you have the right to a written Good Faith Estimate when you schedule a CT at least 3 business days ahead. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it through the federal patient-provider dispute process. You generally must start within 120 days of the bill date. Learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.

From the scanner room

[TU EXPERIENCIA: qué parte de los TC que haces vienen de urgencias; cuándo usas contraste oral o IV y por qué no siempre es necesario; qué preguntan los pacientes sobre el precio.]

Tips from the technologist

• Don’t pay for contrast you don’t need, but don’t refuse it either. Your doctor and the radiologist decide based on what they need to see. Ask why if you’re unsure.
• Bring prior scans. If you had a CT elsewhere, having those images can sometimes avoid a repeat or help compare.
• Ask for a CD or portal access. If you change facilities, your images go with you.
• Confirm the order before you arrive. A wrong code (with vs. without contrast) can change the price and delay your scan.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to get a CT scan without insurance?

Usually, an independent imaging center paid in cash, after comparing prices for your exact CPT code. Online cash-price marketplaces can also offer prepaid scans.

How much is a CT scan with contrast without insurance?

Expect about $100–$400 more than the same scan without contrast. At an imaging center, many contrast scans fall around $400–$1,300 total.

Why is a CT in the emergency room so expensive?

The ER bill includes a facility fee, the physician’s fee and the scan. If you are having an emergency, don’t delay care to save money.

Is CT cheaper than MRI?

Usually, yes. A CT is faster and the equipment is less expensive to run. Your doctor chooses the test based on what needs to be seen, not price.

Can I negotiate the price of a CT scan?

Often, yes. Ask for the self-pay price, a prompt-pay discount and a Good Faith Estimate before you book. After a scan, you can ask for an itemized bill and a payment plan.

Does Medicare cover CT scans?

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary diagnostic CT scans. After the yearly deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal or financial advice. Prices change and vary by location and facility. Talk to your doctor, the imaging facility and your insurance plan about your situation.

Sources

ThePricer. How Much Does a CT Scan Cost Without Insurance?

CMS. No Surprises Act: Good Faith Estimates and dispute resolution (cms.gov/nosurprises).

CMS. Hospital Price Transparency.

Medicare.gov. Procedure Price Lookup; Diagnostic non-laboratory tests coverage.

RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA). CT – Body, CT – Head and CT – Chest patient pages.

IRS. Financial assistance policy requirements for nonprofit hospitals (Section 501(r)).

CareRoute. CT scan cost 2026 and CPT pages 70450, 71250, 74177 (May 2026).

Free Market Healthcare Blog. Average Cost of CT Scan (updated September 2026).