X-Ray Cost in Mexico
What you actually pay at IMSS, ISSSTE and IMSS-Bienestar, at low-cost chains like Salud Digna, and at private hospitals. Last reviewed October 2026.
Short answer: how much does an X-ray cost in Mexico?
In the public system — IMSS, ISSSTE or IMSS-Bienestar — an X-ray ordered by your doctor is free. Paying privately at Salud Digna, Mexico's largest low-cost diagnostic chain, a single-view X-ray costs about MXN 180–200 and a two-view study about MXN 310–340 (roughly $10–18); complex multi-view series run up to about MXN 960. Private hospitals such as Ángeles, Médica Sur or Star Médica charge considerably more, so ask for a quote first.
Quick Overview
Mexico's public health system is split by employment status. IMSS covers private-sector workers and their families; ISSSTE covers public-sector workers; Pemex and the armed forces run their own services. People without social security are served by IMSS-Bienestar, which replaced INSABI (and before it Seguro Popular) and has taken over state health services in most states. All of these provide X-rays free with a doctor's order. In 2026 the federal government began registering people for a single Servicio Universal de Salud credential intended to let patients use IMSS, ISSSTE and IMSS-Bienestar units interchangeably. Because public waits can be long, many Mexicans pay out of pocket at low-cost chains such as Salud Digna or Laboratorios Chopo.
🏥 Public system
- IMSS: private-sector workers and families
- ISSSTE: government workers and families
- IMSS-Bienestar: people without social security
- Doctor's order required; waits for non-urgent imaging
🏥 Low-cost chains
- Salud Digna: single view ≈ MXN 180–200, two views ≈ MXN 310–340
- Online payment discounts at some chains
- Many studies without a referral
- Results usually digital, same or next day
🏥 Private hospitals
- Hospital Ángeles, Médica Sur, Star Médica, Christus Muguerza, ABC
- Prices quoted per study; specialist fee extra
- Often covered by gastos médicos mayores policies
- 24/7 emergency radiology
X-Ray Prices in Mexico by Exam (2026)
Salud Digna prices by number of projections: one view is about MXN 180–200, two views about MXN 310–340. Most limb and joint studies need two views. Figures below come from 2026 price listings that reproduce Salud Digna's catalogue; prices can vary by branch and online-payment discounts apply.
| Exam | Public (IMSS / ISSSTE / IMSS-Bienestar) | Salud Digna (MXN) | USD (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest X-ray (PA / PA + lateral) | Free | approx. 195–340 | $11–18 |
| Hand / wrist X-ray (2 views) | Free | approx. 310–340 | $17–18 |
| Ankle / foot X-ray (2 views) | Free | approx. 310–340 | $17–18 |
| Knee X-ray (2 views) | Free | approx. 310–340 | $17–18 |
| Cervical spine (AP, lateral, obliques, dynamic) | Free | approx. 960 | $52 |
| Lumbar spine (AP / AP + lateral) | Free | approx. 180–310 | $10–17 |
| Pelvis X-ray (1 view) | Free | approx. 180–200 | $10–11 |
| Abdomen (1 view / 2 views / 3 views) | Free | approx. 180 / 320 / 480 | $10–26 |
| Dental panoramic | Limited in public dental services | Ask the branch or dental clinic | — |
| Ultrasound | Free | approx. 180–340 | $10–18 |
| CT scan (tomografía) | Free | approx. 1,250–2,200 | $68–120 |
| MRI (resonancia magnética) | Free (waiting list) | approx. 2,750–3,750 | $149–204 |
Prices compiled from third-party listings of Salud Digna's 2026 catalogue (Clinio; tu-salud-digna.com, updated 27 April 2026): abdomen MXN 180/320/480, lumbar spine AP 180, AP+lateral 310, cervical spine full series 960, skull AP+lateral 320, chest PA from about MXN 195; general X-ray range MXN 180–480, ultrasound 180–340, CT 1,250–2,200, MRI 2,750–3,750. Rows for hand, wrist, foot, ankle and knee apply the two-view price pattern. Not all branches offer CT or MRI. USD at approximately MXN 18.4 = $1 (October 2026). Confirm at your branch.
