How Much Does a Private MRI Scan Cost in the UK? (2026 Prices)
Last updated 3 October 2026
If you're waiting on an NHS referral, the wait can be long: the typical NHS patient is currently waiting 12.4 weeks for treatment, and the longest-waiting 8% are waiting over 38.6 weeks. Most private centres can scan you within days, and the price depends mostly on how many areas of your body are scanned.
Quick answer: a private MRI of one body part costs £249 to £545 at most of the imaging centres that publish a price on Keystone, and the cheapest start at about £250. Each extra area adds roughly £120 to £310. A full body MRI costs £765 to £1,650, or up to £1,990 with the spine included.
MRI scan prices for one body part
These are the published prices for scanning a single area, such as a knee, shoulder or one part of the spine.
| Imaging centre | Location | One body part |
|---|---|---|
| Vista Health Waterloo | London SE1 | from £249 |
| Smart MRI | London SE22 | £250 |
| Medserena Upright MRI Centre | London SW7 | from £260 |
| VisitHealth | London W14 | £329 off-peak, £409 standard |
| Doctors 4 You | London N22 | £350 |
| Alliance Medical Harley Street | London W1G | from £430 |
| Lycahealth Orpington | London BR5 | £545 |
| LivingCare | Leeds LS15 | £1,000 |
VisitHealth's price depends on the time of day: £329 off-peak, £409 standard and £690 at peak times. If you can go at a quiet time, it's worth asking other centres whether they do the same.
How much does an MRI of two or more areas cost?
Most centres price by the number of areas scanned in one visit.
| Imaging centre | 2 areas | 3 areas | 4 areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart MRI | £400 | £520 | £650 |
| VisitHealth (off-peak) | £529 | £749 | £1,059 |
| Alliance Medical Harley Street | from £655 | from £835 | from £995 |
| Lycahealth Orpington | £842 | £1,029 | £1,271 |
How much does a full body MRI cost?
A full body MRI is sold as a health check for people without symptoms, and what "full body" covers varies. Some packages include the head and neck, and the spine is often an extra.
| Imaging centre | Location | Full body MRI | With spine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Health Waterloo | London SE1 | from £765 | |
| New Horizons Imaging | Nottingham NG5 | £1,200 | £1,500 |
| LivingCare | Leeds LS15 | £1,500 | £1,750 |
| VisitHealth | London W14 | £1,650 | £1,990 |
Check exactly which areas are included before you compare, not just the package name.
Prices for specific MRI scans
| Scan | Prices at centres that list it |
|---|---|
| Knee, shoulder, hip or one spine area | Usually the one-body-part price above. VisitHealth lists each at £690 at peak times. |
| Brain MRI | £825 at VisitHealth |
| Whole spine MRI | £1,540 at VisitHealth |
| Prostate MRI | From £495 at Vista Health, £690 at VisitHealth, £1,084 at Lycahealth. LivingCare charges £425 for a screening scan without contrast and £999 with contrast. |
| Cardiac (heart) MRI | From £750 at Vista Health, £1,600 at LivingCare |
| Breast MRI | £685 at Lycahealth, £690 at VisitHealth |
| Open or upright MRI | From £260 at Medserena, from £575 at Vista Health, from £591 for one area at Alliance Medical Harley Street |
| Contrast dye | £121 extra at Lycahealth |
What affects the price
- How many areas are scanned. Each extra area adds to the price, though usually less than the first one.
- Contrast dye. Some scans need an injected contrast agent, which adds to the cost.
- Time of day. Some centres charge less for off-peak appointments.
- Open or upright scanners. These suit people who are claustrophobic and sometimes cost more.
- The radiologist's report. Nearly all private scans include a written report, but check it's in the price.
NHS vs private: cost and waiting time
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free at the point of use | £249 to £545 for one body part at most centres |
| Typical wait | Median 12.4 weeks; longest-waiting 8% over 38.6 weeks (NHS England, RTT waiting times, May 2026) | Often within days |
| Referral needed | Yes, from a GP or consultant | Many private centres accept self-referral for common scans |
Compare MRI scan clinics near you
Search your postcode on Keystone to see private MRI providers near you, ranked by distance and patient rating, and request an appointment or a quote directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare MRI scan clinics near you →Frequently asked questions
How much does an MRI scan cost in the UK?
A private MRI of one body part costs £249 to £545 at most of the centres we list, and the cheapest start at about £250. A full body MRI costs £765 to £1,650.
How much does a private MRI scan cost without insurance?
The self-pay price is the one centres publish, so the prices above are what you'd pay without insurance. One body part typically costs £249 to £545.
How much is a knee MRI privately?
A knee is one body part, so it costs the single-area price: from about £250 at the cheapest centres we list, and £690 at VisitHealth at peak times.
Does a full body MRI include the head and spine?
It varies. Some packages include the head and neck, and the spine is often charged as an extra. At VisitHealth, adding the spine takes the price from £1,650 to £1,990.
Is an MRI free on the NHS?
Yes, when your GP or consultant refers you, an NHS MRI is free at the point of use. The median wait is 12.4 weeks, and the longest-waiting 8% wait over 38.6 weeks.
How much does a brain MRI cost privately?
VisitHealth lists a brain MRI at £825. None of the other centres we list publish a separate brain price, so ask for a quote and check what's included.
How much does a full body scan cost in the UK?
A full body MRI costs £765 to £1,650 at the centres we list, or up to £1,990 with the spine included. Check which areas the package covers.
How long does an MRI scan take?
A single-area scan typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. A full-body scan can take 60 to 90 minutes.