Medicare coverage for PET, MRI, and CT scans: key takeaways
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are all kinds of imaging scans. They allow doctors to look inside your body and check for possible health issues. These scans may be preventive or diagnostic.
Medicare Parts A or B may cover PET scans, MRIs and CT scans when your provider orders them as medically necessary for diagnosis or treatment. They will also need to meet prior authorization requirements.
Looking to get an imaging scan close to home?
Find a medical imaging center near you
What are preventive care medical scans?
Preventive scans are done to get ahead of possible health problems.
Diagnostic scans are done to diagnose a current health problem.
You may be able to get Medicare coverage for PET scans, MRIs and CT scans, but only if you meet certain conditions. For example, you may need to get prior authorization first. This means your health care provider needs to get approval from Medicare or your insurance company. They are more often covered as diagnostic care (care used to find the cause of health issues). Only screening CT scans for lung cancer are covered as preventive care.
These scans can be important for detecting many different health problems. Be sure you understand how Medicare can help make them available to you.
If your imaging results show you need more support – like oxygen supplies or mobility aids — Medicare may help cover durable medical equipment (DME).
What are PET scans, MRIs and CT scans used for?
Doctors can use different types of diagnostic imaging to help identify and manage health conditions. With regular preventive care screenings, your provider can catch things early. That can help improve your health and lower costs down the road.
So what makes these medical scan types different? What’s the difference between a CT scan vs. an MRI? Or an MRI vs. a PET scan?
PET scans are used for finding cells in your body that are not healthy. They check for cancer, heart disease and brain conditions like tumors and dementia.
MRI scans are used for creating high-detail images showing parts of the inside of your body. They can find problems with your spine, organs and other tissues. This may include things like tumors, herniated discs, ligament tears and multiple sclerosis.
CT scans are used for building 3D pictures of internal body parts like bones, organs and other tissues. They are faster than MRIs but create less detailed pictures. Your doctor might order a CT scan instead of an MRI if they need information for a quick diagnosis and treatment.
Want to discuss imaging options with a health care provider? Find Aetna® Medicare providers. Medicare may treat other types of scans like mammograms differently. If you’re not sure what kind of care you need, learn more about where to go for medical care.
Does Medicare cover a PET scan?
You can get Medicare coverage for a PET scan if it is medically necessary. It must also be done at a Medicare-approved facility. This coverage often comes from Medicare Part B. If you get the scan during an inpatient hospital stay, Part A may provide the coverage. You may still need to pay out-of-pocket costs in both cases.
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans can also cover PET scans. Find a plan that’s right for you.
Does Medicare cover an MRI?
MRIs are covered by Medicare Part B when they are medically necessary. They must be done at a Medicare-approved facility. Part A may provide your coverage if you are staying in a hospital when you get the MRI.
You can also get MRI coverage from an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Medicare cover a CT scan?
You can get Medicare coverage for a CT scan with Parts A or B if the care is medically necessary. The source of your coverage varies depending on whether you’re in an inpatient or outpatient facility. For example, if you’re getting care in a hospital during an inpatient stay, you could get a CT scan covered by Part A. Or, if you go to a radiologist for an outpatient visit, you could get a scan covered by Part B.
How much does Medicare pay for PET scans, MRIs and CT scans?
Your exact costs may vary between these three types of scans. But whether it helps with the cost of a PET scan, MRI or CT scan, Medicare Part B coverage is typically the same. After you pay your Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the total cost for your scan. Your deductible is the amount you pay each year before your insurance begins to pay. The 2026 Part B deductible is $283.
Part A may also cover a scan during hospital stays. As with Part B, you must meet your Part A deductible before your coverage begins to pay. The 2026 Part A deductible is $1,736. After this deductible is met, Part A will pay the full cost of covered scans.
A Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan can also help with the out-of-pocket costs for these scans if you have Medicare Part A and B. If you have Medicare Advantage, your costs may vary depending on your specific plan.
Don’t have an Aetna Medicare plan? Enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan to get more of the care you need.
