Thinking about using a private GP?

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Using private GP services in the UK

13 min read

Last updated:

29/06/2026

Lisa Robertson Freelance Health information editor

This guide is for people who are thinking about using a private GP for their healthcare.

PHIN does not hold information about individual private GP services and providers, as this is not part of our role. However, we know this is something you may have questions about when you are deciding on your healthcare route.

This guide will take you through some of the most common questions and issues you may want to think about before making that decision.

What’s the difference between an NHS GP and a private GP?

A GP (general practitioner) is usually your first point of contact for any health issue that is not an emergency.

NHS GPs work for the National Health Service, which is funded through the taxes we pay to the government. This means that you do not have to pay a fee to see an NHS GP.

Private GPs work outside the NHS. They may be self-employed or work for a larger company or GP group. You will need to pay a fee to see a private GP. (See ‘Are there different ways to pay for a private GP?’ below).

All GPs offer a range of services, including:

giving advice and guidance on any concerns relating to physical or mental health
diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses
prescribing medicines
arranging tests to help with diagnosis
referring patients to specialist services
helping people to manage long-term conditions

All GPs are highly trained medical doctors. They must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) to be able to practise as GPs. You can check any GP’s registration details on the GMC website. Type in their name and select the ‘Doctors on GP register’ button before running the search.

Aside from the cost, there are a few more differences you might notice between NHS and private GPs. These are summarised in the table below. However, this will vary between surgeries and even between GPs. Check on their website or contact them to find the particular details you are looking for.

	NHS GP	Private GP
Initial costs	UK residents do not pay a fee for NHS appointments and tests.	You need to pay for all appointments and tests.
Prescriptions	You pay an NHS ‘flat rate’ per item for all prescription medicines. Find out more about NHS prescription charges.	You pay the market rate for all prescription medicines.
Waiting times	You may have to wait for an appointment or wait for a ‘triage’ telephone call with a nurse before you can see an NHS GP.	You may be able to get a private GP appointment more quickly, often on the same day.
Appointment times	NHS GP appointments will usually be limited to around 10 minutes.	Private GP appointments will often be longer and more involved, depending on the nature of the problem. Some providers may offer a choice of appointment length or recommend a longer slot for a first appointment.
Home visits	NHS GPs usually only offer home visits to those who are housebound and unable to visit the surgery.	Many private GPs offer home visits as an option to a wider range of people than NHS GPs.
Continuity and choice	It may not be possible to see the same NHS GP every time. You may not have a choice in who you see. You will usually register with the surgery or medical centre, rather than with an individual GP. Each GP you see will have access to your notes from other appointments you have had at the surgery.	It may be easier to choose which GP you see. You may be able to see the same person each time for continuity of care.
Appointment type	The GP or surgery will usually decide whether your appointment will be in person, by video call or by telephone.	You may be able to choose whether you have an in-person or virtual appointment.

Can I use both an NHS GP and a private GP?

Yes. You can see a private GP or register with one without having to leave your current NHS GP. Some people choose to continue seeing their NHS GP for long-term conditions and ongoing support. They will then use a private GP when they want an appointment more quickly.

If you see a private GP, you are still entitled to the same amount and level of NHS care as everyone else.

NHS and private healthcare records are kept separately. If you are seeing GPs from both sectors, they will not automatically know what has happened at your other appointments. You should mention any new diagnoses or medication changes to the other GP when you next see them. This is very important, as it could impact any treatment they prescribe for you themselves, even if it is for a different condition.

What are typical costs like for private GPs?

The cost of a private GP appointment depends on a number of things, including:

appointment length
type of appointment (in-person appointments cost more than video appointments)
provider
area of the UK
time of day/week (out of hours appointments cost more)

A standard 20-minute face-to-face appointment may cost around £80–£120. Prices for central London and ‘premium’ clinics are likely to be much higher.

When looking at prices, make sure you understand whether it is just the consultation time you are paying for or whether the costs include:

prescription charges
tests (such as blood tests)
referrals to specialist services

Private surgeries, healthcare providers and GP groups must be open about their costs, so you can usually find a price list on their websites. If you are not sure about what their charges include, contact them to find out.

What services do private GPs typically offer?

Private GPs offer the same range of standard services as NHS GPs. (See ‘ What’s the difference between an NHS GP and a private GP? ’ section above.)

Many private GPs will also offer services that NHS GPs cannot provide due to funding priorities.

Examples of this might include:

· more comprehensive screening and tests where a patient does not meet NHS criteria (based on age or medical history)

· referral to more specialist or individualised treatment programmes than the NHS can offer

· referral for private treatment that is not medically necessary (such as for cosmetic reasons)

Find out whether your private GP offers the service you are looking for by visiting their website or contacting them directly.

How do I book an appointment with a private GP?

Many private GPs let you book appointments through their websites. You will be able to choose the type of appointment you want and select from the available times. If it is your first appointment, you may need to add some details about yourself to register. You may then need to log in to book an appointment.

If you prefer, you can phone their main number and speak to someone who can book it for you.

The booking process may be different if you are using a private GP through your medical insurance. (See ‘ Will my private medical insurance pay for my private GP? ’ section below.)

Is there a waiting list for private GPs?

No. There is not usually a waiting list to see a private GP. Many private GPs can offer same-day or next-day appointments.

Are there different ways to pay for a private GP?

Yes. How you pay for your private GP will vary between providers, so check with them for details if you are not sure.

The three main options you may come across are:

Pay as you go: You pay for each appointment as you need it, with no ongoing fees. This works in the same way as any other service you may buy from a provider.
Membership: You pay a monthly or annual fee. There may be different levels of membership available at different prices. These will include different packages of appointments and other services that you will not have to pay extra for each time you use them.
Insurance: You may be able to claim the cost of a private GP appointment through your private medical insurance. (See ‘ Will my private medical insurance pay for my private GP? ’ section below.)

Some providers may offer a combination of these options to suit different patients’ circumstances.

Will my private medical insurance pay for my private GP?

Possibly. Your private medical insurance may cover consultations with a private GP. However, this varies significantly, so you will need to check with your particular policy and insurance provider for details of your cover.

Read our guide about paying for treatment with private medical insurance.

Here are some of the things to look out for:

Your policy should clearly say whether it covers private GP appointments. This might be worded as ‘primary care’, meaning your first point of contact with health services.
Check whether your policy covers face-to-face appointments with a private GP. Some will cover only shorter, virtual appointments.
Look for details about ‘excess’ in your policy. You may still need to pay a charge, even if you are able to claim some of the costs of your private GP visit.
Make sure you understand what exactly your policy covers. It may just be the appointment fee itself. If you need tests, medication or referral to a specialist, you may need to pay the full cost of these yourself.
Check your policy for details about how they will cover the cost. Will they pay the GP provider directly? Or will you have to pay the GP and claim the cost back from the insurer later?
Your insurance provider may only cover your costs at a specific clinic or health centre. You may not get to choose where you go for your appointment.
Check for information about how to book an appointment. You may have to do this through your insurance provider, rather than directly through the GP provider.
You should also check how your future insurance costs may be affected if you decide to make a claim.