MRI Price Philippines 2026: Cost by Body Part, Contrast & Hospital

For a plain MRI of one body part, current published hospital rates reviewed by CareCostPH commonly run from about ₱5,200 to ₱11,000 for many routine examinations. MRI with contrast generally costs more, with published examples for common single-region studies reaching roughly ₱8,000–₱14,700+, depending on the body part and facility.

Larger or specialized studies cost considerably more. Current published examples include around ₱11,970–₱18,000 for a plain whole-abdomen MRI, about ₱19,360–₱35,000 for extensive or whole-spine studies, and close to ₱19,856 for MRCP at one major private hospital.

The most important thing when asking for an MRI price is not simply whether the hospital is public or private. It is: Which body part? Plain or with contrast? One side or both? What exact MRI protocol? And what does the quoted price include?

MRI Price Philippines

These are observed published rates from facilities reviewed by CareCost PH, not a national average.

The range is intentionally based on identifiable hospital prices rather than combining estimates from unrelated third-party articles. PGH’s subsidized service rates are also kept separate from ordinary outpatient-pay prices so that unusually low subsidized figures do not make the headline range misleading.

Actual MRI Prices at Philippine Hospitals

Here are useful current and recently published examples.

Bicol Medical Center’s published MRI schedule is particularly useful because it separates the regular charge from the professional fee and then shows a total rate. Its schedule is current as of July 2026.

Chong Hua’s MRI list is also unusually fresh: the prices above became effective August 26, 2026. The hospital notes that these prices cover the procedure only and that medicines and supplies needed during the procedure are not included.

Ilocos Sur Medical Center’s detailed schedule was updated December 1, 2025 and is useful for comparing plain, contrast, unilateral, bilateral and specialized MRI protocols.

If your doctor recommends a 2D echo as a follow-up, you can check the echocardiogram price to include it in your budget.

Why MRI Prices Vary So Much

Two people can both say they are getting an “MRI” while actually having very different examinations. The final price can change because of:

• Body part being scanned
• Plain MRI vs MRI with contrast
• One side vs both sides
• One spinal region vs whole spine
• Standard vs specialized protocol
• Patient classification at a government hospital
• Radiologist or professional fee
• Contrast material
• Supplies
• Sedation when required
• Whether images or copies are included
• Promotional vs normal provider pricing

This is why the exact wording on your doctor’s request is important.

For example: MRI lumbar spine — plain is not the same service as MRI whole spine — with contrast and should not be expected to have a similar price.

Brain MRI Price in the Philippines

Brain MRI is one of the most commonly priced MRI examinations. Current published examples for a routine plain brain/head MRI include:

• ₱7,525 for PGH’s listed head plain study under one outpatient-pay entry
• ₱7,800 at Batangas Medical Center
• ₱8,500 at Ilocos Sur Medical Center
• ₱10,000 total listed rate at Bicol Medical Center
• ₱13,246 at Chong Hua Hospital

The Chong Hua rate is effective August 26, 2026 and represents a useful current private-hospital comparison.

Brain MRI With Contrast

Contrast can raise the price significantly, although there is no universal “contrast fee.” Examples include:

Batangas Medical Center
Plain brain MRI: ₱7,800
With contrast: ₱8,000

Ilocos Sur Medical Center
Plain brain MRI: ₱8,500
With contrast: ₱12,700

PGH
Cranial MRI outpatient-pay: ₱5,200 plain and ₱10,210 with contrast under one current rate-table entry. These differences show why simply adding a generic ₱3,000 or ₱5,000 “contrast fee” to every MRI is unreliable.

MRI Spine Price in the Philippines

Spine MRI is usually ordered by region. The main areas are:

• Cervical spine — neck
• Thoracic spine — middle back
• Lumbar or lumbosacral spine — lower back
• Two spinal segments
• Whole spine

A routine MRI of one spinal segment is much cheaper than scanning several regions.

