If you are trying to get answers quickly, a private ultrasound can feel like the simplest route: book online, get seen fast, and leave with a report you can share with your GP or specialist. But the UK private ultrasound market is wide. Prices range from “surprisingly affordable” to “why is this so expensive”, and the quality differences are not always obvious from a clinic’s website.
This guide breaks down typical private ultrasound costs in the UK, what affects pricing, what to expect on the day, and how to choose a clinic safely and confidently.
What Is An Ultrasound And Why People Go Private
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of organs, soft tissues, and blood flow. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms (like pain or a lump), monitor a known condition (like thyroid issues), guide procedures, and check pregnancy development.
People go private for three main reasons:
- Speed: faster appointments than some NHS pathways.
- Convenience: choice of clinic location and appointment time (including evenings/weekends).
- Control: the ability to self-pay and get a report directly.
Important note: an ultrasound is a test, not a full diagnosis on its own. You may still need blood tests, a GP review, or another scan depending on findings.
Private Ultrasound Cost UK: Typical Prices By Scan Type
Private ultrasound prices vary by city, clinic type (high-street clinic vs private hospital), whether a consultant radiologist reports it, and whether it is a single area or multiple areas.
Below are real-world price examples and ranges compiled from UK providers (so you can budget realistically).
Price table: common private ultrasound scans
| Scan type | Typical UK self-pay range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, kidneys) | ~£150–£300+ | Some providers price higher for combined abdominal + urinary tract packages. |
| Pelvic ultrasound (uterus/ovaries) | ~£150–£350 | Internal (transvaginal) often costs more than external pelvic. |
| Thyroid/neck ultrasound | ~£120–£250+ | Pricing depends on reporting and whether lymph nodes are included. |
| Testicular ultrasound | ~£150–£300+ | Sometimes bundled with urinary tract in men’s packages. |
| Breast ultrasound | ~£150–£300 | Often offered with breast assessment packages. |
| Musculoskeletal ultrasound (shoulder/knee/ankle etc.) | ~£150–£350 | Sports injury clinics can be higher. |
| Vascular ultrasound (e.g., carotids, DVT assessment) | ~£180–£400+ | Heavily dependent on complexity and reporting time. |
| Pregnancy scans (viability/dating/NT/anomaly/3D-4D) | ~£80–£280+ | Prices vary massively by clinic and what’s included. |
Key takeaway: you will see “entry-level” pricing (often ~£109–£179 at some clinics) and “specialist/consultant” pricing that can be £250+ depending on the scan and location.
Pregnancy Ultrasound Prices In The UK
Pregnancy ultrasound pricing is especially varied because some services are clinical/diagnostic (with strong governance and reporting), while others are “reassurance” or “souvenir-style” scans.
Here are common types and example costs:
- Early pregnancy / viability / dating scans: some clinics advertise around £80–£140+ depending on location and what’s included.
- Nuchal translucency (NT) scans: often ~£100–£210+, and higher when combined with blood testing in specialist settings.
- Anomaly (mid-pregnancy) scans: commonly ~£160–£250+ in many private settings.
- 3D/4D scans: often ~£110–£170+ depending on package inclusions (photos, videos, repeat visits).
Safety and regulation matters more in pregnancy scanning
The CQC explicitly advises checking a baby scanning service is registered (in England) and warns that services offering ultrasound scanning must register, including “souvenir” baby scans.
The Society of Radiographers has also raised concerns about unregulated or poorly governed pregnancy scanning services.
What Affects The Price Of A Private Ultrasound
If you want to understand a quote quickly, these are the usual cost drivers:
1) Scan area and complexity
A single, straightforward scan (for example, one joint) usually costs less than multi-area imaging (for example, abdomen + pelvis + urinary tract).
2) Who reports the scan
Some clinics offer:
- Sonographer-led scanning with a written report
- Consultant radiologist reporting
- Consultant appointment + scan + report
Consultant-led pathways tend to cost more.
