How Much Does a Brain MRI Cost in 2026?
Without insurance, a brain MRI (also called a head MRI) typically costs $400 to $3,000. With insurance, most people pay about $100 to $1,500 out of pocket, depending on their plan, whether contrast is used, and where they go.
- A brain MRI without contrast (CPT 70551) typically costs $400-$850 cash at an independent imaging center versus $1,500-$6,000+ at a hospital for the identical scan.
- "With and without contrast" (70553), often used for tumors, MS, or an IAC study for hearing loss, costs 50-100% more than a plain scan. Confirm which one was ordered.
- The single biggest lever is venue: a freestanding center with the self-pay cash price avoids the hospital facility fee. Medicare's allowed amount for 70551 is about $210-$280.
Brain MRI Cost by Where You Go
Cash / self-pay price ranges for a brain MRI without contrast. Where you have the scan is usually the biggest factor; contrast adds more (see below).
| Where | Cash price |
|---|---|
| Independent / freestanding imaging center | $400 to $1,000 |
| Mobile MRI or physician office imaging | $500 to $1,300 |
| Hospital outpatient radiology department | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Hospital-affiliated (provider-based) imaging center | $1,000 to $4,000 |
Lowest price: A prepaid cash price for a no-contrast brain MRI at an independent freestanding imaging center (often booked through a marketplace like MDsave), commonly $400-$850.
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What Makes Up the Bill
Total billed before insurance is typically $800 to $14,000. It is usually split across:
Medicare's global allowed amount for CPT 70551 (brain MRI without contrast) is roughly $210-$280 nationally in a freestanding setting; the patient's 20% Part B coinsurance is about $42-$56 after the deductible. With-and-without contrast (70553) and hospital outpatient departments are paid more under the OPPS/APC system.
With vs. Without Insurance
Without insurance (self-pay)
$400 to $3,000
Ask for the cash or prompt-pay price up front, and for the exact CPT code. A no-contrast scan at a freestanding center is far below the billed amount.
With insurance (out of pocket)
$100 to $1,500
Coverage is common for a medically necessary brain MRI, but prior authorization is frequently required, so verify before scheduling. Your cost depends on deductible status and coinsurance. In-network freestanding centers usually cost far less out of pocket than hospital outpatient radiology. If insured and in-network, your share is based on the plan's contracted rate, not the chargemaster list price.
Prices vary widely by region and even between neighboring facilities, and whether contrast is used. Major metros and high-cost states (Northeast, California, Alaska) trend higher, while independent centers in competitive markets can be well under $600 for a no-contrast scan. The same study in one city can differ by 5-10x, so local shopping matters more than the national average.
How to Pay Less
Choose a freestanding imaging center
Skip the hospital. An independent center runs the same scanner and board-certified radiologist read for a fraction of the price, with no hospital facility fee.
Confirm with vs. without contrast (70551 vs 70553)
A plain no-contrast brain MRI (70551) is the cheapest. Only pay for 'with and without contrast' (70553) if your doctor specifically needs it. Ask for the cash price for the exact code ordered.
Ask for the self-pay / prompt-pay cash price
Cash prices are often lower than the insurance-negotiated rate, and paying upfront can unlock a discount. Say you want the cash-pay price for the specific brain MRI code.
Prepay through a marketplace
Sites like MDsave or Sidecar Health let you compare and prepay; the same scan within a 15-mile radius can range from roughly $450 to $2,000.
If insured, check whether cash beats your benefit
If you haven't met your deductible, the cash price at a freestanding center may be cheaper than your negotiated rate. Compare before you book, and ask if the cash payment can still count toward your deductible.
Check hospital charity care, or get the bill reduced
Uninsured or lower income? Many hospitals offer free or discounted care. Use the charity care finder to see if you qualify nearby. Already billed? CareRoute Bill Defense reviews and negotiates it down, with no fee unless we save you money.
Get your exact cost for your ZIP and insurance
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Open the cost estimatorFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the same brain MRI cost $500 at one place and $4,000 at another?
The scan is identical; the difference is the setting. Hospitals add a facility fee that independent imaging centers don't charge. Location, provider type, whether contrast is used, and whether the radiologist read is billed separately all drive the spread.
What is the difference between CPT 70551, 70552, and 70553?
70551 is a brain MRI without contrast (the most common and cheapest), 70552 is with contrast only, and 70553 is with AND without contrast (the priciest, because it is two acquisitions plus the contrast agent). Confirm which one your doctor ordered; a 'with and without' study can cost 50-100% more than a plain one.
Is an MRI of the internal auditory canals (IAC) the same cost as a brain MRI?
Roughly, yes. An IAC MRI (often ordered for hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness) is a focused brain MRI and is billed with the same brain MRI codes, frequently with and without contrast (70553). Expect it to price like a contrast brain MRI, so ask for the cash rate for the exact code ordered.
Does insurance cover a brain MRI?
Most plans cover a medically necessary brain MRI, but many require prior authorization. Your out-of-pocket typically runs about $250-$1,500 depending on your deductible and coinsurance. If you haven't met your deductible, you may owe the full negotiated rate.
How much does Medicare pay for a brain MRI?
Medicare's allowed amount for 70551 (brain MRI without contrast) is roughly $210-$280 nationally in a freestanding setting, with the patient responsible for about 20% (around $42-$56) after the Part B deductible. With-and-without-contrast studies (70553) and hospital outpatient departments are reimbursed at higher rates.
More Cost Guides
Sources
- Medicare.gov Procedure Price Lookup (CPT 70551 and 70553)
- MDsave national cash-price data for brain/head MRI
- FAIR Health Consumer (cost lookup and insured out-of-pocket guidance)
- CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule data for CPT 70551
- NewChoiceHealth / MedicalPriceCheck hospital cash-price surveys for brain MRI
Prices are national estimates for 2026 and vary by location, provider, contrast use, and your specific plan. Last updated September 2, 2026.