How Much Does an MRI Cost Without Health Insurance?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can cost between $351 to $2,804 with the average being $926 per scan due to several varying costs of the procedure. MRI procedures can be done for nearly every body part to help diagnose issues you may be experiencing, from chronic conditions to traumatic events. The price of an MRI can range depending on location, facility, body part, and insurance status. 

Many insurance companies often do not cover MRI unless you have an order from a medical provider and have hit your annual deductible. It is wise to shop for the lowest-price MRI scan if you have insurance but yet to hit your deductible this year.

How we collect our data: we pulled data from real patient bills within a 25-mile radius for each procedure. The average cost reflects the amount that patients were charged within that region. 

Average MRI Cost by City

The cost of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) typically ranges between $351 to $2,804  in the United States, while the national average is $926.56. Below you can find the average costs compared to national averages and the overall target fair price. 

• National Average: $926.56
• National Range: $351 to $2,804

Dallas, TX, surprisingly, has the highest average cost at $1,150.37, while Chicago, IL, offers the most affordable scans on average, at $695.30. Other major cities like New York, NY, and San Francisco, CA, also show high averages, exceeding $1,000. The data reflects notable price variations for MRI procedures across different urban areas in the United States.

Brain MRI Cost

A Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to create detailed images of the brain and its surrounding structures. Physicians typically order a Brain MRI to diagnose or monitor conditions such as tumors, strokes, aneurysms, spinal cord injuries, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis. 

Cervical MRI Cost 

A Cervical MRI focuses on the neck and the base of the skull, providing detailed images of cervical spine structures, including intervertebral discs, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues. Physicians order this MRI to diagnose or evaluate conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, tumors, and spinal injuries, as well as to monitor diseases such as multiple sclerosis or other degenerative spinal issues. 

Knee MRI Cost

A Knee MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique used to obtain detailed images of the structures within the knee joint, including bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Physicians often order this test to diagnose or assess injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus tears, fractures, and degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis.