What is a private X-ray?
X-rays use a small, focused beam of radiation to pass through the body and create an image on a digital detector. Dense structures such as bone appear white on the image, while softer tissues appear in shades of grey. The procedure is quick, painless and typically takes just 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. All X-rays at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital are performed by experienced radiographers and reported by consultant radiologists, with results sent directly to your referring clinician.
Private X-rays can be used to examine a wide range of areas, including the chest (for conditions such as pneumonia or a collapsed lung), bones and joints (for fractures, arthritis, or infection), the abdomen, and, in some cases, soft tissue. No preparation is usually required; however, GP referral is needed to book an appointment at our hospital.
Who should have a private X-ray?
A private X-ray may be appropriate if you:
- Have had an injury and want to check for a fracture or joint problem without waiting for an NHS appointment
- Have been advised by a GP or specialist to have an X-ray as part of an investigation
- Need a chest X-ray for a pre-employment medical, insurance report or travel requirement
- Are monitoring a known bone or joint condition and need an updated image
If you are, or think you could be, pregnant, you must tell your doctor.
How much does an private X-ray cost?
£175 - £690*
The price shown includes all hospital-related costs for your X-ray. It does not include consultation fees or any additional diagnostics that may be required.
*This price depends on the body part and number if images needed.
How to pay for your test
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about X-ray
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
The dose of radiation that you get from a medical x-ray is very low and the associated risks are minimal. The benefits of having the x-ray will outweigh any risk.
Each x-ray request is always checked by the radiographer to make sure it is properly justified and necessary. Your radiographer will do everything possible to make sure your dose is kept as low as possible.
No, there is no need to book in advance. We offer a walk-in X-ray service. If your referring doctor has given you a form, please bring it with you on the day.
Most X-rays require little to no special preparation. You may be asked to remove jewellery or wear a hospital gown to avoid interference with the images. If you prefer not to change, avoid wearing thick fabrics or clothing with metal zips or buttons. Our team will advise you based on the type of scan you’re having and are always available to answer any questions.
When you arrive, our staff will guide you through the process. The radiographer will position you depending on the area being scanned. You may need to hold certain positions briefly to capture clear images. The scan itself is quick and painless, typically taking no more than 10 minutes. It’s important to stay still while the images are being taken.
You can usually resume your normal activities straight away. We aim to process and review your images within 24 hours, and your report will be sent to your referring doctor, typically within 48 hours. If you’re seeing your doctor sooner, let the imaging team know so we can prioritise your report.
All patients must register at the imaging reception before their scan. If you are a self-funding patient and would like a quote beforehand, our administrative team can provide this. If you’re insured, please bring your insurance membership and authorisation numbers. Without these, you may be asked to self-fund. Reports are shared with your referring doctor, not directly with you—please speak to your doctor for a copy after your consultation.