How to Pay for an MRI Without Insurance

Doctor is checking patient symptom
| 7 min read Financial Assistance

No one likes to spend time in the doctor’s office or hospital. However, there are times when it’s necessary to have extra diagnostic tests done to ensure your health. These medical imaging tests could include x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. An MRI is a common diagnostic test that produces detailed images of many parts of the body that can help diagnose or monitor medical conditions. However, MRIs can be costly, especially if you don’t have insurance. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect the cost of an MRI without insurance, and provide some ways to help pay for these diagnostic tests.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled a new level of patient care. This diagnostic imaging technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create organ and tissue imagery, which provides doctors with a more complete picture of the body. MRIs are a noninvasive way for doctors and other medical professionals to detect tumors or other abnormalities in blood vessels, muscles, tendons, ligaments, soft tissues, spinal cords, and nerves. 

There are generally two types of MRI scans: an MRI with contrast and an MRI without contrast. Contrast agents are usually dyes introduced into the body by the radiologist to improve the visibility of blood vessels, tumors, inflammation, or certain organs.

While MRIs have become such an integral part of modern medicine, they can also be costly for those without medical insurance.

Understanding the cost of an MRI without insurance

If you have health insurance coverage, and you use an in-network provider, your insurance company may help pay for some of the MRI imaging costs. However, insured persons may still be liable for some out-of-pocket costs such as copays or co-insurance. In addition, those who use an out-of-network provider may be liable for more out-of-pocket expenses. For those who have insurance, talk with your insurance provider directly to better understand what you’ll pay.

For those who are uninsured, you may be responsible for the total cost of your MRI. The average cost of an MRI can vary greatly, depending on several factors. In general, according to GoodRx, MRI costs can be between $400 and $12,000. The following factors may play a role in the total cost:

  • Geographic location: Costs can vary greatly depending on where you live. For instance, an MRI in New York City might be more expensive than an MRI in Omaha.
  • Inpatient vs. outpatient: Where you receive the MRI can also greatly affect the total cost. An inpatient facility is one at a hospital in which you’re already staying. An outpatient facility allows you to go to the facility for treatment but return home the same day. For MRIs, outpatient facilities can be much cheaper than in-patient facilities.
  • Open vs closed MRI: The type of MRI you receive can also affect the total cost of treatment. An open MRI machine provides more room for the patient, which can be beneficial for those who experience clausterphobia. Closed MRI machines are more expensive to maintain and therefore cost more for patients than open-bore.
  • Body part scanned: The body part that needs imaging can also affect the total cost of the MRI. Different MRI types include pelvic, brain, cardiac, abdominal, breast, chest, and upper or lower extremity.

Additionally, MRI procedures pay for the expensive scanners used. Purchasing and maintaining these machines can be expensive, and often, these costs are passed on to patients. The cost also usually includes the fees for the radiologist to read the scans and interpret them. Now that you understand the factors that affect MRI costs, let’s look at a few ways you can save money on them.

Cost-saving strategies for MRIs

Saving money on an MRI without insurance can be more straightforward than you think. Here are a few ways to save money on your next MRI:

1. Shop around

One of the best ways to save money on MRI costs is to shop around. In addition to calling imaging centers to get prices near you, you can also look to crowdfunded databases. These databases, such as ClearHealthCosts, provide rough estimates of the MRI prices you can expect from centers in your area.

2. Utilize dedicated imaging centers

Dedicated diagnostic centers only perform tests, and do not have as high of overhead costs as hospitals. That’s because hospitals require more staff, have many other departments, and have larger commercial real estate footprints. In contrast, a diagnostic imaging center has less staff, a smaller space, and only one department. Therefore, you might be able to save considerably by finding a diagnostic center that offers lower-cost MRIs near you.

3. 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.

Crowdfunding for MRI costs

Getting help for the cost of an MRI without insurance can be as simple as asking your community for support. While you may see it as a daunting task, GoFundMe makes crowdfunding simple. Crowdfunding amplifies the power of your network and helps you reach a broader audience. It’s easy to set up a fundraiser for yourself, a family member, or other loved ones. Starting a fundraiser on GoFundMe is a great option to help offset some of your MRI costs and can work alongside cost-saving measures to make a big impact in getting the care you need. With GoFundMe, your funds are accessible quickly, without long waiting periods.

Financial assistance programs

Some financial assistance programs give patients a stipend or work with providers to offer reduced-rate MRI services. Here are a few options:

  • The Radiology Assist Program – This resource partners with imaging centers to provide low-cost diagnostic services to the underserved. The program also offers a Get Healthy Grant, which is an up to $50 stipend to offset the costs of radiology care.
  • HealthWell Foundation – This foundation provides financial support for those who have health insurance, helping to fill the gap in coverage for qualified patients.
  • Financial assistance programs – Many healthcare providers offer patient-by-patient financial assistance programs. Talk to your healthcare provider directly about financial assistance.

Payment plans and financing

Another way to manage your MRI costs without insurance is to utilize financing or payment plans. The availability of financing or payment schedules depends on your provider. Sometimes, the diagnostic imaging provider will partner with a financial institution or companies that offer favorable financing terms for patients. If you do need to utilize financing, make sure you understand the terms, so you don’t pay excessive interest charges.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Another way to lower your out-of-pocket expenses is to use accounts that are specifically designed to cover healthcare expenses: HSAs and FSAs. These accounts can be used for qualified medical expenses and coincide with either a High-Deductible Health Plan or a Preferred Provider Organization plan. Although you pay into these accounts while you have health insurance, you can use these funds even if you don’t currently have insurance.

Employer and union assistance

In some cases, another resource for those needing to pay for MRIs can be employer or union assistance. These programs depend on a variety of factors and can be unique to your situation. The best way to check on these assistance options is to contact your employer or union directly to inquire about the emergency assistance available for those needing help with medical costs.

As you’ve seen, there are many ways to pay for the cost of an MRI without insurance. From shopping around and negotiating direct costs to utilizing medical savings accounts to crowdfunding, there are many ways to make MRI costs more feasible. If you’re ready to start crowdfunding, GoFundMe can help. Here’s how you can get started. Once you start a GoFundMe, you’re one step closer to getting the financial support you need for your MRIs.

Written by GoFundMe