MRI Scan Cost in Lucknow 2026: Brain, Knee, Spine Prices Compared

Lucknow: government and private prices for a plain (non-contrast) MRI of one region, such as the brain, with the source and last-checked date for every figure.

Quick answer: MRI Scan cost in Lucknow (2026)
Rs 3,500 to Rs 8,000
Range across the government and private options in the table below, for a plain (non-contrast) MRI of one region, such as the brain. Contrast, implants and other add-ons are extra.
Private range
Rs 4,200 to Rs 8,000
Lowest listed price
Rs 3,500 at KGMU (King George's Medical University)
Government option
Rs 3,500 at KGMU (King George's Medical University) (published tariff)
Last checked
3 October 2026

MRI Scan price in Lucknow: government vs private

Prices are for a plain (non-contrast) MRI of one region, such as the brain. Government hospitals charge less but usually have waiting lists. Where a hospital does not publish its rate we say so, and any estimate is labelled.

Where Price What it includes Basis
KGMU (King George's Medical University) Lowest listed price Subsidised, longer wait
Contrast extra: Rs 1,300 (published tariff). Rate list undated (page last modified 2023).
Rs 3,500 plain; MRI CONTRAST 1300 extra Published tariff
KGMU rate list – Hospital Cost (Basic Rate)
SGPGIMS Lucknow Subsidised, longer wait
Tariff as on 31 March 2023. Contrast extra: Rs 1,560 (published tariff).
Rs 4,600 plain; MRI Contrast 1560 listed separately Published tariff
SGPGIMS Lucknow Tariff as on 31 March 2023 (scanned, 59 pages)
Dr RML Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) Subsidised, longer wait
Scan done at a partner centre at the hospital rate.
Rs 4,000 paid at RMLIMS; scan done at authorised partner centre; contrast not stated Published tariff
Dr. RMLIMS Diagnostic Network – Official RMLIMS MRI Rates
Healthians partner scan centre: Brain MRI Scan
Lowest online price across the platform’s partner centres in Lucknow.
From Rs 4,200 Not itemised (contrast/film not stated); booking at a Healthians partner scan centre of the user's choice Published tariff
Healthians (healthians.com scans)
Ipsum Diagnostic (via Tata 1mg Labs): MRI Brain (MRI)
Online price published by the provider.
Rs 5,100 Not itemised on page (no mention of contrast, film or CD); e-report to registered email Published tariff
Tata 1mg Labs (1mg.com)
Private hospitals and diagnostic centres in Lucknow (typical)
Our estimate; not a quote from any hospital.
Basis: The previous modelled floor was below the published government rate in Lucknow, so the floor was re-based to the lowest of the 2 published or quoted private prices found in Lucknow; the upper end of the previous range was kept.
Rs 4,200 to Rs 8,000 Base procedure; items listed under "what a quote leaves out" are extra Estimate
WhatsTheCost estimate
CGHS rate: Tier II city, NABH hospital Reference rate
MRI head/brain without contrast. Rate CGHS pays empanelled private hospitals, not a cash price.
Rs 2,475 Investigation rate; uniform irrespective of ward entitlement. Plain study (no contrast). Published tariff
CGHS rate list (OM dated 03.10.2025), cghs.mohfw.gov.in
Estimate vs published tariff. Published tariff = from an official rate list or the provider’s own published price, linked in the Basis column. Quote = a price reported by a third party, such as a news report of an official rate or a booking-platform listing. Estimate = our modelled range where no published figure exists; a guide, not a price. CGHS and PM-JAY rows are reference rates paid to empanelled hospitals, not cash prices. “Lowest listed price” marks the lowest actual price in the table.

MRI Scan cost in Lucknow by type

Our estimates by type of MRI scan in Lucknow. These are modelled ranges, not quotes.

Type Private price in Lucknow Basis
Brain MRI (without contrast) Rs 4,200 to Rs 8,000 Estimate
Brain MRI (with contrast) Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 Estimate
Spine MRI (per region: cervical/thoracic/lumbar) Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 Estimate
Knee MRI Rs 2,500 to Rs 8,000 Estimate
Abdomen/Pelvis MRI Rs 4,000 to Rs 12,000 Estimate
Cardiac MRI Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000 Estimate
Full Body MRI Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 Estimate
MRI with Spectroscopy Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 Estimate

What an MRI scan quote often leaves out

  • Contrast (gadolinium) if the doctor asks for a contrast study
  • Each additional body region, which is usually billed as a separate scan
  • Sedation or anaesthesia support for claustrophobic patients or children
  • Films or a CD of the images (the digital report is often free)
  • A separate radiologist reporting fee at some hospitals

Ask for an itemised, all-inclusive quote in writing before the procedure.

Where MRI scan is done in Lucknow

Private hospitals and centres in Lucknow include Apollomedics Hospital, Medanta Hospital, Sahara Hospital and Charak Hospital. We list them so you know where to ask. We have not found published prices from them unless they appear in the table above, and we do not rank or recommend any of them.

Prices & sources

Last checked: 3 October 2026. We re-check published tariffs at least every six months and correct errors when they are reported. See how we research prices and our data sources.

Frequently asked questions: MRI Scan cost in Lucknow

How much does an MRI scan cost in Lucknow in 2026?

For a plain (non-contrast) MRI of one region, such as the brain, private hospitals and centres in Lucknow charge about Rs 4,200 to Rs 8,000. Government options: KGMU (King George’s Medical University), Rs 3,500 (published tariff); SGPGIMS Lucknow, Rs 4,600 (published tariff); Dr RML Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Rs 4,000 (published tariff). The type of study and add-ons such as contrast, sedation, implants or biopsy change the final bill.

Where is an MRI scan cheapest in Lucknow?

The lowest actual price listed on this page is Rs 3,500 at KGMU (King George’s Medical University) (published tariff, checked 3 October 2026). It is a subsidised government rate, so expect a queue and less choice of slot. Prices change, so confirm the current rate with the facility before you go.

What does an MRI scan cost at KGMU (King George's Medical University)?

Rs 3,500 for a plain (non-contrast) MRI of one region, such as the brain, according to KGMU rate list – Hospital Cost (Basic Rate) (published tariff). Contrast extra: Rs 1,300 (published tariff). Rate list undated (page last modified 2023). Expect a waiting list and confirm the current rate before you go.

Is a 3 Tesla MRI better than 1.5 Tesla?

A 3T machine gives higher-resolution images and is usually priced higher. Whether it matters depends on the body part and the clinical question, so ask the doctor who ordered the scan whether 1.5T is acceptable.

Why do MRI prices differ so much between centres?

Most of the gap comes from the type of scan (region, contrast, number of regions), the machine (1.5T or 3T) and whether the centre is a hospital department or a standalone diagnostic centre. Compare quotes for exactly the same study.

Does insurance or Ayushman Bharat cover it?

Health insurance usually pays when the procedure is part of a hospital admission or an approved day-care claim; purely outpatient tests depend on your policy’s OPD cover. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covers listed packages at empanelled hospitals for eligible families, and diagnostic scans are generally paid as part of an admitted package rather than as standalone outpatient tests. Ask the hospital’s insurance or scheme desk before the procedure, not at billing.

Disclaimer: This page explains prices for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any hospital, centre or doctor. Figures marked Estimate are our modelled ranges, not quotes. Published tariffs can change without notice, and the final bill depends on your case. Confirm the current price with the facility and ask a qualified doctor which test or treatment you need.

📅 Last updated: October 3, 2026