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Imaging · London

Private X-ray in London, read by a consultant radiologist.

Fast, low-dose digital X-ray for fractures, chest and joint questions.

A stethoscope on a clinical desk

Indicative pricing

What a private X-ray costs in London.

Indicative ranges across UK private providers.

In short

£75-£150, reported in 24 hours.

Scan type Indicative range
Single X-ray (one region) £75–£150
Two-region X-ray £120–£220
Chest X-ray with cardiologist review £120–£250
Skeletal survey £250–£450
Barium studies (specialist) £400–£800
Same-day urgent X-ray £120–£250

Prices vary by clinic, time of day, number of views taken, and whether a specialist review or barium contrast is used.

The problem

An X-ray is quick - if you can actually get one.

On the NHS a walk-in X-ray often means a long wait; privately a walk-in service can under-report the film.

  • Fracture, or just a bad sprain?

    An X-ray settles it in minutes. Many clinics can see you the same day.

  • Cough that will not shift?

    A chest X-ray is the sensible first test. A cardiology review can be added if useful.

  • Not sure X-ray is the right test?

    For soft tissue, ligaments or the abdomen and pelvis, MRI or ultrasound is often better.

What it shows

Find the reason that matches your symptom.

X-ray earns its place for bone, joint and chest questions.

  • Suspected fracture

    Bone injury after a fall or impact - the fastest test.

  • Joint pain & arthritis

    Alignment, wear and joint space visible on X-ray.

  • Chest complaints

    Persistent cough, breathlessness or chest pain - a chest X-ray is the first step.

  • Sinus & facial injury

    Facial-bone or sinus imaging when clinically indicated.

  • Dental & jaw imaging

    OPG and jaw views for dental and TMJ questions.

  • Foreign body

    Metal or dense foreign objects show clearly on X-ray.

  • Post-op review

    Hardware position and healing after surgery.

X-ray types

Not all X-rays are the same.

What each option on your referral is actually for.

  • Chest X-ray

    The first-line test for cough, breathlessness or chest pain.

  • Extremity (limb) X-ray

    Hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee - fast fracture assessment.

  • Spine X-ray

    Cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, standing or lying.

  • Skull & facial X-ray

    Facial-bone and sinus views when clinically indicated.

  • Abdominal X-ray

    A first look at the bowel, gas patterns and some stones.

  • Weight-bearing/standing X-ray

    Standing views for hip, knee, foot and spine alignment.

  • Skeletal survey

    A structured series of X-rays across multiple regions.

  • Barium studies

    Contrast studies of the gut done by a specialist radiologist.

Safety and eligibility

Small dose, big value - when it is the right test.

X-ray uses a small dose of ionising radiation. A chest X-ray is roughly three days of natural background. The study should be justified, low-dose digital equipment used, and a scan without radiation chosen where it would be better.

  • Radiation dose

    The dose from an X-ray is small, but not zero. The dose for the study you need can be explained to you.

  • Pregnancy

    Avoided unless essential. If it is essential, shielding is used and the dose is kept minimal.

  • Children

    Paediatric-experienced radiographers, dose adjusted for size, and MRI or ultrasound first where possible.

  • Metallic clothing removed

    Bras with wires, zips, belts and jewellery come off - they obscure the image.

  • Very recent barium

    A recent barium meal or enema can hide detail on abdominal X-rays.

  • Positioning limits after trauma

    For fresh injury views are chosen that do not force uncomfortable positions.

  • Contrast

    Most X-rays use no injection. Only specific studies (barium, contrast) use it.

  • Repeated X-rays over time

    Dose adds up across a lifetime. A study should not be repeated without a clear reason.

Reading your report

An X-ray report is short. And structured.

An X-ray report is short and follows the same four parts every time.

A consultant radiologist reviewing X-ray images on a clinical workstation in Central London

A quiet reminder

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

If anything is unclear, ask your clinician to talk you through it at your next appointment.

  1. 01 Header

    Your details, region and question

    Your details, the region imaged, and the clinical question behind the referral.

  2. 02 Technique

    Which view was taken

    Which projections were used (AP, lateral, oblique) and any weight-bearing views.

  3. 03 Findings

    What the radiologist saw

    A structured description of the bones and soft tissue visible on the film, 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

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Frequently asked

Common questions about X-rays.

Quick answers on cost, referrals, radiation dose, safety and results.

  • How quickly can I get a private X-ray in London?

    A single-region X-ray runs about £75–£150; two regions or chest with cardiologist review cost a little more.

  • Do I need a referral for a private X-ray?

    Most private clinics require a brief referral for medico-legal reasons, even for a simple X-ray.

  • How much radiation is in an X-ray?

    Very little. A chest X-ray is around 0.02 mSv - about three days of natural background radiation. Extremity views are lower again. A study is only justified when the benefit clearly outweighs the small dose.

  • How quickly will I get the results?

    With your consent the report and images can be sent to your GP or specialist.

  • When is an X-ray enough, and when do I need MRI or ultrasound?

    X-ray is the right first test for bone and joint alignment, chest complaints and fracture. For soft tissue, ligaments, cartilage or the abdomen and pelvis in detail, MRI or ultrasound is often better. This should be said upfront.

  • Is an X-ray safe in pregnancy?

    X-rays are avoided in pregnancy unless essential. If one is essential, shielding is used and the dose is kept minimal.

  • Are X-rays safe for children?

    Yes, when justified. Paediatric-experienced radiographers adjust the dose for size, and MRI or ultrasound should be considered first MRI or ultrasound first wherever those answer the question.

  • Will my insurance cover an X-ray?

    Most policies cover X-ray when clinically indicated and pre-authorised.

  • Do I need to prepare for an X-ray?

    For most X-rays, no. Wear something without metal on the region being imaged, or expect to change into a gown. For barium studies, specific instructions are sent in advance.

Related content

Looking for a different test?

In practice, in London

The honest picture around x ray in London

With x ray, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it - not whether the scan is available. The wait for x ray on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.

Once you’re in the private system for x ray, the pace picks up noticeably. Consultant slots run to time, imaging is usually available in the same building or a short walk away, and the report comes back typed and detailed. It’s the coordination that tends to feel different - one person on the other end of the phone, not a switchboard. For x ray specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.

There are a lot of consultants in London who can technically handle x ray. Fewer who do it week in, week out for the exact question you’re bringing. Working out which is which - and whether a different test or a different specialist would serve you better - is worth asking about. UK providers are regulated by the CQC and doctors by the GMC; the choice is about fit, not floor.