20 Upper Circular Rd,
#B1-26/29 The Riverwalk,
Singapore 058416
MRI Scans in Singapore

Understanding MRI and Its Role in Modern Diagnosis

What is an MRI Scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs, tissues, and structures inside the body. MRI scans are widely used in Singapore for the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of medical conditions — particularly those involving the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it especially useful for imaging soft tissues and for repeated follow-up scans.

MRI

Common MRI Applications

MRI scans are commonly recommended in Singapore for the following purposes:

  • Brain and Neurological MRI: To detect tumors, stroke damage, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other neurological disorders.
  • Spinal MRI: Used to assess herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve compression.
  • Joint and Musculoskeletal MRI: Provides detailed images of cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissue injuries, often used in sports medicine.
  • Abdominal and Pelvic MRI: Evaluates organs like the liver, kidneys, prostate, and uterus for abnormalities or tumours.
  • Breast MRI: Supplementary to mammography for high-risk patients or complex cases.
  • Whole Body MRI: Occasionally used in cancer screening or for comprehensive health evaluation.
Works

How MRI Works

MRI technology works by aligning hydrogen atoms in the body using a strong magnetic field. When radio waves are introduced, these atoms emit signals that are captured and converted into high-resolution images by a computer system. Depending on the scan type, contrast agents may be used to enhance image clarity.

Safety

MRI in Singapore: Safety and Accessibility

MRI is widely regarded as a safe imaging modality, though it may not be suitable for patients with certain metal implants or pacemakers. The procedure is typically painless, though patients must lie still in an enclosed scanner for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the region being examined.

In Singapore, MRI scans are available at major hospitals and private imaging centres, usually by referral from a GP or specialist. Wait times, availability of same-day imaging, and pricing vary between institutions.

Scan

MRI Scan Cost in Singapore

The cost of an MRI scan in Singapore can range from $700 to over $4,500+, depending on the type of scan, body region, and whether contrast is used. Subsidised rates may apply at public hospitals for eligible patients.

Note: Estimated prices are based on current market research and are subject to change.

Head/Neck

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
MRI BRAIN$900+
MRI HEADACHE SCREEN$900+
MRI STROKE SCREEN (MRA, Circle of Willis & Carotids)$1,100+
MRI DEMENTIA SCREEN$1,100+
MRI IAM SCREEN$700+
MRIIAM *$900+
MRI PARANASAL SINUSES (PNS) *$900+
MRI PITUITARY GLAND *$900+
MRI ORBITS *$900+
MRI BRAIN + ORBIT *$1,400+
MRI BRAIN + SPINAL CORD * (MS protocol)$2,000+
MRI BRAIN + SPINAL CORD + OPTIC NERVE *$2,500+
MRI CRANIAL NERVES *$1,000+
MRI FACIAL NERVE *$1,000+
MRI PAROTIDS *$900+
MRI NECK *$900+
MRI NASOPHARYNX * (MS Protocol)$900+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Body

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
MRI BRACHIAL PLEXUS$1,188
MRI BREAST *$1,500+
MRI ABBREVIATED BREAST *$800+
MRI THORAX$1000+
MRI CHEST WALL$1000+
MRI LIVER FAT QUANTIFICATION$300+
MRI ABDOMEN *$1000+
MRI LIVER *$1000+
MRI PANCREAS *$1000+
MRI KIDNEYS *$1000+
MRI CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (MRCP) *$1000+
MRI WHOLE BODY$4000+
MRI ABDOMINAL WALL$1000+
MRI PELVIS * (FEMALE)$1000+
MRI PELVIS SCREEN * (MALE) (NON PROSTATE STUDY)$1000+
MRI PELVIS (MUSCULOSKELETAL)$1000+
MRI RECTUM *$1000+
MRI ANAL-FISTULA *$1000+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Whole Body MRI

