How Much Does an MRI Scan Cost in the UK?
Updated 24 March 2026
NHS: free but 4-18 weeks wait. Private: £300-£900 depending on the body part scanned. Here is what to expect and how to get seen faster.
Quick answer
NHS MRI scans are free but require a GP referral and a wait of 4-18 weeks for routine cases. Private MRI scans cost £300-£900 and are available within 1-7 days with no referral needed. If you need results quickly, private is usually the faster route. If you can wait, NHS is always the right first step.
Private MRI Costs by Body Part
UK private clinic prices. London and South East are typically 20-30% higher. Prices include the scan and a radiologist's report.
| Scan Type | Typical UK Price | With Contrast Dye | Scan Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain MRI | £350-£600 | £450-£750 | 30-45 min |
| Spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) | £400-£700 | £500-£800 | 30-60 min |
| Knee MRI | £300-£500 | £400-£600 | 30-45 min |
| Shoulder MRI | £300-£500 | £400-£600 | 30-45 min |
| Abdomen MRI | £400-£700 | £500-£850 | 45-60 min |
| Cardiac MRI | £500-£900 | £600-£1,000 | 45-75 min |
| Full body MRI | £700-£1,500 | £900-£1,800 | 60-90 min |
NHS vs Private MRI: Side by Side
NHS MRI
- +Free at point of care
- +Results reviewed by your clinical team
- -GP referral required in most cases
- -Routine wait: 4-18 weeks
- -Limited appointment times (usually weekday daytime)
- -Cannot usually self-request a specific body part
Private MRI
- +Usually available within 1-7 days
- +No GP referral needed (self-refer)
- +Evening and weekend appointments available
- +Radiologist's report included
- -Costs £300-£900 out of pocket
- -Results may still need GP follow-up for treatment
How to Get a Faster NHS MRI Scan
Ask your GP to mark the referral as urgent. If your symptoms are affecting daily life or have come on suddenly, a GP can flag the referral as urgent. Urgent referrals are typically seen within 2 weeks. Be clear and specific about how the symptoms affect you.
Go to A&E if symptoms are serious. Sudden severe headache, loss of sensation, weakness in limbs, or visual disturbance are red flag symptoms. A&E can authorise a same-day scan. This is not a route for general diagnostic purposes, only for genuinely urgent symptoms.
Ask about the NHS e-Referral Service. Some trusts allow patients to choose their appointment slot through the NHS e-Referral Service. You may find an earlier slot at a different NHS trust nearby.
Consider NHS direct access physiotherapy. For musculoskeletal problems (back pain, joint pain), some areas have direct access physiotherapy where a physiotherapist can refer you for an MRI without going through the GP, sometimes faster.
What to Expect During an MRI Scan
The scan itself
You lie still inside a large tube-shaped machine. The scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. Most scans take 30-60 minutes. You will hear loud banging and clicking sounds throughout. You are given earplugs or headphones.
No metal allowed
You must remove all metal before entering the scan room. This includes jewellery, piercings, hair clips, and underwired bras. Tell the radiographer about any metal implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, or surgical staples before the scan.
Claustrophobia
Standard MRI scanners are enclosed tunnels. If you are claustrophobic, tell the team beforehand. They can offer a mild sedative in some cases, or refer you to an open MRI scanner. Open MRI typically costs £50-£100 more than a standard closed scan.
Contrast dye
Some scans require a contrast dye (gadolinium) injected into a vein to improve image clarity. This adds £50-£150 to the cost. Contrast is commonly used for brain, abdominal, and cardiac scans. It is generally safe but not suitable for people with severe kidney disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private MRI scan cost in the UK?
Private MRI scans cost £300-£900 depending on the body part. A knee or shoulder MRI costs £300-£500. Brain and spine MRIs cost £350-£700. Abdominal scans cost £400-£700. A full body MRI costs £700-£1,500. London prices are typically 20-30% higher.
How long is the NHS wait for an MRI scan?
Routine referrals typically take 4-18 weeks. Urgent referrals can be seen within 2 weeks. If symptoms are serious and sudden, A&E can fast-track a scan. The NHS 18-week referral to treatment standard applies but many trusts are currently operating beyond this target.
Can I get an MRI scan without a GP referral?
Yes, most private MRI providers allow self-referral without a GP. You book directly and receive a radiologist's report. Self-referral is common for sports injuries, back pain, and joint problems. You may still want to share the report with your GP for follow-up treatment.
What is an open MRI and does it cost more?
An open MRI uses a wider, less enclosed scanner. It is suited to people with claustrophobia or larger body sizes and typically costs £50-£100 more than a standard closed MRI. The image quality is slightly lower but adequate for most diagnostic purposes.