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As an expert in the Health Share niche, I often get the question, “How much does an MRI cost without insurance?” It’s a fairly logical question since many different types of physicians use MRIs as a diagnostic tool.
However, there’s also far more to consider here than just average costs. There are different types of MRIs, costs differ by state, and there are different places where you can go to get MRIs.In this article, I’ll take you through the ins and outs of MRI pricing, both with and without insurance, and discuss your options for getting an MRI when you need one.
What Is an MRI?
An MRI (which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a diagnostic medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues inside your body. The MRI machine can also produce 3D images that doctors can view from different angles.
MRI is an invaluable noninvasive tool that allows providers to detect abnormalities, diagnose conditions, and develop patient treatment plans.
Types of MRIs
There are two main types of MRIs, and while they look similar, the differences between them can be quite significant.
First, we have the open-bore MRI. As its name suggests, it is an open-type MRI where the patient’s whole body doesn’t necessarily have to enter the machine. The open MRI has open space in the front, back, and above the patient, allowing them to sit, bend, or even stand. This is the best kind of MRI for people with claustrophobia or who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.
However, it doesn’t produce the highest-quality imagery results, which makes it unsuitable for certain types of diagnostic applications.
Closed-bore MRIs take significantly better images than their open counterparts, but this kind of machine requires the patient to fully enter the machine, which can be unnerving in some cases.
Another major difference between the two types of MRIs is that closed MRIs are significantly more expensive than open-bore MRIs.
MRIs can also be done with and without contrast. If contrast is needed, a physician or technician will inject the patient with a gadolinium-based dye before the MRI. The dye provides a more detailed view of blood flow and inflammation within the body.
How much does an MRI cost without Insurance?
In the Unites States, the national average cost for an MRI is $1,325. For outpatient facilities, the national average cost of an MRI is $650. For inpatient facilities (such as a hospital), the national average cost of an MRI is $2,250.
Patients save significantly when they choose to get an MRI done at an imaging facility rather than at the hospital.
Specific MRI Procedures and National Cost Averages in the United States
| 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 | $500 – $10,300 |
| Abdominal MRI | $1,600 – $7,600 |
| Cervical Spine MRI | $1,400 – $7,600 |
| Pelvic MRI | $500 – $7,900 |
| Head MRI | $410 – $6,100 |
| Cardiac MRI | $430 – $6,500 |
| Bone MRI | $410 – $2,100 |
| Upper Extremities MRI (shoulder, arm, hand, wrist) | $1,050 – $7,000 |
| Lower Extremities MRI (Leg, hip, foot, ankle) | $975 – $6,300 |
MRI Scan Cost Without Insurance: Regional Variations
The question, “How much does an MRI scan cost without insurance?” is more complex than it seems at first glance. For one thing, the costs involved can vary significantly, based on the region. The table below shows a comparison of different cities and the average costs for specific types of MRI scans.
| City | BrainMRI | CervicalMRI | KneeMRI | ShoulderMRI | Abdomen MRI | Pelvis MRI | Breast MRI | Heart MRI |
| New York, NY | $794.98 | $1,012.16 | $1,100.10 | $1,085.55 | $765.27 | $905.91 | $1,462.10 | $1,181.90 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $676.06 | $931.26 | $1,074.78 | $1,062.79 | $659.94 | $1,171.16 | $1,122.48 | $2,106.98 |
| Chicago, IL | $558.16 | $693.69 | $918.89 | $936.45 | $518.97 | $559.75 | $763.89 | $612.63 |
| Dallas, TX | $910.35 | $1,109.77 | $1,296.51 | $1,337.41 | $716.10 | $1,443.65 | $2,037.10 | $352.04 |
| Houston, TX | $790.75 | $944.25 | $1,017.51 | $1,018.37 | $468.03 | $739.73 | $829.67 | $949.14 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $741.84 | $792.21 | $771.73 | $804.31 | $712.35 | $706.28 | $1,481.33 | $549.45 |
| Washington, DC | $579.69 | $804.23 | $831.79 | $885.59 | $542.86 | $856.08 | $1,070.10 | $572.41 |
| Miami, FL | $659.56 | $906.16 | $1,085.43 | $1,052.78 | $415.41 | $655.16 | $960.96 | $852.30 |
| San Francisco, CA | $675.14 | $958.48 | $1,058.11 | $1,103.64 | $351.32 | $1,088.33 | $746.29 | $2,804.56 |
| Average | $709.61 | $905.80 | $1,017.21 | $1,031.88 | $572.25 | $902.89 | $1163.77 | $1,109.05 |
Average MRI Cost by City
Even if you’re not 100% certain what kind of MRI you’ll be needing, it can be useful to have a general idea of what the average MRI cost is for a region. The table below lists the average prices for some of the most-requested cities in the United States.
| City Name | Average MRI Cost |
| New York, NY | $1038 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1100 |
| Chicago, IL | $695 |
| Dallas, TX | $1150 |
| Houston, TX | $845 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $820 |
| Washington, DC | $768 |
| Miami, FL | $823 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1099 |
How Much Does an MRI Scan Cost: Without Insurance vs. With Insurance
When it comes to the cost of MRIs, there is some confusion about whether or not medical insurance covers this procedure. Most of the major insurance companies will cover MRIs if your physician feels that it is essential as a diagnostic tool.
However, in most cases, you will still be liable for a copay of a certain amount. The insurance generally covers between 60 and 80 percent of the costs, leaving you liable for a copay of between 20 and 40 percent of the overall cost.
| Type of Procedure | Average Cost of an MRI Scan(Without Insurance) | Average Cost of an MRI Scan(Insurance copay) |
| General MRI | $1,325 | $265-795 |
| Brain MRI | $710 | $142-$284 |
| Cervical MRI | $906 | $182-$363 |
| Knee MRI | $1,017 | $204-$407 |
| Shoulder MRI | $1,032 | $207-$413 |
| Abdominal MRI | $572 | $116-$233 |
| Pelvis MRI | $903 | $181-$361 |
| Breast MRI | $1164 | 233-$466 |
| Cardiac MRI | $1,109 | $302-$444 |
What factors affect the cost of an MRI?
