UK Imaging Services Market Summary

The UK imaging services market size was estimated at USD 15.60 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.52% from 2025 to 2030. The adoption of advanced medical imaging devices for diagnostics is expanding rapidly, primarily due to the rising prevalence of chronic disorders, which is fueling market demand. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that in 2022, approximately 454,954 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the UK, resulting in 181,807 deaths. In addition, growing awareness regarding the benefits of advanced imaging technologies is anticipated to further accelerate market expansion. According to NHS England, nearly 45.0 million imaging tests were carried out in England in the year leading up to March 2023, marking a 2.2% increase from the 44.0 million tests performed in the preceding year. Furthermore, the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into medical imaging processes is expected to substantially contribute to market growth, improving both diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency.

Medical imaging has revolutionized healthcare by offering essential diagnostic information in a timely, safe, and accurate manner. It encompasses a wide array of non-invasive modalities such as X-rays, ultrasounds, nuclear medicine scans, MRIs, and CT scans, all of which play a critical role in diagnosing and managing multiple disorders. These services support early detection of diseases, thereby enabling more effective treatment strategies. The UK market is projected to expand steadily due to healthcare providers adopting cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance medical imaging services and broaden patient access. For example, in May 2022, GE Healthcare and Alliance Medical Limited entered a collaboration aimed at enhancing patient access to diagnostic imaging and boosting productivity in radiology departments. This partnership leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline processes, optimize hospital resource management, and improve efficiency for radiology staff while ensuring faster, more precise diagnostics for patients.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• The MRI scans segment held the largest market share of about 32.8% in 2024. This dominant position can be attributed to MRI’s superior soft tissue contrast, which makes it highly effective in diagnosing a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including neurological disorders, cancers, and musculoskeletal injuries.
• The hospitals segment accounted for nearly 48% of the market share in 2024, supported by the widespread adoption of advanced imaging modalities. For instance, in October 2023, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital installed a new PET-CT scanner, significantly improving access to advanced cancer diagnostic services for patients across the East of England.
• The diagnostic imaging centers segment is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. This trend is being driven by a rising number of partnerships and acquisitions between imaging centers and healthcare organizations. Such collaborations improve service offerings, increase access to advanced imaging technologies, and contribute significantly to overall market expansion.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 15.60 billion
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 23.84 billion
• CAGR (2025 - 2030): 7.52%

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Major players in the UK imaging services industry are actively working to strengthen their service offerings in order to capture greater market share and expand their customer base. These companies are investing in the latest technological upgrades to improve diagnostic efficiency and enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, firms are pursuing strategic acquisitions to broaden their portfolios and extend into new geographic regions, thereby solidifying their presence in the market. Partnerships with healthcare providers and technology companies are also gaining momentum, enabling integration of complementary capabilities and innovative solutions. Furthermore, securing government approvals and regulatory compliance remains a critical priority for companies operating in this sector.

Key Players

• Alliance Medical Limited
• InHealth Group
• Neuromed Diagnostic Imaging Centre
• UNILABS
• Medica Group.
• TIC Health.
• The Radiology Clinic.
• affidea
• Vista Diagnostics Limited.
• Medical Imaging Partnership

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Conclusion

The UK imaging services market is poised for sustained growth, supported by rising chronic disease prevalence, increasing imaging volumes, and continuous technological advancements. MRI scans remain a cornerstone, while hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers are expanding capacity through investments and partnerships. The integration of artificial intelligence, along with collaborations among healthcare providers and technology firms, is set to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline operations, and improve patient outcomes. With strong demand for advanced modalities, strategic acquisitions, and supportive government initiatives, the market is expected to achieve steady expansion through 2030, firmly establishing imaging services as a vital component of modern healthcare.