Concierge private imaging · UK
Private MRI scan - booked this week, reported next.
A single-area MRI - knee, spine, brain, prostate, pelvis - booked in days rather than weeks, reported by a UK consultant radiologist within 3–7 working days. Self-pay or insurer-covered.
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.
- 03
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 MRI 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-area MRI in our network: £450–£1,200, report in 3–7 working days.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRI knee, ankle, wrist or elbow | £450–£650 | 20–30 min | 3–5 working days |
| MRI single spinal region | £500–£750 | 25–35 min | 3–5 working days |
| MRI whole spine | £800–£1,100 | 45–60 min | 5–7 working days |
| MRI brain | £500–£850 | 25–40 min | 3–5 working days |
| MRI prostate (multi-parametric) | £600–£1,200 | 30–40 min | 5–7 working days |
| MRI pelvis (gynae) | £550–£900 | 30–40 min | 5–7 working days |
| Contrast add-on | +£150–£300 | +10 min | As base scan |
Prices vary by centre, scanner field strength (1.5T vs 3T) and whether contrast is used. We come back with a firm quote within one working day, insurer cover checked.
The problem
NHS MRI is superb - but the wait is the problem.
Median NHS waits for outpatient MRI are 6–18 weeks depending on trust and body part. Private imaging exists to close that gap, not to replace the NHS.
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A referral is usually needed
MRI in the UK requires a clinician referral. We arrange a private consultation the same week if you don’t have one.
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Insurers cover most clinically indicated MRIs
Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva and WPA usually cover MRI with a specialist referral and a clinical indication.
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Same-week is realistic
A weekday scan within 3–7 days is normal in our network, evenings and weekends included.
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, insurer if any.
- 02
Before
Options within a working day
Two or three centres, price, turnaround, insurer preauth checked.
- 03
Before
Referral if you need one
A private consultant call within 48 hours to generate a proper referral.
- 04
On the day
The scan
20–60 minutes depending on body part. Loud, still, safe.
- 05
On the day
Images released to PACS
Same-day upload to a secure imaging platform.
- 06
After
Consultant report
Subspecialty consultant reports in 3–7 working days.
- 07
After
Follow-up call
A specialist walkthrough of the report and next steps if you want one.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks from enquiry to reported scan.
When it helps
When a private MRI is the right step.
The situations where MRI is the correct tool - plus the red flag that means A&E instead.
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Persistent MSK pain
Knee, shoulder, ankle, hip or spine pain not settling after 4–6 weeks.
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Neurological symptoms
Persistent headache, numbness, weakness, visual change.
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Suspected disc or nerve compression
Radiating leg or arm pain, foot drop, hand weakness.
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Suspected internal derangement
A locked knee, giving way, catching - MRI clarifies whether surgery is needed.
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Prostate concerns before biopsy
Multi-parametric MRI is the NICE-recommended first step for raised PSA.
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Gynaecological pain or masses
Endometriosis, fibroids, adenomyosis, ovarian masses.
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Follow-up of known disease
Surveillance of a stable finding at the interval your consultant sets.
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Red flag: sudden severe symptoms
Sudden vision, weakness or speech loss, worst headache of life - A&E, not an MRI booking.
Procedure options
Approach and sequences depend on the body part.
What each option involves and when it fits.
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1.5T vs 3T MRI
3T preferred for brain, prostate and MSK detail; 1.5T quieter, with some wide-bore models.
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With or without contrast
Contrast added to characterise a mass or look at active inflammation.
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Open or wide-bore MRI
Wide-bore (70cm) helps larger or claustrophobic patients.
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Multi-parametric MRI
Standard for prostate and rectal cancer assessment.
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MR arthrogram
Contrast injected into a joint - for suspected labral tears in shoulder and hip.
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Whole spine vs regional
Whole-spine picks up multi-level pathology at a small premium.
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Cardiac MRI
A specialised study - different scanner setup, different reader.
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Small-part MRI
Breast, thyroid - dedicated coils and subspecialty readers.
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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No radiation
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves. Safe to repeat.
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Loud but painless
Ear defenders and music are standard. The scan is still.
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Contrast reactions are rare
Modern gadolinium has a very low reaction rate.
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Claustrophobia
Wide-bore, prone options and light sedation are available.
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Metal and implants
Older devices may exclude MRI. The pre-scan questionnaire catches these.
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Not always the right test
Bone fractures, lungs and coronary calcium are better on CT.
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Sedation availability
Oral sedation, occasionally anaesthetist-led sedation in select centres.
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Pregnancy
MRI is considered safe after the first trimester where indicated, usually without gadolinium.
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When to escalate
Sudden weakness, sudden vision loss or worst-ever headache - A&E.
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
Why the scan was done, which body part, which sequences.
- 02 Findings
Anatomy in structured detail
A methodical read calling out any abnormality with location and size.
- 03 Comparison
Change from prior imaging
If a previous scan exists, whether findings are new, stable or resolved.
- 04 Impression
What it means and what to do
Read this first - summary and recommended follow-up.
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 mri scan.
Quick answers on approach, recovery, risks and cost.
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Do I need a referral for a private MRI?
Yes. UK imaging centres require a clinician referral - GP, consultant or private physiotherapist for MSK. We arrange one within 48 hours.
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Will my insurer cover a private MRI?
Usually yes when there is a clinical indication and a consultant referral. Screening MRIs are self-pay.
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How much does a private MRI cost in the UK?
Roughly £450–£650 for a single joint, £500–£850 for brain, £500–£750 for a single spinal region, £800–£1,100 for whole spine, £600–£1,200 for prostate mpMRI.
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How quickly can I be scanned?
Most areas can be scanned within 3–7 days across our network, with evening and weekend slots.
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Is MRI safe if I am claustrophobic?
Most people manage in a wide-bore scanner. For severe claustrophobia, oral or, rarely, anaesthetist-led sedation is available.
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How soon will I get the report?
Standard reporting is 3–7 working days. Urgent 24-hour reporting is available for a premium.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Full-body MRI health screen
Whole-body screening protocol.
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Private CT scan
CT alternative or complement.
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Prostate mpMRI
Multi-parametric prostate MRI.
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Private ultrasound
No-radiation same-day imaging.
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DEXA bone density scan
Osteoporosis and fracture risk.
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All tests & procedures
Every test we arrange.
Learn more