3) Location
London and other high-demand areas often price higher than smaller cities.
4) “All-inclusive” vs add-ons
Check whether the quote includes:
- the scan appointment
- written report
- images
- follow-up call
- onward referral letter (if needed)
Some private hospitals warn that hospital and consultant charges can be separate, depending on how you book.
5) Speed
Same-day or next-day appointments may carry a premium, especially for high-demand scan types.
Do You Need A Referral For A Private Ultrasound In The UK
Often, no—many private providers allow self-referral and booking without a GP letter (especially consumer-facing booking platforms and high-street clinics).
However, there are times a referral is helpful:
- when your symptoms suggest you may need urgent assessment
- when you want the report integrated into your NHS care pathway
- when a clinic requires clinical details before scanning
Even with self-referral, a good clinic will ask about symptoms and whether the scan is appropriate.
How To Choose A Private Ultrasound Clinic In The UK
Price matters, but for health tests you also want quality, governance, and the right reporting. Use this checklist.
1) Check regulation in your UK nation
- England: Care Quality Commission (CQC). CQC guidance notes that services offering ultrasound scanning must register.
- Scotland: Healthcare Improvement Scotland regulates independent healthcare services.
- Wales: Healthcare Inspectorate Wales inspects independent hospitals and clinics.
- Northern Ireland: Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA).
If a clinic is registered, you may also be able to find inspection information (which is a strong trust signal).
2) Ask who performs the scan and who reports it
Look for clarity on:
- the sonographer’s qualifications
- whether a radiologist reports the scan
- whether you receive a written report (and how fast)
NHS patient information commonly states results are written into a report and sent to the referrer, often within days. While private pathways differ, it highlights how important the reporting process is.
3) Make sure the clinic offers proper clinical governance
Especially for pregnancy scans, professional bodies have highlighted safety concerns where governance is weak or staff are unqualified.
A trustworthy clinic should be transparent about escalation pathways if something urgent is found.
4) Check what the price includes
Before paying, confirm:
- Does the fee include the report?
- Are there extra charges for a second area?
- Do you get images digitally?
- Is there a follow-up call if findings are unclear?
5) Read reviews the right way
Ignore vague praise (“great service!”) and look for:
- comments about communication
- report speed
- whether the clinic handled concerns professionally
- whether people felt pressured into add-ons
What To Expect At Your Appointment
Typical appointment length
Many providers quote roughly 15–45 minutes, depending on scan type.
Preparation
Preparation depends on the scan:
- Abdominal scans may require fasting or a full bladder (clinic-specific).
- Pelvic scans often require a full bladder for external scans, and consent for internal scans.
Your clinic should give clear instructions at booking.
Results and reports
Ask:
- When will the report be ready?
- Who will explain the results?
- Can the report be shared with your GP?
When You Should Not Rely On A Private Ultrasound
A private ultrasound is not a substitute for emergency care.
If you have severe symptoms (for example severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, signs of stroke, or pregnancy symptoms suggestive of an emergency), seek urgent NHS assessment via 111/999/A&E as appropriate rather than booking a routine private scan.
FAQs
How much does a private ultrasound cost in the UK?
Common self-pay pricing is often around £150–£350 for many scan types, but you can find lower or higher depending on scan type, location, and reporting.
Why do some clinics charge £120 and others £350?
Usually due to differences in:
- single vs multi-area scans
- whether the report is consultant-led
- London vs non-London pricing
- what is included (report, images, follow-up)
Are private pregnancy scans regulated?
In England, CQC guidance advises baby scanning services must be registered if they provide ultrasound scanning, including souvenir scans.
Professional bodies have raised concerns about unregulated clinics and the importance of qualifications and governance.
Can I book without a GP referral?
Many providers allow booking without referral, but you should still share your report with your GP for continuity of care.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have worrying symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional or NHS services.