How much is an MRI with insurance?

Asked by: Jazlyn Beer  |  Last update: May 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (65 votes)

An MRI can cost anywhere from $400 to $12,000, depending on the provider, health insurance, location, extra medications, and body part scanned. Health insurance typically covers authorized MRIs. But you may encounter out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

Are MRIs usually covered by insurance?

MRI scans are generally covered by insurance when they are deemed medically necessary, which typically includes situations where an MRI is required for diagnostic purposes or to monitor the progress of a known medical condition.

How much does an MRI cost in Michigan?

Average Cost of Full Body MRI in Michigan:

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 or more for a comprehensive scan depending on the what areas you are getting screened.

Why is MRI so expensive even with insurance?

This high cost is partly due to the complexity of the machinery, which uses powerful magnetic fields and is cooled by liquid helium, consuming a significant amount of electricity. Additionally, the expertise required to operate and interpret MRI scans contributes to the high cost.

How much should I expect to pay for an MRI?

Key takeaways. MRI costs in the United States vary widely due to factors like insurance coverage, geographic location, and the type of facility. Without insurance, MRI costs can range from $400 to $12,000, while insurance coverage can significantly lower these costs, depending on deductibles and copays.

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How much does an MRI scan cost privately?

How much is an MRI Scan? Prices start at €280, however, the exact price you can get will depend on how many areas were scanned and whether or not you required contrast.

How to get an MRI quickly?

Private imaging centers: Private imaging centers often offer services on a fee-for-service basis. Since they don't have to deal with insurance pre-approvals and processing, they may be able to schedule your MRI appointment more quickly.

What is cheaper than MRI?

MRI scans typically cost more than CT scans and produce more detailed images.

How much is an MRI with Blue Cross insurance?

Patients insured by United are charged $995, Humana's $988, and Blue Cross' $464. In other words, depending on their insurance company, some patients may wind up paying $500 more for an identical procedure at the same facility. As is typical of health care pricing, they often won't know the price beforehand.

Can I get an MRI without a doctor order?

Yes, getting an MRI scan without a doctor's referral is possible. While your doctor is your primary care provider, you can stay in control of your health care by eating healthy, exercising, and keeping up with your annual health screenings.

Why won't my insurance cover an MRI?

Insurance denials for MRI scans or surgeries can happen due to various reasons, such as pre-authorization requirements, medical necessity disputes, or administrative errors. It's important to remember that denial doesn't necessarily mean you won't receive the necessary care.

What if I can't afford an MRI?

Contact the imaging center or hospital: Reach out to the facility where the MRI is scheduled to discuss your financial situation. They may have financial assistance programs, payment plans, or discounts available for individuals who cannot afford the full cost upfront.

How long does MRI take?

A single scan may take from a few seconds to 3 or 4 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans. Depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken, the whole procedure will take 15 to 90 minutes.

How can I get my insurance to approve an MRI faster?

Get Doctor's Referral

By doing so, you can enhance the understanding of your insurance company regarding the necessity of the procedure, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving approval.

Can MRI results be seen immediately?

Ultimately, the answer to this question is that it depends. In some situations, you may get your MRI scan results back in as little as a few hours. In other cases, it might take a few days. There are a lot of factors that will play a role and how long it takes you to get the results of your MRI.

How do I convince my doctor to give me an MRI?

How to Request a Brain MRI
  1. Be specific about your concerns. Explain to your doctor why you believe you need a brain MRI.
  2. Come prepared. Bring a list of your symptoms and any relevant information.
  3. Be patient. Your doctor may need time to evaluate your symptoms and decide if a brain MRI is warranted.

What happens if you cough or sneeze during an MRI?

It is very important to remain still during your MRI scan as any movement can cause blurring on the images. If you cough during the scan and the images are not clear, we may need to repeat the scan. We will give you a call bell so if you are going to cough a lot then you can press that and we will pause the scan.

Can I drive after an MRI?

Staff will need to take out the needle if it is still in your arm. You must not drive a car or take public transport for 24 hours afterwards. You must have someone with you for 24 hours afterwards. You must not operate machinery for the rest of the day.

Is a private MRI worth it?

Private MRI scan centres typically offer faster results than traditional hospital-based imaging centres. At Vista Health, for example, patients can receive their results within 3 working days of their scan, allowing for prompt follow-up care if necessary.

Does insurance cover an MRI?

Health insurance typically covers authorized MRIs. But you may encounter out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

Can you negotiate the price of an MRI?

Direct negotiation

Another way to save money on your MRI is to negotiate directly with the imaging center. Depending on the location, they may be able to give you a lower rate. It pays to shop around because you'll know what other providers are charging, and one center may offer you a lower rate to earn your business.

What is the cheapest way to get an MRI?

To save money on an MRI, shopping around for the best price by comparing costs at different facilities is essential. Independent imaging centers often offer lower rates than hospitals, and many provide cash payment or self-pay discounts, especially for those without insurance or with high deductibles.

How to lower the cost of MRI?

Here are a few suggestions:
  1. If you have insurance, always contact them to verify your MRI is covered.
  2. Consider the out-of-pocket costs to see if skipping insurance is more cost-effective.
  3. Avoid MRIs at hospitals or emergency rooms when possible.
  4. Schedule a scan at an independent imaging clinic.