Wondering what you’ll actually pay for a CT scan with insurance in 2025? Whether you’re getting a scan of your head, chest, or abdomen — and whether it includes contrast or not — the final cost depends on your insurance provider, the scan type, and where it’s done. Below, we break down the most common prices so you know what to expect.
What you need to know:
- With insurance, most patients pay $50 to $300 out of pocket for a CT scan, depending on their deductible and co-pay.
- CT scans with contrast are more expensive; with insurance, the cost typically ranges from $100 to $600, depending on your plan.
- Without insurance, a CT scan can cost anywhere from $300 to $6,750, depending on the type of scan and the location.
- Major insurance providers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna usually cover medically necessary CT scans, but patients may still need to pay part of the cost unless their deductible has been met.
CT scan cost with insurance
The cost of a CT scan with insurance depends heavily on your specific plan. Here’s what most patients report paying in 2025:
| CT Scan Type | With Insurance (Typical Out-of-Pocket) |
|---|---|
| Head CT (without contrast) | $50 – $250 |
| Head CT (with contrast) | $100 – $500 |
| Chest CT (without contrast) | $75 – $300 |
| Chest CT (with contrast) | $150 – $600 |
| Abdomen/Pelvis CT (with contrast) | $200 – $600 |
What determines your out-of-pocket cost?
- Your insurance plan: Plans with high deductibles may result in paying more until the deductible is met.
- In-network vs out-of-network: Going to a facility within your insurance network usually reduces costs.
- Contrast vs non-contrast: Scans with contrast are more expensive due to the contrast dye and additional imaging.
- Location: Hospital-based imaging centers often charge more than independent radiology clinics.
CT scan cost without insurance
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll pay the full price out of pocket. Here’s what that typically looks like in 2025:
| CT Scan Type | Without Insurance (Average Cost) |
|---|---|
| Head CT (no contrast) | $300 – $1,100 |
| Head CT (with contrast) | $600 – $1,600 |
| Chest CT (no contrast) | $400 – $2,000 |
| Chest CT (with contrast) | $800 – $2,800 |
| Full body or multiple area scans | $1,200 – $6,750 |
Tip: Some imaging centers offer self-pay discounts if you don’t have insurance, so it’s worth calling around.
How much is a CT scan with UnitedHealthcare or Aetna?
Both UnitedHealthcare and Aetna typically cover CT scans deemed medically necessary. However, your out-of-pocket cost depends on whether:
- You’ve met your deductible
- Your co-insurance percentage
- You’re using an in-network facility
With either insurer, most patients report paying $100 to $500 for a covered CT scan in-network.
Is a CT scan cheaper with contrast or without?
CT scans with contrast are more expensive because of the added procedure and materials. Here’s a comparison:
- With insurance: CT with contrast costs around $100–$600; without contrast is usually $50–$300.
- Without insurance: With contrast costs $600–$2,800; without contrast is typically $300–$1,100.
How to reduce the cost of a CT scan
- Ask your doctor if a cheaper alternative (like an X-ray or ultrasound) is possible.
- Choose an independent imaging center instead of a hospital facility.
- Use insurance provider tools to compare in-network prices before booking.
- If uninsured, ask for a cash-pay discount or payment plan.