X-Ray Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]

Quick Answer: X-ray prices in the Philippines range from ₱150 to ₱2,000 depending on the body part and facility. Chest X-ray (PA view) costs ₱300-₱800 at private diagnostic centers, dental periapical X-ray ₱200-₱500, and spine X-ray ₱500-₱1,500. Government hospitals are the cheapest option (₱115-₱450), standalone diagnostic centers charge mid-range prices, and private hospitals are the most expensive. PhilHealth covers X-rays when ordered as part of inpatient care or outpatient emergency services.

Table of Contents

• X-Ray Prices by Type
• Prices by Facility Type
• Price Comparison by City
• When Do You Need an X-Ray?
• Do You Need a Doctor's Request?
• PhilHealth Coverage for X-Ray
• X-Ray Safety and Radiation Concerns
• FAQs

Introduction

X-ray is the most commonly performed imaging procedure in the Philippines. From employment requirements to injury assessments to pre-operative screenings, millions of Filipinos get an X-ray every year. It is fast, widely available, and relatively inexpensive compared to CT scans or MRIs.

Still, prices vary significantly depending on where you go and what body part is being imaged. A chest X-ray at a government hospital in a provincial city can cost as little as ₱115, while the same procedure at a premium private hospital in Metro Manila may run ₱800 or more. This guide covers the 2026 prices for every common X-ray type, explains where to find the most affordable options, and clarifies when PhilHealth will cover the cost.

For related diagnostic pricing, see our guides to ultrasound costs in the Philippines and diagnostic centers in Manila.

X-Ray Prices by Type

Here are the typical 2026 price ranges for each type of X-ray across private diagnostic centers and hospital outpatient departments:

Note: Prices include the reading or interpretation fee at most standalone diagnostic centers. Some hospitals charge the professional fee (radiologist reading fee) separately, which adds ₱100-₱300 to the total. Always confirm the all-in price before your X-ray.

Chest X-Ray (PA View) — ₱300 to ₱800

The chest X-ray is the most frequently ordered X-ray in the Philippines. It is required for pre-employment medical exams, annual physical exams, immigration clearance, and screening for tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia. The PA (posteroanterior) view is the standard single-view chest X-ray. When a doctor orders a two-view chest X-ray (PA + lateral), expect to pay ₱450-₱1,000.

At government hospitals, chest X-rays can cost as low as ₱115-₱230. Standalone diagnostic centers like Hi-Precision and New World Diagnostics typically charge ₱400-₱600. Private hospitals such as St. Luke's and Makati Medical Center charge ₱700 and above.

Dental X-Ray (Periapical) — ₱200 to ₱500

A periapical X-ray captures one or two teeth and the surrounding bone. Dentists order this to check for cavities, infections, root problems, or before tooth extraction. The price is per exposure, so imaging multiple teeth means paying for each one separately.

Dental Panoramic X-Ray (OPG) — ₱500 to ₱1,200

A panoramic X-ray captures the entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, and surrounding structures — in a single image. It is commonly ordered before wisdom tooth extraction, orthodontic treatment, or dental implant planning. Digital panoramic X-rays are more expensive than conventional film but provide sharper images and faster results.

Abdominal X-Ray — ₱400 to ₱1,000

An abdominal X-ray (also called a KUB or stonogram when focused on the kidneys, ureters, and bladder) is used to check for intestinal obstruction, kidney stones, or abnormal gas patterns. Government hospital rates start at ₱165-₱330.

Extremity X-Rays (Hand, Foot, Knee) — ₱300 to ₱800

X-rays of the arms, legs, hands, feet, and joints are commonly ordered after injuries, falls, or sports accidents. They help diagnose fractures, dislocations, and joint conditions like arthritis. The price depends on the specific body part and the number of views your doctor requests.

Spine X-Ray — ₱400 to ₱1,500

Spine X-rays range from cervical (neck) at ₱400-₱1,000 to lumbosacral (lower back) at ₱500-₱1,500. The lumbosacral spine X-ray is the most expensive standard X-ray because it typically requires multiple views (AP and lateral at minimum, sometimes including oblique views). Spine X-rays are ordered for back pain, scoliosis screening, and post-injury assessment.

Skull X-Ray — ₱400 to ₱1,000

Skull X-rays have become less common since CT scans became widely available, but they are still ordered for certain situations including sinus evaluation, skull fracture screening, and some immigration medical exams. Government hospitals charge as low as ₱225-₱450 for a skull X-ray.

Prices by Facility Type

Where you get your X-ray has the biggest impact on cost. Here is what to expect at each type of facility.

Government Hospitals (₱115-₱450)

Government hospitals offer the most affordable X-ray services in the Philippines. Pricing is tiered based on patient classification — pay patients, service patients, and charity or indigent patients may receive discounts or free services.

