Deeper imaging with the 5 best MRI facilities in Zurich
When talking about healthcare, one of the scariest things you have to go through is MRI imaging. The cramped space and the need to lie still are incredibly stressful, and that isn’t even taking into account the disease you may be suffering from.
While I’ve only been in an MRI machine twice, I’ve known a lot of elderly people who have gone through it more than once. Not all MRI facilities are made equal, and some are far more comfortable with better equipment than others.
To help people in searching for the best MRI facilities in Zurich, I’ve compiled a list of the best ones. This should help reduce the stress of the situation and assist anyone in finding the facility that will cater to their needs.
How much does it cost to get an MRI procedure in Zurich?
Getting an MRI procedure in Zurich typically costs between CHF 300 to CHF 2,500. This will depend on the type of facility you’re in, your insurance policies, the types of MRI, and the specific sections of the body that the MRI will be imaging.
1. Medizinisch Radiologisches Institut (MRI)
Address: Bahnhofplatz 3, 8001
Contact Details: +41 44 225 20 90
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The Medizinisch Radiologisches Institut is Zurich’s most popular and accessible radiology facility. They have five locations in Zurich (Bahnhofplatz, Goethestrasse, Lengghalde, and two at Hofwiesenstrasse).
It was at the Bahnhofplatz where I had my first one done. I was comforted by the fact that they have a team of specialists and radiologists on hand for any situation.
They also guided me throughout the procedure, providing constant updates on how much time was left. The staff were also very considerate of my fear of needles.
Utilising reliable MRI machines, they can provide scans for the entire body or specific areas, like the spine or the brain. Aside from that, doctors send their patients here for PET/CT scans or X-rays.
Their facilities also specialise in offering treatment for various neurological illnesses. The ones I heard from other patients were dementia and epilepsy.
However, I did encounter a bit of a delay when it came to my procedure. I was supposed to get my MRI at 2:00 PM, but was sent in at around 3:00 PM.
Modern and obviously very clean
“Had an MRI for my ankle. Got an appointment in 2 days, the team was very welcoming and spoke English and a bit of French as well to compensate for my poor German. Installations are great, modern and obviously very clean.”
– Jérémy Broutin, Google Review
The team is fantastic
“Had an MRI of the head. The team is fantastic, very welcoming, caring, kind and efficient.thank you 🙏🏻”
– Kristina Ferenchuk, Google Review
2. Universitätsklinik Balgrist
Address: Forchstrasse 340, 8008
Contact Details: +41 44 386 11 11
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Universitätsklinik Balgrist is best for people suffering from sports injuries or orthopaedic diagnoses. Their facilities are quite extensive because they have 5 MRI machines. There are also 2 CT machines for laying and standing procedures.
Their practice mainly focuses on the musculoskeletal system and the spine. Using imaging from 3 Tesla devices, they can provide some of the most accurate scans in Zurich.
It was comforting to talk to the team, especially knowing they have 7 different senior radiology physicians handling each case. Prof. Dr. med. Reto Sutter, the lead radiologist, assured me and made the entire process as smooth as possible.
It was great that the results were available within a few days, even sooner for emergency cases.
However, their MRI services seem limited, as they only cover the musculoskeletal system and not other areas of the body.
Still, I like that they also offer digital X-ray and CT special examinations.
Attentive and loving staff
“I’m so touched to be cured by professional, patient,
attentive and loving staff of clinique Balgrist.
Being here for 10 days after a serious fall I always felt professionaly examined, operated, cared and helped by all the staff begining with Ambulance registration, thorough examination and high class operation till top food service and after reabilitation social suppot.
Svitlana Tyshkovets”
– Світлана Тишковець, Google Review
I’ve never had a better experience at a hospital
“I had an exceptional experience at Uniklinik Balgrist. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff. Throughout my entire visit, the entire team demonstrated a high level of professionalism and genuine care. The doctors were knowledgeable, attentive, and took the time to explain everything in detail, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed. The nurses and support staff were equally kind and helpful, going above and beyond to provide exceptional care. I can honestly say that I’ve never had a better experience at a hospital. I highly recommend it to anyone in need of top-notch medical care. They truly set the bar for excellence in healthcare.”