One-Spine-Region Prices

Published examples include:

PGH one-segment spine, plain: ₱7,525 outpatient-pay

Batangas Medical Center cervical/lumbar, plain: ₱7,800

Ilocos Sur cervical or lumbosacral spine, plain: ₱8,900

Bicol Medical Center cervical spine total: ₱10,000

Bicol Medical Center lumbar spine total: ₱11,000

Chong Hua cervical or lumbar/lumbosacral MRI: about ₱13,246

Whole-Spine MRI Costs Much More

A whole-spine or extensive multi-region scan should not be compared with a simple lumbar MRI. PGH currently lists an outpatient-pay whole-spine plain MRI at ₱19,360.

Chong Hua lists a thoracolumbar T1–S1 study at ₱28,922.

Bicol Medical Center lists:

Whole spine regular fee: ₱30,000
Professional fee: ₱5,000
Published total: ₱35,000

So if one facility quotes ₱8,000 and another quotes ₱30,000+, first check whether they are quoting the same number of spinal regions.

Knee MRI Price

A plain MRI of one knee currently has published examples such as:

At Ilocos Sur Medical Center, the published rate rises to ₱12,900 for a unilateral knee MRI with contrast. It also lists a different price for bilateral studies, so make sure the quotation is for one knee or both knees.

Shoulder, Wrist, Ankle and Other Joint MRI Prices

Musculoskeletal MRI prices are often similar across joints within the same hospital, but they are not identical everywhere. Ilocos Sur Medical Center’s December 2025 schedule includes:

• Ankle, plain unilateral — ₱8,700
• Shoulder, plain unilateral — ₱8,900
• Wrist, plain unilateral — ₱8,900
• Foot, plain unilateral — ₱8,900
• Elbow, plain unilateral — ₱8,900
• Hand, plain unilateral — ₱8,500

Bicol Medical Center currently lists a ₱11,000 total rate for many musculoskeletal studies such as knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist and hip. Chong Hua’s current private-hospital price is ₱13,247 for either left or right shoulder MRI.

Whole-Abdomen MRI Price

Abdominal MRI can cost considerably more because the study covers a larger area and may require additional imaging sequences. Current plain whole-abdomen examples include:

PGH outpatient-pay: ₱11,970

Ilocos Sur Medical Center: ₱14,800

Batangas Medical Center: ₱15,600

Bicol Medical Center total listed rate: ₱18,000

For contrast-enhanced whole-abdomen studies:

Batangas Medical Center: ₱18,600

PGH outpatient-pay: ₱20,610

Ilocos Sur whole abdomen with contrast and pelvis: ₱20,900

This is why a ₱7,000 knee MRI should not be used as a guide for what an abdominal MRI will cost.

MRCP Price in the Philippines

MRCP, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, is an MRI technique used to examine the biliary and pancreatic ducts.

Published examples vary considerably:

• PGH MRCP plain — ₱8,495 outpatient-pay
• Ilocos Sur upper-abdomen/MRCP plain — ₱10,900
• Bicol Medical Center MRCP total listed rate — ₱18,000
• Chong Hua Hospital MRCP — ₱19,856

The protocol matters, so ask whether the quotation is for MRCP only or includes additional abdominal MRI sequences or contrast.

A Current Private Diagnostic-Center Example

Private MRI prices are often harder to verify because many hospitals and imaging centers do not publish their full price lists online. One current example is Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care’s BGC branch through Hati Health.

As of this review, Hati lists:

Lumbosacral spine MRI: ₱16,500

with a crossed-out regular price of ₱18,430.

The same current promotional price is shown for pelvic MRI. This is an online promotional booking price, so it should not be treated as Shinagawa’s permanent walk-in rate or as a general private-hospital average.

What Is Usually Included in an MRI Price?

