Private MRI Scan Exeter: Prices & Locations

Looking for a private MRI scan in Exeter? You've got options. Whether you need a quick knee or shoulder scan, a detailed brain MRI, or a comprehensive full body check, there are several private scanning centres in and around Exeter where you can book directly — no GP referral needed.

This page covers the scanning centres available in Exeter, what they charge, how to get there, and what the whole process looks like from booking to results.

Why Go Private for an MRI in Exeter?

The short answer: speed. Devon has some of the most stretched diagnostic imaging services in England. The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital reports MRI waiting times of 10-18 weeks for routine referrals — significantly above the national average. The merger of the Royal Devon and Exeter with the Northern Devon trusts added complexity, and the region's ageing population drives high demand for imaging.

Going private means you can typically get an appointment within a few days. You choose the centre, the time slot, and you're in and out within an hour. No referral letters, no chasing your GP surgery, no waiting for a letter that may or may not arrive.

There are other reasons too. Private MRI centres tend to have newer scanners, more comfortable facilities, and more time allocated per patient. Your scan is reported by a consultant radiologist (the same grade of doctor who reports NHS scans), and you get your results within 7 working days rather than waiting for an NHS follow-up appointment that might be weeks away.

MRI Scanning Centres in Exeter

Here are the private MRI centres you can book through Lola Health in Exeter and the surrounding Devon area. All centres use modern MRI equipment and have scans reported by consultant radiologists.

Availability and exact pricing depend on the centre. You'll see the final cost and available dates when you book.

What Scans Are Available in Exeter?

Every Exeter centre offers the full range of Lola Health MRI scans. Here's what you can book:

Scan Type	Price	Includes
Brain MRI	£275	Neurological screening, tumour detection, stroke assessment
Knee MRI	£275	Ligament, cartilage, meniscus assessment
Shoulder MRI	£275	Rotator cuff, impingement, labral tears
Lumbar Spine MRI	£275	Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, nerve compression
Hip MRI	£249	Labral tears, arthritis, AVN screening
Cardiac MRI	£349	Heart structure, function, cardiomyopathy screening
Prostate MRI	£349	PI-RADS scoring, cancer screening
Full Body Base	£1,399	Brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis
Full Body Plus	£1,599	Base + cardiac imaging, vascular assessment
Full Body Comprehensive	£2,299	Plus + joint imaging, extended sequences

Full Body MRI Packages

If you want a thorough health check rather than targeting a specific area, the full body packages are worth considering:

• Full Body Base (£1,399) — Brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. A solid baseline health check that covers the major organ systems.
• Full Body Plus (£1,599) — Everything in Base, plus cardiac imaging and vascular assessment. Good if you want your heart checked too.
• Full Body Comprehensive (£2,299) — The most thorough option. All of Plus, with additional joint imaging and extended sequences for maximum detail.

How to Book a Private MRI in Exeter

Booking is straightforward — no hoops to jump through.

1. Choose your scan — Pick the body area or full body package you need from our scan menu.
2. Select your location — Choose a Exeter scanning centre that works for you.
3. Pick a date — Most centres have appointments available within a few days.
4. No referral needed — You don't need a GP letter or consultant referral. Just book directly.
5. Get your results — Your report from a consultant radiologist arrives within 7 working days.

If you do have a GP referral or consultant letter, you can upload it during booking and we'll share it with the reporting radiologist for context — but it's entirely optional.

What to Expect on Scan Day

If it's your first MRI, here's a quick rundown so you know exactly what's happening.

Before you arrive: You'll get a confirmation email with your appointment time, the centre address, and any preparation instructions. Most scans don't need any prep — just wear comfortable clothes without metal zips or buttons. Leave jewellery and watches at home.

At the centre: Arrive 15 minutes early to complete a short safety questionnaire. The radiographer will check for any metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications. You'll be given a locker for your belongings and might need to change into a gown depending on the scan.

During the scan: You'll lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. MRI machines are noisy — you'll hear knocking, buzzing, and whirring sounds, which is completely normal. You'll be given ear defenders or headphones. The radiographer will talk to you through an intercom and you'll have a squeeze ball to press if you need to stop at any point. Most scans take 20-45 minutes depending on the area being imaged.

After the scan: You can get up and leave straight away. There's no recovery time, no side effects, and no radiation exposure (MRI uses magnetic fields, not X-rays). You can drive home, go back to work, eat and drink normally.

Getting your results: A consultant radiologist will review your images and write a detailed report. You'll receive this within 7 working days, along with access to your images. If anything needs urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner.

Private MRI vs NHS in Exeter

The Royal Devon trust's MRI waits of 10-18 weeks are among the longest in the South West. An ageing population, limited scanner capacity, and the challenges of serving a large rural area all contribute. Private MRI in Exeter offers appointments within days. Your scan and consultant radiologist report will be done and dusted in under two weeks — versus potentially four months through the NHS.

It's worth noting that private MRI doesn't replace NHS care. If your scan reveals something that needs treatment, you can take your results straight to your GP or a consultant. Having a detailed MRI report in hand often speeds up the NHS pathway significantly — your GP doesn't need to refer you for imaging because it's already done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI in Exeter?

No. You can book directly through Lola Health without a GP referral. If you do have a referral letter or relevant medical history, you can upload it during booking and we'll share it with the reporting radiologist — but it's entirely optional.

How much does a private MRI cost in Exeter?

Individual body-part scans (brain, knee, shoulder, spine) start from £249. Cardiac and prostate MRI scans are £349. Full body packages range from £1,399 to £2,299 depending on the level of detail.

How long does an MRI scan take?

Most individual scans take 20-45 minutes. Full body scans take 60-90 minutes. You'll be given an accurate time estimate when you book.

Is MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — not radiation. There's no X-ray exposure, no injection required for most scans, and no recovery time. The main safety consideration is metal: if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, or metal fragments in your body, you'll need to discuss this with the team before your scan.

When will I get my results?

Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist, and you'll receive a detailed written report within 7 working days. If anything requires urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner. You'll also get access to your scan images.

Other MRI Scan Locations

Not based in Exeter? We have scanning centres across the UK. Find your nearest location:

• Private MRI Scan Bristol
• Private MRI Scan Plymouth
• Private MRI Scan Bath
• Private MRI Scan Southampton
• View all MRI scan locations →