What Does a CT Scan Cost With and Without Insurance? (2025)

What Is a CT Scan?

A CT scan, also known as a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, is a non-invasive procedure that uses a collection of X-rays to create an image of a subject’s bones, organs, soft tissues and blood vessels.

Lying flat and still on a table, the patient moves through a tubular device that takes X-rays as it rotates around the subject. The X-rays are then compiled to create a single three-dimensional image. This image gives doctors a better look at what’s happening inside the patient’s body than they could get from a 2-D image, such as a single X-ray.

CT scans are useful for:

• Diagnosing internal injuries
• Planning treatment
• Monitoring the progress of a treatment
• Uncovering diseases

Along with the scan, healthcare workers may use a special dye as a contrast to help the healthcare provider see soft tissue, organs and blood vessels. The contrast dye can be given intravenously to highlight blood vessels, the lymph system and certain organs or orally to make the digestive system stand out.

How Much Does a CT Scan Cost?

Average Out of Pocket Cost of a CT Scan By Body Part

The national average CT scan cost is around $398. However, the cost associated with an individual scan can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The body part scanned
• The payment method (insurance vs. no insurance)
• The service provider
• Where it’s performed
• Where the patient lives
• Whether a contrasting dye is used
• Staffing requirements

Most CT scans are outpatient procedures, meaning the patient can go home right after being scanned. This might enable you to get a CT scan at an imaging center or urgent care facility to avoid having it done at a hospital, which can significantly add to the CT scan cost.

To get a better idea of your potential expenses, consider where you live in the U.S. and whether you’re in or near a big city or a more rural area.

Average Out of Pocket Cost of a CT Scan By City

The average costs for CT scans in three cities in the Southwest (Dallas, Houston and Phoenix) trend higher than those in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C. and Miami. Limited facilities for scans can drive up the cost in rural locations.

Cost by Type of CT Scan

As mentioned, the cost of CT scans for different body parts can differ based on location and facility. However, average ranges can give you an idea of the cost you might face.

For example, a head CT scan costs an average of $307; a CT urogram costs $1,988 to examine the kidneys, ureters and bladder; a lung CT scan costs, without insurance, an average of $425.47; and the cost of a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without insurance averages $597.80 and $332.72, respectively.

Here are some quick figures for a few common types of CT scans:

• Sinus CT Scan Cost: $600–$6,000
• Emergency Room CT Scan Cost: Hospital inpatient fee plus $2,000
• Brain CT Scan Cost: $825–$4,800
• Kidney CT Scan Cost: $611–$1,809
• Lung CT Scan Cost: $90–$418

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these costs are influenced by multiple factors and can vary considerably.

How Much Is a CT Scan With Insurance?

Most health plans, whether a group plan from your employer or coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace, can cover a CT scan if it’s medically necessary or has been ordered by a doctor.

You must meet your plan’s deductible before your insurance will cover the procedure. It’s essential to understand the difference between a deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum: the deductible is what you pay before insurance kicks in, while the out-of-pocket maximum caps the total amount you’ll pay for covered services in a year. Beyond your deductible, you also may have a copay or coinsurance, depending on your plan. You can use a health reimbursement account (HRA) or a health savings account (HSA) to help pay for your scan.

How Much Does a CT Scan Cost at a Hospital?

The facility where the scan is performed is one of the biggest determinants of the final cost. The national average cost of a CT scan as an inpatient at a hospital is $4,750. By comparison, the national average for an outpatient CT scan is $525.

How Much Does a Heart CT Scan Cost Without Insurance?

If you don’t have health insurance, a heart CT scan could cost you between $500 and $2,000 at an imaging center. At a hospital, the same procedure may cost anywhere from $800 to $6,500.

How Much Is a CT Scan With Contrast Without Insurance?

The national average for a CT scan with contrast dye is $695 if you don’t have insurance. You stand to save a considerable amount with the right coverage.

Discuss Your Insurance Needs With a Knowledgeable Expert

CT scans help many doctors in the U.S. uncover problems and treat patients without invasive procedures such as surgery or biopsies. However, the cost of the procedure depends on many factors, including whether you have insurance.

At ConsumerShield, our mission is to help consumers make informed choices. Contact us today to discuss your insurance needs and find out what type of plan may be best for you.