How to access private healthcare in the UK
Choose your coverage type
Private health insurance can give you quicker access to consultants, specialists, and treatments compared to standard NHS waiting times. You can select from comprehensive policies covering inpatient and outpatient care, or choose targeted coverage for specific conditions.
Find the right insurer for you
Leading UK health insurance providers like Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and Vitality offer different benefits and pricing structures. Our FCA-authorised partners compare policies from all major insurers to find the best match for your budget and healthcare needs.
Get treated when you need it
With private cover, you can book appointments with specialists, choose your preferred hospital or clinic, and receive treatment at a time that suits you—often within days rather than months.
How do I go private instead of using the NHS?
Book directly with private providers
Once you have health insurance, you can contact private hospitals, clinics, or specialists directly to arrange appointments. Many insurers also offer 24/7 helplines to help you find the right care quickly.
Use your existing NHS GP
You don’t need to change your GP when going private. Your NHS doctor can still provide routine care, referrals, and ongoing management of chronic conditions alongside your private treatment.
Combine NHS and private care
Many people use private insurance for faster access to consultants and non-urgent procedures whilst continuing to rely on the NHS for emergency care and routine services—giving you the best of both systems.
Do I need a GP referral for private treatment?
Direct access to specialists
Some private health insurance policies allow you to book directly with specialists without a GP referral, while others require one. Always check your policy documents to understand the process. This can mean faster access to the care you need, whether it’s for orthopaedics, cardiology, or mental health services.
Self-referral benefits
You can often refer yourself for diagnostic tests, scans, and consultations. This is particularly valuable for conditions where early intervention makes a significant difference to outcomes.
GP referrals still accepted
If you prefer to get a referral from your NHS GP, private insurers will accept these too. Some policies may even offer enhanced benefits when you have a GP referral.
Prices and payment options
Affordable monthly premiums
Health insurance premiums can be affordable, with policies tailored to different budgets. Costs vary significantly based on your age, health, location, and the level of coverage you choose. Illustrative quotes can help you understand potential costs.
Flexible payment plans
Most insurers offer monthly, quarterly, or annual payment options. Paying annually often provides a discount, whilst monthly payments help spread the cost throughout the year.
No-claims bonuses available
Many policies offer premium reductions for years when you don’t make claims, helping to keep your costs down over time whilst maintaining full coverage.
Disclaimer:
All healthcare charges provided are estimates only and may vary significantly based on your insurance coverage, chosen provider, individual treatment needs, and regulatory changes. You should verify actual costs with the insurer or healthcare provider, especially for private or self-funded care—additional charges may apply for non-covered services or out-of-network providers. Source: Memorial Healthcare System HCA Healthcare UK
Accessing private medical treatment FAQs
How quickly can I start treatment?
Most policies have immediate cover for accidents and emergencies, with waiting periods of 1-6 months for pre-existing conditions. Routine treatments are typically covered from day one.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes, most policies allow you to select from their approved network of specialists and hospitals. Some premium policies offer even wider choice, including treatment abroad.
What’s not covered by private health insurance?
Standard exclusions include pregnancy and childbirth (unless complications arise), cosmetic procedures, chronic conditions diagnosed before the policy starts, and experimental treatments. Your health insurance advisor will explain all exclusions clearly.
Do I need medical underwriting?
This depends on your age and chosen policy. Some insurers offer moratorium underwriting (covering new conditions after a waiting period) whilst others require full medical history disclosure for more comprehensive immediate cover.
Can I upgrade my policy later?
Most insurers allow you to increase coverage levels, add family members, or include additional benefits like dental and optical cover. Some changes may require medical underwriting.
Get your personalised health insurance quote today
Our FCA-authorised partners will compare policies from all leading UK insurers to find you the most comprehensive coverage at the best price.
