Cost of Private Scans: A Comprehensive Guide

In this guide:

1. Why Choose Private Scans?
2. What are the Different Types of Scan?
3. How much do Scans Cost Privately?
4. What Health Conditions do Scans Identify?
5. What Factors Affect the Cost of Private Scans?
6. What are the Best Value Private Scans in London?
7. Which London Clinics Offer Fast Appointments?
8. Can MRI Scans Help Detect Prostate Cancer?
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Conclusion

Why Choose Private Scans?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to have a private scan:

• Speed: Private healthcare providers often have shorter waiting times, meaning you can get your scan and results more quickly.
• Choice: You can choose the consultant, the location, and the time of your appointment.
• Comfort: Private clinics and hospitals often have more comfortable facilities.
• Advanced Technology: Some private clinics have access to the latest imaging technology not yet available on the NHS.

What are the Different Types of Scan?

• Ultrasound Scan: This is a non-invasive scan that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is commonly used during pregnancy but can also be used to examine organs, muscles, and joints.

 

• MRI Scan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. It is often used to investigate pain, unexplained symptoms, or to monitor an existing condition. MRI scanners can be used to help diagnose musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal problems. A musculoskeletal MRI scan can be used to understand the root cause of an issue by exploring damage to muscles, soft tissues, bones, joints and ligaments. Non-musculoskeletal issues  including abdominal pain, balance problems, memory issues and headaches can also be explored using an MRI scanner.

 

• CT Scan: Computed Tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose and monitor conditions like cancer, injuries, and infections. In contrast to an MRI scanner, which encases your body in a tube, a CT scanner works by revolving around your body in the form of a doughnut shaped ring.

 

• X-Ray: This is the most common and widely available type of imaging scan. It uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body and is often used to examine the bones, chest, and abdomen.

How much do Scans Cost Privately?

The cost of private scans in the UK can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of scan, the location, the healthcare provider, and any additional services or follow-up appointments that may be required. On average, the cost of a private scan can range from £100 to over £2,000.

 

Compare the Cost of Private Scans in the UK

This chart gives an indication of the range of prices of private scans from different providers.

Type of Scan	Medicspot	Bristol Medical Imaging	Circle Health Group	Spire Healthcare	Vista Health
Ultrasound Scan	£210 – £420	£260 – £370	£160 – £420	£210 – £370	£175 – £190
MRI Scan
– 1 Body Part	£410 – £580	£365 – £630	£470 – £730	£365 – £630	£249 – £380
– 2-3 Body Parts	£630 – £945	£630 – £945	£680 – £945	£630 – £945	£630 – £945
– Full Body	£1,300 – £1,925	£1,350 – £1,925	£1,260 – £2,100	£1,050 – £1,890	£1,345 – £1,925
– Prostate mpMRI	£525 – £680	£475 – £680	£525 – £735	£475 – £680	£650 (fixed)
CT Scan	£470 – £735	£470 – £735	£525 – £890	£470 – £735	£445 – £620
X-Ray	£105 – £260	£105 – £260	£160 – £315	£105 – £260	£99 (fixed)

Prices correct as at July 2025

Here are some further examples of the cost of private scans:

The cost of a private ultrasound scan can range from £160 to £500. For example, at Bupa, a private ultrasound scan can cost around £220-£450, depending on the type and location.

The cost of a private MRI scan can range from £365 to £1000 for between one and 3 parts of the body. A full body scan costs in the region of £995 to £2250. For example, at Nuffield Health, a private MRI scan can cost between £375-£995, depending on the area being scanned and the location of the clinic.

The cost of a private CT scan can range from £445 to £1200. Some clinics offer a fixed price for a CT scan on one part of the body. For example, at Spire Healthcare, a private CT scan can cost between £470 to £735, depending on the location of the clinic and the area being scanned.

The cost of a private X-ray can range from £100 to £350. For example, at Circle Health, a private X-ray can cost around £160-£315, depending on the area being X-rayed and the location of the clinic.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Private Scans

• Location: The cost of private scans can vary significantly from one location to another. Clinics in London and the South East of England tend to be more expensive than those in other parts of the country.
• Provider: Different private healthcare providers have different pricing structures. Some may offer package deals which include the consultation, the scan and any follow up appointments. It is always advisable to compare prices from different providers before making a decision.
• Type of Scan: As mentioned earlier, different types of scans have different costs associated with them.
• Area of body being scanned: The complexity of the scan and the number of different areas of the body will have a bearing on the cost.
• Contrast Material: Some scans such as CT or MRI scans, may require the use of a contrast material to improve the quality of the images. This can add to the cost of the scan.
• Consultant Fees: The cost of private scans may not include the consultant’s fee, which can add significantly to the overall cost.

 

Are there any specific clinics in London known for offering the best value for private scans?

Here are some clinics in London known for offering good value for private scans, based on their pricing, reputation, and services:

1. International Ultrasound Services (IUS)

• Location: Notting Hill Gate, London

• Key Features:

  • Competitive pricing with scans starting at £119.

  • Same-day or next-day appointments.

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

  • Highly experienced sonographers and radiologists.

  • Comprehensive health screening packages available.

• Specialty: General ultrasound scans, pregnancy scans, and health check packages.

2. The Scan Clinic

• Location: Central London

• Key Features:

  • Prices starting as low as £60, depending on the scan type.

  • Comprehensive range of scans, including fertility and pregnancy scans.

  • State-of-the-art imaging technology with highly detailed results.

  • Same-day appointments and instant result summaries.

• Specialty: Affordable ultrasound scans and premium imaging services.

3. Vista Health

• Location: Multiple locations across London

• Key Features:

  • Prices starting from £175 for ultrasound scans.

  • Flexible payment options and self-referral available.

  • Same-day or next-day appointments with detailed digital reports included.

• Specialty: General diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.

Which clinics in London offer the fastest appointment scheduling for private scans?

Here are clinics in London known for offering the fastest appointment scheduling for private scans:

1. UniClinic

• Location: Ilford, London

• Appointment Speed: Same-day appointments available for ultrasound scans and other diagnostic services.

• Features:

  • Easy booking process online or by phone.

  • Affordable pricing with no hidden fees.

  • Comprehensive services including ultrasound, blood tests, and physiotherapy.

• Contact: 020 3002 7795

2. The Scan Clinic

• Location: Central London

• Appointment Speed: Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments available.

• Features:

  • Instant results summary after scans.

  • Detailed electronic diagnostic reports within 24 hours.

  • Advanced imaging technology for high-quality results.

• Contact: Available via their website.

3. London Private Ultrasound

• Location: Welbeck Street, Central London

• Appointment Speed: Same-day appointments with results provided immediately.

• Features:

  • No GP referral required for booking.

  • Flexible options for scans at home, workplace, or other locations.

  • Highly experienced sonographers using state-of-the-art technology.

• Contact: 020 7101 3377

4. Oryon Imaging

• Location: Wimpole Street and Dover Street, Central London

• Appointment Speed: Same-day MRI and ultrasound appointments available.

• Features:

  • Real-time booking system for urgent appointments.

  • Options for both 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners depending on patient needs.

  • Affordable pricing with rapid access to diagnostic imaging.

• Contact: Accessible via their website.

5. International Ultrasound Services (IUS)

• Location: Kensington, London

• Appointment Speed: Same-day and weekend appointments offered.

• Features:

  • Convenient location near Notting Hill Gate station.

  • Wide range of ultrasound services including musculoskeletal and pregnancy scans.

  • Trusted by local GPs and healthcare professionals for accuracy and reliability.

• Contact: Available via their website.

6. London Gynaecology Clinic

• Location: Austin Friars Square (City of London) and The Portland Hospital (Central London)

• Appointment Speed: Daily clinics with same-day and last-minute appointments available.

• Features:

  • Specialised in early pregnancy care and gynaecological scans.

  • Virtual consultations offered for urgent cases.

  • State-of-the-art imaging technology in ultra-modern facilities.

• Contact: 0207 10 11 700

 

These clinics provide fast access to private scans, catering to patients who require urgent diagnostic services without long waiting times.

 

READ MORE: 7 Essential Scans for Over 50s: Should you Stick with the NHS or Go Private?

 

What Health Conditions do Scans Identify?

Diagnostic scans such as CT, MRI, Ultrasound and X-rays can identify a wide range of conditions by producing detailed images of many parts of the body. These conditions include damage to bones, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, factors causing hip pain, stroke and cancers.

Specific health conditions that can be identified from an ultrasound scan include pregnancy, gallstones, kidney stones, and abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.

An MRI scan can identify conditions including brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and spinal cord injuries. Reports also suggest that MRI scans could help in the early detection of some cancers such as prostate cancer. See the full details of a recent study below.

A CT scan can identify conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and internal injuries and bleeding.

Health conditions that can be identified  from an X-ray include broken bones, lung infections, and heart conditions.

