Private CT scans in Surrey typically cost £325-£900+ in 2026. Single-region scans (head, chest, or abdomen) start from £325 at standalone diagnostic centres like Vista Health Epsom or Alliance Medical at Royal Surrey. Multi-region scans (chest + abdomen + pelvis) cost £700-£900. CT with contrast adds £100-£200. Specialised scans like CT coronary angiography are £500-£900 and CT colonography £700-£1,200.

Surrey has 10+ private CT scanning centres including: Mount Alvernia Hospital Guildford, The Runnymede Hospital Chertsey, Nuffield Health Guildford, Spire Clare Park Farnham, Ashtead Hospital, Alliance Medical at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Vista Health Epsom, Spire Gatwick Park, and Nuffield Health Woking. Choice depends on your location, urgency, insurance, and whether you need additional imaging or specialist consultations.

Yes, at some centres. Vista Health Epsom, Alliance Medical (Royal Surrey), and Scan.com partner network accept self-referrals — typically with a £30-£60 online GP review fee included in the scan price. Most full-service private hospitals (Mount Alvernia, Runnymede, Nuffield Health) prefer a GP referral. If you’re using insurance, you’ll need a GP referral — most insurers don’t cover self-referred scans.

Most Surrey centres offer same-day or next-day scans, with results within 24-72 hours. Total timeline from first contact to results is typically 1-7 days, compared to NHS waits of 4-22 weeks for non-urgent CTs. Urgent NHS CTs (suspected cancer) are usually within 2 weeks under the NHS 2-week-wait pathway.

Yes, in most cases. Major UK health insurance providers (Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, The Exeter) typically cover private CT scans in full when GP-referred and pre-authorised. Surrey hospitals are in all major insurer networks. You’ll need: GP referral, pre-authorisation code from your insurer, and to use an approved hospital. Your policy excess applies, and outpatient/diagnostic limits may apply. See our diagnostics cover guide.

The cheapest private CT scans in Surrey are typically at Vista Health Epsom (from £325) and Alliance Medical at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford — both standalone diagnostic centres. Full-service hospitals (Mount Alvernia, Runnymede) typically charge £400-£700+ for the same scan but offer more comprehensive backup if findings are concerning.

CT scans are best for bone, lung, head bleeds, and fast trauma assessment — they’re quick (5-10 mins) and use X-rays. MRI scans are best for soft tissue, joints, spine, and detailed brain imaging — they’re longer (20-60 mins) and use magnetic fields (no radiation). Cost is similar in Surrey (£325-£900 typical for both). See our MRI vs CT comparison guide and private MRI Surrey guide.

Not always. Many Surrey diagnostic centres accept self-referral with an online GP review (£30-£60). However: (1) Insurance always requires a GP referral; (2) Full-service hospitals usually prefer GP referrals; (3) Self-referral works best for clear, specific scans. If your situation is complex or you have insurance, a GP referral is the safer route. See our best private GP Surrey guide.

Typical Surrey private CT scan results turnaround: 24-72 hours for routine scans, 24 hours for urgent/cancer pathway scans, 3-5 days for detailed cardiac CTs. You’ll receive a written radiologist report (sent to your GP/specialist) plus digital images via CD or secure portal. Many self-referred scans include an after-scan consultation with a private GP to explain results.

CT scans use ionising radiation but are generally safe when clinically indicated. Radiation dose: CT head ~2 mSv, CT chest ~7 mSv, CT abdomen/pelvis ~10 mSv (UK background radiation is ~2.7 mSv/year). For a single scan when clinically needed, the cancer risk is very small and benefits typically outweigh. The concern is only relevant with repeated CTs over years. Modern Surrey centres use low-dose protocols. If you’re worried about cumulative exposure, ask your GP whether MRI could be used instead.

Yes — CT with IV contrast (iodine-based) is widely available across Surrey centres, typically adding £100-£200 to the standard scan cost. Contrast is used for vascular imaging, tumour characterisation, and abdominal investigations. Before contrast CT: declare any iodine allergy, recent kidney function tests required (eGFR >30), and metformin (diabetes medication) may need to be paused. The radiographer will discuss specific preparation when you book.

Surrey private CT scanning options include: CT head/brain, CT chest, CT abdomen, CT pelvis, CT chest/abdomen/pelvis (CAP), CT angiography, CT coronary angiography, CT calcium score scan, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy), CT sinus/facial, CT spine, and CT urogram. Specialised scans (cardiac, virtual colonoscopy) are available at fewer centres — Mount Alvernia Guildford and The Runnymede Chertsey have the broadest range.