TL;DR
WeCovr's guide to MRI, CT, PET scans and PMI coverage As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. This guide explains how PMI covers crucial diagnostic scans like MRIs, helping you bypass long NHS waits and get the peace of mind you deserve. When you’re feeling unwell and your GP suspects something might be wrong, waiting for a diagnosis can be one of the most stressful experiences imaginable.
Key takeaways
- How it feels: You'll lie inside a large, tube-shaped machine. The process is painless, but the machine is very noisy. You'll be given headphones or earplugs to help with this.
- What it's used for:
- Examining the brain and spinal cord for tumours, damage, or conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Diagnosing joint and muscle injuries, such as torn ligaments or cartilage damage.
- Getting detailed images of internal organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
WeCovr's guide to MRI, CT, PET scans and PMI coverage
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the UK private medical insurance market inside and out. This guide explains how PMI covers crucial diagnostic scans like MRIs, helping you bypass long NHS waits and get the peace of mind you deserve.
When you’re feeling unwell and your GP suspects something might be wrong, waiting for a diagnosis can be one of the most stressful experiences imaginable. Diagnostic scans are the key to understanding what’s happening inside your body, but accessing them quickly on the NHS isn't always possible. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) can be a lifeline.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MRI, CT, and PET scans, how private health cover works, and how you can get fast access to the tests you need.
Understanding Key Diagnostic Scans: MRI, CT, and PET Explained
Before we delve into insurance, let's demystify the main types of diagnostic scans. While they all provide images of your body's interior, they work in different ways and are used to diagnose different conditions.
What is an MRI Scan?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create incredibly detailed images of your organs and tissues. It's particularly good for looking at soft tissues.
- How it feels: You'll lie inside a large, tube-shaped machine. The process is painless, but the machine is very noisy. You'll be given headphones or earplugs to help with this.
- What it's used for:
- Examining the brain and spinal cord for tumours, damage, or conditions like multiple sclerosis.
- Diagnosing joint and muscle injuries, such as torn ligaments or cartilage damage.
- Getting detailed images of internal organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Detecting certain types of cancer.
What is a CT Scan?
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of your body. Think of it like looking at individual "slices" of your body, which can be combined to form a 3D picture.
- How it feels: You'll lie on a bed that moves through a large, doughnut-shaped ring. It's much quicker and quieter than an MRI. Sometimes, you might be given a special dye (called a contrast agent) to drink or have injected, which helps certain tissues show up more clearly.
- What it's used for:
- Detecting bone and joint problems, like complex fractures.
- Pinpointing the location of tumours, infections, or blood clots.
- Guiding procedures like biopsies and surgeries.
- Monitoring conditions like cancer and heart disease.
What is a PET Scan?
A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is a more specialised imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning at a cellular level. It's excellent at highlighting areas of high chemical activity.
- How it feels: A small amount of a radioactive substance (a "tracer") is injected into your bloodstream. You'll then wait for about an hour for it to travel through your body before lying in a scanner similar to a CT scanner.
- What it's used for:
- Detecting cancer and determining if it has spread.
- Assessing how well cancer treatment is working.
- Evaluating brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease or epilepsy.
- Showing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Often, PET scans are combined with CT scans (a PET-CT) to provide a single, highly detailed image showing both your body's structure (from the CT) and its metabolic function (from the PET).
Quick Comparison of Diagnostic Scans
| Feature | MRI Scan | CT Scan | PET Scan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Soft tissues, joints, brain, spine | Bones, internal organs, blood clots | Cancer detection, cell function, brain disorders |
| How it Works | Strong magnets and radio waves | Multiple X-rays from different angles | Radioactive tracer and gamma ray detection |
| Radiation | None | Yes (low dose) | Yes (low dose) |
| Scan Time | 30–90 minutes | 10–30 minutes | 30–60 minutes (plus waiting time) |
| Noise Level | Very loud | Relatively quiet | Relatively quiet |
The NHS vs. Private Scans: A Look at Waiting Times and Access
The NHS provides excellent care, but it is under immense pressure. One of the most significant challenges for patients is the waiting time for diagnostic tests.
According to the latest NHS England statistics, the waiting list for diagnostic tests remains a major concern. In early 2025, over 1.6 million people were waiting for one of 15 key diagnostic tests, including MRI and CT scans. The NHS constitution states a target that 99% of patients should wait no more than six weeks for a diagnostic test. However, recent data shows that around 20% of patients—over 300,000 people—are waiting longer than this six-week target.
For many, this waiting period is filled with anxiety and uncertainty. If the scan is needed to diagnose a serious condition like cancer, any delay can impact treatment outcomes and cause significant emotional distress.
