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How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in Australia?
How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in Australia?
Written by
Tina Sendin
Edited by
Andrew Kemp
Reviewed by
Andres GutierrezCompare Health Insurance Policies
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What is an ultrasound?
Long story short
Private health insurance doesn’t cover ultrasounds where you are not a hospital inpatient
By law, PHI can’t cover diagnostic imaging when you are not treated as a hospital in-patient.. However, it can help with hospital-related costs if you’re admitted for a procedure related to your condition.
Medicare can lend a hand
For many medically necessary ultrasounds, those holding a Medicare card may get cheaper scans, but can still face some out-of-pocket costs – unless it’s bulk-billed.
Aside from the ultrasound scans, there are other costs to consider
Some of the things you might also want to factor into your budget are antenatal classes (if you’re expecting), additional scans and tests, and in-hospital stays.
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is usually a painless and non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images of the inside of your body. And because it uses sound waves – not radiation that X-rays use – it’s generally considered safe.
Ultrasounds are used for a variety of diagnostic purposes – from looking at your organs to investigating gynaecological issues like endometriosis.
External ultrasounds, like those used during pregnancy, usually involve a sonographer applying gel to your skin and moving a small device called a transducer over the area. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, which bounce back and are converted into an image on a screen.
How much does an ultrasound cost?
Ultrasound costs depend on the type of scan you need, the clinic you go to, and whether they bulk-bill. You’ll usually need a doctor’s referral to have the scan and also to claim a Medicare rebate.
If you’re pregnant, you may have a few ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s health and development, increasing costs further. It’s also worth noting that your medical imaging costs can change depending on how far along you are and also if you have a single or multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more!).
Pregnancy ultrasound costs
| Medical condition | Typical cost | Medicare rebate | Typical out-of-pocket |
| Less than 12 weeks (dating scan) | $175 | $55 | $120 |
| 12–16 weeks scan (anatomy scan) | $250 | $64 | $186 |
| 17–22 weeks scan (morphology scan) | $290 | $92 | $198 |
| More than 22 weeks (growth and wellbeing scan) | $272 | $92 | $180 |
Source: Medical Cost Finder – MBS item 55700; MBS item 55704; MBS item 55706; MBS item 55718
Note: These are the amounts patients typically paid for these services, rounded to the nearest dollar. They do not include hospital payments such as excesses, co-payments, or other payments. These fees may vary depending on your situation. Not all patients had out-of-pocket costs; those who didn’t aren’t included in these figures. Data retrieved January 2026.
Ultrasound costs for other medical conditions
| Medical condition | Typical cost | Medicare rebate | Typical out-of-pocket |
| Ultrasound of the bladder | $100 | $90 | $20 |
| Ultrasound of the urinary tract | $211 | $101 | $110 |
| Eye ultrasound (one eye) | $160 | $76 | $84 |
| Ultrasound of a shoulder or upper arm, or both (one arm only) | $201 | $101 | $103 |
| Ultrasound of lower leg (one side only) | $210 | $101 | $110 |
Source: Medical Cost Finder – MBS item 55084; MBS item 55038; MBS item 11240; MBS item 55864; MBS item 55884
Note: These are the amounts patients typically paid for these services, rounded to the nearest dollar. They do not include hospital payments such as excesses, co-payments, or other payments. These fees may vary depending on your situation. Not all patients had out-of-pocket costs; those who didn’t aren’t included in these figures. Data retrieved December 2025.
Does Medicare cover an ultrasound?
Medicare may cover some or ultrasound procedure, depending on whether it’s deemed medically necessary and is listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). To be eligible for a rebate, you’ll generally need a referral from your doctor.
If the procedure is bulk billed, then you won’t have to shell out a single cent. The catch is the wait time: you might end up on a long waitlist, depending on the procedure and its urgency.
Does health insurance cover an ultrasound?
By law, private health funds do not offer cover for medical services that are covered by Medicare where you are not a hospital in-patient, and this includes diagnostic imaging and tests – like ultrasounds.
However, private health cover could help in some other way.
For instance, if you’re having a baby, private health insurance with pregnancy and birth cover could be handy. While it won’t cover your routine obstetric ultrasounds, it can cover the cost of being a patient in a private hospital. This includes things like:
- your hospital accommodation and most hospital fees
- a portion of your obstetrician’s fees (and maybe others from your medical team, including anaesthetists)
- antenatal classes and parenting education after the birth of your baby.
It’s important to note that you’ll need an appropriate level of hospital cover (usually gold) to receive pregnancy and birth cover. You may also need to complete a 12-month waiting period before you’re able to take advantage of it.
