Imaging · London
Open & upright MRI in London, no tunnel, no panic.
An open-sided scanner for severe claustrophobia - and an upright option that images your spine under load.
Indicative pricing
What an open or upright MRI costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£400-£700, reported in 24-72 hours.
| Scan type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open MRI (single region) | £400–£700 | 30–60 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Upright / weight-bearing MRI | £450–£850 | 30–60 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Open MRI with contrast | £550–£950 | 45–75 min | 48–72 hrs |
| Two regions | £650–£1,100 | 60–90 min | 24–72 hrs |
| Paediatric open MRI | Quoted case by case | Varies | 48–72 hrs |
| Second-opinion read (existing scan) | £250–£450 | Report only | 48–72 hrs |
Prices vary by clinic, time of day, whether the scan is open or upright, and whether gadolinium contrast is used.
The problem
When even a wide tunnel is too much.
For severe claustrophobia, an open-sided scanner with no tunnel changes everything. And for back pain that only bites when you stand, an upright scan shows what a lying-down one cannot. An open scanner is not right for every question, so it helps to know the trade-offs.
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Back pain when upright?
An upright, weight-bearing scan can reveal what a standard scan misses.
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Worried about image quality?
Open scanners trade some sharpness - a closed scanner is sometimes the better choice.
What it shows
When open or upright is the right choice.
Open and upright MRI solves specific problems - comfort and position. Here is when it is the right call, and the honest limits.
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Severe claustrophobia
An open-sided design means no enclosed tunnel - the most reassuring option.
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Weight-bearing imaging
Upright MRI images the spine under load, showing problems that hide when lying down.
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Positional back pain
Useful when symptoms only appear while sitting or standing.
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Children & anxious patients
The open design and a parent nearby make scans far easier.
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Past bad experiences
A good fit if a standard scanner has caused panic before.
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Everyday scans too
Open MRI covers many routine examinations.
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Some limits to know
Open and upright scanners are often lower field, so not ideal for every question.
Open, upright & the trade-offs
How open and upright MRI actually differ.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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A truly open design
Open sides rather than a tunnel - the reassuring choice for severe claustrophobia.
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Upright / weight-bearing
Scans you sitting or standing, to show problems that only appear under load.
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Field-strength trade-off
Often lower field than a closed scanner, so detail can be a little less sharp.
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Best uses
Spine, larger joints and reassurance-first scans work well.
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Not for everything
For fine brain, prostate or small-joint detail, a closed 3T is usually better.
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Limited availability
Fewer clinics offer true open or upright MRI, so availability is limited.
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Comfort first
Space, light and a companion nearby make the scan calm.
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When wide-bore is enough
If space is the only issue, a wide-bore scanner may image better.
Safety and eligibility
One of the safest tests in medicine.
The honest check here is image quality: open and upright scanners are lower field, so for fine detail a closed scanner may be the better choice. Ask the clinic about this before you book.
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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. The scanning centre will need this from your hospital.
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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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Image-quality trade-off
Open and upright scanners are often lower field. For fine detail a closed scanner may be advised instead.
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Weight and size
Open designs suit larger patients well.
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Pregnancy
No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.
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Kidney function
A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.
Reading your report
A report can look intimidating. It isn't.
Open, upright or closed, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is normal.
If you would like it explained before your follow-up, ask your GP or specialist.
- 01 Header
Your details and the question
Your details, the scan performed, and that it was done on an open or upright scanner.
- 02 Technique
How the scan was done
Which sequences were used, and whether you were imaged lying, sitting or standing.
- 03 Findings
What the radiologist saw
A structured description of the region imaged, including how position affected the findings.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion in brief - read this first. Your specialist discusses it in context.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about open and upright MRI.
Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.
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What is an open MRI?
A scanner that is open at the sides rather than a closed tunnel. It is the most reassuring option for people with severe claustrophobia.
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Is an open MRI completely open?
The best designs are open on multiple sides, with no tunnel over you. There is a magnet above and below, but nothing enclosing your face.
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Is the image as good as a closed scanner?
Open and upright scanners are often lower field strength, so fine detail can be slightly less sharp. For most everyday questions they are excellent; for fine brain, prostate or small-joint detail a closed 3T may be advised instead.
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What is an upright MRI?
An open scanner that images you sitting or standing, so the spine is under load. It can reveal positional problems that disappear when you lie down.
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Is it good for claustrophobia?
Yes - it is the best choice when even a wide-bore tunnel feels too enclosed. Some clinics also offer music, an eye mask or a mild sedative.
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Can children have an open MRI?
Yes - the open design and a parent nearby make it much easier for children. Paediatric scans are best done at a clinic with paediatric experience.
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Can it do weight-bearing spine imaging?
Yes - an upright scanner is ideal for back pain that only appears when sitting or standing.
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How much does it cost and is it easy to book?
Prices vary between clinics (see the indicative ranges on this page), and a clinic can confirm a firm figure on request.
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Do I need a referral?
Most scans accept self-referral.
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How quickly will I get results?
A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent, the report and images can be shared with your GP or specialist.