How Much Does a Private Ultrasound Scan Cost in the UK?
Last updated 29 September 2026
An ultrasound is often the first scan a doctor reaches for: it's quick, safe, and there's no radiation. Privately, you can usually get one within a few days without waiting for an NHS referral to work its way through. The price, though, depends heavily on what's being scanned, which is why quotes range from under £100 to several hundred pounds.
Quick answer: a private ultrasound scan in the UK typically costs £55 to £800. Simpler single-area scans sit at the lower end; most clinics charge somewhere between £95 and £280 depending on the area and whether a consultant reports on it.
What affects the price
- The body area. A single joint or a thyroid scan costs less than an abdominal or pelvic scan covering multiple organs.
- Who performs and reports it. A scan performed by a sonographer and reported remotely costs less than one performed by a consultant radiologist in person.
- Doppler and extras. Blood-flow (Doppler) studies, or scanning more than one area in a visit, add to the price.
- Location. As with most private care, central London clinics tend to charge more than clinics further out for the same scan.
- Report turnaround. Same-day written reports sometimes carry a premium.
What clinics are currently charging
Based on clinics listed on Keystone (checked 2026-08-28):
| Price | Notes |
|---|---|
| £55 | Lowest published price found |
| £95 to £280 | Common range for a single-area scan |
| £300 to £800 | Multi-area, consultant-performed and specialist scans |
Every ultrasound clinic currently listed on Keystone publishes at least one price, so this is a service where comparing before you book genuinely works.
NHS vs private ultrasound
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | Roughly £55 to £800 depending on the scan |
| Typical wait | Referral first, then a wait that varies by area | Usually within days |
| Referral needed | Yes, from a GP | Usually not, as most clinics accept self-referral |
If something's worrying you and your NHS scan date is weeks away, a private ultrasound is one of the cheaper ways to get an answer sooner, and you can take the report back to your NHS GP.
Cheapest clinics for private ultrasound
The lowest published prices we list. Check what each price includes before you book.
| Clinic | Area | Ultrasound |
|---|---|---|
| Insta-Scan | BB12 | £55 |
| Hey Baby 4D Birmingham | B27 | £55 |
| Love at First Scan | L12 | £60 |
| Brighouse Ultrasound | HD6 | £60 |
| LivingCare - Leeds Private Scanning & Medical Services | LS15 | £60 |
| Ultrasound Partners | DA1 | from £69 |
| Window to the Womb | London KT9 | from £70 |
| Window to the Womb Bristol | BS14 | from £70 |
Best rated clinics for private ultrasound
Highest Google ratings among clinics with at least 20 reviews.
| Clinic | Area | Ultrasound | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insta-Scan | BB12 | £55 | 5.0 (479) |
| Tiny Toes Scan Studio | ST2 | £85 | 5.0 (232) |
| Clarewell Clinics (private sexual health clinic) | B18 | £350 | 5.0 (179) |
| UKSONO Healthcare Orpington | London BR6 | from £150 | 5.0 (125) |
| Love at First Scan | L12 | £60 | 5.0 (107) |
| Ultrasound Partners | DA1 | from £69 | 5.0 (84) |
Compare ultrasound clinics near you
The same scan can cost £100+ more at one clinic than another a few miles away. Search your postcode on Keystone to see ultrasound clinics near you, ranked by distance, price, and patient rating, and book directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare ultrasound clinics near you →Frequently asked questions
How much is a private ultrasound UK?
Based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, roughly £55 to £800. Single-area scans commonly cost £95 to £280; multi-area or consultant-performed scans run higher, and a few specialist clinics list scans up to around £1,300.
Do I need a referral for a private ultrasound?
Usually not. Most private clinics accept self-referral for common scans. A few scan types (and some clinics) do ask for a referral letter, so check when booking.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most scans take 15 to 30 minutes. You'll often get verbal findings on the day, with the written report following within a day or two.
Is a private ultrasound report accepted by the NHS?
Yes. You can share the report with your NHS GP, and it can support a referral. Occasionally the NHS will repeat the scan before acting on it, but a clear private report usually speeds things up rather than slowing them down.