Medical Cost Estimator
No insurance? No problem getting answers. Pick a procedure below to see what it really costs without insurance in the U.S. — national price ranges, what drives the price up or down, and how to pay less. Every guide is researched from current provider and facility pricing.
MRI Scan
What a magnetic resonance imaging scan costs out of pocket, and why hospital prices can be triple an imaging center.
Read the cost guideColonoscopy
Screening vs. diagnostic pricing, facility fees, and what a self-pay colonoscopy runs in 2026.
Read the cost guideCT Scan
Computed tomography prices with and without contrast, plus where to find the cheapest scans near you.
Read the cost guideX-Ray
One of the cheapest imaging tests — what a single view vs. a full series costs without coverage.
Read the cost guideDental Crown
Porcelain, ceramic, and gold crown prices per tooth, and how dental schools cut the bill.
Read the cost guideUltrasound
Abdominal, pelvic, and specialty ultrasound pricing, and why independent clinics beat hospitals.
Read the cost guideWisdom Tooth Removal
Simple extraction vs. impacted surgical removal costs, anesthesia fees, and cash-pay discounts.
Read the cost guideCataract Surgery
Per-eye costs, standard vs. premium lenses, and what Medicare typically covers.
Guide coming soonDental Implant
Single implant, abutment, and crown totals, plus cheaper alternatives that still last.
Guide coming soonSleep Study
In-lab polysomnography vs. at-home sleep test costs for diagnosing sleep apnea.
Guide coming soonRoot Canal
Costs by tooth type — front teeth vs. molars — and what pushes the price higher.
Guide coming soonHearing Aids
Per-pair prices from budget to premium, and alternatives like OTC hearing aids.
Guide coming soonCPAP Machine
Machine, mask, and supply costs for treating sleep apnea without insurance.
Guide coming soonPET Scan
Positron emission tomography pricing and when doctors order it over a CT or MRI.
Guide coming soonInvisalign
Clear aligner treatment ranges and how they compare to traditional braces.
Guide coming soonWhy Medical Prices Vary So Much
The same MRI can cost $400 at an independent imaging center and $3,500 at a hospital across town. Facility type, geography, and whether contrast dye is used move prices more than almost anything else. That is why every guide above breaks down the price drivers — so you can shop the way you would for anything else.
How to Pay Less Without Insurance
- Ask for the cash price. Many providers discount 20 to 60 percent for self-pay patients who ask upfront.
- Choose independent centers. Freestanding imaging and surgery centers almost always undercut hospital outpatient departments.
- Get it in writing. A written good-faith estimate protects you from surprise bills under federal law.
- Negotiate the bill. If a bill arrives higher than quoted, call the billing office — reductions are common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these prices current?
Each guide is researched from current provider, facility, and industry pricing data, and guides are reviewed regularly. Always confirm with the provider before booking.
Do these guides replace medical advice?
No. They cover costs only. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether a procedure is right for you.