– Mesa Sonnenklar, Google Review
3. Limmat Radiologie
Address: Hardturmstrasse 131, 8005
Contact Details: +41 44 532 12 12
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Limmat Radiologie is a dedicated radiology clinic that offers top-level radiological technology. This one was where my grandmother got her MRI, and the experience was reliable and straightforward.
The clinic specialises in all types of radiological treatment, like MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays. I appreciate that they provide Interventional Pain Therapy that helps those who suffer from chronic spinal diseases.
Their MRI machines have 3 Tesla devices that can provide images for CNS and PNS, the entire spine, skull, and the whole body. Aside from these, it can also scan soft parts of the body, such as muscles and ligaments.
All the information we needed for the procedures was available on their website. In fact, we were able to easily access my grandmother’s results through there.
But the only problem I had with their services is that some procedures aren’t covered by insurance, so be sure to ask.
I felt very comfortable
“I would like to thank you very much for the short-term and uncomplicated appointment as well as the pleasant care during my abdominal MRI/MRCP.
I felt very comfortable and in good hands with you. Your competent and at the same time human nature gave me a lot of trust – a big thank you to Dr. Matthias Hahn in the team!!”
– Pascal Brönnimann, Google Review
Competent advice
“I recently visited Limmat Radiology for an MRI scan followed by infiltration therapy. All the staff were very friendly, and the examination and treatment were performed by Mr. Hahn. Competent advice (which I could understand) was followed by successful treatment. i definitely recommend it!”
– Torsten Luley, Google Review
4. Aristra
Address: Lenggstrasse 31, 8008
Contact Details: +41 43 508 93 34
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Aristra is a dedicated facility specifically for MRIs. They have 17 facilities in Switzerland and Germany, but their main location is in Zurich. Being a dedicated MRI facility, I appreciate that their available options were very extensive.
Their facilities provide imaging for five main subgroups of the body (thorax/chest, belly, and pelvis). In addition, it’s great that there are scans for other specific sections of the body, as well as for the lymphatic vessels.
Aside from these, their facilities are also a great option for getting a second opinion on MRIs, CT, or X-rays. Their patients also appreciated that they were able to access their results through the website.
Unlike Limmat Radiologie, Aristra’s service includes having all of the examinations covered by insurance.
However, while they offer CT and X-ray facilities, their range of procedures isn’t as extensive as their MRI services.
The staff were very nice and empathetic
“My referring physician sent me to MRI for a checkup.
I got my appointment very fast through aristra’s website. On site the staff were very nice and empathetic. Since I’ve never had an MRI before it was very helpful to me.
All in all it was a great experience and I’d highly recommend the team for doing a great job!”
– Lu Anne, Google Review
Good preparation and instructions
“MRI appointments at short notice. Beyond the pre- and post-operative consultations, Dr. Loehr provided friendly and prompt advice and explanations, even for questions that arose later. He even offered to help me find appointments with specialists at a shorter time.
The examination itself was very relaxed and pleasant, with good preparation and instructions provided via headphones. The results and image data are also available online.
Thank you!”
– David H, Google Review
5. Schulthess Klinik
Address: Lengghalde 2, 8008
Contact Details: +41 44 385 71 71
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Schulthess Klinik is a popular hospital in Zurich that has a dedicated MRI facility. Unlike other facilities, their radiology team has specialisations for all types of MRI imaging, from the musculoskeletal system to the spine.
I value that they have four different institutes inside the hospital. Some of these, such as the neurology and orthopaedics departments, work closely with the radiology department to tackle cases comprehensively and holistically.
They have two top-notch MRI machines. One has a 1.5 Tesla, while the other has a 3 Tesla. It was great to learn that these devices can handle people of all heights, weights, and statures.
The registration process for an MRI is also quite easy. You simply input your health insurance and personal identification through their website. Later, your doctor can request it for you through their website.
However, their customer service can be difficult to communicate with, especially when the hospital is full.
I was amazed by the competence of this hospital
“I was really amazed by the competence of this hospital.
The overall management seemed perfect. No serious waiting times. Food during my stay was excellent, did not expect that at all.
It really felt like a 5 star hotel – the staff was really nice. They have been so nice and helpful.
Even though i hope never to see this hospital again from the inside but i wish all the patients the best for their upcoming stay.”
– Mercedes Topiary, Google Review
First-class specialists
“First class specialists and first class experience together with 100% Swiss organisation and efficiency”
– Dennis Marsh, Google Review