How Much Does CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Cost in 2026?With & Without Insurance
CT scan costs $270-$4,800 without insurance. Compare prices at hospitals vs imaging centers. Save up to 80% with cash-pay options.
Quick Price Summary
Cash-Pay Price Range
$270 – $4,800
Typical: $500
With Insurance
$150 – $1,200
After deductible
Based on CMS Medicare fee schedules, hospital price-transparency disclosures, and cash-pay benchmark data. Last updated July 2026.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices and insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 74177 (CT, abdomen & pelvis with contrast) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Typical cash price
$866
Most fall between $724 and $925 (25th–75th percentile)
Based on 1,170 hospital-disclosed cash prices
Your negotiation target
$161
Median rate insurers actually pay for the same code
Across 30,532 insurer-negotiated rates — ask providers to match it
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 1,170 hospital-disclosed cash prices and 30,532 insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 74177, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files and insurer Transparency-in-Coverage files. Data as of July 2026.
What is CT Scan (Computed Tomography)?
A CT scan (Computed Tomography), also known as a CAT scan, uses X-rays and computers to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It's commonly used to diagnose injuries, tumors, blood clots, infections, and guide certain medical procedures. CT scans are faster than MRIs and excellent for imaging bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue.
What Affects CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Cost?
- Facility type - Hospital-based CT costs 2-5x more than freestanding imaging centers due to facility fees.
- Body part scanned - Simple head CT is less expensive. Abdomen/pelvis or multiple areas cost more.
- Contrast required - CT with contrast adds $75-$500 for the contrast material and additional imaging time.
- Radiologist read - Professional interpretation fee adds $100-$400. Some cash-pay prices include this; others don't.
- Geographic location - Urban and coastal areas typically charge 20-40% more than rural Midwest locations.
- Urgency - Emergency or same-day scans may cost more than scheduled appointments.
How to Save on CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Use freestanding imaging centers - they charge 60-80% less than hospitals for identical scans.
Ask about cash-pay rates - call ahead and specifically ask for the self-pay or cash price.
Question whether CT is necessary - ask if MRI, ultrasound, or X-ray could provide similar diagnostic information.
Get pre-approval if insured - many insurers require prior authorization for CT scans.
Consider medical tourism - CT scans in Mexico or medical tourism destinations can cost $100-$200.
Check for bundled pricing - some centers offer package prices that include scan, contrast, and interpretation.
Get Your Personalized Price Estimate
Compare ct scan (computed tomography) prices from providers in your area. FairVisitHealth members compare prices from multiple providers to find the best cash-pay rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CT scan cost without insurance?
CT scans cost $270-$4,800 without insurance, depending on the body part and facility. Freestanding imaging centers charge $270-$1,200, while hospitals charge $800-$4,800.
Why is CT so expensive at hospitals?
Hospitals add facility fees that can double or triple the cost. They also use higher chargemaster prices. The actual scan equipment and technique are identical to imaging centers.
What's the difference between CT and CAT scan?
Nothing - they're the same test. CT stands for Computed Tomography, CAT stands for Computerized Axial Tomography. Most medical professionals now use 'CT.'
Is a CT scan worth the cost?
CT provides detailed cross-sectional images that X-rays can't show. For diagnosing many conditions (appendicitis, kidney stones, injuries, tumors), CT is invaluable. But always confirm with your doctor that CT is the right test for your situation.
How much radiation is in a CT scan?
CT uses more radiation than X-rays but modern scanners minimize exposure. A typical CT delivers 2-10 mSv of radiation. For comparison, you receive about 3 mSv annually from natural background radiation.
Can I negotiate CT scan prices?
Yes, especially at imaging centers. Ask about cash discounts, payment plans, or if they can match a competitor's price. Many centers will negotiate rather than lose a paying patient.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is based on publicly reported data and may not reflect your actual costs.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions. Prices shown are estimates for self-pay patients and may vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances.