Amid growing frustrations over long NHS waiting times, an increasing number of Britons are turning to alternative solutions for quicker medical results, especially as many embrace new health goals for 2026. While health-related resolutions remain popular each year, challenges in accessibility and convenience often hinder progress.

In response, private diagnostic services like Scan.com are gaining traction, offering packages starting at £300. These services aim to bypass the delays and complexities typically associated with traditional GP referrals, allowing individuals to schedule medical imaging appointments directly. This approach empowers people to take charge of their health without enduring prolonged wait times.

Scan.com, a UK-based provider, offers access to private diagnostic imaging, including MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans, conducted at reputable hospitals nationwide. Appointments are generally available swiftly, and clinical support is provided throughout the process, from the initial booking to the delivery of results.

Dr. Lizzie Tuckey, a practicing clinician and Managing Director at Scan.com, stated, “Our mission is to alleviate the frustration often associated with prioritizing health,” adding, “Whether someone has a specific concern or simply wants greater control, we simplify the first step, enabling confident decisions about next steps.”

For those experiencing symptoms like pain, injuries, headaches, or digestive issues, Scan.com offers diagnostic scans to help pinpoint the issue, according to company information. MRI and ultrasound scans are frequently chosen for these conditions, providing valuable insights for further action or reassurance, as reported by the Mirror.

Additionally, Scan.com offers preventative screening scans for those who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of their health before any symptoms appear. Options include DEXA body composition scans to track changes in muscle and fat, cardiac assessments for individuals with a family history of heart disease, and breast screenings for women aged 40 and above.

For a more thorough analysis, a full-body MRI scan examines the body from head to pelvis to detect potential problems early on. The platform also offers a range of heart health checks, including MRI, CT scans, angiograms and echocardiograms, as well as spine evaluations for persistent back pain or posture issues.

Targeted screenings are also available, such as prostate MRI scans, which can be more precise than PSA blood tests, and mammogram screenings from age 40 to aid early detection. If anyone is uncertain about which scan to choose, they can arrange a consultation with one of Scan.com’s in-house clinicians who can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate options.

There’s no need for a GP referral, no waiting lists exist, and appointments can be arranged at more than 250 imaging centres nationwide, according to the company. Results are usually provided within days, enabling individuals to progress from uncertainty to informed decisions more swiftly.

As an alternative, Bupa provides health assessments starting from £269. The private healthcare provider offers six different health assessments, ensuring there’s something suitable for everyone, with options available for remote checks from home.

Vista Health similarly provides full body MRI scans, which can reveal information about the head and brain, abdomen and pelvis, spine and heart. Each package comes with a comprehensive report and access to all scan images, with prices ranging from £765 to £1,845.

Scan.com has received strong ratings on Trustpilot, with one reviewer commenting: “I am extremely happy with the service I received from Scan.com UK. From booking, to receiving my first pre-scan consultation was only 2 hours. The scan was done in an NHS hospital on a Sunday afternoon, for a fraction of the price it would have cost me to go to my local private hospital. The staff were great, the service was fast and the follow-up consultation (which I paid an extra £50 for) was within 48 hours of the scan. The initial phone call and follow up were both with the same person who was assigned to me at booking, which gave me continuity of care that’s rare in the NHS these days.

“Although I self referred, I did upload evidence of my conditions from a consultant, who had asked for me to be referred for an MRI months back (which was never actioned). I believe that uploading this document assisted in knowing what needed to be looked at on the MRI, but was in no way affected the process (the scan was thorough and noted things not mentioned in my prior report). I’ve already recommended this company to friends and family, and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again should a health condition call for it.

“If you’re stuck on the NHS hunger games waiting lists, going around in circles and feeling like you’ve fallen through the cracks like I did, I feel that investing (in) the cost of an MRI with this company (and a follow-up consultation if you can) will give you peace of mind and choices.”

Another wrote: “Super impressed with the service. Booked online on Saturday, phone call within 1 hr to confirm details. Further call on Monday to book the actual appointment. MRI appointment/scan on Wednesday. Results and telephone call to discuss on Thursday. Can’t believe the speed of the service. I highly recommend it.”

However, there were some minor reservations expressed by a few, as one individual noted: “The scan experience was very efficient and all explained well. The clinician contacted me with an overview within two days. Images were sent to me on the same day but not the written report, which I had to request the next day.”

On the whole, the response was positive, with one individual sharing: “Great to get a scan within days and the results a day or so later. Very calm and professional service.”