Imaging · London
Private full-body MRI in London, including what it can and cannot show.
A broad, radiation-free overview of the body in one visit.
Indicative pricing
What a full-body MRI actually costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£750-£1,900, with a structured report in 3-5 days.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-body MRI screening | £750–£1,900 | 60–90 min | 3–5 days |
| Full-body + dedicated brain | £950–£2,200 | 75–105 min | 3–5 days |
| Men’s full-body + prostate mpMRI | £1,100–£2,400 | 90–120 min | 3–5 days |
| Women’s full-body + pelvis | £1,000–£2,300 | 90–120 min | 3–5 days |
| Full-body + cardiac | £1,300–£2,600 | 105–135 min | 3–5 days |
| Annual repeat (returning clients) | £700–£1,700 | 60–90 min | 3–5 days |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and which add-ons (brain, prostate, pelvis or cardiac) you include.
The problem
A powerful screen - if you understand what it is.
A full-body MRI can catch significant problems early and involves no radiation. It also finds harmless things that lead to more tests, and it is not a guarantee.
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Is it right for you?
For some people a full-body screen is genuinely worthwhile; for others it causes more worry than benefit.
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What happens after?
A report should come with an explanation of the findings and any follow-up.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
A full-body screen covers a lot of ground - and comes with a real trade-off. Here is what it looks at, and the catch.
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A head-to-pelvis overview
A broad look at the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in a single visit.
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Brain & spinal cord
Screens the brain and spinal cord for significant structural problems.
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Major organs
Reviews the liver, kidneys, pancreas and other organs for masses.
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Lymph nodes
Flags enlarged lymph nodes that may warrant a closer look.
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Spine & major joints
Assesses the spine and large joints for wear and significant change.
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Large blood vessels
Includes a look at the aorta and the major blood vessels.
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Incidental findings (the trade-off)
It will find harmless things too, so the trade-off is worth understanding before you decide.
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A clear written report
A prioritised report and a conversation about what actually matters.
Full-body MRI options
Not all full-body scans are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Standard full-body MRI
Head-to-pelvis screening of the major regions in one visit.
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Enhanced full-body
Adds dedicated brain detail to the standard screen.
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Men’s full-body
Adds a prostate mpMRI to the standard screen for men.
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Women’s full-body
Adds a dedicated pelvis study to the standard screen for women.
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Cardiac add-on
Adds a cardiac MRI for a look at heart structure and function.
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Diffusion whole-body
A whole-body diffusion study, used mainly in an oncology context.
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Targeted follow-up
A focused scan to look more closely at something the screen flagged.
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Annual surveillance
A repeat screen to track changes year on year.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
Beyond the usual implant checks, the most important thing is understanding what a screen can and cannot do. Both are worth understanding before you arrive.
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Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators
Many modern devices are MR-conditional.
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Aneurysm clips and vascular coils
Model and date of insertion matter. Your hospital can supply this information.
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Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)
May need a prior orbit X-ray.
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Joint replacements, stents, plates
Almost always fine. May cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.
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Lying still for over an hour
A full-body screen takes 60-90 minutes or more.
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What it will not find
A screen is not a guarantee - it can miss things and can find harmless ones. This trade-off is worth understanding before you decide.
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Weight and size
Most scanners accommodate up to 200 kg. Wide-bore options for larger patients.
Reading your report
A screening report can look intimidating. It isn't.
However much ground it covers, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for a clinician - so ask for it to be explained in plain terms.
Ask the clinician who requested the test to talk you through it before your follow-up.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, what the screen covered, and why you are having it.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which regions and sequences were covered (whole-body and, where added, dedicated brain, prostate or cardiac).
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A region-by-region description of the major organs, spine and vessels, clearly separating significant findings from harmless ones.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
What matters, and what to do next - read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about full-body MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is a full-body MRI screening?
A broad, radiation-free scan of the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis in one visit, looking for significant abnormalities. It is a screen, not a diagnosis of any one problem.
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How much does a private full-body MRI cost in London?
Adding dedicated brain, prostate, pelvis or cardiac imaging costs more.
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What are the limitations of a full-body MRI?
It has real limits: it can miss small or early problems, and it frequently finds harmless things that lead to more tests and worry. This trade-off is worth understanding before you decide - it is not a guarantee of good health.
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Is it better than a CT screen?
For screening, MRI has a major advantage: no ionising radiation, so it can be repeated safely. CT is better for some specific questions.
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Do I need a referral?
Many private full-body screens accept self-referral, though a conversation with a clinician helps confirm the scan is the right choice, and a GP can advise if a finding needs follow-up.
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Will I need contrast (an injection)?
A standard full-body screen usually does not use contrast.
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How long does it take?
A standard full-body screen takes about 60-90 minutes; add-ons take longer. You lie still on your back and are moved gently through the scanner region by region.
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What happens if it finds something?
A report on its own is not enough: what was found, how significant it is and any follow-up - a targeted scan, a specialist, or simply reassurance - should be explained to you.
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Is a full-body MRI safe?
It is one of the safest tests in medicine - no ionising radiation, so it can be repeated.