Ultrasound scan Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£150–£400

Published UK private hospital and scan clinic prices, October 2026.

On the NHSFree

Ultrasound is free on the NHS when you're referred, but in January 2026 about 1 in 5 people waiting for a non-pregnancy ultrasound had waited more than six weeks.

What's usually included

The price usually includes the scan and a written report, often on the same day at independent clinics. Consultant follow-ups, biopsies and guided injections cost extra.

Example published prices

Scan Assure (Manchester and Liverpool): £150 for a 30-minute diagnostic scan with a same-day report (source)
Nuffield Health Manchester Diagnostic Suite: from £299 (Band 6) up to £554 (Band 10) (source)
Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital: one area £330; gynaecological ultrasound £440 (source)
Spire Yale Hospital (Wrexham): £350 for one area, including the report (consultant fees extra) (source)

Pregnancy scans are priced differently and aren't covered here.

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. Your consultant, the hospital, London location and medical complexity can all raise the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Self-pay or health insurance?

Paying yourself makes sense if you need one known procedure now — health insurance won't cover a condition you already have. Insurance is designed for what might happen in future: it spreads the cost of unexpected diagnosis and treatment into a monthly premium. See our guide to self-pay vs health insurance, or estimate what cover would cost you.

Questions and answers

How much does a private ultrasound scan cost in the UK?

A private diagnostic ultrasound of one area usually costs £150 to £400. Independent scan clinics are usually cheapest, and private hospitals charge more, especially for gynaecological scans. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of a private ultrasound scan?

The price usually includes the scan and a written report, often on the same day at independent clinics. Consultant follow-ups, biopsies and guided injections cost extra.

Will health insurance pay for an ultrasound scan?

If you have private health insurance and the condition started after your policy began, your insurer will usually cover it, subject to your policy terms, limits and excess. Conditions you had before taking out cover are normally excluded, so insurance won't help with treatment you already need.

Can I get an ultrasound scan on the NHS instead?

Ultrasound is free on the NHS when you're referred, but in January 2026 about 1 in 5 people waiting for a non-pregnancy ultrasound had waited more than six weeks. Ask your GP about your NHS options, including choosing where you're treated.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does a private ultrasound scan cost?