MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce detailed images. Privately, most people book a scan of one named body area after a GP or consultant suggests it. The hospital or scanning centre will want a clear clinical question, not a vague request to “scan everything”.
Referral and booking
Many private hospitals need a referral letter from a GP or consultant before they will book. Some independent scanning centres accept self-referral after a safety questionnaire. Ask which applies before you pay a deposit. A private GP appointment purely to obtain a referral adds to the total cost.
When you book, confirm the body area, whether contrast dye might be used, and whether the radiologist’s report is in the price. Ask how the images and report reach you and your referrer, and how many working days that usually takes.
What published prices usually cover
Across the UK hospital list prices we checked on 9 November 2026, published self-pay figures for an MRI of one body area ranged from £325 to £655 at named hospitals (see MRI scan prices). At the Spire hospitals in our earlier city sample, one-area outpatient MRI fees sat between £475 and £565 on the same check date. Spire, for example, states on the pages we checked that MRI and CT prices include contrast when required and reporting fees where applicable. Scanning more than one area, or a specialist protocol, usually costs more.
The scan price does not normally include a follow-up consultation to discuss the result. If a private consultant referred you, their follow-up fee is separate.
On the day
Expect a safety questionnaire about implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, metal fragments and pregnancy. This is standard. You change into a gown if clothing has metal, remove jewellery, and lie on a table that moves into the scanner. The machine is noisy; ear protection is provided. Many scans take 15 to 45 minutes for one area. You can usually go home straight afterwards unless you had sedation, which is uncommon for routine outpatient MRI.
If you are claustrophobic, say so when booking. Some centres offer open or wider-bore scanners, or a light sedative arranged in advance through a clinician. Do not assume that is available on the day.
The NHS route
On the NHS, MRI is one of the diagnostic tests in NHS England’s monthly diagnostics statistics (DM01). At the end of August 2026, 78% of the 357,356 people on England’s MRI waiting list had waited under six weeks (published 8 October 2026). That figure describes people already on the list. It is not a promise of how long a new referral will wait locally.
Not medical advice. This guide covers process, cost and how the NHS and private routes are organised. It does not say whether you need a test or treatment. Decisions about your care sit with you and a clinician who knows your history.
Not affiliated with the NHS. The Doctor is an independent publication. It is not part of, or endorsed by, the NHS, the Care Quality Commission or any provider listed. See our full notice.
Published prices: MRI scan prices. How we work: methodology.
Sources checked for this guide
- Published MRI prices on this site, checked 9 November 2026: /treatments/mri-scan/
- NHS England, Monthly Diagnostics Waiting Times and Activity (DM01), August 2026, published 8 October 2026: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/monthly-diagnostics-data-2026-27/