Lengthy NHS waiting times are driving more Brits to seek quicker routes to medical answers, especially as countless individuals embark on fresh wellness ambitions for 2026. Whilst health-related resolutions consistently feature prominently year after year, accessibility and convenience continue to present significant obstacles to actually following through.
This is where private diagnostic providers such as Scan.com are making their mark, with packages beginning at £300. Built to eliminate the postponements and complications frequently linked with conventional GP referrals, the service enables individuals to arrange medical imaging appointments directly, empowering them to manage their wellbeing without enduring months of delay.
Scan.com is a British-based service offering access to private diagnostic imaging, including MRI, ultrasound and CT scans, performed at reputable hospital facilities across the country. Slots are usually obtainable promptly, with clinical guidance available at every stage, from initial booking right through to receiving results.
Dr Lizzie Tuckey, practising clinician and Managing Director at Scan.com, explains: “Our goal is to remove the friction people often feel when trying to prioritise their health,” adding, “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 dealing with symptoms such as pain, injuries, headaches or digestive issues, Scan.com offers diagnostic scans to help identify the problem, according to the company. MRI and ultrasound scans are popular choices for these concerns, providing insights that can guide further action or offer peace of mind, reports the Mirror.
Scan.com also provides preventative screening scans for individuals seeking a detailed understanding of their health before any symptoms arise. Options include DEXA body composition scans to monitor changes in muscle and fat, cardiac assessments for those with a family history of heart disease, and breast screenings for women aged 40 and above.
For a more thorough analysis, a full-body MRI scan examines the body from head to pelvis to detect potential problems early on. The platform also offers a range of heart health checks, including MRI, CT scans, angiograms and echocardiograms, as well as spine evaluations for persistent back pain or posture issues.
Targeted screenings are also available, such as prostate MRI scans, which can be more precise than PSA blood tests, and mammogram screenings from age 40 to aid early detection. If anyone is uncertain about which scan to choose, they can arrange a consultation with one of Scan.com’s in-house clinicians who can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate options.
There’s no need for a GP referral, no waiting lists exist, and appointments can be arranged at more than 250 imaging centres nationwide, according to the company. Results are usually provided within days, enabling individuals to progress from uncertainty to informed decisions more swiftly.
As an alternative, Bupa provides health assessments starting from £269. The private healthcare provider offers six different health assessments, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, with options available for remote checks from home.
Vista Health similarly provides full body MRI scans, which can reveal information about the head and brain, abdomen and pelvis, spine and heart. Each package comes with a comprehensive report and access to all scan images, with prices ranging from £765 to £1,845.
Scan.com has received strong ratings on Trustpilot, with one reviewer commenting: “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.”
However, there were some minor reservations expressed by a few, as one individual noted: “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.”
On the whole, the response was positive, with one individual sharing: “Great to get a scan within days and the results a day or so later. Very calm and professional service.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