Helpful tip
While private health insurance usually doesn’t cover routine ultrasounds, don’t dismiss its value. After all, it can help you skip longer wait times in the public system!
When it comes to pregnancy, having an appropriate level of cover – say, a gold policy – can make a big difference. It gives you the freedom to choose your own obstetrician or see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and have more say in how your birth experience unfolds.
Given the marathon that mums go through, a little extra comfort can be a gamechanger. Imagine having your own private room (and a bed for the birthing partner, too) to enjoy uninterrupted time with your newborn, or being able to stay in a private hospital a few extra days.
If you’re planning a family, check your policy early as waiting periods (often 12 months) apply for pregnancy and birth, so organising ahead of time is key.
Andres Gutierrez
General Manager – Health
Are there other out-of-pocket costs for an ultrasound?
For general ultrasound procedures, there could be some out-of-pocket costs to think about, with the amount depending on the particular procedure you might need.
When it comes to pregnancy, the cost of the ultrasound services isn’t the only expense to consider. You’ll also need weigh up several associated costs during your nine-month journey to meet bub.
- Initial consultation: You may pay a fee for the specialist or GP who refers you for the ultrasound.
- Follow-up appointments: You’ll need an appointment to discuss the results with your doctor, which may come with its own fee.
- Further tests: There are other tests that are optional for parents to take. For instance, a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) is a blood test that can test for certain genetic conditions like Down syndrome. Aside from screening for any chromosomal abnormalities, it also determines the sex of the baby. It’s not currently covered by Medicare or private health insurance, so it can set you back by $400-500.
With private health insurance, some of these costs could be covered under pregnancy and birth – although it’s always worth checking your policy or asking your private health fund to make sure there aren’t any gaps in your cover.
Are there other costs after an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is often just one part of your care and you may, depending on your situation, face extra costs beyond the scan itself.
How long will I have to wait for an ultrasound?
Your wait time for an ultrasound can vary depending on whether you’re going through the public or private system, as well as any waiting periods tied to your private health insurance.
Is there a waiting list involved for ultrasound?
Wait times in the public system can be longer, especially for non-urgent scans. It’s not uncommon to wait for quite a while, depending on the demand and the type of ultrasound you need. Urgent (or high-risk) cases are usually prioritised, so if your doctor deems the scan critical, they can help fast-track your appointment.
Private clinics generally have much shorter wait times. You can often book an appointment within a few days or weeks, making it a more convenient option if time is of the essence. Bear in mind that private clinics may charge higher fees, and you’ll need to cover the out-of-pocket costs if Medicare doesn’t fully cover the scan.
Do I need to serve a waiting period with my health fund?
If your ultrasound is part of a hospital stay or a procedure covered by private health insurance, you’ll need to consider your policy’s relevant waiting periods.
For example, pregnancy-related hospital cover typically has a 12-month waiting period before being eligible to make a claim. For other medical conditions, the standard waiting period for hospital cover is usually two months, but it can be longer for pre-existing conditions, which is also 12 months.
It’s always a good idea to check your policy details to avoid surprises.
What level of health insurance do I need to cover an ultrasound?
Private health insurance doesn’t cover out-of-hospital ultrasounds, as they’re already partially covered by Medicare.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for an ultrasound?
Yes, you need a referral from a qualified health practitioner (like a GP or specialist) to have an ultrasound. You’ll also need to this to be eligible for any Medicare rebates.
Will Medicare pay for an ultrasound?
Yes, for medically necessary ultrasounds listed on the MBS, Medicare will cover 85% of the schedule fee for out-of-hospital services. You’ll be responsible for anything above and beyond that rebate.
However, if your ultrasound scan is bulk billed, you won’t have any costs.
What factors affect the cost of an ultrasound?
The cost depends on the type of scan, the location, and each practice’s fees.
Are there any low-cost options for getting an ultrasound?
You can try to find a clinic that does bulk billing. You can ask your referring doctor if they know of any, or search online for bulk-billing radiology clinics in your area. Public hospitals may also offer ultrasounds at a lower cost, but there could be longer wait times.
Scanning the market for health insurance options? We’ve got you covered
While private health insurance can’t pay for your out-of-hospital ultrasound scans, it can help with other things. It can help you avoid lengthy waiting times, choose your doctor, and maybe even stay in hospital a little longer during your recovery!
iSelect can help you compare private health funds and policies. Check out our comparison tool to find a range of health insurance policies. You can also call 1800 784 772 and speak to our health comparison experts.
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