How much does a CT scan cost without insurance?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
The identical scan can price several-fold apart by facility - hospital outpatient departments stack facility fees that independent imaging centers do not. The other drivers: body part, contrast dye (materials plus monitoring), and region. The shopping protocol: get the order in hand, call independent centers for self-pay prices (often below insured rates), confirm the radiologist's reading fee is included, and request a written good faith estimate - your federal right when uninsured. When the doctor says the scan is urgent, speed beats shopping.
What to do
- Take the order and shop by phone. Independent centers quote cash prices freely.
- Confirm the reading fee is included. The radiologist can bill separately.
- Get the good faith estimate in writing. A federal right for the uninsured.
- Skip the shopping when it is urgent. Speed first when the doctor says today.
Related questions
- Can an online doctor order an MRI?
- How much is an ER visit without insurance?
- Why do two hospitals charge different prices?
- What is a facility fee?
