CT Scan Cost Without Insurance in 2026

Bottom line A CT scan costs $300 to $2,500 without insurance. Where you get it done drives almost all of that variation. Freestanding imaging centers charge $300-$700 while hospital radiology departments charge $800-$2,500 for the same scan. Call an independent imaging center before you schedule anywhere.

What's Included in That Price

Component	Typical Range	Note
Facility type	$300-$2,500	Hospital CT departments charge 3-5x more than freestanding imaging centers for identical equipment and scan quality.
Body area scanned	$300-$1,500	A head CT costs less than an abdomen-pelvis CT because it is faster and requires less technical time.
Contrast vs no contrast	$100-$400 extra	CT with contrast requires IV dye and extra monitoring. Your doctor specifies this in the order, so confirm before scheduling.
Radiologist reading fee	$50-$250	The radiologist who interprets your scan bills separately. This fee is often not included in the facility quote, so ask explicitly.

How to Pay Less

Use a freestanding imaging center

Independent radiology centers charge $300-$700 for most CT scans. Call three in your area before you schedule at a hospital. The difference is often $500-$1,500 for identical equipment.

Ask whether the ER referral can be rescheduled

If you received a CT referral in the emergency room, you often do not need to have the scan done at that hospital. Ask your doctor if the scan can wait 24 hours and be done at an imaging center instead.

Get the self-pay price in writing

Call the imaging center, ask for the self-pay cash price for your specific scan, and ask them to confirm that price in writing or by email before you arrive. Verbal quotes get disputed. Written quotes do not.

Check for same-day pricing discounts

Many imaging centers offer lower prices for same-day bookings when they have open slots. Call the morning you need the scan and ask if they have a walk-in self-pay rate.

📞 What to say when you call

Call the imaging center and say: 'I am a self-pay patient and I need a CT scan of my [body part], CPT code 74177 for abdomen and pelvis. What is your self-pay cash price? Is the radiologist reading fee included in that price?' Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the exact price they quoted.

💡 Insider tip

Ask any outpatient imaging facility for a written Good Faith Estimate before you schedule. The facility must give you one and cannot bill more than $400 above that estimate without triggering your federal right to dispute. Full guide →

💳 Financing options

CareCredit covers CT scans and is accepted at most imaging centers. For a $600 scan, interest-free financing over 6 months runs $100 per month. Prosper Healthcare Lending covers larger amounts if multiple scans or follow-up procedures are needed.

Considering going abroad? CT scans in Mexico run $80-$200 at private radiology centers. If you need multiple scans or imaging as part of ongoing treatment, combining them into a cross-border trip can eliminate most of the cost. See full cost comparison →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a CT scan cost without insurance?

A CT scan costs $300 to $2,500 without insurance in 2026. Freestanding imaging centers charge $300-$700 while hospital-based CT departments charge $800-$2,500 for identical scans.

What is the CPT code for a CT scan?

CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast is CPT 74177. Head CT is CPT 70450. Use these codes when calling for price quotes to get an accurate number.

Is a CT scan cheaper at an imaging center than a hospital?

Yes, significantly. Freestanding imaging centers charge 40-70% less than hospital radiology departments for the same scan. The equipment is often identical.