Do not assume two quotations include exactly the same items. Before comparing hospitals, ask whether the quoted amount covers:

• MRI scan itself
• All required sequences
• Radiologist interpretation
• Professional or reading fee
• Contrast material, if required
• IV supplies
• Written report
• Digital images or CD
• Other supplies

The importance of this is visible in actual price lists. Bicol Medical Center separately shows a regular procedure charge and professional fee before giving the total.

Chong Hua, on the other hand, explicitly states that its current MRI pricing covers procedure costs only, with medicines and supplies excluded. So the cheapest number on a website is not automatically the lowest final bill.

MRI With Contrast: What Changes?

Some MRI scans use an intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agent to make certain structures or tissues easier to distinguish. The amount added to the bill is not fixed nationwide.

For example:

This is much more useful than assuming contrast always adds a fixed ₱2,000, ₱3,000 or ₱5,000.

Why PGH Has Several Prices for the Same MRI

PGH is a good example of why “government hospital MRI price” can be misleading. Its rate table contains different columns for:

• Service
• Outpatient-pay
• Ward/semi-private
• Private
• Suite/deluxe

For example, PGH lists a plain unilateral knee MRI at:

₱5,400 — service rate
₱7,200 — outpatient-pay
₱7,560 — ward/semi-private
₱8,040 — private
₱8,280 — suite/deluxe

This is why the very lowest government rate should not automatically be presented as what every walk-in patient will pay. When calling PGH or another government hospital, ask which patient classification or billing category applies to you.

Public vs Private MRI: Don’t Compare Only the Headline Price

Government hospitals can have lower published rates, but the most useful comparison is not simply:

public = cheap
private = expensive

A fair comparison should include:

• Exact MRI protocol
• Plain vs contrast
• Body part
• One side vs bilateral
• Professional fee
• Medicines/supplies
• Patient classification
• HMO authorization
• Senior/PWD benefits
• Promotional rates

For example, a government hospital may advertise a lower procedure fee but charge a separate professional fee, while another facility may publish one bundled amount. Always compare the same examination with the same inclusions.

Imaging costs add up when several scans are needed. For a thyroid ultrasound, you can check the thyroid ultrasound cost.

Does PhilHealth Cover MRI?

A routine walk-in outpatient MRI does not have one universal stand-alone PhilHealth MRI benefit amount on PhilHealth’s current general benefits page.

PhilHealth’s inpatient benefits are generally paid to accredited facilities through All Case Rates, with the case-rate amount deducted from the patient’s total hospital bill. MRI may therefore form part of the overall diagnostic care associated with an admission or a specific benefit package rather than being reimbursed as one universal outpatient MRI price.

Before relying on PhilHealth, ask the hospital billing office:

• Is my MRI included in my current PhilHealth case or package?
• Is the MRI being billed separately?
• What PhilHealth deduction applies to my case?
• What amount will I personally pay?

PhilHealth benefit, hospital MRI price and your final out-of-pocket bill are not automatically the same amount.

Doctors sometimes order more than one scan during a workup. If an EEG test is also requested, you can check the EEG test price in the Philippines.

Can an HMO Pay for MRI?

It may, depending on your specific HMO contract, the facility and whether authorization is required. Do not assume an HMO card automatically means the MRI is covered.

Before booking, ask:

1. Is this exact MRI covered by my plan?
2. Is this hospital or diagnostic center accredited?
3. Do I need a Letter of Authorization or pre-approval?
4. Is contrast covered if my doctor orders it?
5. Is the radiologist/professional fee included?
6. Is there an annual diagnostic or benefit limit?
7. Will I have any co-payment?

Get the authorization before the scan when your plan requires it.

Senior Citizen Discount on MRI

Under Republic Act No. 9994, qualified senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption, where applicable, on medically necessary diagnostic services in private hospitals, medical facilities and outpatient clinics.

The law also provides free diagnostic and laboratory services in government facilities, subject to the applicable government guidelines and requirements.

