Soaring NHS waiting times are compelling a growing number of people across the UK to seek private medical scans to obtain swift health answers, particularly as the new year prompts fresh wellbeing goals.
The Rise of Direct-Access Scanning
Faced with what one user described as the "NHS hunger games waiting lists," individuals are increasingly bypassing traditional referral pathways. Private services such as Scan.com are filling this gap, offering direct bookings for diagnostic imaging with prices beginning at £300.
The UK-based platform provides access to MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans at over 250 trusted hospital locations nationwide. A key selling point is the speed: appointments are typically available quickly, with results delivered within days and no requirement for a GP referral.
Peace of Mind for a Price
Dr Lizzie Tuckey, a practising clinician and Managing Director at Scan.com, stated the company's goal is to remove friction for those trying to prioritise their health. The service caters both to those with specific symptoms—like pain, injuries, or digestive issues—and individuals seeking proactive screening.
Options extend beyond diagnostics to include DEXA body composition scans, cardiac checks, full-body MRI, and breast or prostate screening. For those unsure, the platform offers consultations with in-house clinicians to recommend suitable scans.
User Experiences and Alternatives
On Trustpilot, many users have praised the service's efficiency. One customer reported booking a scan on a Saturday, receiving a consultation call within hours, having an MRI in an NHS hospital by Wednesday, and getting results by Thursday.
They advised: "I feel that investing in the cost of an MRI with this company... will give you peace of mind and choices." While most feedback is positive, some noted slight delays in receiving written reports after getting their images.
For consumers considering alternatives, Bupa offers health assessments from £269, while Vista Health provides full-body MRI packages ranging from £765 to £1,845.
The trend underscores a significant shift as individuals, frustrated by systemic delays, opt to pay for certainty and speed in managing their health, fundamentally changing how some access diagnostic care in the UK.
