Healthcare Cost Data // 2026
How Much Does Medical Care Cost in 2026?
Compare fair prices for 35+ medical procedures across all 50 states. See costs with and without insurance.
Most Searched Medical Costs
National average costs for common procedures
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Orthopedic Surgery
Joint replacements, ACL repair, spinal fusion, carpal tunnel
General Surgery
Appendectomy, hernia repair, gallbladder removal
Dental Procedures
Crowns, root canals, wisdom teeth extraction
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Find Your Procedure
Search for the medical procedure you need. See the national average and what factors affect the price.
Check Your State
See state-specific pricing adjusted for local healthcare markets and cost of living differences.
Compare with Insurance
See estimated out-of-pocket costs with different insurance types and find the best deal.
Understand Your Insurance Options
The right insurance plan can save you thousands. Compare 8 types of health insurance.
Healthcare Cost Guides
All GuidesHow to Read and Understand Your Medical Bill
Medical bills are notoriously confusing. Learn how to decode every line item, identify errors, and understand what you actually owe.
Read GuideHow to Negotiate Medical Bills and Save Thousands
You can negotiate almost any medical bill. Learn proven strategies that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs by 30-70%.
Read GuideHow to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan
HMO, PPO, HDHP — the alphabet soup of insurance plans is overwhelming. Here's how to pick the right plan for your situation and budget.
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions About Medical Costs
How much does a knee replacement cost in 2026?
A total knee replacement costs $30,000 to $70,000 without insurance in 2026, with a national average of $49,000. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is typically $3,500 to $12,000 depending on your plan, deductible, and coinsurance. Costs vary significantly by hospital, surgeon, and state.
How much does an MRI cost without insurance?
An MRI costs $400 to $3,500 without insurance, depending on the body part scanned, whether contrast dye is used, and the facility. Hospital-based MRIs cost 3-5x more than independent imaging centers. Many centers offer cash-pay discounts of 40-60%.
Why do medical costs vary so much between hospitals?
Hospital prices are not standardized. Each hospital sets its own chargemaster prices, which can vary by 300-500% for the same procedure in the same city. Factors include hospital type (academic vs community), location, market competition, and whether the hospital is for-profit or non-profit.
How can I save money on medical procedures?
Get quotes from multiple providers, ask for cash-pay discounts (many offer 30-50% off), compare facility types (surgery centers cost 30-60% less than hospitals), negotiate your bill after the procedure, and always verify that your provider and facility are in-network before any procedure.
Does insurance cover all medical procedures?
Insurance typically covers medically necessary procedures but may not cover elective procedures like LASIK, cosmetic surgery, or some dental work. Even covered procedures involve out-of-pocket costs through deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Preventive screenings like colonoscopies are covered at 100% under the ACA.
What is the difference between billed charges and actual cost?
Billed charges (chargemaster prices) are the hospital's list prices, typically 3-10x the actual cost of care. Insurance companies negotiate discounts of 40-60% off these inflated prices. Uninsured patients are often billed the full chargemaster price unless they negotiate. Always ask for the negotiated or cash-pay rate.
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Medical Costs by State
Compare healthcare costs across all 50 states with local cost adjustments.
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Editorial Disclosure: MedicalCostDB's cost data is based on industry surveys, hospital pricing data, CMS datasets, and verified market research. We may receive compensation when you click links to partner providers, but this does not influence our data or recommendations. Costs shown are representative averages for illustrative purposes. Your actual cost will depend on your specific situation, insurance plan, and provider. This is not medical advice.