Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does PET Scan Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| PET/CT Scan (whole body) | $3,000 – $6,000 | $500 – $1,500 |
| PET/CT Brain | $3,000 – $5,000 | $500 – $1,200 |
| PET/CT Cardiac | $3,500 – $8,000 | $700 – $2,000 |
| PET/MRI | $5,000 – $10,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 78816
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered for cancer staging, cardiac, and neurological indications; prior auth required
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A PET/CT scan costs $3,000-$6,000 without insurance, with some facilities charging up to $8,000. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs are typically $500-$2,000 depending on your deductible and coinsurance.
Yes, with prior authorization. PET scans are covered for cancer diagnosis and staging, evaluation of treatment response, cardiac viability studies, and certain neurological conditions like Alzheimer's evaluation.
A CT scan shows anatomy (structure), while a PET scan shows metabolic activity (function). PET scans use a radioactive tracer to detect areas of high metabolic activity, like cancer cells. Most modern scanners combine both (PET/CT).