How much does an ultrasound cost?
It depends on the type of ultrasound and where you have it. For a complete abdominal ultrasound, the cash self-pay price has a median around $675, ranging from about $235 to $1,900 across hospitals. A pregnancy ultrasound is a bit less — a cash median around $550. If you're insured, the negotiated rates are much lower on average (around $245 for an abdominal scan, $235 for a pregnancy scan). See current ultrasound prices →
Why the price varies so much
Hospitals set their own charges and negotiate separately with each insurer, so the same scan carries many different prices, and two hospitals a few miles apart can differ by several times. A higher price doesn't mean a better image.
How to find — and lower — your price
- Know the exact scan. An abdominal, pelvic, pregnancy, or thyroid ultrasound are different procedures with different prices. Search the specific one in the procedures list.
- Consider a freestanding imaging center. They're often cheaper than a hospital for a routine ultrasound.
- If it's prenatal, routine pregnancy ultrasounds are usually covered under maternity benefits, though you may still owe your deductible or coinsurance — check with your plan.
- Confirm before you book. Ask the billing office for the price in writing for that procedure code.
Where these numbers come from
Straight from each hospital's federally-mandated price file (required since 2021 under 45 §180) — published figures for comparison, not a quote. How we source this →
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ultrasound cost without insurance?
The cash self-pay price has a median around $675 for a complete abdominal ultrasound and around $550 for a pregnancy ultrasound, varying widely by hospital. Freestanding imaging centers are often cheaper.
Is a pregnancy ultrasound covered by insurance?
Routine prenatal ultrasounds are usually covered under maternity benefits on ACA plans, but you may still owe your deductible or coinsurance. Check your specific plan.
Why does an ultrasound cost more at one hospital than another?
Hospitals set prices independently and negotiate separately with each insurer, so the same scan can cost several times more at one hospital than another. A higher price doesn't mean a better image.
Related
- Abdominal ultrasound prices
- Pregnancy ultrasound prices
- Cash vs. negotiated vs. chargemaster
- Browse all procedures
Prices in this guide are as of June 2026 and link to the live page for current figures. Published data is for comparison, not a quote — always confirm with the hospital. Spotted something off? Submit a correction.