How Much Does a Private Consultation Cost in the UK
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that navigating the UK’s private healthcare landscape can be daunting. One of the first steps, a private consultation, is a key consideration, and its cost is a primary concern for many. With private medical insurance, these fees can be managed effectively.
WeCovr explains typical consultation fees, from £120 to over £500, depending on specialist and location
Facing a long NHS waiting list or simply wanting a second opinion can lead many of us to consider private healthcare. The gateway to this world is the private specialist consultation. But how much does it actually cost?
The truth is, there isn't a single fixed price. The fee you'll pay for a private consultation in the UK varies widely, typically ranging from a modest £120 for a routine follow-up to over £500 for an initial meeting with a top-tier consultant in London.
This guide will break down all the factors that influence these costs, explain what you get for your money, and show how a comprehensive private medical insurance policy can cover these expenses, giving you peace of mind and swift access to the care you need.
What Exactly Is a Private Consultation?
Think of a private consultation as a dedicated, one-on-one meeting with a specialist doctor, conducted outside the NHS system. These doctors are experts in specific fields of medicine, such as cardiology (heart), dermatology (skin), or orthopaedics (bones and joints).
The journey to a private consultation usually follows these steps:
- Initial Concern: You visit your NHS or private GP with a health issue that requires specialist input.
- GP Referral: Your GP writes a referral letter, recommending you see a specialist. While some clinics allow self-referral, a GP letter is standard practice and often required by insurers.
- Choosing Your Specialist: You can now choose a specific consultant and a private hospital or clinic that is convenient for you.
- The Consultation: You attend your appointment, where the specialist will take a detailed medical history, perform an examination, and discuss a potential diagnosis and treatment plan.
The key benefits of going private for a consultation include:
- Speed: Bypassing long NHS waiting lists is the number one reason people choose private care. You can often see a specialist within days or weeks, not months.
- Choice: You have the freedom to choose your consultant based on their reputation, expertise, and the hospital where they practice.
- Time: Private consultations are often longer than their NHS counterparts, giving you more time to discuss your concerns and ask questions.
- Comfort: Appointments take place in a private, comfortable setting.
Breaking Down the Costs: What Influences Private Consultation Fees?
Several key factors determine the final bill for your consultation. Understanding these will help you budget and make informed choices.
1. The Specialist's Field and Seniority
Just like in any profession, experience and demand dictate price. A highly-renowned professor of cardiology with 30 years of experience will naturally charge more than a newly qualified consultant.
Furthermore, different specialisms command different fees. Complex fields requiring extensive training and expensive equipment tend to be at the higher end.
Here’s a table showing typical estimated costs for an initial private consultation in the UK for 2025.
| Medical Specialism | Typical Initial Consultation Fee Range | Typical Follow-Up Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology (Skin conditions) | £200 - £350 | £150 - £250 |
| Cardiology (Heart conditions) | £250 - £450 | £175 - £300 |
| Orthopaedics (Bones & Joints) | £220 - £400 | £150 - £250 |
| Gastroenterology (Digestive system) | £220 - £380 | £160 - £240 |
| Psychiatry (Mental health) | £300 - £500+ | £180 - £350 |
| ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) | £200 - £350 | £150 - £220 |
| Gynaecology | £220 - £400 | £160 - £250 |
| Rheumatology (Joints, muscles, ligaments) | £230 - £380 | £170 - £250 |
Please note: These are estimated figures for 2025 and can vary significantly.
2. Location, Location, Location
Where you have your consultation has a major impact on the price. Clinics in Central London, particularly in the prestigious Harley Street medical district, are the most expensive in the country. Costs tend to decrease as you move away from the capital.
| Location | Estimated Initial Consultation Cost (General) | Why the Difference? |
|---|---|---|
| Central London (e.g., Harley Street) | £300 - £500+ | Higher overheads (rent, staff), concentration of top specialists. |
| Major UK Cities (Manchester, Birmingham) | £220 - £350 | Competitive market but lower operating costs than London. |
| Smaller Towns & Rural Areas | £180 - £280 | Lower overheads, less competition among private providers. |
3. Initial vs. Follow-Up Consultations
Your first appointment with a specialist will always be the most expensive. This is because it is longer and more in-depth. The consultant needs to:
- Review your entire medical history.
- Discuss your symptoms in detail.
- Conduct a physical examination.
- Formulate an initial diagnosis and plan for any tests.