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
WHOLE BODY SCAN MRI WHOLE BODYA & CT LUNG SCREEN & US PROSTATE$4,500+
WHOLE BODY SCAN FEMALE *MRI WHOLE BODYA & CT LUNG SCREEN & US BREAST$4,500+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Musculoskeletal

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
MRI ARM$900+
MRI FOREARM$900+
MRI THIGH / FEMUR$900+
MRI CALF / TIBIA AND FIBULA / LEG$900+
MRI SHOULDER$900+
MRI ELBOW$900+
MRI WRIST$900+
MRI HAND$900+
MRI FINGER$900+
MRI HIP$900+
MRI KNEE$900+
MRI ANKLE$900+
MRI FOOT$900+
MRI HEEL (CALCANEUM)$900+
MRI LUMBAR PLEXUS$1,300+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Spine

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
MRI CERVICAL SPINE$900+
MRI THORACIC SPINE$900+
MRI LUMBAR SPINE$900+
MRI WHOLE SPINE SCREEN$1,500+
MRI SACRUM$900+
MRI SACROILIAC (5) JOINT$1,000+
MRI SACROCOCCYGEAL (TAIL BONE)$1,000+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Angiogram

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
MRA HEAD - CIRCLE OF WILLIS (SUPERIOR SAGITTAL SINUS)$1000+
MRV HEAD$1000+
MRA NECK$1000+
MRA CAROTID$1000+
MRA AORTOGRAM$1,300+
MRA BODY - ARTERIAL *$1,900+
MRV BODY (VENOUS) *$1000+
MRV PERIPHERAL (VENOUS) *$1000+
MRA THORACIC AORTOGRAM$1,100+
MRA ABDOMINAL AORTOGRAM$1,100+
MRA ABDOMINAL & THORACIC AORTOGRAM$1,800+
MRA RENAL ARTERIES$1000+
MRA VISCERAL ARTERIAL$1000+
MRA PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL$1,200+
MRA PERIPHERAL ARM$1,200+
MRA PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAM - BOTH LOWER LIMB$1,400+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Cardiac

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
* to add MRI CONTRAST$300+
* to add MRI CONTRAST - FOR CARDIAC ONLY$400+
MRI EXTENDED REGION$500+
MRI LIMITED STUDY$500+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Miscellaneous

Test NameEstimated Price 2025 (SGD)
WHOLE BODY SCAN MRI WHOLE BODYA & CT LUNG SCREEN & US PROSTATE$4,500+
WHOLE BODY SCAN FEMALE *MRI WHOLE BODYA & CT LUNG SCREEN & US BREAST$4,500+
(All pricing are Inclusive of GST)

Note: Estimated prices are based on current market research and are subject to change.

Key

Key Takeaways

  • MRI is essential for diagnosing soft tissue conditions, neurological issues, and complex musculoskeletal injuries.
  • It is non-invasive and radiation-free.
  • Most MRI scans in Singapore require a specialist referral.
  • Costs vary significantly depending on scan complexity and institution type.

Information

For More Information

Location

Directions

Opp Clarke Quay Station (B04239)
Bus No: 2, 12, 33, 54, 147, 190, 12E, TS3, 147A
Clarke Quay Station Exit E (B04222)

Bus No: NS1, NS2, 2, 2A, 12, 12E, 33, 51, 54, 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 147, 166, 174, 174E, 190, 197, 851, 851E, 961, 961M

Opp High Street Centre (B04251)
Bus No: 32, 195, 195A
Boat Quay (B05029)

Bus No: NS1, NS2, 51, 61, 63, 63A, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174E, 197, 851, 851E, 961, 961M

The Riverwalk Carpark

Mon-Fri Before 5/6pm: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm

Mon-Fri after 5/6pm: $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day

Sat: $2.00 for 1st hr, $1.00 for next subsequent 30min from 7am to 5pm, $3.21/entry from 5pm to 7am the following day

Sun/PH: $3.21/entry from 7am to 7am the following day

Clarke Quay Station (NE5)
Exit E