Medical diagnostic procedures have advanced substantially due to Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology, which creates body structure visuals without the need for radiation. Since the year’s beginning, India has enhanced the availability and affordability of MRI machine examinations, thus turning them into standard equipment for medical condition diagnosis. The cost structure of MRI scans requires a complete understanding by healthcare providers alongside patients for proper decision-making. This blog provides details about the MRI scan cost in India, along with influencing variables and recommended medical institutions.
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Table of Contents
Understanding the MRI Procedure
The patient needs to lie down on a movable table before the cylindrical machine receives the patient through its sliding motion. Through its magnetic field, the machine positions body hydrogen atoms properly and afterwards sends radio waves to oscillate this alignment. A computer generates detailed images through signal capture when atoms complete their return to their initial positions. The examination requires no discomfort, while nurses need roughly 30 to 60 minutes to complete the imaging process, according to the selected area for examination.
MRI Scan Cost in India
MRI scan prices in Indian facilities depend on what type of examination the patient needs as well as which body area requires study, which facility the patient chooses, and where the facility is located.
1. Minimum Cost
The minimum MRI scan cost is ₹1,500, depending on location, either in small cities or at government hospitals.
2. Average Cost
Standard MRI examinations without contrast in the main urban areas of India cost on average ₹5,000 to ₹20,000.
3. Maximum Cost
An MRI scan conducted at high-cost levels using advanced techniques or special equipment reaches prices above ₹25,000.
Breakdown of MRI Scan Cost in India
The total cost of an MRI scan in India encompasses several components, each contributing to the final amount billed to the patient. Below is a breakdown of these components with their respective cost ranges:
| Cost Component | Which May Include | Cost Range (₹) |
| Pre-Operative Costs | Initial consultations and any preparatory tests. | ₹500 – 2,000 |
| Scan Procedure Cost | The primary charge for conducting the MRI scan varies based on the type of scan and the body part being examined. | ₹5,000 – 25,000 |
| Contrast Material | Additional cost if a contrast agent is used to enhance image clarity. | ₹1,000 – 5,000 |
| Radiologist Fees | Charges for the radiologist’s expertise in interpreting the MRI images and providing a detailed report. | ₹1,000 – 3,000 |
| Facility Charges | Operational costs of the facility, including equipment maintenance and administrative expenses. | ₹500 – 2,000 |
| Post-Operative Costs | Follow-up consultations to discuss MRI results and plan further treatment if necessary. | ₹500 – 1,500 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on the facility, location, and specific patient requirements.
Understand the expenses involved in various surgeries and tests with our Comprehensive Guide to Treatment & Surgery Costs in India.
Different Types of MRI Scans in India
Different types of MRI scans are performed based on the clinical requirement:
1. Brain MRI
- Procedure: Captures detailed images of the brain and surrounding tissues.
- Benefits: Diagnoses tumours, strokes, and neurological disorders
. - Disadvantages: May require contrast agents; potential discomfort due to noise.
- Estimated MRI Brain Scan Cost: ₹6,500 – ₹12,000
2. Abdominal MRI
- Procedure: Imaging of abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
- Benefits: Detects tumours, infections, and vascular anomalies.
- Disadvantages: Requires fasting; possible use of contrast agents.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately ₹6,500
3. Spine MRI
- Procedure: Detailed imaging of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
- Benefits: Identifies disc herniations, spinal tumours, and infections.
- Disadvantages: Longer scan time; patient must remain still.
- Estimated Cost: ₹6,500 – ₹10,000
4. Joint MRI (e.g., Knee)
- Procedure: Focuses on joints to assess ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues.
- Benefits: Evaluates injuries, arthritis, and other joint disorders.
- Disadvantages: May require positioning adjustments; potential claustrophobia.
- Estimated Cost: ₹6,500 – ₹13,000
Factors Affecting MRI Scan Cost in India
The expense of MRI scans in India is shaped by multiple variables that affect different facilities throughout the nation.
1. Geographical Location: The elevated costs for MRI scans in Mumbai and Delhi, together with other urban areas, result from both expensive operational activities and substantial demand for advanced healthcare service delivery.
2. Type Of Facility: Private hospitals alongside specialized diagnostic centres usually impose higher prices for MRI scans than both government-operated and public facilities because they maintain different standards of service and equipment technology.
3. Type Of MRI Scan: MRI Scan prices differ according to the exact procedure selected during the appointment. Medical facilities charge a lower price for brain MRI scans than diagnostic tests requiring additional imaging technologies such as functional MRI (fMRI) and cardiac MRI.
4. Use Of Contrast Agents: The cost of MRI scans rises with the requirement of contrast agents since these exams need both contrast material and its administration procedure.
