Scan costs in Australia vary widely by type (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI) and coverage, from potentially free (bulk-billed) to several hundred or even thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, with Medicare subsidising many medically necessary scans but often not preventative ones like full-body MRIs, so always check with your provider and GP for specific costs and bulk-billing options.
If you're wondering how much does an Ultrasound Cost in Australia? The average Ultrasound Cost in Australia is $100 - $150 out of pocket following a referral from a health professional. This also depends on the location of the ultrasound on the body, as well as the imaging centre.
You can use your Medicare card to access medical services, hospital services for public patients, surgical services, prescription medicines, eye tests, pathology tests, imaging and scans.
A CT scan in Australia can range from free (bulk-billed) to several hundred dollars out-of-pocket, with typical private costs around $177-$300+, depending heavily on whether it's bulk-billed by Medicare (no cost) or requires a gap payment, with costs varying by location, clinic, and complexity. For private scans without insurance, expect $300 to $800 or more, but always check with the provider for an exact quote, as many bulk-bill or offer payment plans.
MRIs are more expensive than CT scans. Most insurance companies, however, will cover the bulk of any necessary imaging tests and only require patients to pay a copay or small portion of the exam.
A private CT scan cost varies significantly by location and body part, generally ranging from $300 to over $3,000 USD (or roughly £400-£800+ in the UK) without insurance, with factors like contrast agents and the facility influencing price, so it's best to call providers directly for quotes.
In Australia, the government helps cover the cost of medical imaging through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). However, not every MRI machine or scan automatically qualifies for a Medicare rebate.
Medicare covers CT scans when medically necessary. Medicare Part A will cover the costs if a person stays in the hospital, hospice, or skilled nursing facility as an inpatient. Medicare Part B covers a scan when a person receives it as an outpatient.
Your GP can refer you to an NHS pathway for an MRI scan or directly to us for a self-pay MRI scan. According to the NHS Constitution, the waiting time aim for diagnostic imaging is six weeks. This includes NHS MRI scans that have been referred to Practice Plus Group.
Yes, MRI scans are typically more expensive than CT scans. At Ace Imaging Centre: MRI scan costs ₹3,999. CT scans start from ₹1,500.
Medical scan costs vary widely, from $50 for a basic X-ray to over $1,000 for complex MRI/CT scans, depending on the type (X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound), location (hospital vs. clinic), and if it's bulk-billed or covered by insurance/Medicare, with some being free at public hospitals but having long waits. Always ask your provider for a detailed cost estimate upfront, as prices differ significantly between clinics and regions.
Full body scan costs in Australia vary widely, from around $1,000 for basic executive health checks to $2,000 - $4,000+ for advanced MRI scans, which are generally out-of-pocket expenses as Medicare rarely covers preventative scans. Providers like Everlab, Prenuvo, and others offer premium, comprehensive scans (MRI/CT) for preventive health, while simpler DEXA scans for body composition cost around $200-$300, and some basic screenings might start from $800, but aren't full-body.
An MRI cost in Australia varies greatly, from potentially free in public hospitals for eligible conditions to over $1,000 out-of-pocket for private scans, averaging around $400-$1000+ for common scans, with full-body scans potentially reaching $2,000-$3,000+ without bulk billing. Costs depend on location, clinic, scan type, and if it's Medicare-rebated or bulk-billed, with specific criteria needed for Medicare coverage.
Why Some Patients Need to Pay for Their Ultrasound. There are a few situations where you may not be eligible for bulk billing: Your referral came from an ineligible provider (like a physio) The scan type isn't included in the referring practitioner's approved list (e.g. a podiatrist referring for a hip scan)
An ultrasound can cost $200 to $1,000 or more without insurance, depending on the type, the provider, and your location. If you're paying for an ultrasound out of pocket, there are ways to make the cost more manageable.
The cost of a CT scanner is significant. This is because CT scanners are built using high-tech equipment and software. For example, CT scanners use X-Rays to capture and record images, which means that they need to use X-Ray tubes. Some X-Ray tubes cost upwards of $200,000 or more when the need to be replaced.
MediSave helps to pay part or all of the cost of selected outpatient treatments, such as the management of chronic diseases, vaccinations, health screenings, or CT/MRI scans.
SCAN can be a strong Medicare Advantage option, but its value depends on your specific doctors, prescriptions, and expected medical needs. Because benefits and networks change yearly, evaluating your 2026 plan details—before you enroll—is essential.
There are some things Original Medicare won't cover. Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine physical exams.
Average Cost of a CT scan in South Africa
A CT scan in South Africa could cost anywhere from R1,500 to R5,000 or more. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we always recommend contacting your local radiology facilities or medical aid provider.
An MRI scan cost varies widely, from a few hundred dollars for Medicare-eligible scans (often with low out-of-pocket fees of $100-$300 for specific conditions) to over $1,000-$3,000+ for non-eligible, specialized, or full-body scans, depending heavily on location, clinic, need for contrast, and insurance coverage, with bulk billing available in some cases for eligible patients.
Yes, you can negotiate lower CT scan costs. Employ proven negotiation strategies like requesting self-pay discounts (20-40% at standalone centers), comparing facility prices (outpatient centers average $525 vs. hospitals at $4,750), and asking about bundled pricing.
Preparing for your CT scan
You will need a referral letter from a consultant or GP before booking any diagnostic investigation. You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
The average cost of a CT scan in the US can range widely, from a few hundred dollars (around $300-$800 for basic scans) to several thousand (up to $9,000+ for complex abdominal or pelvic scans with contrast), depending heavily on the body part, if contrast dye is used, facility, and insurance. In Australia, costs vary, but Medicare bulk-billing covers many scans, while private costs can be a few hundred dollars (e.g., $200-$650+ for facial bones), with potential out-of-pocket fees.