How Much Does MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Cost?
An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.
Without Insurance
$1,325
With Insurance
$375
Medicare
$250
National Average
$1,000
By Elena Bellini, MPH, Health Policy & Management · Last reviewed 2026-04-16 ·
Sources: CMS Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data 2025 · Methodology · Editorial standards Overview
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues, organs, the brain, spine, and joints, without the ionizing radiation used in a CT or X-ray. Most MRI studies take 30 to 60 minutes, and some require an intravenous contrast agent (typically gadolinium-based) to highlight blood vessels, tumors, or areas of inflammation. Because of how the magnet interacts with metal, you will be asked about pacemakers, cochlear implants, or retained surgical hardware before the scan. Ordering an MRI almost always requires prior authorization from commercial insurers, and the site of service — hospital outpatient department versus a freestanding imaging center — can more than double the negotiated rate for the identical CPT code.
What affects the cost
- Site of service: hospital outpatient departments bill a facility fee that freestanding imaging centers do not, often doubling the total charge for the same scan.
- Body region and complexity: brain, lumbar spine, and joint MRIs have different base prices; multi-region studies are billed per region.
- Use of contrast: studies with IV contrast add an ancillary drug charge and a separate CPT code.
- Machine strength and technology: 3T MRI and specialty sequences (MRCP, cardiac MRI, functional MRI) carry premium pricing.
- Whether the interpretation is included: the radiologist professional fee is sometimes billed separately from the technical fee.
- In-network vs out-of-network: commercial plans commonly pay 1.5x to 3x Medicare rates, but out-of-network pricing can be far higher.
How to Save
- Ask the ordering physician whether a freestanding imaging center (not attached to a hospital) is appropriate — this is often the single largest saving.
- Call the center and request the cash/self-pay price; it is sometimes lower than the insured negotiated rate before your deductible is met.
- Confirm prior authorization is on file before the appointment — unauthorized studies are often denied and billed to you at chargemaster rates.
- Compare prices on your insurer's transparency tool or a public tool — rates within a metro area can vary 3–5x.
- Ask whether a non-contrast study is clinically sufficient; contrast adds cost and is not always medically required.
- If you are paying out of pocket, look for accredited imaging centers — ACR-accredited centers are quality-verified and often competitively priced.
Insurance and coverage notes
Most commercial plans, Medicare Part B, and Medicaid cover MRI when medically necessary and when a preceding diagnostic workup supports the study. Commercial plans almost always require prior authorization, often via a radiology benefit manager, and can deny coverage if step-therapy requirements (e.g., a trial of physical therapy for back pain) haven't been met. Patients with high-deductible plans should expect to pay the full negotiated rate until the deductible is met; after that, typical cost-sharing is 20% coinsurance on Medicare and 10–30% on commercial plans. Medicare Advantage plans increasingly require prior authorization where traditional Medicare does not.
Data sources for this page
Cost figures on this page are compiled from the following sources, triangulated per the rules in our methodology:
- CMS Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data 2025 — primary CMS reference used as the Medicare-rate anchor.
- Hospital Price Transparency machine-readable files (HPT MRFs) from a sample of major hospitals in each state, per the federal Hospital Price Transparency rule.
- Transparency in Coverage payer in-network rate files for commercial-rate cross-validation.
- State All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) summaries where published (Colorado, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Maine, Utah, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington, Oregon).
Last reviewed 2026-04-16. See editorial standards for our fact-checking process and correction policy.
Range: $950 to $1,825 · 50 states shown
Cost by State
| State | Without Insurance | With Insurance | Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $950 | $300 | $215 |
| Arkansas | $1,000 | $315 | $225 |
| West Virginia | $1,000 | $310 | $225 |
| Alabama | $1,025 | $325 | $230 |
| Oklahoma | $1,025 | $325 | $230 |
| Texas | $1,100 | $320 | $230 |
| Kentucky | $1,125 | $355 | $255 |
| Iowa | $1,150 | $365 | $260 |
| Louisiana | $1,150 | $360 | $255 |
| New Mexico | $1,150 | $365 | $260 |
| South Carolina | $1,150 | $365 | $260 |
| South Dakota | $1,150 | $365 | $260 |
| Kansas | $1,175 | $370 | $265 |
| North Dakota | $1,175 | $370 | $265 |
| Florida | $1,200 | $350 | $240 |
| Idaho | $1,200 | $375 | $270 |
| Nebraska | $1,200 | $375 | $270 |
| Tennessee | $1,200 | $375 | $270 |
| Indiana | $1,225 | $385 | $275 |
| Missouri | $1,225 | $385 | $275 |
| Utah | $1,225 | $385 | $275 |
| Wyoming | $1,225 | $385 | $275 |
| Georgia | $1,250 | $390 | $280 |
| Michigan | $1,250 | $395 | $280 |
| Montana | $1,250 | $395 | $280 |
| North Carolina | $1,250 | $390 | $280 |
| Arizona | $1,300 | $405 | $290 |
| Maine | $1,300 | $410 | $295 |
| Ohio | $1,300 | $405 | $290 |
| Wisconsin | $1,300 | $405 | $290 |
| Illinois | $1,350 | $425 | $305 |
| Minnesota | $1,350 | $420 | $300 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,350 | $425 | $305 |
| Delaware | $1,375 | $430 | $305 |
| Nevada | $1,375 | $430 | $310 |
| Vermont | $1,375 | $430 | $310 |
| Virginia | $1,375 | $430 | $310 |
| Colorado | $1,400 | $445 | $315 |
| New Hampshire | $1,400 | $440 | $315 |
| Oregon | $1,400 | $440 | $315 |
| Maryland | $1,450 | $455 | $330 |
| Rhode Island | $1,475 | $460 | $330 |
| Washington | $1,475 | $460 | $330 |
| California | $1,600 | $450 | $280 |
| Connecticut | $1,600 | $495 | $355 |
| New Jersey | $1,600 | $500 | $360 |
| Massachusetts | $1,750 | $550 | $395 |
| Alaska | $1,800 | $565 | $405 |
| New York | $1,800 | $500 | $300 |
| Hawaii | $1,825 | $570 | $415 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does mri (magnetic resonance imaging) cost without insurance?
The average cost of mri (magnetic resonance imaging) without insurance in the United States is $1,325. Costs vary significantly by state.
Does insurance cover mri (magnetic resonance imaging)?
Most health insurance plans cover mri (magnetic resonance imaging) when medically necessary. With insurance, the average out-of-pocket cost is $375.
Does Medicare cover mri (magnetic resonance imaging)?
Medicare Part B typically covers mri (magnetic resonance imaging) when ordered by a doctor. The average Medicare-approved amount is $250.
Reviewed by Elena Bellini · Last reviewed: 2026-04-16
Data sourced from CMS Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data 2025. Last updated: 2026-03-01. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.