People ‘stuck on the NHS hunger games waiting lists’ try private scan for checks

‘I feel that investing (in) the cost of an MRI with this company… will give you peace of mind and choices’

Long NHS waiting lists are pushing more people to look for faster ways to get health answers, particularly as many set new wellbeing goals for 2026. With health resolutions consistently topping the list each year, access and simplicity remain major barriers when it comes to actually taking action.

That’s where private scanning services like Scan.com are stepping in with prices starting from £300. Designed to remove the delays and hassle often associated with traditional referrals, the platform allows people to book medical scans directly, helping them take control of their health without months of waiting.

Scan.com is a UK-based platform that provides access to private diagnostic scans, including MRI, ultrasound and CT scans, carried out in trusted hospital locations nationwide. Appointments are typically available quickly, with support from clinicians throughout the process, from booking through to results.

“Our goal is to remove the friction people often feel when trying to prioritise their health,” says Dr Lizzie Tuckey, practising clinician and Managing Director at Scan.com. “Whether someone has a specific worry or just wants to feel more in control, we make it simple to take the first step and make confident decisions about what comes next.”

Whether it’s symptoms such as pain, injuries, headaches or digestive issues, the service can be used for diagnostic scans to help provide answers on what’s going on, the brand says. MRI and ultrasound scans are commonly chosen for these concerns, offering insights that can support next steps or provide reassurance.

Scan.com also offers screening scans for people who want a clearer picture of their health before symptoms appear. Options include DEXA body composition scans to track muscle and fat changes, cardiac checks for those with a family history of heart disease, and breast screening for women aged 40 and over.

For a more comprehensive overview, a full-body MRI scan examines the body from head to pelvis to spot potential issues early. Other options from the platform include heart health checks, such as MRI, CT scans, angiograms and echocardiograms, alongside spine assessments for ongoing back pain or posture issues.

There are also targeted screenings like prostate MRI scans, which can be more accurate than PSA blood tests, and mammogram screenings available from age 40 to support early detection. If anyone is unsure which scan is right, users can book a consultation with one of Scan.com’s in-house clinicians, who can help to assess symptoms and recommend suitable options.

There’s no GP referral needed, no waiting lists, and bookings can be made at over 250 imaging centres across the UK, the brand says. Results are typically delivered within days, helping people move from uncertainty to informed next steps more quickly.

For an alternative option, Bupa also offers health assessments with prices beginning at £269. The private health company offers six health assessments, so there is something tailored to everyone, and there are options to have checks done remotely from home.

Vista Health also offers full body MRI scans, which can tell people about their head and brain, abdomen and pelvis, spine and heart. Each package includes a full report and access to all scan images, and prices range from £765 to £1,845.

Scan.com has been rated highly on Trustpilot, however, as one person said: “I am extremely happy with the service I received from Scan.com UK. From booking, to receiving my first pre-scan consultation was only 2 hours. The scan was done in an NHS hospital on a Sunday afternoon, for a fraction of the price it would have cost me to go to my local private hospital. The staff were great, the service was fast and the follow-up consultation (which I paid an extra £50 for) was within 48 hours of the scan. The initial phone call and follow up were both with the same person who was assigned to me at booking, which gave me continuity of care that’s rare in the NHS these days.

“Although I self referred, I did upload evidence of my conditions from a consultant, who had asked for me to be referred for an MRI months back (which was never actioned). I believe that uploading this document assisted in knowing what needed to be looked at on the MRI, but was in no way affected the process (the scan was thorough and noted things not mentioned in my prior report). I’ve already recommended this company to friends and family, and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again should a health condition call for it.

“If you’re stuck on the NHS hunger games waiting lists, going around in circles and feeling like you’ve fallen through the cracks like I did, I feel that investing (in) the cost of an MRI with this company (and a follow-up consultation if you can) will give you peace of mind and choices.”

Another wrote: “Super impressed with the service. Booked online on Saturday, phone call within 1 hr to confirm details. Further call on Monday to book the actual appointment. MRI appointment/scan on Wednesday. Results and telephone call to discuss on Thursday. Can’t believe the speed of the service. I highly recommend it.”

There were some slight reservations from some, as one person said: “The scan experience was very efficient and all explained well. The clinician contacted me with an overview within two days. Images were sent to me on the same day but not the written report, which I had to request the next day.”

Overall, most people were pleased, as one other person wrote: “Great to get a scan within days and the results a day or so later. Very calm and professional service.”