Private MRI prices in Ontario (whole-body screening)
| Provider | Scope | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Simply MRI — Whole Body MRI Light | Head, neck, abdomen, pelvis | $1,500 |
| Simply MRI — Whole Body MRI | Whole-body (head to pelvis) | $2,500 |
| Prenuvo Canada | Whole-body | $2,999 |
| AIM Medical Imaging | Whole-body screening | $3,000 |
| WholeBodyMRI.ca | Signature whole-body | $3,250 |
| WholeBodyMRI.ca + bloodwork | Whole-body + blood panel | $3,650 |
Why is there such a wide range in price?
Three factors drive the gap between $1,500 and $3,650:
- Protocol depth. A "Light" protocol focused on the highest-yield organs (head, neck, abdomen, pelvis) costs less than a full head-to-knee study with detailed spine, chest and joint sequences.
- Add-ons. Some clinics bundle bloodwork, cardiac CT, or AI-augmented reporting — which can push prices to $3,650+. Others, like Simply MRI, keep the imaging stand-alone so patients can choose what they need.
- Overhead and brand. Boutique clinics with concierge experiences and downtown real estate carry higher overhead, which is reflected in the price.
Does OHIP cover any of this?
OHIP only covers MRI when a physician orders it for a specific medical concern (e.g. suspected tumour, stroke workup, joint injury). The exam is performed at an Ontario hospital or community MRI clinic with typical wait times of 2–6 months for non-urgent indications. Preventative whole-body MRI — done without symptoms, for early detection — is not covered by OHIP and must be paid privately.
How to choose a private MRI in Ontario
- Confirm the magnet field strength (1.5T is hospital-grade and well-validated for whole-body screening).
- Confirm reports are read by a board-certified radiologist, not only AI.
- Ask about turnaround time — 24–48 hours is best-in-class; 5–10 days is common at larger clinics.
- Check what's included (full report, raw DICOM images, follow-up consultation).
- Read the cancellation and rescheduling policy before paying any deposit.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private MRI cost in Ontario?
Private MRI costs in Ontario range from $700 for a single body part to over $3,650 for whole-body MRI with bloodwork. Simply MRI charges $2,500 for the full Whole Body MRI and $1,500 for the shorter Whole Body MRI Light.
Does OHIP cover private MRI?
OHIP only covers MRI ordered by a physician for a specific medical concern, performed at a hospital or community MRI clinic. Preventative whole-body MRI is not covered and must be paid privately.
Why are private MRIs different prices?
Differences come from the protocol (single body part vs whole-body), scanner field strength, included radiologist read time, and clinic overhead. Simply MRI uses 1.5T — the same field strength used by hospital radiology departments. The underlying technology is similar across most accredited providers.
Is private MRI worth the money?
For preventative screening or to skip OHIP wait times (often 2–6 months), private MRI provides faster access to imaging that can detect serious disease early — when treatment is most effective.