Three providers dominate the UK private MRI market: Scan.com, Vista Health, and Lola Health. Each takes a different approach — and the price, coverage, and features vary more than you'd expect. This head-to-head comparison covers pricing, scan availability, centre networks, report quality, and the extras that actually matter.
At a Glance: Scan.com vs Vista Health vs Lola Health
| Feature | Lola Health | Scan.com | Vista Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual scans from | £249 | £305 | £249 (off-peak only) |
| Full body MRI from | £1,399 | £1,500 | Not offered |
| UK centres | 150+ | 150+ | 50+ |
| Self-referral | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blood test integration | Yes | No | No |
| Report turnaround | 3–7 working days | 3–7 working days | 5–10 working days |
| Radiologist report included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DICOM images included | Yes | Yes (on request) | On request |
| Online booking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Clinical support post-scan | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Pricing Comparison by Scan Type
| Scan Type | Lola Health | Scan.com | Vista Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain MRI | £275 | £305 | £249–£299 |
| Knee MRI | £275 | £305 | £249–£299 |
| Shoulder MRI | £275 | £305 | £249–£299 |
| Lumbar Spine MRI | £275 | £305 | £249–£299 |
| Cardiac MRI | £349 | £450 | £399–£499 |
| Prostate MRI | £449 | £495 | £449–£549 |
| Liver MRI | £299 | £350 | £299–£399 |
| Full Body Base | £1,399 | £1,500 | N/A |
| Full Body Plus | £1,599 | £1,750 | N/A |
| Full Body Comprehensive | £2,299 | £2,500 | N/A |
Price winner: Lola Health — consistently the cheapest or matching the lowest price across all scan types. Vista Health's off-peak pricing can match Lola Health on basic scans, but peak-time rates are higher, and they don't offer full body packages.
Detailed Provider Breakdown
Lola Health
Best for: People who want a complete health picture — blood tests plus imaging — at the most competitive price.
- 150+ centres across the UK, same broad coverage as Scan.com
- Only provider offering integrated blood testing. Start with a blood test, then book a targeted scan based on your results — all through one platform.
- Full range of scan types including full body MRI packages (Base, Plus, Comprehensive)
- Clinical support team available to help interpret results and advise next steps
- Prices are transparent — no peak/off-peak confusion
Scan.com
Best for: People who want a large centre network and don't need blood test integration.
- The original UK MRI marketplace — well-established with a large centre network
- Simple booking process with good appointment availability
- Prices are consistently £20–£100 more than Lola Health for equivalent scans
- No blood test offering — scans only
- Full body MRI packages available but more expensive than Lola Health
- Good online reviews and established track record
Vista Health
Best for: People with a Vista centre nearby who want a quick, budget individual scan.
- Smaller network (50+ centres vs 150+) — check they have a centre near you before considering
- Off-peak pricing can match Lola Health, but peak-time slots cost more
- No full body MRI packages
- No blood test integration
- Longer report turnaround (5–10 working days vs 3–7)
- Good for straightforward musculoskeletal scans; fewer options for complex scans
What Lola Health Offers That Others Don't
Blood Test + Scan Integration
This is the biggest differentiator. Neither Scan.com nor Vista Health offers blood testing. Lola Health's approach: start with a Peak 70 blood test (£230, covers 70 biomarkers), review your results, then book the specific scan your bloods suggest you need. This means:
- You don't waste money on the wrong scan
- You have clinical evidence to justify the scan
- Your radiologist has context (your blood results) when interpreting images
- Total spend of £479–£679 for a blood test + targeted scan is far cheaper than a £1,399+ full body scan if you only need one area investigated
The Verdict
Lola Health wins on price, coverage, and features. The integrated blood test option is unique in the UK market and means you get a more complete health picture for less money. Scan.com is a solid alternative if you specifically want their booking platform, but you'll pay more. Vista Health works if you're near one of their centres and want a basic scan at an off-peak slot — but the smaller network and lack of full body options limit their appeal.
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View Blood Test Details →Related Guides
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