Concierge private imaging · UK
Private CT scan - fast, precise, same-week.
A private CT scan booked in days rather than weeks, reported by a UK consultant radiologist. Faster than MRI, better for lungs, bone and coronary calcium - with a small radiation dose we discuss up front.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A subspecialty consultant radiologist’s report
Body, MSK, neuro or uroradiology consultants read the scan that fits - not a generalist working through a list.
- 02
Booked in days, not weeks
Weekday, evening and weekend slots across London and the major UK cities.
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Independent, and free
We take no fee from clinics, so the recommendation - including "don’t bother" - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private CT scan costs in the UK, by body part.
Indicative ranges across our partner imaging units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
Single-region CT in our network: £350–£900, report in 24–72 hours.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT chest | £400–£700 | 10 min | 24–48 hours |
| CT abdomen and pelvis | £500–£900 | 15 min | 24–72 hours |
| CT head | £350–£550 | 10 min | 24 hours |
| CT coronary calcium score | £250–£450 | 10 min | 24–48 hours |
| CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) | £800–£1,400 | 20 min | 48–72 hours |
| CT colonography | £700–£1,100 | 30 min | 48–72 hours |
| CT urogram | £550–£900 | 20 min | 48 hours |
Prices vary by body part, contrast use and cardiac studies. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
CT is faster and cheaper than MRI - for the right question.
CT and MRI are not interchangeable. CT beats MRI for lung, bone, coronary calcium and acute abdominal work. MRI beats CT for soft tissue, brain and joints. We match the scan to the question.
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Faster than MRI
Most CT studies take under 10 minutes. Same-day booking is realistic across our network.
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A small radiation dose
A chest CT is roughly 100–300 chest X-rays. Modern low-dose protocols cut this significantly.
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CT or MRI - which?
Lung, bone, stone, coronary calcium, acute trauma - CT. Soft tissue, brain, joints, prostate, pelvis - MRI.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through operation, histology and follow-up.
Phase 1 · Before
Workup, imaging, planning
Phase 2 · On the day
Theatre and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Review and follow-up
- 01
Before
Tell us what needs scanning
Body part, symptoms, prior imaging, allergies.
- 02
Before
Options within hours
Two or three CT centres, price, turnaround, insurer preauth.
- 03
Before
Referral and preparation
Private referral within 48 hours. Fasting and contrast instructions in writing.
- 04
On the day
Contrast if needed
IV cannula, kidney check confirmed. Contrast warmth is normal and passes in seconds.
- 05
On the day
The scan
5–20 minutes on the table. Multislice scanners image in seconds per pass.
- 06
After
Images to PACS
Same-day upload; images available for onward specialist review.
- 07
After
Consultant report
Subspecialty radiologist reports in 24–72 hours, 24-hour urgent on request.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to reported scan.
When it helps
When a private CT is the right step.
CT is the fastest answer for specific questions - plus the red flag that means A&E, not an outpatient booking.
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Suspected lung disease
Persistent cough, breathlessness, smoker at risk - CT is the standard.
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Kidney or ureteric stones
Sudden loin pain - non-contrast CT KUB confirms and localises.
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Acute abdominal pain
Appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction - CT is the fastest answer.
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Coronary calcium screening
A single low-dose CT gives a calcium score - a strong coronary risk marker.
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Cancer staging or follow-up
Chest-abdomen-pelvis CT is the workhorse of oncology staging.
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CT colonography
Alternative to endoscopy for those who cannot or will not have a colonoscope.
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Vascular imaging
Aortic aneurysm, dissection, pulmonary embolism - CT angiography is first-line.
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Red flag: sudden severe symptoms
Chest pain with breathlessness, severe abdominal pain or sudden weakness - A&E, not a private booking.
Procedure options
Options within CT - dose, contrast, cardiac and beyond.
What each option involves and when it fits.
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Low-dose CT
Modern protocols cut radiation by 30–80%. Standard for lung screening and calcium score.
