If you just found out you will need an MRI to properly diagnose a medical issue, one of your first concerns was likely if you will be able to pay for it. Even if you have insurance, MRIs can have some of the highest medical costs out there.
Are you worried about the cost of an MRI without insurance? You are not alone, but paying for an MRI without insurance is entirely possible. There are a few ways to lessen the burden and make this easier on your bank account. Don’t hold yourself back from a service you need because you are scared of the cost.
What is an MRI?
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of technology used to diagnose issues in the body. MRIs can be used throughout the entire body to create detailed images. If you have an injury, infection, tumor, or other health issues, an MRI might be necessary to assess and diagnose the situation.
According to Mayo Clinic, an MRI is noninvasive and allows your doctor to take a more thorough look at your organs, tissues, and skeletal system.
Some of the most popular reasons and MRI might be used according to Mayo Clinic are to take images of:
- The brain and spinal cord
- The heart and blood vessels
- Internal organs
- Bones and joints
- Breasts.
What affects the cost of an MRI?
- Where you live
- The facility you visit
- Inpatient vs. outpatient
- Which part of the body requires an MRI
- Insurance status
- With or without contrast
- With or without a sedative
What is the average cost of an MRI?
According to New Choice Health, an MRI in the United States costs around $1,325 on average. Prices range from $325 to $2,850. Mira lists the target fair price as $750.
The average cost of an MRI is different depending on the location of the body being assessed.
| Procedure | Price Range |
| General MRI | $400-$5,700 |
| Brain MRI | $1,600-$8,400 |
| Neck MRI | $500-$11,800 |
| Chest MRI | $500-$7,900 |
| Breast MRI (One Breast) | $500-$10,300 |
| Breast MRI (Both Breasts) | $500-$6,900 |
| Abdominal MRI | $1,600-$7,600 |
| Cervical Spine MRI | $1,400-$7,600 |
| Pelvic MRI | $500-$7,900 |
| Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand MRI | $1,050-$7,000 |
| Foot, Ankle, Leg, Hip MRI | $975-$6,300 |
| Head MRI | $410-$6,100 |
| Cardiac MRI | $430-$6,500 |
| Bone MRI | $410-$2,100 |
Source: New Choice Health
How much does an MRI cost without insurance?
Insurance companies can deny coverage of an MRI, so it is not always helpful to have it in this situation. If a physician requires that you have an MRI, it should be covered. An MRI will cost a copay of $20 to $100 for those with insurance, given that deductibles are taken care of.
An MRI can be expensive for those who do not have insurance. According to CostHelper, without health insurance, an MRI can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
Some imaging centers offer discounted prices to those who do not use health insurance and pay in cash. If you can find one of these imaging centers, the cost of your MRI will range between $380 to $560.
How can you save money on the cost of an MRI?
- Compare costs ranges in your area: When it comes to finding a reasonably priced MRI, one of the best ways to do so is to call around and find out how much different places charge. Many factors can determine the price of an MRI, including the city or state in which you live. If you are willing to take a little trip to a different city or state, you might find a better price. There is nothing wrong with shopping around.
- Find an imaging center that offers a discount for paying in cash: It is crazy to think just how much paying cash upfront can make a difference in the cost of an MRI. According to CostHelper, some imaging centers will lower the price by thousands for uninsured patients willing to pay in cash.
- Avoid getting an MRI in an emergency room (ER): While you can not always help it, getting an MRI at a hospital or emergency room can cost a lot of money. It is best to receive your MRI outside of the ER if you are looking for a low-cost option.
- Ask about payment plans: Most medical facilities understand that many patients are unable to cover the entire cost of an MRI in one payment. That is why they likely offer payment plans. While this does not lower the cost, it can remove some difficulties one might have when paying for an MRI. Make sure to ask about any payment plan options.
- Visit an independent imaging facility: These tend to be privately owned and come at lower costs. When you go to an independent imaging facility, it is likely that you will save money and still receive great care.
Taking on extensive medical costs can be difficult for those without insurance, but it is possible to find better prices. If you are worried about the cost of an MRI, do not just accept the first cost you hear as the only option out there. There are many ways to lower the cost of an MRI or take some of the load off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do doctors recommend MRIs?
An MRI is a great tool to identify what is wrong with your body and what might be causing you issues with your health. Doctors use MRIs to diagnose many different problems in the body. They can assess the entire body, from specific limbs to the brain. A doctor will likely order an MRI if they need more details than other imaging processes can provide.
How much does an MRI cost without insurance?
The cost of an MRI can depend on many factors. According to CostHelper, those without insurance can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
Why are MRI scans so expensive?
According to Heartland Imaging, a single MRI machine usually costs $1 million to $3 million. Because these machines are so intricate, they are expensive to use and maintain. It also costs a lot of money to create a safe environment for these machines. Facilities that offer MRIs also have to pay their staff.
Are there risks to having an MRI?
According to Mayo Clinic, an MRI uses powerful magnets, so the metal in the body can cause risks. You may not be able to receive an MRI if you have any of the following devices:
- Metallic joint prostheses
- Artificial heart valves
- An implantable heart defibrillator
- Implanted drug infusion pumps
- Implanted nerve stimulators
- A pacemaker
- Metal clips
- Metal pins, screws, plates, stents, or surgical staples
- Cochlear implants
- A bullet, shrapnel, or any other type of metal fragment
- Intrauterine device
It is not entirely understood how an MRI might affect a fetus. There could be additional risks if you are pregnant. Be cautious and communicate with your doctor.
How long will an MRI take?
An MRI might take as few as 15 minutes, but it can also last up to an hour. The time it takes depends on the type of MRI you need among other factors.