How Much Does a Private MRI Cost in Canada?

Ontario does not allow patients to pay privately for a medically necessary MRI, so Ontarians who don't want to wait travel to private clinics in other provinces or the U.S. These are real self-pay prices for an MRI of one body area, from the clinics in our directory.

Private MRI prices by province and state

Where	Clinics	From	Typical	Up to
Nevada	10	$384	$384	$384
Michigan	2	$414	$474	$534
Washington	1	$690	$690	$690
New York	12	$689	$719	$967
Alberta	9	$600	$730	$850
Quebec	22	$650	$730	$850
British Columbia	8	$720	$950	$1,195
Saskatchewan	2	$1,080	$1,080	$1,080

Each clinic's lowest published or quoted price for an MRI of one body area, in Canadian dollars. U.S. prices are converted from USD and move with the exchange rate. Prices change; confirm with the clinic when booking.

What changes the price

• Contrast dye. A scan "with contrast" usually costs about $175 to $325 more at Canadian private clinics.
• Body area. Joints and spine segments tend to be cheapest; brain, abdomen, breast and prostate cost more. Each additional area is usually discounted.
• Machine and report. 3T scanners and specialist (sub-specialty) reports can cost more. The radiologist's report is normally included.
• Currency. U.S. clinics charge in U.S. dollars, so the Canadian price moves with the exchange rate.

Costs people forget

• A requisition from your doctor. Some doctors charge a fee for writing one for a private scan.
• Travel: gas or flights, parking, and a hotel if you stay overnight.
• Images on a CD or download link, if the clinic charges for them.

How to pay less

• Compare provinces and border cities: the same scan can differ by several hundred dollars.
• Ask whether you really need contrast; your doctor's requisition decides.
• Claim it on your taxes. A prescribed MRI and some travel costs can count toward the Medical Expense Tax Credit; our directory includes a step-by-step tax guide.

Going to the U.S.? See our guide to getting an MRI in Buffalo as a Canadian. Want a whole-body scan instead? See full body MRI prices.