This is the primary reason why hundreds of thousands of people in the UK turn to private medical insurance. PMI offers a way to bypass these queues and get a diagnosis in a matter of days, not weeks or months.
How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Covers Diagnostic Scans
Private medical insurance is designed to cover the costs of private healthcare for acute conditions that arise after your policy begins. Diagnostic scans are a cornerstone of most PMI policies because they are essential for diagnosing these conditions.
The Critical Rule: Acute vs. Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand what UK PMI does and does not cover.
A Critical Note on PMI Coverage: Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions – illnesses or injuries that are short-term and likely to respond quickly to treatment (e.g., a joint injury, appendicitis, or a new lump that needs investigation).
It does not cover:
- Pre-existing conditions: Any medical condition you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy started.
- Chronic conditions: Long-term illnesses that require ongoing management rather than a cure, such as diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.
Diagnostic scans are covered when they are used to investigate the symptoms of a new, acute condition.
How Coverage Works: Inpatient vs. Outpatient Cover
PMI policies are typically built around a core of inpatient cover. This means you are covered for treatment that requires a hospital bed, either overnight (inpatient) or for the day (day-patient).
However, diagnostic scans like MRI, CT, and PET are almost always performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you visit the hospital or clinic for the scan and go home the same day without needing a bed.
Therefore, to have your scans covered, you usually need a policy that includes outpatient cover.
Here’s how it breaks down in different types of policies:
| Policy Tier | Typical Outpatient Scan Coverage | Who It's Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Budget | Often no outpatient cover, or scans are only covered if they lead directly to an inpatient admission. | Those on a tight budget who are mainly concerned about major surgery costs. |
| Mid-Range | A limited amount of outpatient cover, for example, up to £1,000 per year. This is usually enough to cover a few consultations and one or two scans. | A good balance of cost and coverage for most people. |
| Comprehensive | Full outpatient cover. All eligible consultations, diagnostic tests, and scans are covered in full. | Those who want complete peace of mind and don't want to worry about financial limits. |
Real-Life Example:
- David has a mid-range policy with a £1,000 outpatient limit. He develops severe back pain. His GP refers him to a private specialist (£250). The specialist recommends an MRI scan (£400). Both are covered by his policy, leaving him with £350 in his outpatient limit for any follow-up appointments.
- Susan has a comprehensive policy. She experiences similar back pain. Her specialist consultation, MRI scan, and subsequent physiotherapy sessions are all covered in full by her insurer without her needing to track a financial limit.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you navigate these options, explaining the pros and cons of each level of cover to find a policy that matches your needs and budget perfectly.
Choosing the Right PMI Policy for Scan Coverage
When comparing private medical insurance in the UK, it’s crucial to look beyond the headline price. Here are the key factors to consider to ensure you have robust cover for diagnostic scans.
1. Check the Outpatient Limit
As discussed, this is the most important factor.
- No limit: The gold standard for peace of mind.
- Capped limit (£500 - £2,000): A good compromise, but be aware that a complex series of tests could exceed this. A single PET-CT scan, for example, could use up a £1,500 limit on its own.
- Scans only: Some policies limit outpatient cover to diagnostics only, excluding specialist consultations. This is a cheaper but less flexible option.
2. Understand Your Policy Excess
An excess is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. For example, if you have a £250 excess and your MRI scan costs £500, you pay the first £250 and your insurer pays the remaining £250.
- Higher excess = Lower premium.
- Lower excess = Higher premium. Choosing an excess you are comfortable paying is a great way to manage your policy's cost.
3. Review the Hospital List
Insurers have agreements with networks of private hospitals. Your policy will come with a "hospital list" detailing where you can have your treatment and scans.
- National lists: Give you access to hospitals across the country.
- Local lists: Restrict you to a smaller selection of hospitals, usually resulting in a lower premium. Ensure the list includes high-quality diagnostic centres and hospitals that are convenient for you to travel to.
4. Look for a "Guided" or "Expert Select" Option
Many of the best PMI providers now offer "guided" options. This is where the insurer helps you choose a specialist from a pre-approved list. In return for this reduced choice, you often get a significant discount on your premium without compromising on the quality of care. This can be an excellent way to get comprehensive cover at a more affordable price.
5. Consider Additional Benefits
Top-tier insurers often include valuable wellness benefits that can help you stay healthy and potentially avoid needing scans in the first place! Look for:
- Digital GP Services: 24/7 access to a GP via phone or video call, allowing you to get a referral quickly.
- Mental Health Support: Access to counselling or therapy without needing a GP referral.
- Wellness Perks: Discounts on gym memberships, health screenings, and fitness trackers.
