How Much Does PET Scan Cost in 2026?With & Without Insurance
PET Scan costs between $1,000 and $5,000 without insurance. A typical all-in cash-pay visit runs about $2,500.
PET scan costs range from $1,000-$5,000 without insurance. Compare cash-pay prices at hospitals vs outpatient imaging centers and learn strategies to reduce your cost.
Quick Price Summary
Cash-Pay Price Range
$1,000-$5,000
Typical all-in estimate: $2,500Covers the full visit. The verified benchmark below prices the primary billing code on its own.
With Insurance
$250-$2,000
After deductible
Based on published hospital and provider price-transparency disclosures, cash-pay benchmarks, and public fee schedules. Last updated August 2026.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices and insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 78815 (PET/CT scan (skull to mid-thigh)) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Typical cash price
$2,149
Most fall between $914 and $4,417 (25th–75th percentile)
Based on 56 hospital-disclosed cash prices
Your negotiation target
$601
Median rate insurers actually pay for the same code
Across 30,655 insurer-negotiated rates — ask providers to match it
The radiotracer drug may be billed separately.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 56 hospital-disclosed cash prices and 30,655 insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 78815, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files and insurer Transparency-in-Coverage files. Data as of August 2026. Smaller sample — treat as indicative.
What is PET Scan?
A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) is an advanced imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning. PET scans are most commonly used to detect cancer, assess heart disease, and evaluate brain disorders. A PET/CT scan combines PET with a CT scan to provide both functional and structural images in a single session, giving doctors detailed information about disease location and severity.
What Affects PET Scan Cost?
- Type of PET scan: PET/CT is more common and costs more than PET alone due to the combined imaging
- Facility type: hospital-based imaging departments charge 2-3x more than freestanding imaging centers
- Geographic location: costs vary significantly by region, with urban and coastal areas typically charging more
- Radioactive tracer used: FDG (most common) is standard, but specialty tracers for cardiac or neurological scans cost more
- Body area scanned: whole-body PET scans cost more than targeted regional scans
- Whether prior authorization is needed: some facilities charge additional fees for administrative processing
- Radiologist interpretation fee: may be billed separately from the facility fee, adding $200-$500
How to Save on PET Scan
Compare prices between hospital imaging departments and freestanding outpatient imaging centers -- savings can be 40-60%
Ask for the cash-pay or self-pay rate, which is often significantly less than the chargemaster price
Request an all-inclusive quote that covers both the facility fee and the radiologist reading fee
Check if the imaging center offers any financial assistance programs or payment plans
If your doctor orders a PET/CT, confirm whether a standalone PET or CT might be sufficient for your situation
Some centers offer lower prices for early morning or weekend appointment slots
These are averages. Get your exact local answer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PET scan cost without insurance?
A PET scan typically costs $1,000-$5,000 without insurance. A combined PET/CT scan is at the higher end of this range. Outpatient imaging centers often charge $1,000-$2,500, while hospital-based facilities can charge $3,000-$5,000 or more.
What is the difference between a PET scan and a PET/CT scan?
A PET scan shows how organs and tissues function, while a PET/CT combines functional PET imaging with structural CT imaging in one session. PET/CT is now the standard and provides more detailed information, but costs slightly more than a standalone PET scan.
Is a PET scan covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover PET scans when medically necessary, but often require prior authorization. Coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, and whether the scan is for initial diagnosis, staging, or monitoring. Check with your insurer before scheduling.
How long does a PET scan take?
The scan itself takes about 30-45 minutes, but the entire appointment takes 2-3 hours. You'll need to arrive early for the radioactive tracer injection, then wait 60-90 minutes for it to distribute through your body before the scan begins.
Are PET scans safe?
PET scans are generally safe. The radioactive tracer used produces a small radiation exposure comparable to a standard CT scan. The tracer is eliminated from your body within a few hours. Your doctor will weigh the diagnostic benefit against the minimal radiation risk.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is based on publicly reported data and may not reflect your actual costs.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions. Prices shown are estimates for self-pay patients and may vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances.