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Concierge imaging · London

Wide-bore MRI in London, for comfort and space.

A roomier scanner with an opening around 70cm - easier for larger, claustrophobic or anxious patients, with no loss of image quality. We match you to a wide-bore London clinic and handle the booking.

See indicative pricing
A radiographer guides a patient onto the bed of an advanced 3 Tesla MRI scanner in a London imaging suite

Why patients choose us

  • 01

    Comfort, sorted in advance

    We confirm a wide-bore scanner and the right table limit before you travel.

  • 02

    Independent, and free

    We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.

  • 03

    A vetted London panel

    Wide-bore clinics re-checked every six months on scanners and reporting.

Indicative pricing

What a wide-bore MRI costs in London.

Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.

In short

A single-region wide-bore scan in our network: £300-£600, reported in 24-72 hours.

Scan type Indicative range
Wide-bore MRI (single region) £300–£600
Wide-bore MRI with contrast £450–£850
Two regions £500–£900
Bariatric-friendly protocol Quoted case by case
Paediatric on wide-bore Quoted case by case
Second-opinion read (existing scan) £250–£450

Prices vary by clinic, time of day, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T), and whether contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.

The problem

A standard scanner is not built for every body.

Broader shoulders, a higher weight or a fear of enclosed spaces can make a standard MRI difficult. A wide-bore scanner solves most of that - and we make sure you are booked into one. Same image, far more comfort.

  • Worried you will not fit?

    Tell us your measurements and we confirm a wide-bore scanner with the right table limit.

  • Claustrophobic?

    Wide-bore helps a lot; if it is not enough we suggest open MRI or a mild sedative.

  • Anxious about the scan?

    More space, music and a companion nearby make it easier - we arrange it.

The journey

From enquiry to report - what happens, in order.

One concierge from first message to report - typically under a week.

  1. 01

    Before

    You tell us what is going on

    A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.

  2. 02

    Before

    We come back with a recommendation

    Within one working day: which protocol, which clinic, indicative price. If a scan is not the right step, we say so.

  3. 03

    Before

    We arrange the appointment

    Often same or next day, including evenings and Saturdays. Insurer pre-authorisation handled.

  4. 04

    On the day

    Arrival and safety check

    Change into shorts or a gown, remove anything metallic. We have pre-completed the safety questionnaire.

  5. 05

    On the day

    In the scanner

    A wide-bore scan takes about 20-40 minutes for most single regions. There is more room around you, and you have headphones for the noise.

  6. 06

    On the day

    Straight home

    No recovery time. Drive, eat and work as normal.

  7. 07

    After

    Report and next steps

    Consultant radiologist report in 24-72 hours. We route it to your GP or specialist.

Typical end-to-end: 3-7 days. Urgent cases: same day.

What it shows

Who a wide-bore scanner helps.

Wide-bore is for anyone who finds a standard scanner tight or stressful - and it works for routine scans too. Here is who it helps most.

  • Claustrophobia

    A wider opening and more light make the scan far easier to tolerate.

  • Larger patients

    A bigger bore (around 70cm) accommodates broader shoulders and higher weights.

  • Anxious patients

    More space, music and a companion nearby help you stay calm and still.

  • Children & older patients

    Extra room and reassurance suit children and less mobile patients.

  • Any routine scan

    Wide-bore does the same job as a standard scanner for most examinations.

  • With or without contrast

    Contrast studies run on wide-bore scanners just as they do on any other.

  • Without losing quality

    Modern wide-bore 1.5T (and some 3T) scanners give excellent images.

  • We route you there

    Tell us space is a concern and we book you into a wide-bore clinic.

Good to know

What to know about wide-bore MRI.

What each option on your referral is actually for.

  • A wider opening

    Around 70cm across, noticeably roomier than a standard 60cm bore.

  • Weight capacity

    Higher table limits - we confirm the exact figure for your clinic.

  • 1.5T or 3T

    Wide-bore comes in both field strengths; we match it to your scan.

  • Not fully open

    Roomier, but still a tunnel. For a truly open design, see open MRI.

  • Same image quality

    Modern wide-bore scanners give the same diagnostic images.

  • Contrast is fine

    Any contrast study can be done on a wide-bore scanner.

