| Centre type | From-price | Referral rule | Report time | Source | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated scanning centre group (Vista Health) | £249 off-peak; £360 standard; £380 fast track (within 7 days) | Self-referral accepted (18+) | Written report within 3 working days | vista-health.co.uk | 5 October 2026 |
| Dedicated scanning centre group: contrast add-on (Vista Health) | +£125 if contrast is needed (not for under 16s) | Contrast scans go through an enquiry form first | Written report within 3 working days | vista-health.co.uk | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group (50+ hospitals) (Circle Health Group) | From £347; varies by hospital, quote may be higher | Priced on the scans requested by the professional who referred you | Same day in some cases; otherwise within one week | circlehealthgroup.co.uk | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group diagnostic suite (Nuffield Health Manchester Diagnostic Suite) | £400 one part; £538 two parts; £658 three parts (guide prices) | Referral from a registered healthcare professional needed | Results within a few days | nuffieldhealth.com | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group hospital (Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital) | £620 one part (guide price) | Referral from a healthcare professional needed | Results to your referrer within a week | nuffieldhealth.com | 5 October 2026 |
| Online booking service (150+ partner centres) (Scan.com) | From £305, including a referral written by its medical team | No GP letter needed; its clinicians compile the referral | Estimated 7 to 10 working days | uk.scan.com | 5 October 2026 |
- Price is per single body area. Contrast, if needed, is £125 extra.
Prices are the centres' own published figures, checked by Pete on 5 October 2026. A centre may change a price at any time; the centre's quote is what counts. We delete a row we cannot re-check. Listing a centre here does not mean it is a partner of ours. Full list on Sources.
What we can and cannot do
We are not a clinic and not the NHS. We do not scan, diagnose, refer or book a confirmed slot. We cannot tell you whether you need an MRI. If you have new weakness, numbness in the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe headache, chest pain or any symptom that frightens you, call 999 or NHS 111, or see your GP, today.
What we can do: explain the price, the referral rule and the centre types in plain English, and, if you ask, pass your request to one independent scanning centre that covers your area so it can contact you. That is free for you. The centre may pay us a fee.
Four steps to a private MRI
- Body area. Name the one area to be scanned: abdomen. Two areas usually cost more than one.
- Referral rule. Check whether the centre takes self-referral or wants a letter from a GP, physio or consultant. See self-referral and GP letter.
- Centre type. Dedicated scanning centre, hospital group, or open MRI. Compare the from-price, the referral rule and the report time.
- Ask one centre to contact you. Use the form. One partner centre may call or email you. Nothing is booked until you agree a time and price with them.
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What does an abdominal MRI show?
An abdominal MRI shows the organs in the upper and middle belly: the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands and the large blood vessels. It is often used to look more closely at something seen on an ultrasound or CT scan, to characterise a lump in the liver or kidney, or to look at the pancreas and bile ducts. It does not use radiation, which matters if you need repeated scans.
For many abdominal symptoms, ultrasound or CT is the first test. MRI is usually a second step, ordered for a specific question. Specific scans have their own pages: liver, kidney and MRCP for the bile ducts and pancreas.
Can I refer myself for a private abdominal MRI?
Some dedicated centres accept self-referral. Vista Health's abdomen page says scans start from £249 and offers self-referral for adults after a questionnaire. Because abdominal findings are often hard to interpret on their own, and many need contrast, a GP or specialist referral is usually the better route. Hospital groups usually require one. See self-referral.
How much does a private abdominal MRI cost?
On 5 October 2026, Vista Health listed £249 off-peak, £360 standard and £380 fast track for a single area, plus £125 for contrast. Hospital guide prices for one part ranged from £400 to £620 at the Nuffield Health sites we checked. Abdomen and pelvis together are usually two areas. Many abdominal scans use contrast; see contrast.
How do I prepare for an abdominal MRI?
Centres often ask you not to eat for a few hours before the scan, so the stomach and bowel are quiet. Follow your centre's instructions exactly. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods, around 15 to 20 seconds, many times during the scan. Practise beforehand if you find that hard. Expect 30 to 45 minutes, longer with contrast.
When should I get help urgently instead?
Severe or sudden abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a high temperature need urgent assessment through NHS 111, your GP or A&E.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which organs will be covered, and is contrast included in the price?
- Fasting and breath-hold instructions.
- Will the report go to my GP or specialist?
- If something is found, who will see me next and at what cost?
Can I get a private abdominal MRI without a GP?
Some dedicated centres accept self-referral, such as Vista Health. A GP or specialist referral is usually the better route, and hospital groups require one.
How much does a private abdominal MRI cost?
On 5 October 2026, from £249 off-peak at a dedicated centre plus £125 for contrast, and £400 to £620 for one part at the hospital sites we checked.
Do I need to fast before an abdominal MRI?
Often for a few hours. Follow your centre's own instructions.
Want one centre to call you? Request a private MRI. Free for you; the centre may pay us.