Is My Ultrasound Covered by OHIP? A Guide to Imaging Costs in Ontario

Worried about hidden fees? At Frontier Diagnostics, all our medically necessary ultrasounds and X-rays are free with your OHIP card. Here is everything you need to know.

In Ontario, the rise of modern "community clinics" has led to some confusion about costs. Patients often walk into Frontier Diagnostics, see our brand-new facility, and reach for their credit card, assuming we are a private clinic that charges extra fees.

The answer is: No.

If you are an Ontario resident with a valid health card and a doctor's requisition, you will not pay a single cent for your ultrasound exam.

The "Golden Rule" of Free Coverage

For your test to be 100% covered by the government, you just need two simple things:

A Valid OHIP Card: It must be unexpired.
A Requisition (Referral): A signed order from a physician or nurse practitioner stating the test is for a medical reason.

If you have these two things, the cost is billed directly to the Ministry of Health. You never see a bill.

Yes, ALL These Exams Are Free

At our Guelph clinic, we do not charge "tray fees" or "administrative fees" for your essential care. The following exams are fully covered:

Abdominal Ultrasounds: Liver, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Pancreas.
Pelvic & Pregnancy Ultrasounds: Including dating scans, anatomy scans, and checking the ovaries/uterus.
Vascular Ultrasounds: Screening for blood clots in legs (DVT) or plaque in the carotid arteries.
Musculoskeletal (MSK): Shoulders, knees, wrists, and ankles.
Breast Ultrasounds: Diagnostic scans for lumps or pain.
General X-Rays: Chest, bones, and spines.
Bone Density Scans: For eligible seniors and high-risk patients.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are only two specific scenarios where you would ever need to open your wallet at our clinic:

1. Missed Appointments ("No-Shows")

While the scan is paid for by the government, your appointment slot is not. If you book a time and fail to show up without giving us 24 hours' notice, OHIP does not pay us for that lost time.

Like most medical offices, we charge a modest "No-Show Fee" if you miss your appointment without calling to cancel.

2. Patients Without OHIP

If you are visiting from another country, or if you are a resident of Quebec (which has a different billing system), you will need to pay for your scan. We will provide you with a detailed receipt to submit to your own insurance provider for reimbursement.

Note: We do not perform non-medical "keepsake" 3D ultrasounds (entertainment scans), so you never have to worry about being upsold on expensive packages.

Summary

You do not need to pay out-of-pocket to get world-class medical imaging. At Frontier Diagnostics, we provide the same OHIP-covered services as the hospital, but with shorter wait times and zero costs.

Have a valid health card and a requisition? Click here to book your 100% free appointment today.

This blog is for general information only and isn’t intended to be medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your own health.