Ultrasound Cost in the Philippines [2026 Price Guide]

Quick Answer: Ultrasound prices in the Philippines range from ₱800 to ₱3,500 depending on the type and facility. Abdominal ultrasound costs ₱800-₱1,800, transvaginal ultrasound ₱800-₱1,500, pregnancy (OB) ultrasound ₱1,000-₱2,500, and whole abdomen ultrasound ₱1,200-₱3,500. Government hospitals offer the lowest rates (₱300-₱800), standalone diagnostic centers charge mid-range prices, and hospital outpatient departments are the most expensive. PhilHealth covers ultrasound when medically indicated as part of the YAKAP package or inpatient care.

Table of Contents

• Ultrasound Prices by Type
• Prices by Facility Type
• Price Comparison by City
• Types of Ultrasound Explained
• Preparation Instructions
• PhilHealth Coverage for Ultrasound
• Where to Get an Ultrasound
• FAQs

Introduction

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly requested diagnostic procedures in the Philippines. Whether you need an abdominal scan to check your liver, a transvaginal ultrasound for gynecological concerns, or a pregnancy ultrasound to monitor your baby's development, understanding the costs and where to go can save you both money and time.

Ultrasound prices vary widely depending on three main factors: the type of ultrasound, the facility you visit, and your location. A simple abdominal ultrasound can cost as little as ₱300 at a government hospital or as much as ₱2,500 at a premium private hospital. This guide breaks down every type of ultrasound, what each costs, and where to get the best value.

For related diagnostic services, check our guides to diagnostic centers in Manila and diagnostic centers in Cebu.

Ultrasound Prices by Type

Here are the typical 2026 price ranges for each type of ultrasound across private diagnostic centers and hospital outpatient departments:

Note: Prices are estimates for 2026. Some facilities charge additional fees for interpretation (reading fee), printed images, or CD copies of the scan. Always ask for the total cost including the reading fee before your appointment.

Prices by Facility Type

The type of facility you visit has the biggest impact on how much you will pay for an ultrasound.

Government Hospitals (₱300-₱800)

Government hospitals offer the most affordable ultrasound services in the Philippines. Prices are heavily subsidized, and PhilHealth members may get additional discounts or full coverage when the ultrasound is part of an inpatient admission or covered outpatient package.

• Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC): Davao's largest government hospital, basic ultrasound from ₱300-₱600
• Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC): Government rates for all ultrasound types
• City and provincial government hospitals nationwide: Typically ₱300-₱800

Trade-off: Long wait times, limited appointment slots, and results may take longer to process. Some government hospitals have older ultrasound equipment, though major regional hospitals are generally well-equipped.

Standalone Diagnostic Centers (₱800-₱2,000)

Standalone diagnostic centers offer the best balance of price, convenience, and equipment quality. These facilities specialize in diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests, so they invest in modern ultrasound machines and employ experienced sonographers.

• Hi-Precision Diagnostics: One of the largest diagnostic chains in the Philippines, with branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other cities. Whole abdomen ultrasound typically ₱1,500-₱2,500
• New World Diagnostics Inc. (NWDI): Multiple branches across Metro Manila, competitive pricing on all ultrasound types
• Local diagnostic centers: Pricing varies, but standalone centers are typically 20-40% cheaper than hospital outpatient departments

Advantage: Faster turnaround, dedicated imaging staff, and walk-in availability at most locations. Many standalone centers release results within the same day or 24 hours.

Hospital Outpatient Departments (₱1,500-₱3,500)

Hospital-based ultrasound departments charge the highest prices but offer the advantage of immediate specialist referral if the scan reveals something that needs further evaluation.

• Premium private hospitals in Manila (St. Luke's, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City): ₱2,000-₱3,500
• Mid-tier private hospitals: ₱1,500-₱2,500
• Community hospitals: ₱1,000-₱2,000

When to choose a hospital: If your doctor has specifically requested the ultrasound as part of a hospital workup, if you need an urgent scan with immediate specialist interpretation, or if you are an inpatient.

Price Comparison by City

Ultrasound prices vary by location, with Metro Manila generally being the most expensive and provincial areas offering the lowest rates:

Metro Manila prices are 20-40% higher than Cebu and Davao for comparable services. Provincial areas are generally the most affordable, though equipment and availability may be more limited.

Types of Ultrasound Explained

Upper Abdominal Ultrasound

Examines the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and sometimes the kidneys. This is the most commonly ordered ultrasound and is used to check for gallstones, liver conditions (fatty liver, cysts, tumors), pancreatic problems, and spleen abnormalities. Your doctor may order this if you have upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or abnormal liver function tests.

