Scan type
MRI scan in China
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use X-rays.
From $250 USD, all-in
One body area, without contrast: the hospital fee, booking, the English report and your DICOM files. Contrast and extra areas are quoted on top.
The hospital part is capped by Beijing's official price schedule at ¥470 (about $70). Official fees →
What the exam is
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use X-rays.
You lie on a table that slides into the scanner. A radiologist reviews the images and writes a report for the doctor who ordered the exam.
What it is used for
Doctors commonly order this exam to assess:
- Brain and spinal cord
- Joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage
- Organs of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Blood vessels
This list describes how the exam is used in general. It is not advice about your situation. Whether you need this exam is a decision for a doctor.
How to prepare
- Remove all jewellery and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Some hospitals ask you to change into a gown, because some fabrics contain metallic fibres.
- Take your regular medication unless the hospital tells you otherwise.
- Rules on eating and drinking before an MRI vary between hospitals. We pass on the instructions for your appointment.
- You need to stay completely still while the images are taken.
What to tell the hospital beforehand
- Any device or metal in your body. Most orthopaedic implants pose no risk, but the magnetic field can make some medical devices malfunction.
- Kidney disease. If contrast is planned, the doctor assesses kidney function first.
- Pregnancy, or the possibility of it.
- Claustrophobia or anxiety. You can ask the doctor about a mild sedative, and you will need someone to take you home afterwards.
Limits and risks to know about
- Gadolinium contrast is sometimes injected. It is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than the iodine-based contrast used for CT.
- Implants and other metal objects can make parts of the image hard to read.
MRI scan cost in China
With us, an MRI scan of one body area starts from $250 all-in: the hospital fee, booking, the English report and your DICOM files.
The hospital part is capped by Beijing's official price schedule at ¥470 (about $70). MRI cost in China, part by part →
How we arrange it
You tell us the exam, the body area and when you plan to be in China. We reply with the hospital, the appointment date and a written quote. After the scan you receive your images as DICOM files and the radiologist's report in English, with the original Chinese report.
MRI by body area
Brain MRI
A brain MRI, also called a head MRI, uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce pictures of the brain. It does not use X-rays.
Spine MRI
A spine MRI produces detailed pictures of the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord and nerves without using X-rays.
Knee MRI
A knee MRI produces detailed pictures of the bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons of the knee without using X-rays.