No insurance needed

Need a scan while visiting the US? Pay cash, no insurance needed

If you're traveling, studying or working in the US without American health insurance, an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray at a hospital can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, and the bill often arrives after you've gone home. Radiology Save lets you book your scan at an accredited outpatient imaging center for one upfront cash price in US dollars, with the radiologist's report included.

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Accredited centers Radiologist read included No surprise bills

Cash prices by scan type

MRI

from$413
See prices

CT scan

from$275
See prices

Ultrasound

from$165
See prices

X-ray

from$83
See prices

Why visitors choose cash-pay imaging

  • You know the full price in US dollars before you book. No estimate, no bill weeks later.
  • The price includes the scan, the board-certified radiologist's read and your written report.
  • Accredited outpatient centers, often with appointments within days, so your scan fits around your trip.
  • Pay online with a major credit or debit card, including most cards issued outside the US.
  • Your itemized receipt can support a claim with your travel insurance or your insurer at home.

Getting a scan as a visitor, step by step

  1. Step 1

    Get an order from a US doctor

    Every scan requires an order from a doctor licensed in the US. A US urgent care clinic or a telehealth visit can usually examine you and write the order for your MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray the same day.

  2. Step 2

    Compare cash prices

    Search by scan type and the ZIP code where you're staying to see accredited centers nearby and their real cash prices.

  3. Step 3

    Book and pay online

    Choose a center and time, pay securely in US dollars, then upload your doctor's order from the link in your email.

  4. Step 4

    Take your results home

    The radiologist's report goes to the ordering doctor. Ask the center for a copy of your report and images to bring to your doctor at home.

Which scan do you need?

  • MRI: detailed images of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissue, often after an injury or for ongoing pain or headaches.
  • CT scan: fast, detailed images of the head, chest, abdomen and bones. Usually cheaper than an MRI.
  • Ultrasound: no radiation, used for the abdomen, pelvis, thyroid, blood vessels and pregnancy.
  • X-ray: the quickest and least expensive option, used for bones, joints and the chest.

Your doctor decides which scan you need and writes it on the order.

Travel insurance and reimbursement

Many travel and international health insurance plans reimburse medical costs you pay upfront. Radiology Save doesn't bill insurance, but you'll receive an itemized receipt you can submit with your claim. Check your policy, since some plans require you to contact them before a non-emergency scan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray in the US without US health insurance?

Yes. You pay the cash price upfront, so no American insurance is needed. You only need an order from a doctor licensed in the US.

Will a doctor's order from my home country work?

No. An order from a US-licensed doctor is required. A US urgent care or telehealth doctor can review your situation, including any records from home, and write one. Call us at (800) 420-6760 if you have questions.

Can I pay with a card issued outside the US?

Most major international credit and debit cards work at checkout. Prices are charged in US dollars, and your bank may apply its own currency conversion fee.

How much does a scan cost in the US without insurance?

Without insurance, hospitals often charge $1,500 to $3,000 or more for an MRI, $1,000 or more for a CT scan, and several hundred dollars for an ultrasound or X-ray. Cash prices at accredited imaging centers on Radiology Save start much lower; the live starting prices are on this page.

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.

What if it's an emergency?

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Radiology Save is for scheduled, non-emergency imaging.

See the real price before you book

Compare accredited centers near you and book online in minutes.

Compare prices

Prices 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.