If you live in Portsmouth and need fast diagnostics, same day private MRI can save weeks of waiting. Residents in Southsea, Old Portsmouth, Drayton, Cosham and Eastney often combine private medical insurance with local imaging centres to speed things up.
Where can you get a private MRI in or near Portsmouth
- Spire Portsmouth Hospital; Havant Road access for Cosham and Drayton residents
- Queen Alexandra Hospital Private Patient Unit; Cosham; with consultant-led reporting
- Independent diagnostics hubs serving Southsea and Fratton; variable availability
Typical prices and how insurance affects them
- Self pay single region MRI: £300 – £550 depending on scanner; contrast; and reporting speed
- With PMI: authorisation needed; check excess and whether outpatient scans count toward any annual limit
- Cash plan top ups: may reimburse a percentage; useful if you are mostly NHS but want faster scans
Insurance features to check
- Outpatient diagnostics limit; £1,000 – £2,000 caps are common
- Open vs closed scanner coverage; important for claustrophobia
- Consultant choice list; are Portsmouth and Southampton specialists in network
- One excess per policy year; better than per claim if you expect several scans
Speed tips for PO1 – PO6
- Ask your GP for a referral letter that clearly states urgency; many centres accept private or NHS GP referrals
- Off peak slots; late afternoon and early evening often open up at short notice
- Consider a 6 week NHS wait option in your policy; it cuts premiums while still triggering private treatment if waits exceed six weeks
FAQ
Can I claim if my GP is NHS
Yes; most providers accept NHS GP referrals for private scans; confirm with your insurer first.
Does an MRI guarantee a same day report
Not always; rapid reporting usually costs extra; ask for turnaround times.