When you’re asking, “How much does an MRI cost without insurance?” you need to know that many different factors may affect the pricing of these tests.
Where you live – Your city, state, or area of the country may affect MRI costs.
Type of Procedure – Where on the body you need an MRI will determine cost. For example, a brain scan will need more detailed analysis from a specialist, which may increase the cost.
Type of MRI – An open MRI is typically less expensive than a closed MRI. Additionally, if you need an MRI done with contrast, if could cost an additional $100-$300.
Place of Service – Patients pay significantly less when they choose to get an MRI done at an imaging facility rather than at the hospital.
Sedatives – Patients that have anxiety or claustrophobia may require a sedative (oral, IV conscious sedation, or general anesthesia), which will increase the cost of the MRI procedure.
Radiologist Reading – There may be an extra charge for a radiologist to review and interpret your results.
How long does an MRI take?
On average, an MRI will last 60-90 minutes. In some cases, an MRI is ordered with contrast, which can take an additional 15 minutes.
Are there different types of MRIs?
There are two types of MRIs: closed MRI and open MRI. The closed MRI consists of a closed capsule where the patient lies completely still. This type of MRI has been around the longest and it is what most people are familiar with. The open MRI provides the patient with an open-air experience. The open MRI has open space in the front, back, and above the patient, allowing them to sit, bend, or even stand.
MRIs can be done with and without contrast. If contrast is needed, the patient will be injected with a gadolinium-based dye before going into the MRI. The dye provides a more detailed view of blood flow and inflammation within the body.
Are MRIs safe?
The MRI is painless and the imaging technology used causes no known tissue damage of any kind. Many studies have shown that the MRI is one of the safest technologies for imaging the body.
Safety Precautions before getting an MRI
While MRIs are considered to be safe, individuals who have any of the following should first discuss safety and eligibility of an MRI with their Doctor.
- Someone who has bullets or shrapnel, or other fragments in their body
- Cardiac pacemakers or implantable defibrillators (ICDs)
- Catheters with metal components
- Cochlear implants
- External or implanted medication pumps
- Metallic foreign body near or within the eye
- Neurostimulation systems
- Metal implant devices
- Metallic foreign body near or within the eye
- Pregnant
- Staples
- Tattoos with metal ink
- Vascular clips
Why would a Doctor order an MRI?
Doctors will order an MRI because they provide a safe way to get an extremely detailed view of soft tissue and organs (something an x-ray cannot do). With an MRI, Doctors can get a better and more detailed look at a patient’s blood flow, inflammation, abnormalities and injuries. This information allows for Doctors to diagnose and treat their patients more accurately.
Where can I get an MRI scan?
You can get MRI scans done at a physician’s office, the hospital, or at an imaging facility that specializes in MRI scans.
Your doctor will likely have a location that they recommend, but you can (and should) most definitely shop around for the best price. The American College of Radiology offers a search tool to help you find accredited imaging facilities in your area.
You can do a quick internet search of “where to get an MRI near me” and you should see multiple results available in your area. Just check the prices and schedule your MRI appointment with the one that best meets your needs (based on location and price).
As previously stated, an MRI at an outpatient imaging facility can cost about 50-75% less than at a hospital.
What Are the Most Common MRI Procedures?
There are many different types of MRI procedures, focusing on different parts of the body. However, doctors usually turn to MRIs when they require imagery of certain body parts that aren’t as easy to view as other types of imagery. Joints, tissue, and other soft body parts are among those that doctors regularly view using MRI machines.
The following list includes some of the most common MRI procedures:
- Abdomen MRI – Provides detailed pictures of organs like the liver and pancreas to help see abnormalities detected by other tests.
- Bone and Joint MRI – Creates detailed images of bones, joints, and soft tissues to diagnose injuries, infections, and masses.
- Brain MRI – Uses strong magnets and radio waves to take highly detailed pictures of the brain to diagnose problems like headaches or seizures.
- Breast MRI – A relatively new test using contrast injection to detect breast cancer, especially helpful for finding cancers not seen with other methods.
- Cardiac MRI – Examines the heart, valves, and blood vessels to assess heart function, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.
- Pelvic MRI – Used for women to examine the uterus and ovaries and for men to examine the prostate for abnormalities or cancer.
- Spinal MRI – Most commonly used to diagnose herniated discs or spinal stenosis causing pain, and also the best test for assessing the spinal cord.
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) – Uses MRI technology to specifically look at blood vessels for blockages, aneurysms, or malformations.
- 3T MRI – A stronger and more comfortable MRI machine that gets faster and more accurate results using the same safe radio waves and magnetic fields.
How can I get an MRI without Insurance?
If you do not have health insurance, you can use Radiology Assist, which is a national program that gives underinsured individuals access to affordable MRIs and other imaging procedures.
If you are a member of a Direct Primary Care (DPC), you can discuss discounted prices for MRIs available to you. I have seen many DPC doctors offer amazing wholesale prices to their patients.
No Insurance? No Problem.
As a member of a Health Share, you can pay your member responsibility amount, and your health share will “share” in any eligible medical expenses, including the cost of an MRI (assuming it’s part of a more significant medical need). You will need to refer to your Health Share for payment and reimbursements.
If you don’t know what a Health Share is, you can start here to learn how it works and why it’s a great alternative to health insurance. I highly recommend reading my article about the Best Health Share Plans if you want affordable healthcare.
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