Private MRI and CT Scan Costs in Canada

The cost of a private MRI or CT scan depends on the test and the clinic. You may also pay more if your scan needs contrast. Below, you'll find clinic prices, what to ask before you book, and how a Health Spending Account (HSA) can help with the bill.

First, check if your provincial health plan covers the scan. Even a private clinic may offer scans paid for by that plan. If you need to pay, an HSA may cover the cost.

How much does a private MRI cost in Canada?

There isn't one price for a private MRI. A knee scan and a full spine scan cover different parts of the body, so the fees differ.

We checked these clinic prices on September 14, 2026. All amounts are in Canadian dollars. These are prices from two clinics, not an average for Canada.

Sources: Ottawa Gatineau Imaging and Canada Diagnostic Centres. Prices can change.

To get a quote, send the clinic your doctor's referral. Canada Diagnostic Centres uses that referral and your supporting records to confirm the price.

How much does a private CT scan cost in Canada?

Canada Diagnostic Centres in B.C. lists a CT scan at $675 without contrast. With IV contrast, the price is $1,300:

Source: Canada Diagnostic Centres' CT fees, checked on the same date as the MRI prices above.

The starting price may not cover the scan you need. Ask for a quote based on the test your doctor ordered.

What's included in the price?

Contrast isn't always included. Ottawa Gatineau Imaging charges $300 for an MRI contrast injection. Some MRI prices in the table already include it. Your doctor and the scan team decide if you need contrast.

When you call, ask: “Is this the full price for my scan? Does it include contrast, the report and access to my results?”

Can you pay for a private MRI or CT scan in Ontario?

You can't pay to skip the wait for an OHIP-covered MRI or CT scan. Ontario bars clinics from charging for faster access to insured care. A clinic being privately owned doesn't change that rule. See Ontario's rules for patients.

Private payment is allowed for uninsured services. These can include scans for people who aren't insured by OHIP, or services that aren't medically necessary. Ontario explains this distinction in its rules for MRI and CT centres.

So if you're on an OHIP waitlist, paying a clinic isn't a way to move ahead for that covered scan. If a clinic offers a paid scan, ask why it is uninsured in your case.

Also check where the scan takes place. The Ottawa Gatineau Imaging prices above are for Gatineau, Quebec. They don't describe private-pay access in Ontario.

Can a Health Spending Account cover a private MRI or CT scan?

Yes, an HSA can pay you back for a prescribed MRI or CT scan that meets the rules. The CRA lists diagnostic tests as eligible medical costs when prescribed by a medical practitioner or dentist. See the CRA's medical expense rules.

With an HSA, your business pays you back for medical costs the plan covers. Check how much of your spending limit you have left and which dates your plan covers.

Keep your referral, a receipt that lists each charge, and proof you paid. If another plan pays part of the bill, claim only the eligible cost left over. Our MRI and CT scan pages explain what you need to submit.

A $1,000 scan paid through Frontier

Say your scan costs $1,000 and you have at least $1,000 left in your HSA spending limit. Once the claim is approved, you get $1,000 back. Your employer pays the claim, Frontier's $80 fee, and any taxes that apply.

This example uses Frontier's 8% fee. See current pricing and taxes on your HSA invoice for the full cost to the business.

Frequently asked questions

Can I set up an HSA after paying for a scan?

No. You can't backdate an HSA to cover a scan you paid for before the plan started. Your plan must be in place before your scan.

Paying for a scan through your business

Own a business? If your business qualifies, it can use an HSA to pay for staff medical costs. Owners who are also employees may qualify too. Check if your business qualifies for Frontier HSA.