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Does Health Insurance Cover MRI Scan Cost?

Neviya LaishramJun 19, 2026

Yes, health insurance can cover MRI scan costs if the scan is medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. In most cases, MRI expenses are covered when they are part of a covered treatment or hospitalisation. If the MRI is done without hospital admission, then coverage depends on whether your health insurance plan includes OPD (Outpatient Department) benefits.
This article explains how MRI scan coverage works under health insurance, including hospitalisation and OPD benefits, typical MRI costs, and the claim process.
Does Health Insurance Cover MRI Scan Cost?

Contents

Is an MRI Scan an Imaging Test?
When Does Health Insurance Pay for an MRI in a Hospital?
Is an Outpatient MRI Scan Covered by Health Insurance?
What Does an MRI Cost Under a Health Insurance Plan?
How Do You Claim an MRI Scan on Health Insurance?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MRI Scan an Imaging Test?

Imaging tests are diagnostic procedures that create images of structures inside the body. Doctors use them to diagnose injuries, diseases, and other medical conditions. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is one type of imaging test. Other common imaging tests include CT scans, PET scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, mammography, and bone scans.
In health insurance, imaging coverage refers to whether the policy pays for these diagnostic tests. Whether an MRI scan is covered depends on factors such as hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation care, and OPD benefits available under the health insurance plan.

When Does Health Insurance Pay for an MRI in a Hospital?

Health insurance may cover an MRI when the scan is medically required as part of a covered hospitalisation. If a doctor orders the scan during your stay and the claim meets the policy terms, the cost is generally covered like other eligible hospital expenses.
Coverage may also extend to the pre- and post-hospitalisation period. Many health plans cover diagnostic tests done 30 to 60 days before you are admitted. They also cover tests performed 90 to 180 days after discharge, as long as the scan relates to that treatment.
So a policy will usually pay for an MRI in these cases:

It is required during a hospital stay.
It is performed before a planned admission as part of the treatment process.
It is needed for follow-up care or recovery after discharge.

Is an Outpatient MRI Scan Covered by Health Insurance?

Yes, an outpatient MRI scan is often covered by health insurance if your policy includes Outpatient Department (OPD) cover. OPD cover is a feature that pays for treatment you get without being admitted, such as doctor visits and diagnostic tests. If your plan has it, a prescribed MRI can be claimed up to the limit set for it.

What Does an MRI Cost Under a Health Insurance Plan?

MRI scan costs can vary based on the body part being examined, the healthcare facility, the city, and whether contrast material is used. The table below provides a general indication of how MRI costs may differ across facilities and scan types.

Facility type	cost range
Private hospital or diagnostic centre	₹5,000–₹20,000+
Government hospital	Usually lower than private facilities
MRI with contrast	May cost more than a standard MRI

How Do You Claim an MRI Scan on Health Insurance?

To claim an MRI scan on health insurance, make sure the scan is tied to treatment and keep every document. A few simple steps decide whether the claim goes through:

Confirm the MRI is covered under your policy, whether through hospitalisation, pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits, or OPD coverage.
Keep the doctor's note that says why the MRI is needed.
For a cashless claim, check whether pre-authorisation is required and ask the hospital's insurance desk to assist.
If you are filing a reimbursement claim, keep the MRI bill, scan report, and doctor's prescription ready for submission.

If you are buying or renewing a health policy, look at what the health insurance plan pays for diagnostic tests before you decide.

Conclusion

Health insurance can cover MRI scan costs when the test is medically necessary and linked to a covered treatment. MRI scans performed during hospitalisation, or within the eligible pre- and post-hospitalisation period, are often covered under the policy terms. If the scan is done without hospital admission, coverage usually depends on whether the plan includes OPD benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about does health insurance cover MRI scan cost?

1. Is an MRI scan covered by health insurance?

Yes, an MRI scan can be covered by health insurance if it is medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor. If the MRI is done without hospital admission, it may be covered only if your health plan includes OPD benefits.

2. Are CT scans and PET scans covered the same way as an MRI?

Yes. CT, PET, and MRI scans are generally covered when they are part of hospital treatment or fall within the policy's pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits. If the scan is done on an outpatient basis, coverage requires OPD benefits.

3. How much of the MRI cost does health insurance pay?

If the MRI is covered, the policy pays the full eligible amount, less any sub-limit (a cap on a specific kind of claim) your plan sets. A scan done without admission is paid only up to your OPD limit.

4. Can I get my MRI reimbursed if I paid for it myself first?

Yes. If the MRI was linked to a hospital stay, you can file a reimbursement claim with the bill, the doctor's note, and the scan report. Send it to the insurer within the time limit in your policy.

5. Is there a waiting period before an MRI is covered?

It depends on your specific health plan. If the MRI is related to a condition such as a pre-existing disease or a specified illness, the claim may be covered only after the applicable waiting period has been completed.

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