How Much Does a Private X-ray Cost in the UK?
A single private x-ray in the UK typically costs between £100 and £300, depending on the body area, the clinic and what is included. Whole-body or specialist standing imaging can cost more. The price usually covers the scan itself, the radiographer's time and a consultant radiologist report.
Key takeaways
- Most private x-rays fall between £100 and £300 per region.
- Price varies by body area, location and whether a specialist report is included.
- You do not usually need a GP referral for a private x-ray.
- Standing, weight-bearing imaging (like an EOS standing x-ray) can reveal alignment problems that lying-down scans miss.
- ScanAlign offers a free video consultation before you commit to any scan.
What are typical private x-ray prices in the UK?
Prices vary between clinics and regions. Below is a general guide to what you can expect to pay as a self-pay patient. These are approximate market ranges, not ScanAlign prices. For our own pricing, you can see pricing and book.
| Scan type | Typical UK price range |
|---|---|
| Single-area x-ray (hand, wrist, ankle) | £100 to £200 |
| Chest x-ray | £100 to £200 |
| Spine x-ray (one region) | £150 to £300 |
| Full spine x-ray | £200 to £400+ |
| Pelvis or hip x-ray | £150 to £300 |
| Standing whole-body EOS scan | Varies. See EOS scan cost |
Private MRI scans tend to cost more, often between £300 and £900 per region. The right scan depends on what your clinician needs to see, not simply on price.
What affects the cost of a private x-ray?
Several factors can push the price up or down. Understanding them helps you compare quotes fairly.
Larger or more complex areas (spine, pelvis) cost more than a single hand or wrist.
London and Harley Street clinics may charge more than regional centres, though quality varies everywhere.
A specialist radiologist report is essential but adds to the cost. Always check it is included.
Some clinics charge a separate consultation fee on top of the scan. Ask upfront.
What should be included in the price of a private x-ray?
A fair private x-ray price should cover everything you need. Before booking anywhere, check that the quote includes all of the following.
The imaging appointment with a qualified radiographer, using properly maintained equipment.
A written report by a consultant radiologist who interprets the images. This is the clinical value of the scan.
Access to your images in a format you can share with your GP, surgeon or physiotherapist.
At ScanAlign, private standing imaging in London, the free video consultation is included before you decide on a scan, so you only pay for imaging that is genuinely appropriate for you.
Why does standing imaging sometimes give a clearer picture?
A standard x-ray is often taken with you lying down. That relaxes your muscles and joints, which can hide alignment problems that only appear when your body is upright and bearing weight. Your body works as a connected chain from your feet to your head. A tilt in the pelvis can change how the spine curves, which can shift stress to the knee or hip. Pain often shows up far from its real cause.
An EOS standing x-ray captures your entire skeleton from head to feet in a single upright image. It uses about 90% less radiation than a standard x-ray, around ten times less. This makes it well suited for detailed alignment assessment without unnecessary exposure.
When MRI is the better choice: EOS shows bones, joints and alignment. For soft tissue, discs or nerves, MRI is usually the better tool. During your free consultation, we will help you understand which scan is right for your situation.
Not sure which scan you need? Start with a free video consultation. A specialist radiographer will review your situation and advise whether imaging is appropriate, before you spend anything.
Book a free video consultationHow do you book a private x-ray at ScanAlign?
You do not need a GP referral to book with us. The process is straightforward.
Free video consultation
You speak with a specialist diagnostic radiographer who listens to your symptoms and reviews your history. There is no charge and no obligation.
Scan recommendation
If imaging is appropriate, we explain exactly which scan would be most useful and what it costs. You decide whether to go ahead.
Your appointment at 19 Harley Street
The scan itself is quick. You stand naturally while the system captures your images. It is painless and takes only a few minutes.
Report and next steps
A consultant radiologist reviews your images and produces a detailed report. You receive your images and report to share with your treating clinician.
For more details about what to expect, safety and costs, visit our frequently asked questions page.
Frequently asked questions about private x-ray costs
Most private x-rays cost between £100 and £300 per body area. The exact price depends on the clinic, location and whether a radiologist report is included.
No. At ScanAlign, you can self-refer. You start with a free video consultation with a specialist radiographer who assesses whether imaging is right for you.
It should be, but not every clinic includes one. Always check before booking. At ScanAlign, a consultant radiologist report is part of the service.
Private MRI scans typically cost between £300 and £900 per region, making them more expensive than x-rays. The right scan depends on what needs to be investigated, not just cost.
An EOS scan is a standing, weight-bearing x-ray that captures your full body in one image using about 90% less radiation than a standard x-ray, around ten times less. For pricing details, see our page on EOS scan cost.
Some private health insurers will cover diagnostic imaging if it is recommended by a consultant. Check with your insurer before booking. ScanAlign is a self-pay clinic, but we can provide documentation if your insurer requires it.
Yes. The radiation dose from a modern x-ray is very low. The EOS system used at ScanAlign delivers about 90% less radiation than a standard x-ray, around ten times less. This is one of the lowest dose imaging methods available.
A standard x-ray usually captures one body area while you lie down. An EOS scan images you standing, from head to feet, in a single pass. This reveals how your whole skeleton aligns under gravity, which lying-down scans can miss.
Private clinics generally offer appointments faster than the NHS, though availability varies. At ScanAlign, your free video consultation is the first step, and from there we arrange your scan as promptly as we can.
ScanAlign is at 19 Harley Street, London. Scans are carried out under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.
Find out what your imaging should cost
Start with a free video consultation. A specialist radiographer will assess your situation, explain whether imaging is appropriate, and give you a clear price before you commit.
Book a free video consultationWritten by Abbas Dhami (Specialist Diagnostic Radiographer)
Sources
- NHS. X-ray overview. nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray (accessed 2024).
- The Royal College of Radiologists. iRefer: Making the best use of clinical radiology. rcr.ac.uk (accessed 2024).
- Deschênes S, Charron G, Beaudoin G, et al. Diagnostic imaging of spinal deformities: reducing patients' radiation dose with a new slot-scanning x-ray imager. Spine. 2010;35(9):989-994.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis.
ScanAlign is the trading name of CoreMed Solutions Ltd and operates under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.