MRI costs vary depending on whether the treatment is covered by Medicare.
Medicare and private health insurance can cover MRI scans.
While it can be expensive, an MRI is often completely free for many Australians.
How much does an MRI cost?
Although the total cost of an MRI scan varies depending on the part of the body being imaged, costs generally range from $300 and $1,000.
Both Medicare and private health insurance (in some cases) can pay towards the cost of the MRI scan, so long as the type of MRI scan you're receiving is on Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) – meaning you're eligible for a rebate. The MRI machine must also be fully or partially licensed.
If you're treated in a public hospital as an inpatient and they bulk-bill, you might not have any out of pocket expenses.
To avoid out of pocket expenses, make sure you ask your doctor if you're entitled to a Medicare rebate.
What if I'm not eligible for a Medicare rebate?
Look for a top level health insurance policy that covers health screening tests (which can include MRI's), such as Medibank Gold Ultra.
Health insurance for MRI scans
Keep in mind that MRI scans are not a clinical category, they're a treatment type. If you need an MRI scan for a particular treatment, then your private health insurance will cover some of the costs if your policy covers that particular type of illness – for example, cancer.
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MRI cost: Medicare vs private health insurance
Health insurance can cover MRI scans, depending on your cover. Whether you are going the Medicare or health insurance route, always be sure to check that your treatment is covered or whether you will need to pay any upfront costs. Here are some of the ways these costs will be calculated:
Public patient in a public hospital (no health insurance): Medicare can cover 100% of the MBS fee.
Private patient in a public hospital: Medicare covers 75% with the remaining "gap" covered by your health insurer.
Private patient in a private hospital: Medicare once again covers 75% with the remainder paid by your health insurer.
Out of hospital MRI scan with specialist referral: Medicare covers 85% of the cost.
To have your MRI scan covered by health insurance, you'll need hospital cover. Each hospital insurance tier will cover a different set of conditions, so you'll need to have a product that covers your particular issue to be covered.
Does Medicare cover MRI scans in Australia?
Medicare will cover the cost of some MRI scans, depending on the reason for the scan. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists item numbers (conditions) for which benefits can be claimed. The table below lists the
Item number
Purpose of the scan
Fee charged
Medicare benefit
63551
Head scan for a patient 16 years or older to investigate:
Unexplained seizures
Unexplained chronic headaches with suspected intracranial pathology
$403.20
75%: $302.40 85%: $342.75
63554
Spinal scan for a patient 16 years or older for suspected cervical radiculopathy
$358.40
75%: $268.80 85%: $304.65
63557
Spinal scan for a patient 16 years or older for suspected cervical spine trauma
$492.80
75%: $369.60 85%: $418.90
63560
Knee scan for a patient 16 years or older following acute knee trauma with:
Inability to extend the knee suggesting the possibility of acute meniscal tear
Head scan for a patient under 16 years for any of the following:
Unexplained seizures
Unexplained headaches where significant pathology is expected
Paranasal sinus pathology, which has not responded to conservative treatment
$403.20
75%: $302.40 85%: $342.75
63510
Spinal scan for a patient under 16 years following radiographic examination for:
Significant trauma
Unexplained neck or back pain with associated neurological signs
Unexplained back pain where a significant pathology is suspected
$448.00
75%: $336.00 85%: $380.80
63513
Knee scan for a patient under 16 years following radiographic examination for internal joint derangement
$403.20
75%: $302.40 85%: $342.75
63516
Hip scan for a patient under 16 years following radiographic examination for:
Suspected septic arthritis
Suspected slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Suspected Perthes disease
$403.20
75%: $302.40 85%: $342.75
63519
Elbow scan for a patient under 16 years following radiographic examination where a significant fracture or avulsion injury is suspected that will change management
$403.20
75%: $302.40 85%: $342.75
63522
Wrist scan for a patient under 16 years following radiographic examination where scaphoid fracture is suspected
$448.00
75%: $336.00 85%: $380.80
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Frequently asked questions
MRI scans generally cost between $100 and $1,000, depending on what part of the body needs to be scanned, and your specific condition.
There is no best health insurance that specifically covers MRI scans. This is because MRI scans are not a treatment category, they're a treatment type. If you need an MRI scan for a particular treatment, then your private health insurance will cover some of the cost if your policy covers the particular type of injuries or illness that you're receiving treatment for. Learn more about health insurance for MRI scans.
Finder survey: How many Australians in different states feel their hospital cover offers good value for money?
Response
WA
VIC
SA
QLD
NSW
Yes
34.91%
35.19%
38.67%
30.96%
36.42%
No
21.7%
18.52%
8%
16.24%
20.13%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1006 Australians, December 2023 Data for ACT, NT, TAS not shown due to insufficient sample size. Some other states may also be excluded for this reason.
Gary Ross Hunter is an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146).
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