Based on published government hospital rate sheets:

• Chest X-ray PA: ₱115-₱230
• Abdominal X-ray: ₱165-₱330
• Knee X-ray: ₱175-₱350
• Cervical spine: ₱185-₱370
• Skull X-ray: ₱225-₱450

Government hospitals like Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital (PGH), and regional DOH hospitals publish their rates online. Indigent patients with proper documentation may receive free X-rays.

Trade-off: Expect long wait times, especially at busy hospitals like PGH. Some government facilities only accept walk-ins on specific days. Results may take 1-3 days for outpatients.

Standalone Diagnostic Centers (₱350-₱800)

Standalone diagnostic centers offer the best balance of price, speed, and convenience. These facilities process high volumes of X-rays daily and invest in digital X-ray equipment that produces results within minutes.

• Hi-Precision Diagnostics: Chest X-ray PA from ₱400-₱500, with over 20 branches nationwide
• New World Diagnostics Inc. (NWDI): Competitive pricing across Metro Manila branches, prices updated as of January 2, 2026
• Local diagnostic centers: Pricing varies, but standalone labs typically charge 20-40% less than hospital outpatient departments

Advantage: Walk-in availability, fast turnaround (same-day results are standard for X-rays), and digital X-ray machines at most locations. Many standalone centers also offer package deals when you combine X-ray with blood tests or other diagnostics.

Private Hospital Outpatient Departments (₱600-₱2,000)

Hospital-based radiology departments charge the highest rates. Premium private hospitals in Metro Manila (St. Luke's, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City) charge ₱700+ for a basic chest X-ray. The radiologist reading fee is sometimes billed separately, which adds to the total cost.

• Premium private hospitals (Manila): ₱700-₱2,000 depending on body part
• Mid-tier private hospitals: ₱500-₱1,200
• Community hospitals: ₱400-₱800

When to choose a hospital: If your doctor practices at that hospital and needs the X-ray results immediately for treatment decisions, or if you are being worked up for a condition that may require additional imaging or specialist consultation on the same visit.

Price Comparison by City

X-ray prices vary by location, with Metro Manila generally the most expensive:

Metro Manila prices run 20-40% higher than provincial areas for comparable facilities. However, government hospital rates are standardized and do not vary as much by location.

When Do You Need an X-Ray?

Doctors order X-rays for many reasons. Here are the most common situations:

• Pre-employment medical exam: A chest X-ray is required for virtually all employment medical exams in the Philippines to screen for active tuberculosis
• Suspected fracture or dislocation: After a fall, vehicle accident, or sports injury
• Persistent cough or respiratory symptoms: A chest X-ray helps rule out pneumonia, TB, or other lung conditions
• Back pain or neck pain: Spine X-rays check for disc space narrowing, scoliosis, or vertebral fractures
• Abdominal pain: An abdominal X-ray can reveal bowel obstruction, kidney stones, or abnormal calcifications
• Dental procedures: Periapical X-rays before extraction; panoramic X-rays before orthodontic work, implants, or wisdom tooth removal
• Immigration and visa requirements: Chest X-ray is required for most immigration medical exams
• Annual physical exam: Many companies include a chest X-ray in the annual checkup

Do You Need a Doctor's Request?

It depends on where you go:

• Standalone diagnostic centers: Most standalone labs accept walk-in X-ray requests without a doctor's prescription. You can request a chest X-ray for your employment medical or annual exam without a written order. However, you will need a request form for specialized X-rays like barium studies.
• Hospital outpatient departments: Hospitals typically require a written doctor's request before performing an X-ray. This is because the radiologist needs to know the clinical indication to provide a proper interpretation.
• Government hospitals: A doctor's request is usually required. If you are visiting the hospital's outpatient department, you will see a doctor first, and they will issue the X-ray request if needed.
• PhilHealth claims: A doctor's request is mandatory for any X-ray that will be charged to PhilHealth.

Tip: Even if a standalone center does not require a request form, getting one from your doctor ensures the radiologist knows what to look for when reading your X-ray. This leads to a more accurate and useful report.

PhilHealth Coverage for X-Ray

When PhilHealth Covers X-Ray

PhilHealth covers X-ray services in several situations:

• Inpatient care: X-rays performed during a hospital admission are included in the all-case-rate payment. You do not pay separately for the X-ray.
• Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB): PhilHealth now covers outpatient emergency services including X-rays and other imaging when performed at accredited hospital emergency departments. This benefit became available in 2025.
• Primary Care Benefit (Konsulta): Under the Konsulta package, PhilHealth members are entitled to chest X-ray as one of the essential diagnostic tests included in primary care.
• TB-DOTS Package: Chest X-rays for tuberculosis diagnosis are covered under PhilHealth's TB-DOTS benefit package at accredited facilities.