Follow-up appointments are shorter, as the specialist is simply reviewing test results, checking your progress, or adjusting your treatment plan. Consequently, they are cheaper.
| Consultation Type | Average Duration | Typical Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 30 - 60 minutes | £250 - £400 | Full assessment, history taking, diagnosis planning. |
| Follow-Up Consultation | 15 - 30 minutes | £150 - £250 | Reviewing results, monitoring progress, treatment adjustment. |
How Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Covers Your Consultation Costs
This is where having the right private health cover becomes invaluable. Most comprehensive private medical insurance UK policies are designed specifically to cover the costs of private consultations and subsequent treatments for acute conditions.
Here’s how it works:
- Out-patient Cover: Specialist consultations are classed as "out-patient" services, meaning you aren't admitted to a hospital bed. When choosing a PMI policy, the level of out-patient cover is one of the most important decisions. Some policies offer unlimited out-patient cover, while others might have a yearly cap (e.g., £1,000 or £1,500) or limit the number of consultations.
- The Process: Once your GP has referred you, you contact your insurer to get a pre-authorisation code. This confirms that they agree to cover the cost. You give this code to the hospital or clinic, and they usually bill the insurer directly.
- Your Excess: An excess is a fixed amount you agree to pay towards a claim each year. For example, if you have a £200 excess and your consultation costs £300, you would pay the first £200, and your insurer would pay the remaining £100. A higher excess leads to a lower monthly premium.
Navigating these options can be complex, which is why working with an expert PMI broker like WeCovr is so beneficial. We can compare policies from across the market to find one with the right level of out-patient cover for your needs and budget, all at no extra cost to you.
Critical Note: Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions
It is essential to understand a fundamental principle of standard UK private medical insurance: PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out the policy.
- An acute condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., joint pain requiring a hip replacement, cataracts, hernias).
- A chronic condition is one that persists over a long period, cannot be cured, and needs ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure).
- Pre-existing conditions are any health issues you had before your policy started.
Standard PMI policies do not cover the ongoing management of chronic conditions or treatment for pre-existing conditions. This is a key reason why the NHS remains a vital part of UK healthcare for everyone.
Beyond the Consultation: What Other Costs Should You Expect?
The consultant's fee is just one part of the potential cost. If your condition requires further investigation, you will face additional charges. A good private health cover policy will also provide cover for these.
| Service | Typical Private Cost Range (UK 2025) | Is it Covered by PMI? |
|---|---|---|
| MRI Scan (per body part) | £400 - £1,500 | Yes, usually covered under diagnostics. |
| CT Scan (per body part) | £500 - £900 | Yes, usually covered under diagnostics. |
| Ultrasound Scan | £300 - £600 | Yes, usually covered under diagnostics. |
| X-Ray | £100 - £250 | Yes, usually covered under diagnostics. |
| Blood Tests (per panel) | £50 - £500+ | Yes, usually covered under diagnostics. |
| Private Prescriptions | Full cost of the drug (no NHS cap) | Varies by policy, often an optional benefit. |
Without insurance, the cost of diagnostics can quickly add up. An initial consultation (£300) followed by an MRI scan (£700) and a follow-up (£200) could result in a bill of £1,200 before any treatment even begins.
Taking Control of Your Health and Wellbeing
While private medical insurance is a fantastic tool for when things go wrong, the best strategy is to proactively manage your health to reduce the need for specialist care in the first place. A healthy lifestyle can prevent many of the acute and chronic conditions that lead people to seek medical advice.
- Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains is foundational to good health. To help our members on their wellness journey, WeCovr provides complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, with every PMI policy.
- Regular Exercise: The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (like running or swimming) a week.
- Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, from weakened immunity to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can have a significant physical impact. Activities like mindfulness, yoga, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies can help manage stress levels effectively.
By investing in your wellbeing, you not only feel better day-to-day but also reduce your long-term healthcare needs. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or Life Insurance through WeCovr can benefit from exclusive discounts on other types of cover, making it easier to protect all aspects of your life.
Your Questions Answered: Private Consultation FAQ
Do I need a GP referral for a private consultation?
Does private medical insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
How much does an initial consultation with a private psychiatrist cost in the UK?
Can I choose my own specialist with private health insurance?
Take the Next Step with WeCovr
The cost of a private consultation is a manageable expense, especially when protected by the right private medical insurance policy. It unlocks rapid access to specialist opinions, faster diagnoses, and quicker treatment, putting you back in control of your health.
At WeCovr, we make finding the best PMI provider straightforward. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our expert advisors provide impartial advice to help you compare quotes from the UK's leading insurers. We'll help you find a plan that fits your budget and covers the things that matter most to you.
[Get Your Free, No-Obligation Private Health Insurance Quote Today! →]
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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WeCovr is an insurance specialist for people valuing their peace of mind and a great service.👍 WeCovr will help you get your private medical insurance, life insurance, critical illness insurance and others in no time thanks to our wonderful super-friendly experts ready to assist you every step of the way.
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