If you’ve been searching for a private MRI clinic in Ontario, you’re not alone—and you’re also likely hitting the same roadblock: private MRIs are not legally available in Ontario unless they’re for specific purposes like out-of-country travel or conducted through third-party insurance. So what are your options when you’ve been told the wait time for an MRI in Ontario is 100+ days?
Let’s break it down.
Can You Get a Private MRI in Ontario?
No. Not in the way most people think.
Ontario’s healthcare system is public, and MRI scans are typically covered by OHIP (with a referral), but only through hospital-based systems. This means you’re often facing months-long waitlists, unless your case is deemed urgent by a doctor.
There are a small number of clinics offering “non-OHIP” MRIs for very specific use cases (like occupational health or legal claims), but these are rare, expensive, and often still tied to hospital scheduling.
Why Are Ontario MRI Wait Times So Long?
According to Ontario Health, the average wait time for an MRI in Ontario exceeds 100 days in many regions. That’s more than 3 months and even longer for non-urgent conditions.
This delay puts patients at risk of missing early diagnoses for serious conditions like tumors, disc injuries, or internal joint damage.
A Legal & Convenient Alternative: Canmax Medical Imaging
Canadians don’t have to stay on a waitlist and hope for the best.
Canmax Medical Imaging is a Canadian-owned private clinic located in Buffalo, NY, just 10 minutes from the Niagara border. We offer MRI and CT scans within 48 hours, with results sent directly to your referring physician in Canada.
You don’t need to worry about legality or insurance issues. Cross-border imaging is 100% legal, and thousands of Canadians travel to the U.S. every year for faster diagnostics.
Is It Easy to Cross the Border for a Scan?
Yes.
Crossing the border for medical purposes is legal and straightforward. You’ll simply need a valid passport or enhanced ID. You may be asked at the border what your reason for travel is. Just let them know you’re attending a medical appointment in Buffalo.
There are no restrictions or penalties for traveling to the U.S. for private healthcare, and most Canmax patients report a smooth and stress-free experience.
How to Book an MRI or CT Scan at Canmax
Booking is easy:
✅ Step 1: Get a referral from your Canadian doctor or specialist
✅ Step 2: Send it to us via our online form or email
✅ Step 3: Choose your appointment time. Most within 48 hours
✅ Step 4: Cross the border, get scanned, and receive results fast
Stop Waiting. Start Healing.
If you’re tired of waiting months for a scan that could change everything, you have options.
Canmax Medical Imaging is here to help Canadians get the care they deserve. Quickly, professionally, and safely.
