Does OHIP cover it?
No. OHIP covers MRI only when a physician orders it for a specific medical concern, at a hospital or community MRI clinic. A preventative whole-body MRI, done for early detection without symptoms, is not covered by OHIP and is paid privately.
| Scan | What it covers | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Body MRI | Brain, neck, full spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis | $2,500 |
| Whole Body MRI Light | Head, neck, abdomen and pelvis | $1,500 |
You pay when you arrive for your appointment.
Can a health spending account or benefits plan pay?
Often, yes, but it depends on your plan. Many health spending accounts and some employer benefit plans reimburse private diagnostic imaging. Before you book, ask your plan provider:
- Is private MRI screening an eligible expense?
- Is there a yearly limit, and how much of it is left?
- What do they need from you to claim it?
What happens if the scan finds something?
- A board-certified radiologist reads your scan and writes a report, usually within 24–48 hours.
- You get the report in your patient portal, where you can read and download it.
- Your family doctor takes it from there. If anything needs attention, they can order follow-up tests or refer you to a specialist through the public system.
Most findings on a screening scan are minor or need no action. Whole-body MRI is a screening service, not emergency care: for severe or sudden symptoms, see a doctor or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Does OHIP cover a whole-body MRI at Simply MRI?
No. OHIP covers MRI only when a physician orders it for a specific medical concern at a hospital or community MRI clinic. Preventative whole-body screening is not covered, so it is paid privately: $2,500 for the full Whole Body MRI or $1,500 for Whole Body MRI Light.
Can I use my health spending account or employer benefits?
Many health spending accounts and some employer benefit plans reimburse private diagnostic imaging, but every plan is different. Ask your plan provider before you book whether private MRI screening is an eligible expense and what paperwork they need.
What happens if my scan finds something?
A board-certified radiologist reviews your images and writes a report, usually within 24–48 hours. You can read and download it in your patient portal. If anything needs attention, take the report to your family doctor, who can arrange any follow-up tests or specialist care through the public system.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can book a whole-body MRI at Simply MRI yourself, with no referral needed.