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CT with IV contrast
Iodine-based contrast used for most abdominal, chest and vascular studies.
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Non-contrast CT
For stones, head trauma, calcium score and some lung studies.
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CT angiography
Timed contrast bolus - for pulmonary embolism, coronary CTA and aortic disease.
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CT colonography
Air-distended colon read as a virtual endoscopy. Alternative to colonoscope.
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Cardiac CT (calcium + CTCA)
Calcium score alone screens risk; CTCA maps coronary anatomy.
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CT urogram
Delayed-phase contrast to image the collecting system and ureters.
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Dual-energy CT
Newer scanners - improves stone characterisation and contrast reduction.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of radiologists, we picked them.
Consultant radiologists across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every consultant in our network.
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CQC-registered imaging centres with modern 1.5T/3T MRI, multislice CT or high-end ultrasound
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UK GMC-registered subspecialty consultant radiologists reporting the scan
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Same-week appointments including evenings and weekends across London and major UK cities
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Direct insurer preauth handling for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood. What matters is choosing the right test, and reading the report honestly.
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A small radiation dose
Chest CT is 5–7 mSv, abdomen 8–10 mSv. Modern low-dose protocols reduce this.
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Contrast is generally safe
Reaction rates under 1%. Kidney function checked in at-risk patients.
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Metformin and diabetes
Metformin may be paused for 48 hours after contrast if kidney function is borderline.
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Pregnancy
CT is generally avoided in pregnancy - MRI or ultrasound preferred where possible.
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Iodine or shellfish allergy
Modern contrast is not related to shellfish. Iodine allergy is discussed case by case.
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Claustrophobia
CT scanners are open and quick - tolerated by nearly everyone.
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Incidental findings
Small nodules and cysts are common. A good report gives clear next steps.
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When to escalate
Sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness or sudden weakness - A&E.
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Not always the right test
Soft tissue, joints, brain detail or prostate - MRI is usually better.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre does the scan, the report keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the operation note and any histology before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and protocol
Body part, contrast phase and slice thickness.
- 02 Findings
Region-by-region description
A structured read of each organ system.
- 03 Comparison
Change from prior imaging
New, stable or resolved compared to previous studies.
- 04 Impression
What matters and what to do
Read this first - summary and next steps.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Imaging is usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there’s a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication. Screening scans in well people are almost always self-pay.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about private ct scan.
Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.
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CT or MRI - which do I need?
CT is better for lungs, bone, kidney stones, coronary calcium, acute trauma and cancer staging. MRI is better for soft tissue, brain detail, joints, prostate and pelvis. Your referrer will match the scan to the question.
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How much radiation is in a CT?
Chest CT is roughly 5–7 mSv, abdomen-pelvis 8–10 mSv - equivalent to a few years of background radiation. Modern low-dose protocols cut this significantly.
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How much does a private CT cost in the UK?
£350–£550 for a head, £400–£700 for a chest, £500–£900 for abdomen-pelvis, £250–£450 for a calcium score, £800–£1,400 for CTCA, £700–£1,100 for colonography.
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Will I need contrast?
Most abdominal, chest and vascular CTs use IV iodinated contrast. Stone, calcium and some head studies are non-contrast. Kidney function is checked first.
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How quickly can I be scanned?
Same-day is realistic in central London for a premium; 24–72 hours across the rest of our network.
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Is CT safe in pregnancy?
CT is generally avoided in pregnancy. MRI or ultrasound is preferred where possible. If CT is the only test that answers the question, it can be justified with informed consent.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Private MRI scan
Same-week MRI when soft tissue is the question.
Learn more -
Full-body MRI health screen
Whole-body screening protocol.
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Private ultrasound
No-radiation, no-contrast same-day imaging.
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PET-CT scan
For oncology staging.
Learn more -
DEXA bone density scan
Osteoporosis and fracture risk.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test we arrange.
Learn more