MRI in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scan is one of the most advanced tools doctors use to uncover what’s going on inside your body. It offers detailed images of organs, tissues, and joints without the use of radiation.

But while MRIs are incredibly useful, they’re not always cheap.

In Germany, the cost of an MRI can range from around €460 to more than €1,600, depending on the type of scan and where it’s done. Although insurance usually covers the procedure if it’s medically necessary, the level of coverage—and how easy it is to access—varies by insurance type.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What an MRI is and how it works
• How much MRI scans typically cost in Germany
• What public, private, and expat insurance plans cover
• When you might need an MRI—and when you don’t
• Common alternatives and how to choose the proper scan

Let’s get started.

What is an MRI?

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

It’s beneficial for visualizing soft tissues, including the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and internal organs—areas that aren’t as easily seen with X-rays or CT scans.

MRI can help detect and monitor a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Brain tumors and neurological disorders
• Spinal injuries
• Joint abnormalities
• Internal organ damage or disease
• Tumors and cysts in various parts of the body

An MRI scan involves lying still on a motorized table that slides into a large, tube-shaped machine. The scanner uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate high-resolution images without radiation exposure.

The procedure is painless, but some patients may experience mild discomfort from remaining still for an extended period.

A typical MRI scan takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the examined area and whether contrast dye enhances image clarity.

One of MRI’s key advantages is its safety. 

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI doesn’t involve ionizing radiation. However, because the machine uses powerful magnets, patients with certain implants, like pacemakers or cochlear implants, must inform their doctor beforehand to determine eligibility.

How much does an MRI cost in Germany?

Our internal data shows that the average cost of an MRI scan in Germany is €621.33 in 2025.

However, prices can vary significantly based on location and facility. In major cities like Berlin, you could pay as much as €1,100. On the lower end, rates can drop to around €460 if you find a clinic with more competitive pricing.

Higher prices typically apply to more technical scans, such as cardiac or complete spinal MRI, or when contrast dye and specialist analysis are involved. For most standard procedures, however, costs tend to stay within the lower to mid-range of this spectrum.

Here’s a breakdown of estimated MRI prices by procedure type in Germany:

Factors affecting MRI costs:

• The body part being scanned (e.g., brain vs. knee vs. full spine)
• Whether contrast dye is required
• Type of facility (private imaging center vs. hospital)
• Specialist interpretation fees
• Insurance coverage or referral requirements

Does German health insurance cover MRIs?

Yes, if your doctor says it’s medically necessary, most German health insurance plans in Germany will cover an MRI. But how much is covered (and how much paperwork is involved) depends on your type of insurance.

MRIs with public health insurance (GKV)?

Public insurance like TK is generally required to pay for MRI scans when:

• A doctor determines it’s medically necessary
• You have a referral

You will not be charged beyond your co-payment (generally 10% of the costs, with a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €10). 

MRIs with private health insurance (PKV)?

Private health insurance usually reimburses 100% of MRI costs, as long as:

• A physician referred you
• The MRI is medically necessary.

Coverage can vary by plan, so it’s best to check if pre-authorization is required. With Feather, for example, medically indicated MRIs are fully reimbursed after referral, with no need to get pre-approval.

MRIs with expat (incoming) insurance cover?

All our expat insurance plans cover MRIs 100% up to GOÄ limits (Germany’s standard medical fee scale), though your usual co-payment of €25 applies. 

No pre-approval is needed, but you’ll need:

• A prescription
• Proof of payment
• A completed claim form

Generally speaking, this should also apply to our competitors’ short-term health insurance plans, though we advise you to obtain approval to avoid surprises. 

When should you get an MRI?

Doctors typically recommend an MRI when they need highly detailed images of soft tissues, which X-rays and CT scans cannot always provide.

You might not notice any apparent symptoms, but your doctor might order an MRI if they suspect an internal issue requiring closer investigation.

MRIs are commonly used to diagnose or monitor:

• Brain and spinal cord conditions: such as tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or disc herniation
• Joint and musculoskeletal issues: like torn ligaments, cartilage damage, or chronic joint pain
• Soft tissue tumors or abnormal growths in the abdomen, pelvis, or chest
• Heart and blood vessel problems, including congenital heart defects or blockages
• Injuries that didn’t show up on an X-ray, especially in the knee, shoulder, or hip

An MRI is often preferred when precision is critical or when radiation exposure from a CT scan would be risky, especially for pregnant individuals or younger patients.

Suppose you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain, unexplained neurological symptoms, or need a follow-up to abnormal test results. In that case, your doctor may suggest an MRI to get the clearest view possible.

Alternatives to MRI

While MRIs are powerful tools, they’re not always the right fit for every situation. In some cases, other imaging methods are quicker, more accessible, or better suited to the task.

You might not need an MRI if:

• The issue involves bones or fractures, which are better seen on X-rays
• You need a quick scan of internal organs—CT scans are often faster and more widely available.
• You have metal implants, certain pacemakers, or severe claustrophobia that makes lying inside the MRI machine unsafe or uncomfortable

Common alternatives include:

• CT scan (Computed Tomography): Great for detecting bleeding, tumors, and injuries in the brain, lungs, or abdomen
• Ultrasound: Often used for soft tissue exams during pregnancy or to check organs like the liver, kidneys, or gallbladder
• X-ray: Best for viewing bones, fractures, or dental issues—quick and low-cost
• PET scan: Helps assess how organs and tissues are functioning, often used in cancer diagnosis

Ultimately, your doctor will recommend the most appropriate scan based on your symptoms, medical history, and what they try to rule out or confirm.