How much does an ultrasound cost in 2025?

Q: How much does an ultrasound cost?

The cost of an ultrasound will largely depend on the type of scan you’re getting, whether you have a Medicare card and where you go to get it done. The Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) includes fees for each listed service (including certain ultrasounds) and bases the rebates Medicare offers on these fees. But providers are entitled to set their own fees, so the actual cost of an ultrasound may differ. Before having an ultrasound, check the cost and whether you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate with your doctor or treating healthcare professional. If your provider chooses to bulk bill, you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket.

Q: Does Medicare cover ultrasounds?

Yes, if it’s an eligible service, but there could be out-of-pocket costs. Medicare can help cover the cost of some routine ultrasounds. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists all the medical services that are subsidised by the federal government. This includes certain ultrasound services, and specifically includes obstetric and gynaecological ultrasounds, as well as general, cardiac, vascular, urological and musculoskeletal ones. Medicare will pay you a benefit on these services if you are eligible. For example, to get a rebate, you may require a valid referral from your doctor for the ultrasound. The rebate will be a percentage of the listed MBS fee. For out-of-hospital services, Medicare usually pays 85% of the schedule fee.

If you’re expecting a baby, your doctor will likely refer you for several routine ultrasounds during your pregnancy. So, how much does an ultrasound cost and is it covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

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KEY POINTS

An ultrasound is a scan that creates internal images of the body using high-frequency sound waves.
The cost will depend on the type of scan and where you get it done.
Medicare can help cover the cost of some routine ultrasounds.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a scan that creates internal images of the body using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasounds are commonly used during pregnancy, as well as to examine specific parts of the body such as the abdominal and pelvic region, and musculoskeletal and vascular systems.

The ultrasound process generally involves a healthcare professional applying gel to the skin and then moving a hand-held transducer device on the skin, above the part of the body that is being examined.

As the Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association (ADIA) explains, the device transmits sound waves—much higher than human ears can hear. These sound waves go into the body and bounce back off different tissues. These reflected waves are then used to create a real-time image.

How much does an ultrasound cost?

The typical cost of an ultrasound is $208 according to the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care. This doesn’t take into account the Medicare benefit, usually around $98, which means a non-bulk billing patient would generally have an out-of-pocket cost of $110. This out-of-pocket cost will largely depend on the type of scan you’re getting, the health professional’s fees and whether you’re a bulkbilling patient (have all costs covered by Medicare) or a non-bulk billing patient claiming the Medicare benefit.

The Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) includes fees for each listed service (including certain ultrasounds) and bases the rebates Medicare offers on these fees. But providers are entitled to set their own fees, so the actual cost of an ultrasound may differ.

Before having an ultrasound, check the cost and whether you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate with your doctor or healthcare professional. If your provider chooses to bulk bill, you won’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket.

How many ultrasounds do you need for pregnancy?

According to the Victorian State Government’s Better Health Channel, pregnant women will typically be referred for routine ultrasounds during the first, second and third trimesters of their pregnancy. These procedures will check the baby’s development and help to spot any abnormalities. They can also often determine the baby’s sex—should the parents wish to know.

How much does a pregnancy ultrasound cost?

For obstetric ultrasounds, the cost will also be influenced by how many weeks along you are.

To give you an idea, specialist ultrasound practice City Imaging Ultrasound for Women lists the following ultrasound price fees on its website for a single foetus at the time of writing:
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No. of weeks	Fee	Medicare rebate	Out-of-pocket
Less than 12 weeks	$290	$55	$235
12-16 weeks	$385	$64.15	$320.85
17-22 weeks	$415	$91.65	$323.35
More than 22 weeks	$410	$91.65	$318.35

Costs will vary, and may also depend on whether you are pregnant with more than one foetus—for example, a scan of twins or triplets may cost extra, depending on the clinic.

Are ultrasounds covered by Medicare in Australia?

Medicare can cover ultrasounds for eligible services, but there could be out-of-pocket costs. The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) lists all the medical services that are subsidised by the Federal Government. This includes certain ultrasound services, and specifically includes obstetric and gynaecological ultrasounds, as well as general, cardiac, vascular, urological and musculoskeletal ones.

Medicare will pay you a benefit on these services if you are eligible. For example, to get a rebate, you may require a valid referral from your doctor for the ultrasound. The rebate will be a percentage of the listed MBS fee. For out-of-hospital services, Medicare usually pays 85% of the schedule fee.

Does private health insurance cover ultrasounds?

According to the Department of Health, by law, private health insurance does not offer cover for out-of-hospital medical services. This includes diagnostic imaging and tests, such as ultrasounds. If you are planning a pregnancy, though, then private health insurance can potentially help to cover certain hospital related costs.

For example, insurance providers may pay benefits towards private obstetrics and private hospital accommodation if you have a Gold tier health insurance policy. This may be beneficial if you would rather be a private patient and have your choice of health professional and potentially your own private room (depending on availability).

Bear in mind that all health funds have a 12-month waiting period for obstetric services. This waiting period must be served before you are admitted to hospital. This means you’ll need to take out insurance at least three months before you plan to get pregnant.

Out-of-pocket expenses and terms and conditions can apply. You can read the Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) to find out more about a private health insurance policy or by contacting the health fund directly.

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