How Much Does a Private Ultrasound Cost in London?

Introduction

Private ultrasounds in London span a jaw-dropping price range—from as little as £60 to well over £400. That’s not random chaos—it reflects differences in scan type, location, sonographer expertise, and the clinic’s business model. Let’s break down the real numbers, what influences cost, and whether you’re overpaying for peace of mind.

Price Breakdown: What You Can Actually Expect

• Lowest-priced options

  • The Scan Clinic offers ultrasounds from just £60 for basic scans, setting a low benchmark in London  .

  • UniClinic in East London starts at about £80  . These low rates often reflect ultra-basic ultrasounds and limited appointment flexibility.

  
  

• Mid‑range clinics

  
  

  • International Ultrasound Services (IUS London) lists scans between £119 and £239, depending on complexity, inclusive of report, digital images, and same‑day results—no hidden extras  .

  • Vista Health charges from £175, including a written report emailed within three days  .

  
  

• Premium or specialist providers

  
  

  • London Sono offers many scan types at £197 each—solid for sports or fertility follow-up without a premium venue markup  .

  • Harley Street‑area clinics like Oryon charge from £295, with consultant-led scanning and rapid reporting—a typical premium rate for high-end locations  .

  • At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, a single-area scan starts at £415—regular for large hospital centres with consultant oversight  .

  
  

• Specialist scans (3D/4D or pregnancy)

  
  

  • General pregnancy scans range £100–£400, early viability scans around £50–£200, and anomaly/3D scans often reach £200–£300  .

    
    

Why Prices Vary So Much

1. Location & prestige

   
   

   • Clinics on Harley Street or Bond Street charge more—not because the scan is technically better, but because the address implies luxury and attracts wealthier clientele .

     
     

2. Scanner’s expertise

   
   

   • A scan performed by a consultant radiologist or specialist sonographer costs more—sometimes twice the price—than a generalist tech .

   
   

3. What’s included matters

   
   

   • Some clinics (e.g., IUS London, Vista Health) include the report, images, and even same-day results in the quoted price .

   • Others add on post-scan admin fees or charge per body area scanned (e.g., £415 per region at St John & St Elizabeth) .

   
   

4. Urgency & convenience

   
   

   • Quick, out-of-hours slots can carry a premium. You’re paying for time, not just the scan.

     
     

So What Should You Pay—or Is It Worth It?

• For routine scans, aim for £100–£200. Cheaper than £80 raises suspicion; over £400 demands scrutiny—does it add clinical value or just designer branding?

• Specialist clinics: Paying £295+ can be justified if you’re truly getting consultant expertise, rapid digital results, and follow-up advice.

• Quality matters and this isn’t just the machine. The radiologist interpreting the scan is vital. Uk trained radiologists are trained to exceptionally high standards but occasionally companies out source reports and the standard drops. Sometimes not all electricians are the same… same with doctors.

Devil’s Advocate

If someone says “£60 scan is enough,” remind them you’re not buying bathroom cleaning—you’re buying clinical accuracy and peace of mind. On the other hand, paying £400 just for “Harley Street prestige” doesn’t guarantee better outcomes. Look beyond branding: check if reports are included, who reads the scan, and how fast you get the results.

By breaking down real costs, clinical context, and practical caveats, this guide should help readers feel confidently informed—not manipulated—when they decide to go private for an ultrasound in London.