How Much Do X-Rays Cost Without Insurance? A Complete Guide to Expenses, Coverage, and Savings
By Nabamita Sinha
28 April, 2025
Health
X-rays are also among the most used medical diagnostic equipment currently in practice. One might need a simple dental test or a scan to check for an immediately life-threatening illness like a fractured spine, and X-rays become necessary to view inside the body.
But to the uninsured—or the insured patient with a very large deductible—an X-ray is not an affordable choice.
Here, we will provide a general summary of the cost of X-rays with and without insurance, broken down by body area, discuss what drives costs through the roof, and provide legitimate tips to save you money.
An X-ray can cost between $100 and more than $1,000, depending on factors such as the area of your body being X-rayed, the type of facility and location, and the equipment.
What are the X-Ray Prices with Insurance
If you do have insurance, you usually pay:
- A co-pay: A set amount per visit or treatment (usually $20–$100).
- Coinsurance: A percentage of the price, usually 10%–30%.
- Payment of your deductible: If you haven’t paid your deductible for the year, you might be paying the entire cost until that’s covered.
Examples:
- In-network urgent care center chest X-ray: $25–$75 co-pay.
- Spinal X-ray in hospital: 20% of $1,000 = $200 if deductible is fulfilled.
⚠️ Always notify your insurer beforehand to be assured that there will be coverage, co-pays, and prior authorization.
Self-Pay Cost of X-Ray
The cost of X-rays is very uncertain when there is no payment out-of-pocket or insurance. Below here is the self-pay average cost breakdown in the United States:
| X-ray Type | Average Price Range (No Insurance) |
| Chest | $250 – $500 |
| Spine (Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar) | $350 – $1,000+ |
| Dental (Bitewing or Full Panoramic) | $100 – $300 |
| Foot/Ankle | $150 – $400 |
| Arm/Hand | $150 – $350 |
| Skull | $200 – $450 |
| Abdomen/Pelvis | $300 – $600 |
| DEXA (Bone Density) Scan | $150 – $300 |
Variables That Affect the Cost of an X-Ray
There are several factors directly influencing the total cost of an X-ray:
1. Body Area Size to be X-rayed
More complex and larger body areas need more views and, in some cases, even extra radiation exposure:
- Finger/Toe: Simple, 1–2 views → cheaper.
- Abdomen/Spine: Numerous views, extra detail → more costly.
2. Number of Views
A single X-ray is cheaper than several views:
- 1-View X-ray: $75–$150
- 3-View X-Ray: $200–$500
3. Facility Type
- Hospital Imaging Department: Most expensive due to overhead and emergency preparedness.
- Urgent Care Centers: Intermediate, some with fixed fees.
- Independent Imaging Centers: Often lowest fee, with discount cash pricing.
4. Location
Urban locations more expensive because of higher rent and labor costs. Example:
- New York City or San Francisco: Up to 40% over national average.
- Midwest/Rural clinics: May be able to provide discounts or sliding scale fees.
5. Equipment Used
- Traditional X-ray: Older, film, maybe less expensive.
- Digital X-ray: Better quality, faster turn-around, maybe more expensive.
- Portable X-rays: Can include technician’s visit and transportation.
Are Special X-Rays Like DEXA Scans More Costly
Yes. These are not routine diagnostic X-rays and imaging software, and they are generally more pricey due to specialist equipment and imaging software.
DEXA Scan (Uninsured):
- Average Cost: $150 – $300
- Why It Costs More: To analyse bone density, two X-rays with different energies are employed, requiring more sophisticated imaging software.
Other specialist X-rays are:
- Fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging): $300 – $1,000+
- Contrast X-rays (with contrast dye): F $400 – $1,200
Does Medicare Cover X-rays?
Yes — Medicare Part B pays for medically necessary diagnostic X-rays if a physician orders.
- Patient Responsibility: 20% of the Medicare-approved charge after payment of the annual deductible.
- Medicine Advantage Plans: Perhaps other cost-sharing situations or in-network deductibles.
How Do Other Insurance Plans Cover X-rays?
Most medically necessary X-rays are covered under business health plans, depending on your type of plan:
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
- Must visit in-network physicians.
- Usually requires referral and prior authorization.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
- Greater freedom to select between facilities.
- Greater out-of-network dollars.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs)
- Pay full cost until you’ve reached your deductible (generally $1,500 – $7,000).
- Then pay coinsurance.
ACA/Marketplace Plans
- X-rays as health benefit necessities, but your metal level (bronze, silver, etc.) determines the cost
How to Compare X-Ray Prices
Prevention is less expensive. This is how you rightfully shop by price:
1. Call Centers Yourself
Look at their self-pay rate or “global fee,” and that includes the scan and radiologist interpretation.
2. Utilize Online Resources
- Healthcare Bluebook: Provides price benchmarks.
- GoodRx Health: Shows average prices in your ZIP code.
3. Ask for All Fees
Make sure your estimate breaks out to include:
- Imaging fee
- Radiologist interpretation fee
- Other service or admin fees
4. Verify Facility Accreditations
American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited facilities will be open and more expensive.
Insured and Uninsured Patient Tips
If You Are Insured:
- Remain in-network to maintain your low out-of-pocket cost.
- Call your insurance provider to verify:
- Deductible status
- Coinsurance or copay rate
- Prior authorization/referral fee
- Arrange for you to have an appointment at a low-fee imaging center by your physician.
If You’re Uninsured or Self-Paying:
- Request cash pay discounts (they save up to 40% discount).
- Visit nonprofit hospitals or community health clinics.
- Use telehealth or virtual urgent care to determine whether imaging is needed before signing up.
You do not have to be shocked at a hospital bill. Here are some tips on avoiding overpaying:
1. Ask for a Discount
Do not wait — the vast majority of centers have an excellent cash discount.
2. Shop Around
A hospital ER X-ray costs 3–5 times the independent imaging center fee.
3. Negotiate
When you’re billed more than you anticipated, call billing and ask for:
- Itemized charges
- Price discounts
- Financial assistance or payment plans
4. Use Non-Emergency Alternatives
Don’t visit the ER for non-emergency care. Instead, use:
- Urgent care
- Outpatient facilities
- Retail health clinics (some even have X-rays performed in-house)
The Importance of X-Rays!
X-rays are routine medical diagnoses, but they’re expensive if you’re not insured or don’t have any clue how to negotiate a discount.
If you know their cost, shop around and negotiate a discounted rate, and you can save a tremendous amount of money, even without insurance.
Either way, whether saving in advance and planning a break next year or just wanting to have the odd sneak look now and again, information is your friend when attempting to decipher the realm of healthcare costing.
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