KUB (Kidney-Ureter-Bladder) Ultrasound

Focuses on the urinary system — kidneys, ureters, and bladder. This is ordered when kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney cysts, or bladder problems are suspected. Patients with flank pain, blood in the urine, or recurring UTIs are commonly referred for a KUB ultrasound.

Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)

A probe is inserted into the vagina to get a closer view of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. TVS provides clearer images of the reproductive organs than a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound. It is commonly used to evaluate irregular periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometrial thickness, and early pregnancy (first trimester).

Pregnancy / OB Ultrasound

Monitors fetal development, checks for the baby's heartbeat, estimates gestational age, identifies the baby's position, and screens for certain abnormalities. The first pregnancy ultrasound is usually done at 6-8 weeks to confirm viability. A major anatomical scan (congenital anomaly scan) is typically performed at 18-22 weeks. 4D ultrasound provides real-time video of the baby and is often requested for bonding purposes.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Evaluates the thyroid gland for nodules, cysts, enlargement (goiter), or other abnormalities. This is ordered when thyroid function tests are abnormal, when a lump is felt in the neck, or as a follow-up for previously identified thyroid nodules.

Breast Ultrasound

Examines breast tissue, typically ordered alongside or as a follow-up to mammography. It is used to evaluate breast lumps, distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, and guide biopsies. For women under 40 with dense breast tissue, ultrasound is often more informative than mammography alone.

Whole Abdomen Ultrasound

Combines upper and lower abdominal scans into a single comprehensive examination. This covers the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and pelvic organs. It is the most thorough single ultrasound examination and is commonly ordered for general health screening, pre-employment checkups, or when the exact source of abdominal symptoms is unclear.

Doppler Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins. It is commonly ordered for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, carotid artery disease, and blood flow monitoring in pregnancy. Doppler ultrasound is more expensive than standard ultrasound because it requires specialized equipment and interpretation.

Preparation Instructions for Each Type

Proper preparation is important for getting accurate ultrasound results. Here is what you need to do for each type:

Abdominal / Whole Abdomen Ultrasound

• Fasting required: Do not eat or drink for 6-8 hours before the scan. This allows the gallbladder to fill with bile, making it easier to visualize gallstones and other conditions.
• Timing: Morning appointments are ideal since you will be fasting overnight anyway.

KUB Ultrasound

• Full bladder required: Drink 4-6 glasses of water 1-2 hours before the scan. Do not urinate until after the scan is complete. A full bladder pushes intestines out of the way and provides a window to view the kidneys and bladder.

Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)

• Empty bladder preferred: Unlike a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, TVS works best with an empty bladder. Urinate just before the procedure.
• No fasting required.

Pelvic Ultrasound (Transabdominal)

• Full bladder required: Drink 4-6 glasses of water 1-2 hours before. Do not urinate until after the scan.

Pregnancy / OB Ultrasound

• First trimester (transvaginal): Empty bladder preferred.
• Second and third trimester (transabdominal): Moderately full bladder. Drink 2-3 glasses of water 30-60 minutes before.

Thyroid / Breast / Soft Tissue Ultrasound

• No preparation required. These scans can be done anytime without fasting or bladder preparation.

Doppler Ultrasound

• No preparation for venous/arterial extremity Doppler. For abdominal Doppler, fasting for 6-8 hours may be required — confirm with your diagnostic center.

PhilHealth Coverage for Ultrasound

When PhilHealth Covers Ultrasound

PhilHealth covers ultrasound under several circumstances:

• Inpatient care: Ultrasound performed during a hospital admission is included in the case-rate package. You do not pay separately for the ultrasound.
• YAKAP Package (maternal care): PhilHealth's YAKAP (Prenatal and Postnatal Care Package) covers prenatal ultrasound for pregnant members. This package includes at least one ultrasound during pregnancy as part of the prenatal care benefit.
• Outpatient diagnostics with referral: When a PhilHealth-accredited physician orders an ultrasound as part of a consultation benefit, some or all of the cost may be covered.

When PhilHealth Does NOT Cover Ultrasound

• Screening ultrasound without a medical indication (e.g., self-requested scans for general health checks)
• Outpatient ultrasound without a referral from a PhilHealth-accredited physician
• 4D/3D pregnancy ultrasound (considered non-essential / for bonding purposes)
• Repeat scans beyond what is medically indicated

How to Claim

1. Ensure your PhilHealth membership is active
2. Get a referral from a PhilHealth-accredited doctor
3. Visit a PhilHealth-accredited diagnostic facility
4. Present your PhilHealth ID, government ID, and the doctor's referral
5. The facility will process the PhilHealth claim

Where to Get an Ultrasound

Metro Manila

• Hi-Precision Diagnostics — Multiple branches across Metro Manila, walk-in friendly, same-day results
• New World Diagnostics Inc. (NWDI) — Competitive pricing, multiple locations
• Hospital outpatient departments — St. Luke's, The Medical City, Makati Medical Center for cases requiring immediate specialist follow-up

For more diagnostic centers in Metro Manila, see our Manila diagnostic centers guide.

