CT scan Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£400–£800

Published UK private hospital and scan centre prices, October 2026.

On the NHSFree

CT scans are free on the NHS when you're referred, but in January 2026 about 1 in 9 people waiting for a CT scan had waited more than six weeks.

What's usually included

Hospital prices usually include the scan and the radiologist's report, and sometimes contrast. You'll need a referral from a doctor, and a consultant appointment to discuss the results is often charged separately.

Example published prices

Circle Health Group: from around £350 for the simplest CT scans; more complex scans from around £1,600 (source)
Scan.com (booking service, various sites): from £360, including referral support and the radiologist's report (source)
Nuffield Health Manchester Diagnostic Suite: 1 area £587; 2 areas £734; 3 areas £924 (source)
Nuffield Health Edinburgh Hospital: 1 area without contrast £650; with contrast £700 (source)
Spire Yale Hospital (Wrexham): £800 for 1 area, including contrast when needed and the report (source)

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. Your consultant, the hospital, London location and medical complexity can all raise the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Self-pay or health insurance?

Paying yourself makes sense if you need one known procedure now — health insurance won't cover a condition you already have. Insurance is designed for what might happen in future: it spreads the cost of unexpected diagnosis and treatment into a monthly premium. See our guide to self-pay vs health insurance, or estimate what cover would cost you.

Private MRI scan costs →

Questions and answers

How much does a private CT scan cost in the UK?

A private CT scan of one body area usually costs £400 to £800. Prices rise if contrast dye is needed or several areas are scanned, and vary by hospital and region. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of a private CT scan?

Will health insurance pay for a CT scan?

If you have private health insurance and the condition started after your policy began, your insurer will usually cover it, subject to your policy terms, limits and excess. Conditions you had before taking out cover are normally excluded, so insurance won't help with treatment you already need.

Can I get a CT scan on the NHS instead?

CT scans are free on the NHS when you're referred, but in January 2026 about 1 in 9 people waiting for a CT scan had waited more than six weeks. Ask your GP about your NHS options, including choosing where you're treated.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does a private CT scan cost?