How Much Does a Private Ultrasound Cost in the UK?
A complete 2026 price guide to private baby scans in the UK: average prices by scan type, what affects the cost, hidden charges to watch for, and how a regional clinic in Gateshead compares to the national average.
Quick Answer
Private ultrasound scans in the UK cost between £60 and £350 in 2026, depending on scan type. The most popular scans cost £60–£150: an early pregnancy reassurance scan averages £70–£120, a gender baby scan £65–£99, and a 4D HD Live bonding scan £78–£200. DNA-based tests sit higher: an Early Gender Blood Test starts at £125 and our tiered NIPT Test starts at £265. Prices in the North East tend to run 25–40% lower than central London for identical scan packages.
2026 UK Private Ultrasound Prices by Scan Type
Average UK prices alongside Numi Scan Gateshead's prices, so you can see exactly where we sit against the national market.
| Scan Type | When (Weeks) | UK Average | Numi Scan Gateshead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Pregnancy / Reassurance | 6–15 weeks | £60 – £120 | £70 |
| Well-Being / Heartbeat | 16–32 weeks | £50 – £100 | £65 |
| Gender Baby Scan (2D) | From 15 weeks | £59 – £99 | £68 |
| Luxury Gender Reveal Baby Scan | From 15 weeks | £89 – £150 | £95 |
| Early Gender Blood Test (DNA) | From 7 weeks | £99 – £279 | From £125 (£175 with scan) |
| 4D HD Live Bonding | 24–34 weeks | £99 – £200 | £78 – £135 |
| Premium 4D Package (Luxury 4D) | 24–34 weeks | £200 – £450 | £135 (was £145) |
| Growth & Presentation | From 24 weeks | £75 – £150 | £79 |
| NIPT (DNA chromosomal screening) | From 10 weeks | £299 – £550 | From £265 (Standard) to £345 (Absolute) |
UK averages compiled from public price lists at 30+ private ultrasound clinics across England (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle), May 2026.
What Affects Private Ultrasound Prices?
Five factors drive almost all the price variation between clinics, and knowing them lets you spot good value vs an inflated price tag.
Location
London clinics typically charge 25–40% more than the North East. A 4D scan averages £180+ in central London but £78–£135 in Gateshead and Newcastle.
Equipment quality
Clinics with the latest GE Voluson Expert HD Live or Samsung HERA W10 machines (used at Numi Scan) charge slightly more than clinics running 5+ year old equipment, but image quality is dramatically better.
Sonographer experience
experienced and registered sonographers with hospital-trained obstetric experience cost more to retain. Avoid clinics where ultrasound is operated by unqualified technicians, because under UK law there is no licensing for non-medical scans, so quality varies wildly.
What's included
Some clinics quote a low headline price then charge £20–£40 extra for prints, digital images, USB or written reports. Always ask what's included.
Clinic regulation
CQC-regulated clinics (like Numi Scan) operate under formal inspection and care standards, with full clinical governance. Unregulated 'mobile' or 'studio' scans cost less but have no clinical oversight.
Hidden Costs and Add-Ons
Some clinics quote a low headline price then add charges on the day. Always ask what's included. Common extras to look out for:
- ⚠ Print packs charged extra (commonly £15–£30 on top of headline price)
- ⚠ Digital image / USB / cloud download fees
- ⚠ Charges if you bring more than 2–3 guests
- ⚠ Re-scan fees if baby is in poor position (some clinics charge full price; others rebook free)
- ⚠ Late running / no-show deposit forfeit (industry standard but worth checking)
- ⚠ Add-on charges for video clips, gender reveal cards, soft toy packages
At Numi Scan Gateshead
Every package includes printed and digital images, a written report (where applicable), and your appointment time in full. There are no hidden charges, no upsells on the day, and no extra fees for prints. The price you see when booking is the price you pay.
How Private Compares to NHS Scans
The NHS provides two free scans during pregnancy: a dating scan around 11–14 weeks and an anomaly scan around 18–21 weeks. These are clinical screening scans: they confirm dates, check for major anomalies, and assess growth.
Private scans cost £60–£995 because they offer something different: earlier reassurance (from 6 weeks rather than 12), more time (30–45 minutes vs 15–20 NHS), 4D HD Live bonding footage (NHS doesn't offer this), same-day or next-day appointments (NHS waits average 4–6 weeks), and a relaxed, family-friendly environment where partners and children are welcome.
Many parents use both: NHS scans for clinical screening, private scans for extra reassurance and bonding. Read our full private vs NHS comparison guide for a side-by-side breakdown.
See All Scan Packages and Prices
Browse the full range of Numi Scan Gateshead packages: all CQC-regulated, all delivered by experienced and registered sonographers, all priced transparently with everything included.
Award-winning clinic (Best Ultrasound Clinic, North East Prestige Awards 2025/2026) with a fast-growing wall of five-star Google reviews since 2024.