When PhilHealth Does NOT Cover X-Ray

• Self-requested screening X-rays without a medical indication (e.g., walk-in chest X-ray for your own peace of mind)
• Pre-employment X-rays — these are the responsibility of the applicant or the employer, not PhilHealth
• Dental X-rays — not covered under current PhilHealth benefit packages
• X-rays at non-accredited facilities

How to Claim

1. Make sure your PhilHealth membership is active and updated
2. Get a referral or request from a PhilHealth-accredited physician
3. Have your X-ray done at a PhilHealth-accredited facility
4. Present your PhilHealth ID or MDR, a valid government ID, and the doctor's request
5. The facility will process the PhilHealth deduction automatically

X-Ray Safety and Radiation Concerns

How Much Radiation Does an X-Ray Produce?

X-rays use ionizing radiation to create images, but the dose for a standard diagnostic X-ray is very low. Here are the approximate radiation doses for common X-rays:

For context, the average person receives about 3 mSv of natural background radiation per year from cosmic rays, soil, food, and air. A single chest X-ray delivers roughly 0.02-0.1 mSv — a tiny fraction of annual background exposure.

Is It Safe to Get Multiple X-Rays?

Yes, for the vast majority of patients. The radiation doses from diagnostic X-rays are well below the threshold associated with increased cancer risk (approximately 100 mSv in a single year). Even patients who need multiple X-rays over the course of treatment for a fracture or chronic condition are well within safe limits.

Who Should Avoid X-Rays?

• Pregnant women: X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely medically necessary. If an X-ray is required, the abdomen and pelvis are shielded with a lead apron. Always inform the radiologic technologist if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
• Children: While X-rays are safe for children when medically indicated, pediatric radiation doses should be minimized. Reputable facilities use child-specific settings that reduce radiation exposure.

All imaging facilities in the Philippines follow the ALARA principle — As Low As Reasonably Achievable — which means they use the minimum radiation dose necessary to produce a diagnostic-quality image.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a chest X-ray cost in the Philippines?

A chest X-ray (PA view) costs ₱300-₱800 at private diagnostic centers and hospital outpatient departments. Government hospitals offer the lowest prices at ₱115-₱230. Standalone diagnostic centers like Hi-Precision charge around ₱400-₱500. Private hospitals in Metro Manila charge ₱600-₱800 or more. A two-view chest X-ray (PA + lateral) costs ₱450-₱1,000.

Do I need a doctor's request to get an X-ray?

Most standalone diagnostic centers accept walk-in X-ray requests without a doctor's prescription, especially for routine chest X-rays. Hospital radiology departments typically require a written doctor's request. If you plan to claim the X-ray through PhilHealth, a doctor's request is mandatory. Getting a request from your doctor is always recommended for a more accurate radiologist interpretation.

How long does it take to get X-ray results?

Digital X-ray results are typically available within 30 minutes to 2 hours at standalone diagnostic centers. Some centers release preliminary results immediately after the scan, with the official radiologist reading available within a few hours. Hospital outpatient departments may take 1-3 business days. For urgent or stat requests, most facilities can provide results within 1 hour at an additional fee.

Does PhilHealth cover X-ray costs?

PhilHealth covers X-rays when they are part of inpatient care (included in the case-rate package), outpatient emergency services at accredited hospitals, or primary care under the Konsulta package (chest X-ray). Pre-employment X-rays and dental X-rays are not covered. A referral from a PhilHealth-accredited doctor is required for outpatient coverage.

Is a chest X-ray safe? How much radiation does it have?

A chest X-ray is one of the safest imaging procedures. It delivers approximately 0.02-0.1 mSv of radiation, equivalent to about 1-10 days of natural background radiation. This is a negligible amount. However, pregnant women should avoid X-rays unless medically necessary, and should always inform the technologist about their pregnancy.

Where can I get the cheapest X-ray in the Philippines?

Government hospitals offer the cheapest X-rays, with chest X-rays starting at ₱115-₱230. Indigent patients with proper documentation may receive free X-rays at government facilities. For private options, standalone diagnostic centers are 20-40% cheaper than hospital outpatient departments. Provincial diagnostic centers are generally cheaper than Metro Manila facilities. Some diagnostic chains offer package deals that include X-ray with other tests at a discounted rate.

Conclusion

X-ray is one of the most accessible and affordable diagnostic procedures in the Philippines. A chest X-ray — the most commonly ordered type — costs as little as ₱115 at a government hospital and ₱300-₱800 at private facilities. Even spine and skull X-rays, which are among the most expensive standard X-rays, rarely exceed ₱1,500.

For the best value, standalone diagnostic centers like Hi-Precision Diagnostics and New World Diagnostics offer digital X-ray with same-day results at prices 20-40% lower than hospital outpatient departments. Government hospitals remain the most affordable option, though wait times are longer. PhilHealth members should take advantage of covered X-ray benefits under inpatient care, the Konsulta primary care package, and the outpatient emergency care benefit.

Looking for diagnostic centers near you? Browse our guides for diagnostic centers in Manila, diagnostic centers in Cebu, and diagnostic centers in Davao.

Ready to book an X-ray? Search diagnostic centers on ClinicFinderPH to compare services, locations, and pricing.