So I live in the u.s but my insurance company wants to pay me outrageous expenses whooping >00 which would have pay close to 00 from out of pocket for meeting deductible at least. (i had very cheap insurance bc I couldn’t afford more). I consider going to Canada or Mexico to do MRI. I think this will cost a lot less with travel expenses+ non-citizen mri expense than here in the U.S I live in Chicago area, so I could even drive in few hours to Windsor, ON.
Please help. My hands are really tight up at this point.
Btw it is cardiac MRI, not regular, so its not something every MRI clinic will do.
If you google “private mri clinic canada” you will get a list of private clinics.
Most of us get our MRIs paid for through universal healthcare and never see a bill.
Like thinkingtime said we wouldn’t know how much one costs because MRIs are covered by universal health care so we never see a bill or worry about price. Google MRI clinics and you will get a list.
As the Medical Education Director for an independent MRI clinic located in Vancouver, BC, Canada I can let you know that you do have options with respect to having your MRI performed privately in Canada.
As the other two posts indicated, a good proportion of MRI’s are done through the public health care system in each province and therefore the costs associated with such tests are covered by our provincial health care plans. Should a patient not want to wait the many months in the public system, then they do have the option of using the services of an independent clinic. The same goes for those patients seeking the services from out of province or country.
In British Columbia, MRI’s in the private system cost around $895. This price may increase slightly depending on the complexity or number of areas being scanned and whether or not a contrast agent needs to be used. In order to have an MRI performed, you will need to secure a requisition/referral from a licensed physician (either specialist or Gp) within that particular province. At the private level you can have your appointment booked within 1-2 days and your report will be sent to your referring physician 2-3 days after that.
I would encourage you to do your research before committing to a particular clinic as not all clinics are the same. To help our patients make this important decision, we have developed an important list of questions that you should ask of any clinic whose services you are considering using, this way you can be assured that you are getting the absolute best in imaging services. You may find this reference to be helpful. http://www.canmagnetic.com/company-news/important-questions-to-consider-when-choosing-an-mri-facility/
Within this same website, you will find our rates page which will give you a clear idea of the costs that may be involved.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you need any further questions answering.
All the best to you.