Quick answer
A private CT scan in London starts with a GP assessment, which you can have by phone for £59 or video for £150 with The Online GP (as of October 2026). If a scan is the right next step, your GP writes the referral and you are booked directly into a London imaging centre, often within days. The imaging centre sets the scan fee itself, and the exact figure is confirmed with you before you book. The scan takes 10 to 20 minutes, and a specialist radiologist writes the report.
How much does a private CT scan cost in London?
There are two separate costs, and it helps to know about both before you book.
The first is the GP assessment. A CT scan is only useful when it answers a specific clinical question, so a doctor should agree the question first. With The Online GP, as of October 2026, that assessment costs £59 by phone or £150 by video. If you also need the referral letter for your imaging centre or insurer, a video consultation including the letter is £250.
The second is the scan itself. Each imaging centre sets its own fee, which depends on the body part scanned and whether contrast dye is needed. We confirm the exact fee with you before anything is booked, so there are no surprises.
| Route | Who assesses you | What you pay for the assessment | How the scan fee works |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS | Your NHS GP | Free | Free, with NHS waiting times |
| The Online GP | Our GP, by phone or video | £59 phone / £150 video (£250 with referral letter), as of October 2026 | Confirmed with you before booking, set by the imaging centre |
| Direct self-referral to an imaging centre | The centre's own process | Varies by centre | Set by the centre |
Do you need a GP referral for a CT scan?
For most reputable imaging centres, yes. A radiologist wants to know the clinical question before exposing you to radiation, and insurers almost always ask for a referral before they will fund a scan. A referral also means the right scan is requested first time, which avoids paying twice.
Our GPs can assess you the same day by phone or video, write the referral where a scan is justified, and tell you honestly when a scan is not the right test.
What does a CT scan actually show?
A CT scan takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. According to the NHS, doctors use it to check bones and internal organs after an accident, to investigate whether symptoms are caused by a condition such as cancer, to monitor how a treatment is working, and to guide procedures such as biopsies.
CT is particularly good for lungs, the abdomen and pelvis, complex bone injuries, and ruling out urgent problems. It is usually not the first choice for soft tissue questions like ligaments, discs or most brain conditions, where MRI gives more detail. If you are weighing the two up, our guide to which scan you need, MRI, CT, ultrasound or X-ray walks through the differences, and we explain how to read your MRI or CT report once it arrives.
How long does a CT scan take, and when do results come?
The scan itself usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes, and it is carried out by a radiographer (NHS). Some scans use a contrast dye to show more detail, which can add a little preparation time. The NHS tells people results usually take 1 to 2 weeks and can take up to 4 weeks on an NHS pathway, because every image set must be reported by a specialist radiologist. Private centres confirm their own reporting time when you book, and your report comes back to your referring GP, who will talk you through what it means and what happens next.
Can I get a CT scan quickly in London?
Usually much faster than a non-urgent NHS route. Once your GP has assessed you and written the referral, we book you directly with a London imaging centre at a time that suits you, including early morning and evening slots at many centres. The Online GP is based at Unit 4, 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, and we work with imaging centres across central London.
If your symptoms are urgent, such as a serious head injury, stroke symptoms or severe abdominal pain, call 999 or go to A&E instead of waiting for a private scan.
How do I book a CT scan through The Online GP?
- Book a phone (£59) or video (£150) GP consultation, or a video consultation with referral letter included (£250), as of October 2026.
- Your GP assesses your symptoms and agrees the clinical question the scan needs to answer.
- If a CT scan is right, your GP writes the referral and our team books you into a London imaging centre, confirming the scan fee before you commit.
- The radiologist's report comes back to your GP, who explains the findings and plans next steps with you.
Message us on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429 to arrange your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private CT scan cost in London?
The scan fee is set by the imaging centre and depends on the body part and whether contrast is needed. We confirm the exact fee before you book. The GP assessment and referral with The Online GP costs £59 by phone or £150 by video, or £250 for a video consultation including the referral letter, as of October 2026.
Do I need a referral for a private CT scan?
Most London imaging centres ask for a doctor's referral, and insurers almost always require one. Our GPs can assess you the same day and write the referral where a scan is clinically justified.
How long does a CT scan take?
The scan itself usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, according to the NHS. Contrast preparation can add a little time.
When will I get my CT scan results?
On the NHS, results typically take 1 to 2 weeks and can take up to 4 weeks. Private imaging centres confirm their own reporting times when you book. Your report goes to your referring GP, who will explain it.
Is a CT scan safe?
CT uses ionising radiation, which is why a doctor should confirm the scan is justified before it is done. For most people the benefit of a clear answer outweighs the small risk. Tell the centre if you are or might be pregnant.
What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI?
CT is faster and better for lungs, abdomen and complex bone injuries. MRI gives more detail for soft tissue such as ligaments, discs and most brain conditions. Our scan comparison guide covers this in detail.
Can I get a CT scan the same day in London?
Same-week appointments are common through private imaging centres, and same-day is sometimes possible. Your GP assessment with The Online GP can usually happen the same day by phone or video.
Will my insurer pay for a private CT scan?
Most insurers fund a CT scan when a GP or specialist has referred you. Check your policy first, and we can provide the referral letter your insurer needs.
Sources
- NHS, CT scan: what a CT scan shows, preparation, contrast, the 10 to 20 minute scan time, and results timing of 1 to 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks.
Reviewed by The Wellness Clinical Team, October 2026.