Cebu City

• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Cebu — Same national chain with consistent quality
• Hospital outpatient departments — Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu Doctors University Hospital
• Standalone diagnostic centers — Multiple options in the Osmena Blvd and Fuente area

For more diagnostic centers in Cebu, see our Cebu diagnostic centers guide.

Davao City

• Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) — Government hospital, most affordable option
• Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) — Government rates
• Hi-Precision Diagnostics Davao — National chain, standardized pricing

Tips for Choosing a Facility

• For routine scans (annual checkup, screening): Choose a standalone diagnostic center for the best price-to-quality ratio
• For pregnancy monitoring: Your OB-GYN's preferred diagnostic center or hospital is usually the best choice, since they need to interpret the results
• For urgent or complex cases: Hospital outpatient departments allow immediate specialist referral if something is found
• For maximum savings: Government hospitals offer the lowest prices but require more patience

For OB-GYN ultrasound specifically, see our guides to OB-GYN clinics in Metro Manila and OB-GYN clinics in Cebu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an ultrasound cost in the Philippines?

Ultrasound prices in the Philippines range from ₱300 at government hospitals to ₱3,500+ at premium private hospitals. A standard abdominal ultrasound costs ₱800-₱1,800 at private diagnostic centers. Whole abdomen ultrasound runs ₱1,200-₱3,500. Pregnancy ultrasound costs ₱1,000-₱2,500 for 2D and ₱2,000-₱4,500 for 4D. Government hospitals are the most affordable, followed by standalone diagnostic centers, and hospital outpatient departments are the most expensive.

Does PhilHealth cover ultrasound?

PhilHealth covers ultrasound when it is part of an inpatient admission (included in the case-rate package), when it is ordered as part of the YAKAP prenatal care package for pregnant members, or when it is ordered by a PhilHealth-accredited doctor as part of an outpatient consultation benefit. Self-requested screening ultrasounds without a medical referral are generally not covered.

Do I need to fast before an ultrasound?

It depends on the type. For abdominal and whole abdomen ultrasound, fasting for 6-8 hours is required. For KUB and pelvic (transabdominal) ultrasound, a full bladder is needed — drink 4-6 glasses of water 1-2 hours before. For transvaginal ultrasound, an empty bladder is preferred. Thyroid, breast, and soft tissue ultrasounds require no preparation.

Where can I get a cheap ultrasound in the Philippines?

Government hospitals offer the cheapest ultrasound services, starting from ₱300-₱800. SPMC in Davao and DRMC are examples of affordable government options. For private facilities, standalone diagnostic centers like Hi-Precision and NWDI are 20-40% cheaper than hospital outpatient departments. Getting an ultrasound in provincial areas is also generally cheaper than in Metro Manila.

How long does an ultrasound take?

A standard single-area ultrasound (abdominal, thyroid, breast) takes 15-30 minutes. A whole abdomen ultrasound takes 30-45 minutes. A pregnancy ultrasound takes 20-40 minutes depending on the baby's position and the level of detail needed. Results from standalone diagnostic centers are typically available same-day or within 24 hours. Hospital results may take 1-3 days depending on the facility.

Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound has been used in obstetric care for over 50 years and is considered safe for both the mother and baby when performed by trained professionals. There is no radiation involved — ultrasound uses sound waves. The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society recommends at least one ultrasound during pregnancy, and most OB-GYNs order 2-4 scans throughout the pregnancy.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool that is widely available and relatively affordable in the Philippines. For the best value, standalone diagnostic centers like Hi-Precision and NWDI offer modern equipment and fast results at 20-40% less than hospital outpatient departments. Government hospitals provide the most affordable option for patients on a tight budget.

PhilHealth coverage for ultrasound is available for inpatient care, prenatal monitoring through the YAKAP package, and outpatient scans ordered by accredited physicians. If you are pregnant and a PhilHealth member, make sure to take advantage of the YAKAP package for your prenatal ultrasounds.

The most important advice: always get your ultrasound at a reputable facility with a licensed sonographer and a radiologist who reads the results. A good scan is only as useful as the interpretation that comes with it.

Looking for diagnostic centers near you? Check our guides for diagnostic centers in Manila and diagnostic centers in Cebu.

Ready to book a scan? Browse diagnostic centers on ClinicFinderPH to compare prices, services, and locations.