MRI Scan - Part Body
A private MRI scan of one or two body parts of your choice, such as knee, spine, brain, shoulder, hip or abdomen, reported by a consultant radiologist. £395 for one body part or £595 for two, at one of 60 UK imaging centres. No GP referral needed, appointments usually within 7 days, and your report and images emailed within 3 to 5 working days, with a clinician call if needed.... Read more
A private MRI scan of one or two body parts of your choice, such as knee, spine, brain, shoulder, hip or abdomen, reported by a consultant radiologist. £395 for one body part or £595 for two, at one of 60 UK imaging centres. No GP referral needed, appointments usually within 7 days, and your report and images emailed within 3 to 5 working days, with a clinician call if needed.
Key facts
- Price: £395 for one body part, £595 for two scanned in the same appointment
- Scan covers: the region you choose: for example brain, cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, abdomen or pelvis
- Time in the scanner: usually 20 to 45 minutes per body part, under 60 minutes for two
- Where: 60 imaging centres across the UK; appointments typically within 7 days of booking
- Referral: none needed; Goodbody arranges the clinical referral the scanning centre requires
- Report: consultant radiologist report and your images emailed within 3 to 5 working days; a Goodbody clinician calls you if anything needs attention
Your questions answered
How much is a private MRI scan in the UK?
A private MRI scan costs £395 for one body part at Goodbody Clinic, or £595 for two body parts scanned in the same appointment, including a consultant radiologist's report and your images, with a clinician call if anything needs attention. Private MRI prices in the UK generally range from about £200 for a single joint at a budget provider to £500 or more at a private hospital, with the report sometimes charged separately. Ours includes everything.
Can you get a private MRI scan without a referral?
Yes. Book directly with Goodbody and we arrange the clinical referral that imaging centres require, so there is nothing to ask your GP for. Some centres will not scan without a referral at all; ours is included in the booking. You will be asked a few questions about your symptoms and medical history so the radiologist knows what to look for.
Can I request an MRI scan on the NHS?
You can ask, but the decision rests with your GP or specialist, who will order an MRI only where guidelines say it will change your care. For many joint and back problems the NHS route is physiotherapy first and imaging later, with waits of several weeks to months for a non-urgent scan. A private scan gets an answer within a week or two and the report can be taken back to your GP.
Will the NHS accept a private MRI scan?
Usually, yes. A private MRI reported by a consultant radiologist is a valid clinical document, and GPs and NHS specialists will normally act on it rather than repeat it, provided the images and report are available to them. Your Goodbody report is emailed to you, and your images can be shared on request. Occasionally a specialist will want a repeat scan to a specific protocol; that is their call.
Is it worth paying for a private MRI scan?
If you are waiting weeks for an NHS scan, or have been told you do not meet the threshold for one, a private MRI turns a long period of uncertainty into a clear answer within days. That matters most for pain that is stopping you working or exercising, for suspected injuries such as a torn cartilage or ligament, and for symptoms your GP wants to keep an eye on. For minor symptoms that are improving on their own, waiting is often reasonable.
How long does an MRI scan take?
Most single body parts take 20 to 45 minutes in the scanner; a knee or shoulder is at the shorter end, a spine or abdomen at the longer. Two body parts in one appointment take under 60 minutes. Allow extra time to arrive and complete the safety checklist. You lie still on a table that moves into the scanner; it is noisy but painless.
Does your whole body go in the scanner for a knee or back MRI?
For a knee, ankle or foot, usually only your lower body is inside the scanner and your head stays out. For a shoulder, neck, brain or upper spine, your head and upper body are inside. For a lower back or hip, most of your body is inside with your head near the opening. If enclosed spaces worry you, tell us when you book so the centre can prepare you and, where possible, position you with your head out.
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
MRI uses magnets and radio waves, no radiation, and is best at soft tissue: brain, spinal cord and discs, ligaments, cartilage, muscles and organs such as the liver and prostate. CT uses X-rays, is much quicker, and is better for bone detail, lungs and detecting bleeding in an emergency. For joint, spine, brain and abdominal soft-tissue questions, MRI is usually the right choice, which is why it is what we offer.
Which body parts can be scanned?
Brain and head; cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine; shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand; hip, knee, ankle and foot; abdomen and pelvis. Choose the area when you book, and add a second area for £200 more if your symptoms span two regions, such as a lower back and hip. If you are unsure which region to choose, call us and a clinician will advise.
How do I prepare, and can I have an MRI with a metal implant?
Wear clothing without metal and leave jewellery at home. Tell the centre when you book about any implants, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, metal fragments or recent surgery, as some are not MRI-compatible and some need checking first. Most joint replacements and dental work are fine. No fasting is needed and there is no injection, so you can drive afterwards.
Where can I get a private MRI scan near me?
At 60 imaging centres across the UK, with appointments typically within 7 days. Choose your centre and time when you book. Find your nearest centre.
What happens after the scan?
A consultant radiologist reports your scan and the report and images are emailed within 3 to 5 working days. If the report shows something that needs treatment or further tests, a Goodbody clinician calls to explain it and how to take the report to your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist.
What happens next
Your scan is reported by a consultant radiologist and the written report, with your images, is emailed to you within 3 to 5 working days. If the report shows anything that needs attention, a Goodbody clinician calls you to explain the finding, how urgent it is, and how to take it to your GP or a specialist. Appointments are usually available within a week of booking, with finance options at checkout.
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£395
One body part · two-part scans from £595
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No GP referral needed. Appointments typically within 7 days.
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- 7 daysTypical appointment
- 3 daysDetailed results
- 60+UK clinics
- No GPreferral required
Popular part-body scans
Find out what each scan shows, how long it takes and what it costs.
Knee MRI
Meniscus, ligament and cartilage injuries, swelling or a knee that gives way.
Knee MRI scans
Shoulder MRI
Rotator cuff tears, impingement, dislocation and ongoing shoulder pain.
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Back & spine MRI
Lower back pain, sciatica, slipped discs and neck pain.
Back & spine MRI scans
Patient Story
Hear Michael's Story...
A short story from a patient who recently had their scan with us — what made them book, and how the day actually went.
Not sure if it's right for you? Our team is happy to talk it through, no pressure.
Available testing locations for Private MRI Scans
Aberdeen MRI Centre
Barking MRI Centre
Barnet MRI Centre
Birmingham MRI Centre
Brighton MRI Centre
Bristol MRI Centre
Bury St Edmunds MRI Centre
Camborne and Redruth MRI Centre
Cambridge MRI Centre
Canterbury MRI Centre
Cardiff MRI Centre
Chelmsford MRI Centre
Cheltenham MRI Centre
Coventry MRI Centre
Ealing MRI Centre
East Surrey MRI Centre
Eastbourne MRI Centre
Eastleigh MRI Centre
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Private MRI Scan in Under 60 Minutes
Receive a one or two-part body Private MRI scan, covering multiple organs and blood vessels, in under 60 minutes. Speak to a specialist today on 01225 444 144.
Our Private MRI scans provide a thorough insight into your health by identifying potential cancer and disease indicators as soon as possible, offering you peace of mind and proactive health management.
Easily request an appointment slot online at your nearest clinic. Morning, afternoon, and evening slots are available based on clinic availability. Click to find your nearest testing location.
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