TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- 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.
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 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! →]
