Why Are MRI Scans So Expensive?

Why Are MRI Scans So Expensive? Understanding The Costs

MRI uses some of the most advanced imaging technology available today and creates the most detailed images of the inside of your body. This is part of the reason why MRI scans are generally more expensive than CT scans or X-rays.

You asked “Why are MRI scans so expensive?”. We’ll explore the answer in more detail below.

What is MRI?

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and powerful magnetic fields to create highly detailed images of soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones inside your body. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, it does not use any ionising radiation.

Breaking down MRI costs

Equipment and technology costs

The cost of an MRI machine depends on multiple factors, including the type of MRI machine used. For example, a standard closed MRI machine where you are slid into the tube of the machine on a motorised table is less expensive than an open MRI machine, which has a much wider opening and allows you to see out of both sides.

The strength of the magnetic field produced by the machine also affects its cost. This is measured in units called Tesla (T), and stronger, more powerful magnets allow for more detailed and higher resolution images. Most MRI machines used in hospitals today have a strength of 1.5T or 3T.

The average cost of MRI equipment used by the NHS is around £1 million per scanner. These powerful machines also require liquid helium to remain operational, which is a limited natural resource and an additional ongoing cost.

Role of radiologists and technicians

An MRI machine is a highly advanced piece of technology that can only be operated by skilled professionals, such as diagnostic radiographers, radiologists or consultant radiologists, all of whom must undergo extensive training.

The reporting of the images produced must also be done by highly trained professionals, including advanced practitioner reporting radiographers, radiologists and consultant radiologists. The overall cost of your MRI scan, therefore, includes the time of the experts who will perform your scan.

A radiographer must complete 3–6 years of graduate study to qualify, while a radiologist must complete at least 12 years of study and training.

Facility overheads and maintenance

Running MRI services involves more than just the machine. To continue producing accurate images, an MRI machine must undergo maintenance by a specialist engineer at least once every three months.

The room housing an MRI machine must also be specially built or adapted to ensure safe operation of the machine. Adaptations include:

Ferromagnetic metal detectors
Humidity and temperature control
Oxygen monitors
Shielding against radio waves and magnetic fields
Structural supports
Ventilation

These adaptations also require regular maintenance, and if the MRI machine is upgraded, further adaptations may be needed. These higher operational costs, along with ongoing additional expenses, increase the fee that private scanning companies and hospitals charge for these diagnostic services.

Factors increasing MRI expenses

An MRI scan uses a lot of electricity, on average, 19.9 kWh per scan. For comparison, charging your smartphone for a year uses almost 2 kWh. As global energy costs rise, so does the cost of using these powerful diagnostic tools.

MRI scanners cannot be shutdown when not in use, so require constant cooling and use energy 24/7. We are working with our scanner manufacturers to utilise the latest technology and improve sustainability.

Other ongoing factors contribute to pricing:

Coordination with other departments
Licensing and regulatory compliance
Staffing and training requirements
Supply of contrast agents like contrast dye for certain medical conditions

Comparing MRI costs globally

At Vista Health, private MRI scans start at £249, depending on which part of your body needs to be scanned. A whole-body private MRI scan starts from £765 and an open upright MRI starts from £575.

Although MRI scan costs can be lower abroad, this comes with certain risks. Some international healthcare providers operate without strict regulations, raising the risk of inaccurate imaging, unsafe environments, or losing money on poor follow-up care.

In contrast, UK imaging centres like Vista Health offer faster access, detailed results, and follow the highest standards for patient safety.

Insurance

At Vista Health, we aim to make medical imaging as accessible as possible. This means we accept insurance from most leading health insurers, so you do not need to pay the full MRI scan cost.