Do not simply subtract 20% from an online MRI price yourself, especially when PhilHealth, packages or professional fees are involved.

Present your valid senior citizen identification and ask the billing department to calculate the applicable amount.

PWD Discount on MRI

MRI is specifically included within the definition of diagnostic tests under the implementing rules for Republic Act No. 10754.

Qualified PWDs are entitled to at least a 20% discount and VAT exemption, where applicable, on eligible diagnostic and medical services. Official implementing guidance also covers contrast media when medically necessary.

Unlike the senior-citizen provision described above, do not assume that MRI automatically becomes completely free for every PWD at a government hospital.

Ask the facility how the applicable PWD, PhilHealth and other benefits will be applied to the bill.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Request for MRI?

You should expect a doctor’s request or referral to be required. Ilocos Sur Medical Center’s outpatient MRI procedure requires a radiology request form and referral from the attending physician.

PGH likewise requires a properly completed MRI request or referral containing the relevant clinical history. For contrast studies, PGH also lists a recent creatinine result among its requirements.

Chong Hua states that patients must present a written prescription from an attending, referring or requesting physician, and MRI examinations are scheduled by appointment.

Bring the exact doctor’s request when asking for a price. It allows the imaging center to quote the correct examination instead of guessing from “MRI of my back” or “MRI of my head.”

Do You Need a Creatinine Test Before MRI With Contrast?

Not everyone having an MRI needs a kidney-function test. For some contrast-enhanced MRI examinations, however, the facility may check kidney function.

PGH’s MRI requirements specifically call for a recent creatinine result for contrast studies, with additional renal clearance under certain circumstances.

RadiologyInfo likewise notes that patients with kidney disease or risk factors for kidney disease may need blood testing before gadolinium contrast is given. Follow the requirements given by the imaging facility rather than ordering tests yourself.

Does MRI Use Radiation?

No. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency energy and computer processing rather than the ionizing radiation used in X-rays and CT scans. However, the magnetic field means MRI has its own safety requirements.

Tell the staff about any:

• Pacemaker or implanted electronic device
• Metal implant
• Surgical clip
• Cochlear implant
• Metal fragment
• Previous surgery involving implanted hardware
• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy

The MRI team will determine whether the device or implant is compatible with the examination.

How Should You Prepare?

Preparation depends on the type of MRI. For many routine examinations, patients may eat, drink and take medicines normally unless the hospital gives different instructions. Before entering the scanner, you will generally need to remove metal objects such as:

• Jewelry
• Watches
• Hairpins
• Phones
• Coins
• Other metallic belongings

Some examinations have additional fasting, contrast or sedation instructions. Always follow the instructions for your exact MRI protocol.

How Long Does an MRI Take?

A typical MRI examination takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of scan and equipment used. More extensive or specialized studies can take longer. The total hospital visit may also include:

• Registration
• Screening
• Waiting
• IV placement for contrast
• Scan preparation
• Payment
• Report processing

Ask separately when the official radiologist report will be available because turnaround time varies by facility.

What to Ask Before Booking

Before choosing an MRI provider, show them your doctor’s request and ask:

• What is the price for this exact MRI?
• Is the scan plain or with contrast?
• Is this quotation for one side or both sides?
• Is the radiologist/professional fee included?
• Is contrast included?
• Are medicines and supplies included?
• Do I need a creatinine or eGFR test?
• Are the written report and digital images included?
• Do I need an appointment?
• Can I use PhilHealth?
• Is my HMO accepted?
• Do I need an LOA?
• Does my senior citizen or PWD benefit apply?
• When will the official report be released?

The question to ask is not only: “Magkano ang MRI?”. A better question is: “How much is the exact MRI on this doctor’s request, and what is included in the total?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Magkano ang MRI sa Pilipinas?

For many routine plain MRI examinations of one body part, current official rates reviewed by CareCost PH are around ₱5,200–₱11,000 at several government hospitals for ordinary outpatient-type or total published rates.

