How Much Does a PET Scan Cost in the UK? (2026 Private Prices)
Last updated 27 October 2026
PET-CT imaging needs specialised equipment that most private hospitals and imaging centres don't have. That's a big part of why it costs more than a standard CT or MRI scan, and why there are far fewer providers to compare.
Quick answer: a private PET-CT scan in the UK costs from £1,100 to £2,096 at the 7 centres listed on Keystone. Six of the seven list a starting price of £2,096. The cheapest listed price is £1,100 at the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre.
PET scan prices at each UK centre
These are the starting prices each centre lists for a standard PET-CT scan. The final price depends on your referral, so treat them as "from" prices.
| Centre | Location | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Strickland Scanner Centre | London | £1,100 |
| Alliance Medical Harley Street | London | £2,096 |
| Denmark Hill PET-CT Centre | London | £2,096 |
| Sidcup PET-CT Centre | London | £2,096 |
| South Tees PET CT Centre | North East | £2,096 |
| Plymouth PET CT Centre | South West | £2,096 |
| Taunton PET CT | South West | £2,096 |
Most of these sites are run by Alliance Medical, which explains why so many list the same £2,096 price. If you're flexible on location, the gap between the cheapest and the most common price is almost £1,000.
How much does a full body PET scan cost?
A "whole body" PET-CT is the standard scan for most cancer referrals, and it usually covers the body from the base of the skull to mid thigh. So the listed prices above are generally what you'd pay for what people call a full body PET scan.
The price goes up when the scan is non-standard. A true head to toe scan, a special tracer, or a scan for a specific heart or brain question can all cost more than the headline figure. Most centres confirm the exact price once they've seen the referral, so ask for a written quote before you book.
What actually drives the price difference
- The radioactive tracer. PET scanning uses an injected tracer made to order for your appointment, and the type needed for your case affects the price.
- What's being scanned. A standard skull base to thigh scan and a more targeted or extended scan are priced differently, and your referral will say which you need.
- Reporting. Some providers include the specialist radiologist's report in the headline price, while others bill it separately.
- Whether the provider owns the scanner. Centres with their own PET-CT machines tend to publish a fixed starting price, with extra charges for anything non-standard.
PET scan vs CT scan vs MRI: which costs more?
A PET scan is the most expensive of the three by a wide margin. A PET-CT includes a CT scan as part of it, which is why it costs several times more than a CT on its own. If your consultant has asked for a CT or MRI rather than a PET-CT, you can compare those prices in our CT scan cost guide and MRI scan cost guide.
The three scans answer different questions, though. A CT or MRI shows the structure of your body, while a PET scan shows how active the tissue is. Your consultant decides which one you need, not the price.
Can you get a PET scan on the NHS instead?
Yes. On the NHS a PET-CT scan is free when a specialist refers you for it. People mostly go private to get the scan sooner, since a quicker result can mean treatment decisions happen sooner too.
Compare private PET scan prices near you
Search your postcode on Keystone to see clinics offering PET-CT scans near you, ranked by distance, price and patient rating, and request an appointment directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare private PET scan prices near you →Frequently asked questions
How much does a private PET scan cost in the UK?
A PET-CT scan costs from £1,100 to £2,096 at the 7 centres listed on Keystone, and six of them start at £2,096. There's less variation than with other scan types, since fewer centres offer it.
How much is a full body PET scan in the UK?
A standard "whole body" PET-CT, which covers skull base to mid thigh, usually costs the listed starting price of £1,100 to £2,096. A true head to toe scan or a special tracer can cost more, so get a written quote once your referral is confirmed.
Why is a PET scan more expensive than a CT or MRI scan?
PET-CT combines two imaging technologies and uses a radioactive tracer, on equipment that's specialised and expensive to run. Fewer providers have it, which also limits competition on price.
Do I need a referral for a private PET scan?
Yes. A PET-CT scan is normally arranged following a referral from a specialist, since it's typically used for specific diagnostic questions rather than as a routine screening scan.
How long does a PET scan appointment take?
Plan for two to three hours. You rest quietly while the tracer circulates, the scan itself takes 20 to 40 minutes, and a consultant report follows within a few working days.
How long does it take to get a PET scan appointment privately?
Because fewer centres offer this scan, availability varies more than for a standard CT or MRI. Check how soon a provider can see you alongside comparing their price.