How Much Does CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Cost in 2026?With & Without Insurance
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) costs between $270 and $4,800 without insurance. A typical all-in cash-pay visit runs about $500.
CT scan costs $270-$4,800 without insurance. Compare prices at hospitals versus independent imaging centers before you book.
Quick Price Summary
Cash-Pay Price Range
$270-$4,800
Typical all-in estimate: $500Covers the full visit. The verified benchmark below prices the primary billing code on its own.
With Insurance
$150-$1,200
After deductible
Based on published hospital and provider price-transparency disclosures, cash-pay benchmarks, and public fee schedules.
Free to search, no account needed: see nearby providers and sample estimates. FairPass ($29/mo) unlocks every provider's price, phone and address.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices for CPT 74177 (CT, abdomen & pelvis with contrast) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Median posted cash price
$1,542
Most fall between $468 and $2,694 (25th to 75th percentile)
Median of 645 hospital-posted cash prices. Each posted price counts once, so hospitals that post more prices carry more weight.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 645 hospital-disclosed cash prices for CPT 74177, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files. Data as of October 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 usually costs more than freestanding imaging centers because of 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 more than rural Midwest locations.
- Urgency - Emergency or same-day scans may cost more than scheduled appointments.
How to choose where to get CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
The cash-pay range on this page is $270-$4,800. Before you book, use these steps to find out which setting a quote comes from and what it includes.
Step by step
- Get the exact order from your doctor: the body part, and whether the scan is with contrast, without contrast, or both. Each version is a different billing code, so a quote only counts if it matches your order.
- Ask at least one independent imaging center and one hospital outpatient department for a self-pay quote for that exact scan.
- Ask whether the quote includes the radiologist's reading of the images, or whether the radiologist bills you separately.
- At an imaging center outside a hospital, confirm it is accredited for that type of scan. Medicare requires non-hospital centers that bill it for MRI, CT and PET to be accredited by a CMS-approved organization, such as the American College of Radiology. Source: CMS, advanced imaging accreditation
- If you are uninsured or paying without insurance, ask each provider for a Good Faith Estimate. Under the No Surprises Act, providers generally must give you one when you schedule at least 3 business days ahead, or when you ask. Source: CMS, medical bill rights
- Keep every estimate. If a provider or facility bills you at least $400 more than its Good Faith Estimate, you can start the federal patient-provider dispute process for a bill dated within the last 120 days. The fee is $25. Source: CMS, dispute a bill
Care settings compared
| Setting | How it typically bills | What to ask for | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent imaging center | A charge for the scan. The radiologist's reading may be included or billed separately. | A written self-pay quote for the exact scan, and whether the reading is included. | Routine outpatient scans you can schedule ahead. |
| Hospital outpatient department | A hospital facility charge for the scan, with the radiologist often billing separately. | The discounted cash price from the hospital's price list, plus the radiology group's self-pay rate. | When your doctor wants hospital support, such as sedation, or the scan is part of other hospital care. |
General information, not medical advice. Your clinician decides which setting is safe for you.
How to Save on CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
Use freestanding imaging centers - they charge 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.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Cost by City
Local self-pay prices for ct scan (computed tomography) in 35 cities, from providers in each metro area.
These are averages. Get your exact local answer.
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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.