An ultrasound without insurance costs $100 to $1,000 per scan in 2026
An ultrasound without insurance costs $100 to $1,000 per scan in 2026. CoveredUSA puts the national median at about $350. CareRoute lists basic abdominal, thyroid, and pelvic scans at $100 to $500 at freestanding centers. MyCareCost lists a pregnancy scan at $200 to $800 with a cash average near $350. Scan type and place move the price, so ask for a written quote.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| CoveredUSA | CoveredUSA says ultrasounds without insurance range from $150 to $1,000 with a national median of about $350, and lists independent imaging centers at $150 to $450 and hospital outpatient departments at $400 to $1,200. |
| CareRoute | CareRoute lists abdominal ultrasound at $100 to $500, pregnancy at $200 to $500, and cardiac echo at $500 to $2,500, with an average range of $100 to $1,000. |
| MyCareCost | MyCareCost lists abdominal ultrasound at $100 to $500, pelvic at $150 to $600, thyroid at $100 to $400, and pregnancy at $200 to $800 with a cash average near $350. |
Ultrasound price by type or place
| Scan or place | Price without insurance | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal | $100 to $500 | CareRoute |
| Pregnancy or OB | $200 to $500 | CareRoute |
| Cardiac echo | $500 to $2,500 | CareRoute |
| Pelvic | $150 to $600 | MyCareCost |
| Thyroid | $100 to $400 | MyCareCost |
| Independent imaging center | $150 to $450 | CoveredUSA |
| Hospital outpatient department | $400 to $1,200 | CoveredUSA |
| Federally qualified health center | $75 to $200 | CoveredUSA |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of scan | CareRoute lists abdominal scans at $100 to $500 and cardiac echo at $500 to $2,500. Heart scans take longer and need more skill. |
| Body area | MyCareCost lists thyroid scans at $100 to $400 and pelvic scans at $150 to $600. Bigger areas often cost more. |
| Pregnancy scans | MyCareCost lists pregnancy scans at $200 to $800 with a cash average near $350. CareRoute lists them at $200 to $500. |
| Place of service | CoveredUSA lists independent imaging centers at $150 to $450 and hospital outpatient departments at $400 to $1,200. |
| Complex studies | CoveredUSA lists a vascular duplex of both legs at $250 to $1,500. Longer and more detailed studies cost more. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers the scan and the use of the machine. A radiologist's report may be billed apart. Hospital bills can add facility fees. A doctor visit to order or explain the scan can cost extra. Ask if the price covers both the image and the written report. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does insurance cover it
Most plans cover an ultrasound when a doctor orders it for a medical reason. You may still owe a deductible, copay, or coinsurance. Many plans also cover pregnancy scans, but the number of scans may vary. Scans done only for keepsake images are usually not covered. Ask your plan if the scan needs prior approval and if the imaging center is in network. If you pay cash, ask for the self pay price, which can be lower than the billed rate.
When a doctor orders it
A doctor orders an ultrasound to look inside the body without radiation. It is used to check a pregnancy, look at the belly, thyroid, heart, or blood flow, or find the cause of pain or a lump. Your doctor will say which type fits your problem. Ask where to get the scan and if prior approval is needed.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for the self pay price for the exact scan.
- Ask if the radiologist's report is in the price.
- Ask if a facility fee is added.
- Ask what the same scan costs at an independent imaging center.
- Compare the total with the range above: $100 to $1,000 per scan for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Use an independent imaging center. CoveredUSA lists $150 to $450 there, against $400 to $1,200 at a hospital outpatient department.
- Ask about a community health center. CoveredUSA lists federally qualified health centers at $75 to $200.
- Ask for the self pay bundle price. CoveredUSA lists independent self pay bundles at lower rates than hospital billing.
- Compare at least three places for the same scan. MyCareCost lists wide ranges, such as $150 to $600 for pelvic scans.
- Ask if the price includes the radiologist's report so you do not get a second bill.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from CoveredUSA, CareRoute and MyCareCost. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does an ultrasound cost without insurance?
It runs $100 to $1,000 in 2026. CoveredUSA lists a national median of about $350. CareRoute lists an average range of $100 to $1,000.
How much does a pregnancy ultrasound cost?
MyCareCost lists $200 to $800 with a cash average near $350. CareRoute lists $200 to $500.
Why is a hospital ultrasound more expensive?
CoveredUSA lists hospital outpatient scans at $400 to $1,200. Independent imaging centers run $150 to $450.
How much does a heart ultrasound cost?
CareRoute lists a cardiac echo at $500 to $2,500. MyCareCost lists an echocardiogram at $200 to $1,000 with a cash average near $450.
Where can I find a low cost ultrasound?
CoveredUSA lists federally qualified community health centers at $75 to $200. Ask about sliding fee scales near you.