Medical diagnosis in India has come a long way over the past two decades, advanced imaging modalities such as CT scan, are now no longer a mystery hunt for an average Indian. However, one query that still makes a lot of patients puzzled is “How much does a CT scan cost in India”? The response varies according to a mix of factors including the type of scan, the city and whether the scan is performed at a private or government scanning center.
In this article, we will guide you through all that you need to know about the cost of CT scan in various cities of India plus what you should keep in mind which can enable you to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a pathology for your medicare.
What Is a CT Scan?
CT (or Computed Tomography) scan is a type of medical imaging that combines X-rays with computer processing to create cross-sectional images (often referred to as “slices”) of the body or the body part being scanned. It has been used to diagnose a wide range of conditions such as brain injuries, lung infections, tumors, fractures, and abdominal problems.
Instead of producing a flat image as a typical X-ray would, CT scans construct images of bones, organs and soft tissue, providing a more detailed view. That’s why under pressure or in situations involving complexity, as stable patients become unstable, doctors are often nudged toward doing CTs.
Also Read: Which Is More Painful IUI or IVF?
So What is CT Scan Cost in India?
In India, one CT scan may be priced at anywhere between ₹1,500 and ₹25,000, depending on the type of scan. That cost can jump dramatically based on factors such as which part of the body is being imaged and if the imaging is with a radioactive contrast dye.
Give you a sense, a straightforward CT scan of the brain usually costs ₹1,500-3,000. It can be expensive, costing up to ₹6,000 when contrast is used to see blood vessels or tissues. A usual CT scan for the chest would cost about ₹2,500-₹5,000 and a contrast CT scan for the chest to cost around ₹4,000-₹8,000.
Plain images of abdominal CT scans come for between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000, while those with contrast cost between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000. If you require a CT angiography, which involves X-rays of your heart and its blood vessels, or of your head and neck, the patient bill can double to ₹8,000 or ₹20,000 or much more.
A whole body CT scan (The most common one these days in preventive health checkup or for cancer) can vary from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the centre and the location.
Why Is there So Much Difference in CT Scan Cost in India?
There are so many variations in cost of CT scan. Let’s unveil the reasons behind the cost differences.
1 – Type of Scan
The easiest factor which determines the price is whether it is plain scan or with contrast. THE PROS Contrast CT scans require injecting a dye into the bloodstream, which drives up the cost of the procedure and calls for more equipment and expertise.
2 – Body Part Being Scanned
Scans of the brain or limbs tend to be the cheapest, and scanning the chest, abdomen and heart requires more high-tech imaging and costs more.
3 – City and Region
Yes, the cost of living in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai are quite high and the costs are also on a higher side. Whereas small towns or Tier-2 or Tier-3 cities may cost you affordable when it comes to CT scan in India.
4 – Private vs Government Hospitals
“CT scans in government led hospitals or charitable trusts are available at a subsidised charge or for free, maybe not more than ₹1,000 for basic scans. On the flip side, private diagnostic centers can be more expensive, but appointments may take a shorter time to be scheduled; they may use modern machines and could be good with the lab results arriving quickly.
5 – Technology and Equipment
Another “more advanced CT scanner is also thrust into the equation. Higher-slice CT scanners, like 64-slice or 128-slice versions, produce sharper images and do it more quickly. But they are also more expensive.
6 – Additional Charges
Some institutions include the cost of the radiologist’s reading in the price of the scan; others may bill you separately. And if you have to consume medication or have lab testing prior to the scan, it could add to your invoice.
Is CT Scan Free Under Health Insurance In India?
Yes, most Indian health insurance plans cover a CT scan if a registered medical practitioner has prescribed it for diagnosis. But the language varies by insurer. Some policies cover scans only if the patient is in a hospital while others cover them even if they are a diagnostic for an outpatient.
Before you go in for the scan, it’s also a good idea to call your insurance company and double check:
- If pre-authorization is required
- If the diagnostic centre is in their panel list
- What documents or papers you need for a refund
How to Save Money on CT Scans in India?
Here a few things you can do to make your scan easier on your wallet, without sacrificing print quality:
- Compare rates across centers: Then, there are other apps, Practo, Healthians, or LabFinder that will help you find labs near you that are cheaper as well.
- Use online booking offers: There are many labs that will discount your test if you schedule online.
- Check for combo test packages: Some diagnostic laboratories offer discounted packages, which include CT and other tests.
- Go to a teaching hospital or a government health center: This is a good choice if you have a bunch to do and price is the determining factor.
Ask your physician for a reputable lab referral. Doctors, by and large, have a sense for which centers are reputable and not exorbitantly expensive.
Safety Considerations
Although CT scans have an excellent safety record, they do expose patients to a small amount of radiation. If the extent is occasional, there are usually no harmful consequences, but repeated exposure, when not necessary, should be avoided. And if you’re an expectant mom, or if you have kidney issues (especially a sensitivity to contrast dye), you’ll want to have doctors notified accordingly.
When a CT Scan Is Recommended by a Doctor?
Doctors may recommend a CT scan test in various situations. Some of those are mentioned below.
- Examining symptoms of head injury or stroke
- Detection of lungs infections, tuberculosis, tumours
- Finding kidney stones or liver disease
- Detecting bone and fractures injuries
- Planning cancer treatment or surgeries
- Conducting full-body health screenings
Wrapping Up: What is the Cost of CT Scan in India?
So, the question arises once again; What does a CT scan actually cost in India? It can run anywhere to the map above, and it depends on the scan, the city and the provider. Expenses may range from about ₹1,500 to ₹25,000, and dramatically more for customized scans. But with proper planning, calculative decisions and insurance, you can easily get the best diagnostics without even going bankrupt.
Your health is your wealth. So, if the price is a big deal for you, then choose a good and certified diagnostic center for the CT scan.
