🩻 Private Ultrasound Scan Cost UK 2026 Guide
Private Ultrasound Scan Cost UK 2026 Ultrasounds are one of the most common private medical tests in the UK.
With NHS waiting times increasing, many people choose private clinics for:
- Fast appointments
- Same-day results
- No GP referral needed
- Clear pricing
- More detailed scans
This 2026 guide includes:
- Ultrasound prices (pregnancy & medical)
- Clinic comparison chart
- Same-day ultrasound costs
- What’s included
- Extra fees
- How to save money
- Do you need a referral?
- What to expect during the scan
💷 Average Private Ultrasound Cost UK (2026)
⭐ Typical private ultrasound scan cost: £70 – £180
London clinics tend to be higher:
⭐ London average: £100 – £250
📊 Private Ultrasound Prices by Scan Type (2026)
| Ultrasound Type | Price Range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy Early Scan (6–8 weeks) | £70 – £110 |
| Gender Scan (14–16 weeks) | £50 – £85 |
| Reassurance / Wellbeing Pregnancy Scan | £70 – £120 |
| Detailed 20 Week Scan | £120 – £180 |
| 3D/4D Baby Scan | £80 – £160 |
| Abdominal Scan | £80 – £130 |
| Pelvic Scan (Female) | £80 – £140 |
| Kidney Scan | £80 – £120 |
| Liver Scan | £80 – £140 |
| Thyroid Scan | £70 – £110 |
| Testicular Scan | £70 – £120 |
| Aortic Aneurysm Screening | £80 – £150 |
| Musculoskeletal (MSK) Scan | £70 – £120 |
| Prostate Scan | £80 – £150 |
Pregnancy scans are usually the cheapest.
🏥 Private Clinic Price Comparison (2026)
⭐ Ultrasound Direct
- Price range: £65 – £120
- Wide UK coverage
- Good for pregnancy & medical scans
⭐ Window to the Womb
- £60 – £160
- Specialises in pregnancy scans
⭐ Nuffield Health
- £100 – £200
- GP referral usually not needed
⭐ Spire Healthcare
- £120 – £220
- Same-day availability
⭐ Bupa Health Clinics
- £140 – £250
- Premium service; London prices highest
⭐ Independent Local Clinics
- £70 – £120
- Often the best value
🚨 Same-Day Ultrasound Scan Cost (2026)
If you need urgent imaging:
⭐ £120 – £250
(depending on location and availability)
Same-day services are common for:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pregnancy concerns
- Kidney pain
- Gallbladder issues
- Soft tissue injuries
🩺 Do You Need a GP Referral?
❌ No — most private clinics do NOT require a referral.
You can book directly, choose the scan type, and self-refer.
⏱️ How Long Does a Private Ultrasound Take?
- Scan time: 10–20 minutes
- Total visit: 20–45 minutes
- Report available:
- Immediately for pregnancy scans
- Within 24 hours for medical scans
- Sometimes instantly printed
📃 What’s Included in the Price?
Most private ultrasound prices include:
- Full ultrasound scan
- Printed report
- Image copies
- Specialist or sonographer report
- Explanation of findings
- Recommendations for follow-up
- Images (digital or printed)
Pregnancy scans include baby pictures and heartbeat checks.
🔍 Common Reasons People Book Private Scans (2026)
Pregnancy:
- Early reassurance
- Confirm heartbeat
- Check growth
- Gender scan
- Reduced NHS appointments
Medical:
- Abdominal pain
- Gallstones
- Liver enzyme issues
- Pelvic pain
- Fertility concerns
- Kidney pain
- Thyroid swelling
- Testicular lumps
- Hernias
Private imaging avoids long NHS delays.
💸 Why Private Ultrasounds Are Cheaper Than Other Scans
Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation), making it:
- Cheaper
- Faster
- Easier to schedule
- Safe for pregnancy
- Widely available
MRI and CT scans cost £300–£900.
🧾 Extra Costs You May Need to Know (2026)
| Extra Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| GP follow-up letter | £20 – £40 |
| Consultant referral | £20 – £40 |
| Additional body part scan | £40 – £80 |
| Blood tests (if needed) | £40 – £200 |
✔️ How to Save Money on Private Ultrasound Scans
- Choose independent local clinics
- Book at non-peak times
- Avoid London clinics
- Look for “multi-spot” discount packages
- Combine pregnancy scans for cheaper bundles
- Use weekday appointments (weekends cost more)
❓ FAQs — Private Ultrasound UK 2026
1. How much is a private ultrasound scan in 2026?
£70–£180 depending on type and location.
2. Do private clinics require a referral?
No — most allow self-referral.
3. Can a private scan detect serious problems?
Yes — trained sonographers can detect many conditions, but complex findings may need further investigation.
4. Is private ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
Yes — it uses sound waves and has no radiation.
5. Is NHS ultrasound free?
Yes, but waiting times can be long.
📌 Conclusion
In 2026, private ultrasound scans in the UK cost:
⭐ £70 – £180 for most scans
⭐ £100 – £250 for London clinics
⭐ £80 – £160 for detailed pregnancy scans
Private ultrasounds offer faster access, affordable prices, no referral requirement, and same-day results — making them an excellent alternative to long NHS waiting times.