Full body scans for health screening purposes can be carried out using CT, MRI or PET scans. A PET scan or positron emission tomography, involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive substance into the body, which is then detected by the PET scanner to create images of the inside of the body. It is particularly useful for identifying cancerous cells.

Full-body scans provide a comprehensive view of the entire body, or specific organs and systems, which can help identify any abnormalities or issues that may not have been detected with more targeted scans or tests.

What are the latest trends or technologies in scans?

Can MRI scans help detect Prostate Cancer?

New research from UCL, UCLH, and King’s College London reveals that combining MRI scans with PSA density measurements significantly improves the detection of serious prostate cancers, many of which are missed by the current PSA blood test alone.

The REIMAGINE study, published in BMJ Oncology, marks the first use of MRI screening in conjunction with PSA density in a UK population-based trial. Among 303 men aged 50–75 who underwent both tests, 48 had positive MRI results despite low PSA levels. Notably, 15 of the 29 men diagnosed with serious cancer had PSA scores below the current 3ng/ml threshold—meaning they would not have been referred for further investigation under existing guidelines.

The study highlights the limitations of current prostate cancer screening practices and supports the use of MRI as a first-line tool to better identify high-risk cases while avoiding unnecessary biopsies—already sparing one in four men in the trial.

However, disparities in participation remain a concern, with black men responding to screening invitations at just one-fifth the rate of white men, despite facing double the risk of prostate cancer.

To address this, researchers are expanding efforts through the ongoing LIMIT trial, which includes mobile “scan in a van” units aimed at increasing engagement in underserved communities.

With further trials, this approach could pave the way for a national screening program, potentially halving the UK’s prostate cancer mortality rate, which currently lags behind countries with more proactive testing strategies.

For full details of the trial click on this link to University College London News

If you would like to read more about prostate MRI scans, click on the link below to our new article:

Prostate MRI Scans: A New Era in Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the different types of medical scans? There are several types of medical scans, each designed to capture different types of images of the body. Some common ones include X-ray, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scan, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan, and Ultrasound.
2.  Are there any risks associated with medical scans? The risks associated with medical scans vary depending on the type of scan. For example, X-rays and CT scans expose you to a small amount of radiation, which carries a very low risk of causing harm. MRI and Ultrasound scans do not use radiation and are considered very safe. However, it’s always important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
3. How should I prepare for a medical scan? Preparation for a medical scan varies depending on the type of scan. For example, for some CT scans, you may be asked to fast for several hours before the scan. For an MRI, you’ll need to remove any metal objects as they can interfere with the machine. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your scan.
4. Do medical scans hurt? Most medical scans are painless. However, you may feel some discomfort during the procedure. For example, you may need to lie still for an extended period, or you may find the machine noisy (as in the case of an MRI). If contrast dye is used, you may feel a warm sensation or have a metallic taste in your mouth.
5. How long does it take to get the results of a scan? The time it takes to get the results of a scan can vary. Some results may be available immediately, while others may take a few days to be analysed. Your healthcare provider will let you know when you can expect to receive your results.
6. Can I have a scan if I am pregnant? Some scans, such as X-rays and CT scans, expose the body to radiation, which can be harmful to a developing foetus. However, Ultrasound and MRI scans do not use radiation and are considered safe during pregnancy. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant before undergoing any scan.
7. Why do I need to drink water before an ultrasound scan? Drinking water before an ultrasound scan helps fill the bladder, which lifts the intestines out of the way and provides a clearer view of the uterus and other pelvic organs. This is particularly important for pelvic ultrasounds.
8. What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI? A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body, while an MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create images. CT scans are typically faster and less expensive than MRI scans but expose the body to a small amount of radiation. MRI scans do not use radiation and can provide more detailed images of soft tissues, but they are usually more expensive and take longer.
9. What is contrast dye, and why is it used? Contrast dye is a substance that is injected into the body or swallowed before some types of scans to help highlight specific areas or tissues, making them easier to see. Contrast dye can be used in various scans, including CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays.
10. Can I eat or drink before my scan? It depends on the type of scan you are having. For some scans, you may be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure. For others, there may be no restrictions on eating or drinking. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your scan.

 

Conclusion

While private scans in the UK can provide faster access to diagnostics and potentially more advanced imaging options, they can also represent a significant financial commitment. Being informed about what influences pricing—such as scan type, location, and provider—is key to making a cost-effective and medically sound choice. Patients should take the time to research thoroughly, compare services, and clarify any hidden or additional costs before proceeding. Ultimately, weighing the benefits against the cost of private scans will help individuals make the best decision for their health and budget.