  • Availability

    Common across our panel, so appointments are usually quick.

  • When open is better

    For severe claustrophobia we may suggest open or upright MRI instead.

Our vetted London network

A small panel of clinics, we picked them.

Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly - introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.

Selection criteria

How we choose every clinic in our network.

A modern London clinic with a current-generation 3T MRI scanner
Modern 3T scanner
  • CQC-registered, with a current good or outstanding rating

  • Modern wide-bore scanners (around 70cm) at 1.5T or 3T

  • Reported by a consultant radiologist

  • A report turnaround under 72 hours as standard

Safety and eligibility

One of the safest tests in medicine.

For wide-bore, the key checks are the table weight limit and whether a truly open design would suit you better. We handle both before you arrive.

  • Pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators

    Many modern devices are MR-conditional. We check the model before booking.

  • Cochlear implants

    Case-by-case. We confirm with the device manufacturer.

  • Aneurysm clips and vascular coils

    Model and date of insertion matter. We need this from your hospital.

  • Metal fragments (eye, shrapnel)

    May need a prior orbit X-ray. We arrange this where required.

  • Joint replacements, stents, plates

    Almost always fine. May cause local artefact but rarely a safety concern.

  • Weight and table limits

    Wide-bore scanners take higher weights - we confirm the exact limit for your clinic.

  • Still a tunnel

    Wide-bore is roomier but not fully open. If that is not enough, we suggest open MRI.

  • Pregnancy

    No ionising radiation. Generally safe, particularly after the first trimester. Contrast avoided unless essential.

  • Kidney function

    A recent eGFR is needed if gadolinium contrast is planned.

Reading your report

A report can look intimidating. It isn't.

Wide-bore or not, the report keeps to the same four parts.

A consultant radiologist reviewing MRI images on a clinical workstation

A quiet reminder

The report is written for your doctor, not for you - and that is normal.

If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.

  1. 01 Header

    Your details and the question

    Your details, the scan performed, and that it was done on a wide-bore scanner.

  2. 02 Technique

    How the scan was done

    Which sequences were used. Wide-bore does not change the image - only the comfort.

  3. 03 Findings

    What the radiologist saw

    A structured description of the region imaged, including any incidental findings.

  4. 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

BupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealixBupaAXA HealthVitalityAvivaWPACignaHealix

What is covered depends on your policy and clinic - we confirm with your insurer first.

Frequently asked

Everything we get asked about wide-bore MRI.

Quick answers on cost, referrals, contrast, claustrophobia and results.

  • What is a wide-bore MRI?

    A scanner with a larger opening - around 70cm across, versus about 60cm on a standard machine. The extra space makes it easier for larger, claustrophobic or anxious patients.

  • Will I fit in a wide-bore scanner?

    Most people who struggle with a standard scanner are comfortable in a wide-bore one. Tell us your measurements and any concerns and we confirm the right clinic before booking.

  • Is a wide-bore MRI fully open?

    No - it is roomier but still a tunnel. If you need a truly open design, an open or upright MRI is the better option, and we can arrange that.

  • Does the image quality suffer?

    No. Modern wide-bore 1.5T and 3T scanners give the same diagnostic image quality as standard machines.

  • What is the weight limit?

    It varies by scanner, but wide-bore machines take higher weights than standard ones. We confirm the exact table limit for your clinic.

  • Is it good for claustrophobia?

    Yes - the extra space and light help a lot. For severe claustrophobia we may still suggest open MRI or a mild sedative, and we will advise.

  • Can children have a wide-bore scan?

    Yes - the extra room and a parent nearby make it easier for children. We route paediatric scans to child-friendly clinics.

  • Do I need a referral?

    Most scans accept self-referral. We can arrange a fast-track private GP if a letter or contrast study is needed.

  • How much does it cost?

    A single-region wide-bore scan is typically £300-£600 in our network - similar to a standard scan. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.

  • How quickly will I get results?

    A consultant radiologist report is usually ready in 24-72 hours. With your consent we send it and the images to your GP or specialist.

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A concierge service for UK private healthcare. We match you with the best vetted clinics and consultants in our network - they then contact you directly.

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