Updated October 2, 2026. This guide uses the official sources linked below. Rules, prices, coverage and provider policies can change; confirm details before you book, pay or apply.
Answer first: there is no single BC private-MRI price
Private MRI pricing is study-specific. A starting price, a routine single-area study, a contrast-enhanced specialty study and an upright-MRI base price are not interchangeable. Obtain a dated, written quote after the clinic has reviewed the relevant requisition or referral information.
| Provider-posted example, checked Sept. 29, 2026 | What it says | Do not infer |
|---|---|---|
| Access MRI, Surrey | Diagnostic MRI starting at $720 | That $720 applies to every region or protocol |
| Canada Diagnostic, Vancouver | Many routine single-area 1.5T MRI exams at $950; examples up to $2,500 for prostate MRI with contrast | That contrast, specialty studies or every report/inclusion have the same price |
| Welcome Back MRI, Kamloops | $1,195 base upright-MRI cost; final cost depends on the requisition | That this is a standard conventional MRI comparison |
Compare the same study, not a headline number
- Confirm body region, laterality, spine segment count and protocol.
- Ask whether contrast, contrast administration and any kidney-function testing are included.
- Ask whether the radiologist's interpretation, report, images and delivery to the referring clinician are included.
- Ask whether an arthrogram, injection, sedation, special positioning or added sequences change the price.
- Confirm requisition/referral requirements, quote expiry, deposit, cancellation terms and payment method.
A practical booking sequence
First, ask the referring clinician or clinic to identify the clinical question and exact study. Then request two or three written, like-for-like quotes. Record the provider, location, service type, quoted Canadian-dollar total, inclusions, exclusions and quote date. If you may seek reimbursement, obtain payer confirmation before payment—not after the appointment.
Use the private MRI quote comparison tool to organize up to three quotes on your own device. Also read private MRI reimbursement questions, MRI wait-time next steps, private MRI information in B.C. and the B.C. wait-time guide.
Referral, public and private routes
A private quote is a separate purchase decision from a publicly funded MRI referral. Ask the referring office which facility received the requisition, whether any required clinical information is missing and whether the public route remains active if you choose to obtain a private quote. Do not cancel or duplicate a referral without confirming the next step with the relevant office.
After the scan: confirm the report path
- Who interprets the scan, and is the radiologist's report included in the written price?
- Where will the report and images be sent, and how will the referring clinician receive them?
- What is the clinic's published process if you need a copy of an invoice, images or report for the payer?
- Who should you contact for follow-up on the clinical result? The imaging clinic does not replace the referring clinician's advice.
Official and provider sources
- Access MRI
- Canada Diagnostic fee schedule
- Welcome Back MRI
- Services covered by MSP
- B.C. MRI prioritization
Sources: Use the official links in this article for current program and provider details.
Full quote comparison checklist
Answer first: compare written quotes for the same scan—not a generic starting price or a published wait-time estimate. A confirmed appointment time is different from a clinic's general information about availability.
| Confirm before comparing | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Exact study | Is this the same body area, side, spine segment count and protocol as the requisition? |
| Requisition | Does the clinic need the requisition before finalizing the quote or booking? |
| Contrast and add-ons | Are contrast, administration, any testing, arthrogram, injection, sedation or extra sequences included or separately priced? |
| Report and images | Is a radiologist report included? How are images and the report sent to the referring clinician? |
| Timing | Is the stated date a confirmed appointment, a cancellation possibility, or a general estimate? |
| Commercial terms | What are the quote expiry, deposit, cancellation and rescheduling terms? |
Keep the written quote, date and clinic contact together. Use the MRI quote comparison tool to compare up to three quotes locally in your browser. For a reimbursement question, start with documents and insurer questions before paying. For public-referral follow-up, see MRI wait-time next steps and the B.C. wait-time preparation guide.
Relevant clinics and directories
Use the diagnostic imaging profiles to find contact details, then confirm the exact protocol and appointment directly with the clinic. A profile does not confirm current pricing, referral requirements or appointment availability.