High deductible? Paying cash for imaging can cost less
If you haven't met your deductible, you pay the full insurance-negotiated rate for a scan, and for imaging that rate is often higher than a center's cash price. Many people on high-deductible plans save hundreds of dollars by skipping insurance for an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray and paying an upfront cash price instead.
Cash prices by scan type
Why cash can beat your insurance price
Until you reach your deductible, your plan doesn't pay for most imaging. You pay the negotiated rate, which for an MRI at a hospital can be well over $1,000, plus a separate radiologist bill.
An accredited imaging center's self-pay price is often far below that. If you're unlikely to meet your deductible this year, paying cash is usually the cheaper choice.
When paying cash makes sense
- You're early in your plan year and far from meeting your deductible.
- Your plan's estimate for the scan is higher than the cash price.
- You want to know the exact price upfront, with no surprise bill weeks later.
- You want to pay with your HSA or FSA card, which usually works for cash-pay imaging.
When to use your insurance instead
If you've already met your deductible, or you expect to this year (for example, with surgery or ongoing treatment planned), using your insurance may cost you less. Paying cash means the claim isn't billed to your plan. Some insurers will credit your receipt toward your deductible if you submit it, so ask your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does paying cash count toward my deductible?
Not automatically, because the scan isn't billed to your insurer. Some plans accept an itemized receipt for credit toward your deductible. Ask your insurer before you book if that matters to you.
Can I use insurance and Radiology Save together?
No. Prices on Radiology Save are self-pay prices, so the scan isn't billed to insurance. You pay the cash price upfront instead.
Do I need a doctor's order?
Yes. Every imaging study needs a physician's order (a referral or prescription for the scan). You can book first and upload the order afterward from the secure link in your confirmation email. If you don't have one yet, your primary care, urgent care or telehealth doctor can write it.
What does the price include?
The price you see is the full price: the scan itself, the board-certified radiologist's read and your written report. There is no separate radiologist bill and no facility fee added later.
Can I use my HSA or FSA card?
In most cases, yes. Diagnostic imaging is generally an eligible medical expense, and HSA and FSA debit cards work like regular cards at checkout. Check with your plan administrator if you're unsure.
Can I use Radiology Save if I have Medicare or Medicaid?
No. Radiology Save cannot be used by participants of state or federally funded programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.
See the real price before you book
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Compare pricesPrices shown are self-pay cash rates set by independent imaging centers and may change. Typical hospital prices are estimates for comparison. A physician's order is required for all imaging studies. Radiology Save is not insurance and is not a healthcare provider, and cannot be used by participants of state or federally funded programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.