5. Technological Advancements: Facilities that own advanced MRI machines, such as 3 Tesla devices, can increase their rates because these machines produce superior images and provide faster scanning capabilities.
6. Radiologist’s Expertise: Expert radiologists who possess extensive training charge higher fees for interpreting medical images thus creating more expensive MRI procedures.
7. Insurance Coverage: Health insurance levels directly influence how much patients must pay out of pocket. MRI scan expenses differ depending on how insurance policies are structured because the patient must pay the unsatisfied portion under partial coverage schemes.
City-Wise Cost Estimate in India
The MRI scan cost differences between Indian cities stem from multiple factors including the native economic environment and both medical service intermediaries and local price disparities.
An MRI scan cost comparison exists between cities across India, according to the table presented below:
| City | Minimum Cost (₹) | Average Cost (₹) | Maximum Cost (₹) |
| Mumbai | ₹3,150 | ₹7,500 | ₹12,000 |
| Delhi | ₹2,350 | ₹6,500 | ₹10,000 |
| Pune | ₹3,000 | ₹5,500 | ₹9,000 |
| Chennai | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 | ₹8,500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3,000 | ₹6,500 | ₹10,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,200 | ₹6,000 | ₹9,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,800 | ₹6,000 | ₹9,000 |
Note: These figures are estimates and can vary based on specific facilities and the type of MRI scan required.
10 Best Hospitals for MRI Scans in India
Here is a curated list of the top 10 hospitals in India
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
- Established Year: 1983
- History: Founded by Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Apollo Hospitals pioneered private healthcare in India, setting high standards in medical care and patient services.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: Among the first in India to introduce advanced MRI technology, Apollo Hospitals has consistently upgraded its imaging services to provide accurate diagnostics.
- Milestones: Established the first 3T MRI scanner in South India, enhancing imaging clarity and diagnostic precision.
- Innovations: Implemented AI-assisted MRI interpretations, reducing diagnostic time and increasing accuracy.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Featured among the top hospitals globally for advanced diagnostic services.
- Fortis Healthcare, Delhi NCR
- Established Year: 2001
- History: Fortis Healthcare has grown into a leading integrated healthcare service provider in India, with a network of hospitals offering tertiary and quaternary care facilities.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: Fortis hospitals have successfully implemented advanced MRI protocols, including functional MRI and cardiac MRI, providing comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
- Milestones: Introduced the first 3T MRI scanner in the Delhi NCR region, setting new benchmarks in imaging quality.
- Innovations: Adopted the latest MRI technologies, such as diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy, to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized among the top hospitals globally for advanced diagnostic services.
- Established Year: 2001
- Max Healthcare, New Delhi
- Established Year: 2000
- History: Max Healthcare is a leading provider of comprehensive, seamless, and integrated world-class healthcare services in India.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: Max Healthcare has been at the forefront of adopting advanced MRI techniques, including functional MRI and cardiac MRI, to provide comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
- Milestones: Pioneered the use of 3T MRI technology in North India, enhancing the accuracy of neurological and musculoskeletal imaging.
- Innovations: Implemented AI-driven MRI analysis tools to improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Consistently ranked among India’s top hospitals for diagnostic imaging services.
- Established Year: 2000
- Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram
- Established Year: 2009
- History: Founded by Dr Naresh Trehan, Medanta has rapidly evolved into a premier multi-speciality hospital, offering comprehensive healthcare services.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: Medanta’s radiology department has integrated advanced MRI protocols, including functional MRI and cardiac MRI, providing comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
- Milestones: Pioneered the use of 3T MRI technology in North India, enhancing imaging accuracy for complex cases.
- Innovations: Implemented AI-driven MRI analysis tools to improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized among the top hospitals globally for advanced diagnostic services.
- Established Year: 2009
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 2009
- History: Kokilaben Hospital has established itself as a leading multi-speciality hospital in Mumbai, offering a wide range of services with advanced medical technology.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital’s radiology department has integrated advanced MRI protocols, including functional MRI and cardiac MRI, providing comprehensive diagnostic solutions.
- Milestones: Introduced 3T MRI technology in Western India, enhancing imaging accuracy for complex medical conditions.
- Innovations: Implemented AI-assisted MRI interpretations, reducing diagnostic time and increasing accuracy.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Featured among the top hospitals globally for advanced diagnostic services.
- Established Year: 2009
- Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru
- Established Year: 1953
- History: Manipal Hospitals is part of the Manipal Education and Medical Group, one of India’s foremost healthcare providers, offering comprehensive medical services across various specialties.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital has integrated advanced MRI technologies, providing high-quality imaging services for accurate diagnostics.
- Milestones: Established as the third-largest healthcare provider in India, serving approximately 2 million patients annually.
- Innovations: Incorporated state-of-the-art MRI equipment to enhance diagnostic precision and patient comfort.
