Let's start with the obvious:
Full-body MRIs are not covered by insurance.
There is not even a CPT code for them yet. It exists entirely outside the traditional reimbursement system.
But here's the part most people don't know:
If your full-body MRI finds something — insurance still has your back.
What happens after the scan?
Say your full body MRI at TrueScan reveals a suspicious mass on your kidney.
You'd likely need a dedicated MRI with contrast.
That dedicated MRI with contrast would still be eligible for insurance coverage. If you needed a biopsy or even cancer treatment, you would still be eligible for coverage.
Your scan with us does not block you from re-entering the insurance system.
It just helps you find things early – while you still have options.
So no, a TrueScan full body MRI will not hurt your coverage.
It may actually save you from much worse outcomes later.
But wait – why doesn't insurance cover full-body MRI in the first place?
Let's break it down.
1. Insurance pays for what's "medically necessary"
Full-body MRI (FB-MRI), when used as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals, doesn't currently meet those standards – even though it can detect early-stage disease. It's considered "elective", not medically necessary.
We disagree, obviously. But that's the logic.
2. The data is promising — but not yet at scale
To win over insurers, screening tools need to show:
- Fewer late-stage diagnoses
- Acceptable rates of false positives/negatives
- Long-term cost savings
While data suggests FB-MRI can detect cancers, aneurysms, and other conditions early – especially those with no symptoms – there are no large-scale, randomized controlled trials yet.
That's largely because full-body MRI is only now starting to gain real momentum within the medical community.
Contrast this with mammography, which:
- Has decades of randomized controlled trials showing reduced breast cancer mortality
- Is endorsed by the USPSTF and professional societies
- Has a defined risk cohort (women over 40)
The major studies that will validate the positive impact of full-body MRIs are just starting to begin.
We believe the coming 5–10 years will bring the data that proves what we're already seeing firsthand: full-body MRI has the power to save lives through early detection.
3. It took mammograms over 80 years to get covered
Let's look at mammograms:
- 1913: First clinical use
- 1976: First major trial showed 25% mortality reduction
- 1991: Medicare began coverage
- 2000s: Widespread adoption after ACA expansion
It took over 80 years for mammograms to go from invention to universal coverage. Even after the first major trial in 1976 showed a significant drop in deaths, Medicare took another 15 years to cover them.
Full-body MRIs will take time to be covered, not due to lack of effectiveness, but because the healthcare system moves slowly.
Fun fact: The first human MRI scan was performed at New York University Medical Center in 1977.
4. What would need to happen for coverage?
For full-body MRI to be covered by insurance, we'll need:
Large trials showing improved survival and reduced late-stage treatment- Endorsements from medical groups like the USPSTF or ACR
- Defined risk groups
- Evidence of long-term cost savings
This process often takes decades, unless accelerated by advocacy, policy changes, or landmark clinical evidence. At TrueScan, we're actively working to accelerate that timeline.
6. What about employers?
This is where things are moving faster.
Forward-thinking employers are already offering full-body MRI as part of executive health and wellness benefits.
Why? Because these programs help them:
- Avoid catastrophic medical claims
- Retain top talent (healthy team = happy team)
- Build a health-first workplace culture
It's a smart move, and it might be the bridge to broader insurance adoption – much like how dental and vision care started in the private sector before being included in broader plans.
PS: If you're an employer interested in offering FB-MRI, send us a message. We have a dedicated program with preferred pricing: TrueScan for Employers
TL;DR
- Insurance won't pay for a full-body MRI yet
- Insurance will still cover follow-up tests, diagnostics, and treatments after your full-body MRI
- Full-body MRI is still early in its journey to get insurance coverage — like mammography in the '70s
- Employers are leading the charge toward broader access
The future is coming. You don't have to wait for it.
Insurance coverage is a lagging indicator of progress.
But if you want to take control of your health now – before any symptoms or surprises – full-body MRI is already one of the most powerful tools available.
And at TrueScan, we're not waiting for permission to help people live longer, healthier lives.
We're doing it today.