How the Public System Covers X-Rays
IMSS and ISSSTE
- Register at your assigned Family Medicine Unit (UMF / clínica de adscripción)
- The family doctor orders the X-ray
- Plain films at the UMF or general hospital; CT/MRI by referral
- No charge for insured workers, pensioners and registered dependants
- Emergencies: go to urgencias at any IMSS hospital
IMSS-Bienestar
- For people without social security
- Replaced INSABI (2020–2023), which replaced Seguro Popular
- Runs state health services in the states that joined the federal scheme
- Free care, studies and medicines at its units
- States that did not join keep their own state services
Servicio Universal de Salud (2026)
- Single public-health credential (physical and digital)
- Aim: care in IMSS, ISSSTE and IMSS-Bienestar units
- Registration began in spring 2026, by age group
- Requires CURP, photo ID and proof of address
- Roll-out is gradual — check current rules
Where to Get an X-Ray in Mexico
🏥 Public Hospitals
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (IMSS) — Mexico City
- Centro Médico Nacional La Raza (IMSS) — Mexico City
- Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre (ISSSTE) — Mexico City
- Hospital General de México — Mexico City
- IMSS-Bienestar and state general hospitals nationwide
🏥 Diagnostic Chains
- Salud Digna — non-profit, nationwide, lowest prices
- Laboratorios Chopo — nationwide
- Olab — laboratories and imaging
- Independent radiology clinics (gabinetes de rayos X)
🏥 Private Hospitals
- Hospital Ángeles — nationwide
- Médica Sur — Mexico City
- Centro Médico ABC — Mexico City
- Star Médica — several cities
- Christus Muguerza — Monterrey and the north
Guide by Patient Type
🇲🇽 Insured workers
- Free X-rays via your IMSS or ISSSTE clinic
- Use Salud Digna (MXN 180–480) if you need it faster
- Gastos médicos mayores policies cover hospital imaging
💼 Foreign residents
- Employees are enrolled in IMSS by their employer
- Others can join IMSS voluntarily (Seguro de Salud para la Familia)
- Annual fee by age; some pre-existing conditions excluded at first
- Many expats also hold private insurance
✈️ Tourists & US visitors
- Pay at private chains — same prices as locals
- Emergency care available at public and private hospitals
- Private hospitals in tourist areas charge more
- Keep receipts (factura) for insurance claims
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- INE, passport or other photo ID
- IMSS/ISSSTE card or Servicio Universal de Salud credential
- Doctor's order (required in public system, recommended privately)
- CURP if registering for public services
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: X-ray during the visit
- Public, non-urgent: days to weeks
- Salud Digna: same day, often walk-in
- Results: usually same or next day, online
💡 How to save money
- Use your IMSS/ISSSTE entitlement whenever time allows
- Pay online at Salud Digna for discounts
- Compare chains before hospital radiology
- Ask whether the radiologist's report is included
FAQ
How much does an X-ray cost in Mexico?
In the public system (IMSS, ISSSTE or IMSS-Bienestar) an X-ray ordered by your doctor is free. Paying privately at the low-cost chain Salud Digna, a single-projection X-ray costs about MXN 180–200 and a two-view study about MXN 310–340, with multi-view studies up to about MXN 480–960 (roughly $10–52). Private hospital radiology departments charge more; ask for a quote.
¿Cuánto cuesta una radiografía de tórax? (How much is a chest X-ray?)
En Salud Digna una radiografía de tórax de una proyección cuesta aproximadamente $195–200 MXN y PA y lateral alrededor de $340 MXN (precios 2026 de portales que replican su lista; confirma en sucursal). En el IMSS, ISSSTE e IMSS-Bienestar es gratuita con orden médica. In English: about MXN 195–340 privately, free in the public system.
Is an X-ray free at IMSS?
Yes. For workers registered with IMSS and their registered family members, X-rays ordered by an IMSS doctor are free. You start at your Family Medicine Unit (UMF); the doctor orders the study and it is done at the UMF or the assigned hospital. ISSSTE works the same way for public-sector workers.
What is IMSS-Bienestar and is it free?
IMSS-Bienestar is the public health service for people without social security. It replaced INSABI (which itself replaced Seguro Popular) and now runs health services in most states that joined the federal scheme. Care, including X-rays, is free at the point of use for people without IMSS or ISSSTE.
What is the Servicio Universal de Salud credential?
It is a single public-health ID that the federal government began registering in 2026, intended to let people be treated across IMSS, ISSSTE and IMSS-Bienestar units and to create a shared electronic record. Registration started in spring 2026 by age group; it gradually replaces the paper IMSS and ISSSTE cards. Check the Secretaría de Salud site for when it applies to you.
How much is an MRI or CT scan in Mexico?
Salud Digna price listings updated in April 2026 put CT (tomografía) at about MXN 1,250–2,200 ($68–120) and MRI (resonancia magnética) at about MXN 2,750–3,750 ($149–204), depending on the region scanned and contrast. Ultrasound is about MXN 180–340. Private hospitals charge more.
Do I need a doctor's order for an X-ray in Mexico?
Private chains such as Salud Digna accept walk-ins for many X-ray studies without an order, although some studies require one. In IMSS, ISSSTE and IMSS-Bienestar an order from the treating doctor is needed.
Can foreigners and tourists get an X-ray in Mexico?
Yes. Tourists and foreign residents can pay at private chains and hospitals at the same prices as Mexicans. Foreign residents with temporary or permanent residency can enrol voluntarily in IMSS through the Seguro de Salud para la Familia, which has an annual fee by age and excludes some pre-existing conditions at first. Emergency care is available in public hospitals.
Is Mexico cheaper than the US for X-rays?
Usually much cheaper: a two-view chest X-ray at Salud Digna costs around MXN 340 (about $18), and MRIs start under MXN 3,000. US visitors in border cities such as Tijuana often use Mexican private clinics, but check whether your US insurer will reimburse care abroad.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- IMSS and ISSSTE — coverage rules, Family Medicine Units and voluntary enrolment (Seguro de Salud para la Familia)
- IMSS-Bienestar — public health services for people without social security
- Secretaría de Salud / La Razón (April 2026) — Servicio Universal de Salud credential and registration
- Salud Digna catalogue as listed by tu-salud-digna.com (updated 27 April 2026) and Clinio (2026): X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI prices
- Exchange rate: open.er-api.com, 12 October 2026 (≈ MXN 18.4 per US$)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Salud Digna prices come from third-party listings of its catalogue, not an official price list — confirm at your branch. Private hospital prices vary widely.