What is the General Cost of Different Types of Head Scans?

Head Scan Costs in India: Price Breakdown

 Medical imaging is crucial for diagnosing injuries, strokes, tumours, and neurological disorders. In India, patients typically undergo X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and even PET scans, depending on the severity and nature of the issue. The cost of these scans can vary significantly among hospitals and cities, depending on whether the patient pays privately or with insurance.

Read ahead to understand the general costs of different types of head scans.

What is the Price of a Head Scan in India?

The cost of simple head scans in India is significantly lower than in Western countries. However, it remains highly variable, depending on the centre and city, as presented in the table below.

Note: PET scans are not available in all cities; they are primarily conducted in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

The costs also increase if the doctor prescribes a combination of scans, such as PET-CT or PET-MRI.

How Much Does it Cost if Both CT and MRI are Recommended?

On other occasions, a CT scan and an MRI are prescribed together to better examine the head, particularly in cases of trauma, tumours, or stroke. At private hospitals, both tests may cost between ₹10,000 and ₹30,000, depending on whether contrast dyes are used. The quality of the machines, the hospital's reputation, and the speed at which reports are provided can also contribute to the final cost.

The total cost of government hospitals may range from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000. Patients should verify whether both scans are necessary and whether their health insurance will cover the total price. It is advisable to consult your doctor about the necessity and alternatives to avoid unnecessary financial burdens.

How Does Health Insurance Help Cover Head Scan Costs?

Health insurance significantly reduces the costs of diagnostic scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIS, and PET scans, in India. Most policies extend coverage for these expenses if the scan is linked to hospitalization or the pre- and post-hospitalization phases. 
Additionally, some insurance plans offer OPD benefits, allowing you to claim scan charges without hospitalization. However, advanced approval from the insurer may be required for expensive scans.

Star Health Insurance offers products such as Star Comprehensive and Family Health Optima, which cover diagnostic tests, including head scans. Our policies reimburse tests conducted outside hospitalization within OPD limits. This helps patients manage the cost of expensive imaging, such as PET-CT or MRI with contrast. 

Such coverage ensures timely diagnosis without imposing a financial burden on them.

What Factors Determine the Cost of Head Scans in India?

Several factors affect how much money a patient ultimately pays for a head scan, such as:

●  Type of Scan (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET)
●  Location (Metro cities are costlier than smaller towns)
●  Private vs. Government Hospitals
●  Use of Contrast Dye (adds to the cost)
●  Urgency (faster reporting services can cost extra)
●  Insurance Coverage (full or partial)

Private hospitals and diagnostic centres inevitably cost more than government hospitals. Additionally, newer equipment and methods, such as 3 Tesla MRI scanners and Digital PET, will also entail higher costs.

What are Some Tips to Save Money on Head Scans?

Here are a few of the practical ways to reduce your imaging costs:

●  Use government hospitals whenever possible.
●  Check standalone diagnostic labs—they often have lower rates than multi-speciality hospitals.
●  Ask your doctor transparently if contrast is genuinely needed, as it significantly increases costs.
●  Look for health check-up packages—many labs offer bundled imaging services at discounts.
●  Compare costs across centres—using websites or calling labs directly.
●  Use employer-tied discounts if your company has tie-ups with diagnostic chains.
●  Claim insurance smartly—know your insurance terms, such as pre-approval, coverage limits, and the documentation required.

Head scans such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are critical diagnostic tools for a wide range of ailments, from minor injuries to severe brain conditions. In India, the cost of these scans varies significantly depending on whether you visit a private hospital or a government facility. Understanding these expenses helps patients manage their healthcare more effectively.

Having a good health insurance policy can alleviate the financial burden of costly scans. Always refer to your policy details to understand which diagnostics are included, and seek early scans when prescribed to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.

Also Read:

→ Recommended Steps to Reduce Swelling on the Head

→ What is the Approximate Cost of a Head CT Scan

→ Common Medical Treatments for Head Injury Blood Clots

→ How to Care for a Minor Head Bump

→ What is the Typical Price Range of a Head MRI Scan