Should You Go to the USA for an MRI?
A private MRI in the U.S. can be cheap, but the scan is only part of the bill. Here are rough all-in costs for driving or flying from Canada, compared with paying for a private MRI here at home.
Driving usually wins
If you live near the border, a same-day drive to Buffalo, Michigan or Washington State is usually the cheapest way to get a U.S. MRI.
Flying rarely saves money
Once you add flights and a hotel, flying somewhere just for an MRI usually costs as much as a private clinic in Canada, or more.
Unless you are going anyway
If you already have a trip booked, adding an MRI there can make sense. The scan itself is often cheaper than in Canada.
Rough all-in cost, by destination
Canadian dollars, one body area without contrast, one person. Travel is a round trip; fares are October 2026 snapshots and change daily.
| Destination | Getting there | Travel | Hotel | MRI | Rough total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buffalo, NY Best for: Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara | Drive About 2 hours each way from Toronto, same day | $50–$90 gas, bridge, parking | None | $689 from our directory | $739–$779 |
Michigan Best for: Windsor, London, Southwestern Ontario | Drive About 4 hours each way from Toronto to Detroit | $90–$150 gas, bridge, parking | $0–$180 | $414–$474 from our directory | $504–$804 |
Washington State Best for: Vancouver, Lower Mainland | Drive About 1 to 2 hours from Vancouver, same day | $40–$80 gas, bridge, parking | None | $690 from our directory | $730–$770 |
Las Vegas, NV Best for: Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary | Fly About 5 hours flying from Toronto, 1 to 2 nights | $250–$400 economy return | $120–$300 | $384 from our directory | $754–$1,084 |
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL Best for: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa | Fly About 3 hours flying from Toronto, 1 to 2 nights | $250–$450 economy return | $180–$400 | $550–$1,150 typical cash price at independent centres (not in our directory yet) | $980–$2,000 |
New York City Best for: Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa | Fly About 1.5 hours flying from Toronto, 1 night | $300–$600 economy return | $250–$500 | $700–$1,250 typical cash price at independent centres (not in our directory yet) | $1,250–$2,350 |
Private clinic in Canada Quebec, Alberta, B.C. and more | Local, or a short trip | Varies | None, if local | $600–$730 from our directory | $600–$730 |
MRI ranges show the lowest and the typical (median) price per location. Totals leave out meals, time off work and travel insurance. See private MRI costs by province and state for full ranges.
Costs people forget
- Travel medical insurance. Provincial health plans cover very little outside Canada. If you have a reaction to contrast dye or any emergency, U.S. hospital bills are high. A short trip policy is cheap compared with the risk.
- Exchange rate and card fees. U.S. clinics charge in U.S. dollars. A card with no foreign-transaction fee saves around 2.5%.
- Contrast. If your doctor orders the scan with contrast, expect to pay more, often a few hundred dollars extra.
- A second visit. If the radiologist wants another view or a follow-up scan, you may need to travel again.
- Time. A flight means at least one night away and usually a day or two off work.
Before you book a U.S. scan
- Ask the centre whether it accepts a requisition from your Canadian doctor. Some U.S. centres need an order from a U.S.-licensed doctor.
- Get the price in writing, and check that it includes the radiologist's reading fee.
- Make sure the report will be sent to your doctor in Canada, and ask for your images on a CD or a download link.
- Check entry requirements on travel.gc.ca and carry your appointment confirmation.
- Keep your receipts: a prescribed MRI and some travel costs can count toward the Medical Expense Tax Credit.
Driving from Ontario? Read our step-by-step guide to getting an MRI in Buffalo.
Rough estimates for planning only, not quotes. Flight and hotel prices are advertised economy fares and mid-range rooms seen in October 2026 and change daily. General information, not medical, legal or tax advice.
Compare clinics by name and price
The directory lists each private clinic in Canada and near the border with prices per scan, Canadian-patient programs and how to book.
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