For example, when you arrange your policy through WeCovr, we provide complimentary access to our innovative AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, helping you manage your diet and health proactively. We also offer discounts on other types of cover, such as life or home insurance, when you purchase a PMI policy with us.
The Cost of Private Scans Without Insurance
If you don't have private health cover, you can choose to "self-pay" for a diagnostic scan. This can be a good option if you only need a one-off test, but the costs can quickly add up if you require multiple scans or follow-up treatment.
Here are the typical starting prices for private scans in the UK in 2025. Prices vary significantly based on the part of the body being scanned and the location of the clinic.
| Scan Type | Typical Starting Price (Self-Pay) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRI Scan | £300 – £750 | Scans of joints like the knee are often cheaper. More complex scans, like a full-body or cardiac MRI, can cost over £1,000. |
| CT Scan | £450 – £900 | Prices increase if a contrast dye is needed. A cardiac CT angiogram can cost upwards of £1,500. |
| PET-CT Scan | £1,500 – £2,500+ | This is one of the most expensive scans due to the complex technology and radioactive tracer involved. |
| Ultrasound Scan | £200 – £400 | A more common and less expensive scan, often used for abdominal issues, pregnancy, and muscle injuries. |
| X-ray | £100 – £200 | The most basic and cheapest form of imaging. |
Paying for these out-of-pocket can be a significant financial burden, especially if the scan reveals you need expensive surgery or treatment afterwards. A private hip replacement, for instance, can cost over £15,000. Private medical insurance is designed to protect you from these unexpected and potentially life-altering costs. (illustrative estimate)
Navigating the Claims Process for a Private Scan
Making a claim on your PMI for a scan is usually a straightforward process. Here’s a typical step-by-step guide:
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Visit Your GP: Your health journey almost always starts with your GP. You'll discuss your symptoms, and if they feel a specialist opinion is needed, they will write you a referral letter. This can be your NHS GP or a private digital GP service included with your policy.
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Contact Your Insurer: Before booking anything, you must call your insurance provider's claims line. Tell them about your symptoms and your GP's referral. They will check your policy to confirm you are covered for the investigation.
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Get Authorisation: If you are covered, the insurer will give you a pre-authorisation number. This is their promise to pay for the eligible treatment. They may also provide you with a list of approved specialists or diagnostic centres from your hospital list.
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Book Your Appointment: You can now contact the specialist or hospital to book your consultation and scan, giving them your pre-authorisation number. The clinic will then bill your insurer directly.
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Pay Your Excess (If Applicable): If your policy has an excess, the private hospital will usually send you an invoice for that amount directly. You pay your portion, and the insurer handles the rest.
The key is to always get pre-authorisation from your insurer before incurring any costs. Failing to do so could result in your claim being rejected, leaving you liable for the full bill.
Beyond Scans: The Wider Benefits of Private Health Cover
While fast access to diagnostics is a huge benefit, modern private medical insurance in the UK offers much more. The best PMI providers focus on a holistic approach to your health and wellbeing.
Proactive Health and Wellness
- Preventative Care: Many policies offer benefits for health screenings aimed at catching issues like cancer or heart disease early.
- Healthy Living Incentives: Insurers like Vitality are famous for their programmes that reward you with discounts and perks for staying active, eating well, and tracking your health.
- Nutrition and Diet Support: Access to registered dietitians or nutritionists can help you manage your weight and improve your overall health. Our CalorieHero app is a great example of the value-add tools WeCovr provides to support our clients' health journeys.
Mental Health Support
Recognising the deep link between physical and mental health, most comprehensive policies now include excellent mental health cover. This can provide:
- Access to talking therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
- Cover for sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Support for conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression, often without needing a GP referral first.
A More Comfortable Experience
Should you need inpatient treatment, a private hospital offers a very different environment from a busy NHS ward. You can typically expect:
- A private en-suite room.
- More flexible visiting hours.
- An à la carte menu.
- A quieter, more restful environment to recover in.
Choosing the right private health cover is an investment in your long-term health, offering not just a solution when things go wrong, but also tools to help you live a healthier life.
Do I need a GP referral to use my private medical insurance for a scan?
Will my premium go up if I claim for an MRI or CT scan?
Are scans for health screening or monitoring a chronic condition covered?
Can I choose which hospital I go to for my scan?
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Navigating the world of private medical insurance can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. At WeCovr, our expert advisors are dedicated to helping you understand your options and find the perfect cover for your needs and budget.
We compare policies from across the UK's leading providers to find you the right protection at the right price, at no extra cost to you. Get fast access to the diagnostic scans you need, when you need them.
[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Quote from WeCovr Today]
Sources
- Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
- DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.