- Accreditations: Recognized by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in healthcare services and advanced diagnostic facilities.
- Established Year: 1953
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Established Year: 2007
- History: Artemis Hospital is a leading multi-specialty healthcare institution known for its advanced technology and patient-centric care.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital offers a comprehensive range of MRI services, including specialized scans for various medical conditions.
- Milestones: Achieved recognition for utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in MRI imaging.
- Innovations: Adopted advanced MRI technologies to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to patient needs.
- Accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Known for excellence in patient care and advanced medical procedures.
- Established Year: 2007
- Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Established Year: 1989
- History: Yashoda Hospitals has grown into a leading healthcare provider in South India, offering a wide range of medical services with advanced technology.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital provides high-quality MRI imaging services, including specialized scans for various medical conditions.
- Milestones: Developed a comprehensive diagnostic centre with advanced MRI capabilities.
- Innovations: Implemented state-of-the-art MRI equipment to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in diagnostic services and patient care.
- Established Year: 1989
- PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Established Year: 2011
- History: PACE Hospitals is renowned for its specialized services in gastroenterology and hepatology, providing advanced surgical treatments.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital offers a wide range of MRI scans, tailored to diagnose various medical conditions accurately.
- Milestones: Developed specialized protocols for the management of complex medical conditions, enhancing diagnostic outcomes.
- Innovations: Adopted high-precision MRI scans with expert radiologist reports for accurate diagnosis.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Recognized for excellence in diagnostic imaging and patient care.
- Established Year: 2011
- Global Hospital Chennai (Gleneagles Global Health City)
- Established Year: 1999
- History: Gleneagles Global Health City is a multidisciplinary hospital in Chennai, known for its excellence in organ transplants and advanced medical care.
- Achievements In MRI Procedures: The hospital offers comprehensive MRI services, including specialized imaging for various medical conditions.
- Milestones: Recognized as one of the best medical facilities for organ transplants in the country, with advanced diagnostic imaging capabilities.
- Innovations: Implemented advanced MRI technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
- Accreditations: NABH accredited.
- Awards & Recognitions: Known for excellence in healthcare services and advanced diagnostic facilities.
- Established Year: 1999
Get a list of top hospitals for different medical treatments and diagnostic procedures in our Comprehensive Guide to Treatment & Surgery Costs in India.
Conclusion
Determination of MRI scan prices in India demands the evaluation of three primary factors, including the selected scan procedure type and facility position, along with technological equipment selection. Before proceeding, medical patients need to speak with diagnosis professionals at healthcare facilities and testing centers to receive customized cost information. Patients who need financial support for their MRI scans can benefit from checking what their insurance covers, together with searching for discounts available.
Although MRI Scans may not be very expensive, further treatments and procedures can greatly increase the financial burden on a patient. In cases such as these, Crowdfunding can help mitigate costs by linking people into a caring community willing to help.
FAQs Related to MRI Scans & Costs in India
1. What Is The Average Cost Of An MRI Scan In India?
Standard MRI scans in India cost between ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 because different factors influence their price.
2. Does The Cost Of An MRI Scan Vary By City?
Yes, the prices of MRI scans show wide differences between cities because cities have different living costs and access to state-of-the-art medical centres.
3. How Does The Type Of MRI Scan Affect The Cost?
The price of MRI scans rises when doctors use specialized equipment like agents that require contrast or focus on specific areas within the body.
4. Are There Additional Charges Apart From The Base Price Of An MRI Scan?
The MRI scan cost contains several extra expenses which include radiologist fees combined with fees for contrast materials and facility charges.
5. Does Insurance Cover MRI Scan Costs In India?
The majority of insurance plans include MRI scan payment, but different insurance providers handle payment amounts differently. Insurance policyholders should verify what their provider covers when consulting about MRI scans.
6. Is There A Price Difference Between Open & Closed MRI Machines?
Yes, alternative prices exist for open MRI machines because they come with different equipment setups, together with patient comfort elements.
7. How Does The Choice Of Diagnostic Centre Affect MRI Scan Costs?
Organizations providing MRI diagnosis through advanced technology pieces using experienced staff members tend to bill at elevated prices.
8. Do Government Hospitals Offer MRI Scans At Lower Costs?
Government hospitals charge significantly lower prices for MRI scans than private institutions because they operate with reduced rates for public patients.
9. Does The Use Of Contrast Agents Affect The MRI Brain Scan Cost?
Yes, the use of contrast agents in scans leads to a rise in MRI brain scan cost since it includes additional materials as well as separate procedures.
10. What Is The Average MRI Brain Scan Cost In India?
The average MRI brain scan cost in India is between ₹6,500 – ₹12,000 because different factors influence their price.
