| 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 |
| 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 |
| Specialist orthopaedic clinic (Fortius Clinic Wimbledon) | £735 one part (guide price, excludes consultant fees) | Referral letter may be needed; physio referral may be accepted | Not stated on the price page | fortiusclinic.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: wrist. 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.
===
What does a wrist MRI show?
A wrist MRI shows the eight small carpal bones, the ligaments between them, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on the little-finger side, the tendons that cross the wrist, and the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. It is commonly used to look for a scaphoid fracture that did not show on an X-ray, ligament injuries after a fall, TFCC tears, and causes of persistent pain.
A suspected scaphoid fracture after a fall onto an outstretched hand needs prompt assessment, because an untreated fracture can heal badly. If you have just fallen, go to a minor injuries unit or A&E rather than waiting for a private slot.
Can I refer myself for a private wrist MRI?
Some dedicated centres accept self-referral. Vista Health covers the hand and wrist together, says scans start from £249 per scan and offers self-referral for adults after a questionnaire. Hospital groups usually ask for a referral from a GP, consultant, registered physiotherapist or hand therapist. Some hand surgeons prefer an MR arthrogram for ligament tears, which needs a referral. See self-referral.
How much does a private wrist MRI cost?
On 5 October 2026, Vista Health listed £249 off-peak, £360 standard and £380 fast track for a single area. Hospital guide prices for one part were £400 to £620 at the Nuffield Health sites we checked, and Fortius Clinic Wimbledon listed £735 before consultant fees. Wrist and hand are sometimes one area, sometimes two; see hand MRI.
What happens during a wrist MRI?
You either lie on your back with the hand by your side or lie face down with your arm above your head, which some people find uncomfortable for half an hour. Ask the centre in advance. A wrist scan usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
What should I ask before booking?
- Is it a plain MRI or an arthrogram that you need?
- Which position will I be in?
- Self-referral or a letter?
- Report time, and can I download the images?
Will a wrist MRI show carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is usually diagnosed from symptoms, examination and, sometimes, nerve conduction tests. MRI can show the nerve and the tunnel, but it is not the usual test. Ask a GP or hand therapist before paying for a scan for this alone.
Can I get a private wrist MRI without a GP?
Yes, at some dedicated centres that accept self-referral. Hospital groups usually want a referral from a GP, consultant, physiotherapist or hand therapist.
How much is a private wrist MRI?
On 5 October 2026, from £249 off-peak at a dedicated centre, and £400 to £620 for one part at the hospital sites we checked.
Will an MRI show a scaphoid fracture?
MRI is often used when a scaphoid fracture is suspected but the X-ray is normal. After a fall, get assessed promptly at a minor injuries unit or A&E.
Want one centre to call you? Request a private MRI. Free for you; the centre may pay us.