Private-hospital examples can be higher. Chong Hua currently lists common brain, knee and cervical/lumbar MRI procedures at approximately ₱13,246–₱13,247, while a current Shinagawa BGC promotional lumbosacral MRI booking is ₱16,500.

How Much Is a Brain MRI?

Current published examples include approximately:

• ₱7,525 — PGH head MRI under one outpatient-pay listing
• ₱7,800 — Batangas Medical Center
• ₱8,500 — Ilocos Sur Medical Center
• ₱10,000 — Bicol Medical Center total listed rate
• ₱13,246 — Chong Hua Hospital

How Much Is MRI With Contrast?

There is no standard nationwide additional fee.

For example, Ilocos Sur Medical Center lists brain MRI at ₱8,500 plain vs ₱12,700 with contrast, while PGH lists a unilateral knee MRI at ₱7,200 plain vs ₱9,910 with contrast for outpatient-pay patients.

How Much Is a Knee MRI?

Current published plain one-knee examples reviewed by CareCost PH range from ₱7,200 at PGH outpatient-pay to ₱13,247 at Chong Hua Hospital.

The hospital, patient classification and whether one or both knees are being scanned can change the price.

How Much Is a Spine MRI?

A single spinal region can cost around ₱7,525–₱13,246 among several current examples.

Whole-spine or extensive multi-region MRI is much more expensive, with current published examples around ₱19,360–₱35,000.

Is MRI Free With PhilHealth?

Do not assume so.

PhilHealth does not publish one universal stand-alone outpatient MRI benefit amount. Coverage can depend on the admission, diagnosis, case rate or particular benefit package. Confirm the expected PhilHealth deduction with the hospital before the scan.

Can an HMO Cover MRI?

Possibly. Coverage depends on the plan, medical necessity, facility accreditation and authorization requirements. Check your plan and secure any required LOA before the procedure.

Is MRI More Expensive With Contrast?

It often is, but not by one fixed amount.

The actual difference varies by hospital and MRI protocol, which is why the most reliable comparison is the facility’s plain and contrast price for the exact same body part.

How CareCost PH Checked These MRI Prices

CareCost PH reviewed publicly available MRI pricing from Philippine government hospitals, DOH medical centers, private hospitals and current diagnostic booking services.

Priority was given to direct provider sources rather than repeating unsourced “average MRI prices.”

Important sources used for this guide include:

• Philippine General Hospital
• Bicol Medical Center
• Ilocos Sur Medical Center
• Batangas Medical Center
• Chong Hua Hospital
• Current Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care booking information through Hati Health
• PhilHealth
• Philippine senior-citizen and PWD laws and implementing guidance

Bicol Medical Center’s MRI schedule is current as of July 2026.

Chong Hua’s MRI prices became effective August 26, 2026.

Ilocos Sur Medical Center labels its MRI schedule updated December 1, 2025.

Prices checked by CareCost PH: September 23, 2026.

Read our How We Research Prices page for more information about how CareCost PH verifies healthcare costs.

What You May Actually Pay

For budgeting, around ₱5,200–₱11,000 is a useful observed range for many common plain, single-region MRI examinations among several government hospital prices reviewed, while current private-hospital examples can be around ₱13,000–₱16,500+.

But that is only a starting point.

Whole abdomen, whole spine, MRCP, MRA and other specialized protocols can cost significantly more.

Before booking, compare:

exact MRI protocol + body part + plain/contrast + one side/both sides + professional fee + supplies + HMO/PhilHealth + senior/PWD benefits.

A lower advertised MRI rate can become more expensive if important items are charged separately, while a higher published price may already include professional fees.

Get the total expected price for the exact test on your doctor’s request before choosing the facility.

Medical note: Prices are for general information and can change. Confirm the current price and inclusions directly with the facility. Whether an MRI or contrast-enhanced MRI is appropriate for you should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.