Private Surgery Price List UK 2025
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This guide explores the costs of private surgery, helping you understand your options for faster, more flexible healthcare when you need it most.
WeCovr's flagship guide to the costs of common private operations
Facing the prospect of surgery can be daunting, and uncertainty about costs and waiting times only adds to the stress. In the UK, while the NHS provides outstanding care, increasing waiting lists for elective procedures have led many to consider private healthcare.
But what does it actually cost? This guide demystifies the world of private surgery prices in the UK. We will break down the costs of the most common operations, explain the factors that influence the final price, and show how private medical insurance (PMI) can make it affordable.
Why Are More People in the UK Choosing Private Surgery?
The primary driver for many is speed. According to the latest NHS England data, the median waiting time for non-emergency, consultant-led treatment can be many weeks, with millions of people on the overall waiting list. For those in pain or with conditions affecting their quality of life and ability to work, waiting is not an ideal option.
Key benefits of choosing private surgery include:
- Speed of Access: Significantly shorter waiting times for consultations, diagnostic scans, and the surgery itself.
- Choice and Control: You can often choose your surgeon and the hospital where you'll be treated.
- Comfort and Privacy: Private hospitals typically offer individual rooms with en-suite facilities, more flexible visiting hours, and enhanced menu choices.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Operations can often be scheduled at a time that suits your work and family commitments.
UK Private Surgery Price List 2025: An Overview
Understanding the cost of private surgery is the first step. Below, we've compiled a list of estimated costs for common procedures in the UK.
Important Note: These are guide prices for self-funding patients. Prices vary significantly based on the hospital, the surgeon's fees, the complexity of your case, and your location (London is generally more expensive). These "package prices" usually cover the hospital, surgeon, and anaesthetist fees for a standard procedure and length of stay.
Orthopaedic Surgery Costs
Orthopaedics (bone and joint surgery) is one of the most common specialities in the private sector.
| Procedure | Average UK Self-Pay Price Range (2025 Estimate) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Replacement | £13,500 – £16,500 | A total knee replacement (arthroplasty) to relieve pain from arthritis. |
| Hip Replacement | £12,500 – £16,000 | Replacing a damaged hip joint, most often due to osteoarthritis. |
| ACL Reconstruction | £7,000 – £9,500 | Rebuilding the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee after an injury. |
| Knee Arthroscopy | £4,000 – £6,000 | Keyhole surgery to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. |
| Carpal Tunnel Release | £2,000 – £3,000 | Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. |
General and Abdominal Surgery Costs
This covers a wide range of common operations on the abdominal organs.
| Procedure | Average UK Self-Pay Price Range (2025 Estimate) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hernia Repair (Inguinal) | £3,000 – £4,500 | Repairing a weakness in the abdominal wall, often done via keyhole surgery. |
| Gallbladder Removal | £6,000 – £8,000 | Cholecystectomy, usually performed laparoscopically to treat gallstones. |
| Haemorrhoid Surgery | £2,500 – £4,000 | Procedures to remove or shrink painful haemorrhoids. |
| Varicose Vein Removal | £2,500 – £4,500 | Various techniques like laser treatment (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation. |
Other Common Private Surgery Costs
| Procedure | Speciality | Average UK Self-Pay Price Range (2025 Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Cataract Surgery (per eye) | Ophthalmology | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| Tonsillectomy (Adult) | ENT | £3,000 – £4,000 |
| Hysterectomy | Gynaecology | £8,000 – £11,000 |
| Prostatectomy (TURP) | Urology | £6,000 – £8,500 |
What Factors Influence the Final Cost of Your Private Operation?
The "package price" is a good starting point, but the final bill can be influenced by several factors. It's crucial to get a fixed, all-inclusive quote from your chosen hospital before proceeding.
- The Hospital: A prestigious hospital in central London will cost more than a smaller regional hospital. Their overheads, facilities, and nursing ratios are reflected in the price.
- The Consultant & Anaesthetist: Highly experienced, sought-after surgeons and anaesthetists command higher fees. Their fee is separate from the hospital's charge but is usually included in the package price.
- The Procedure's Complexity: A standard knee replacement is one thing; a complex revision surgery on a previously replaced knee is another and will cost more. Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery might have a different cost to open surgery.
- Implants and Prosthetics: The type and brand of a prosthetic joint (e.g., a hip or knee implant) can significantly affect the price. High-performance or custom-made implants cost more.
- Diagnostics: Pre-operative tests like MRI scans, CT scans, or complex blood tests might be billed separately if they aren't part of the initial package. An MRI scan can cost between £400 and £900 privately.
- Your Length of Stay: Package prices assume a standard stay (e.g., 2-3 nights for a hip replacement). If you need to stay in hospital longer due to a complication, extra costs will apply.
- Post-Operative Care: Your initial package may include one or two follow-up consultations. However, extended physiotherapy or further consultations will likely be an additional cost.
Paying for Your Surgery: Self-Pay vs. Private Medical Insurance
Seeing those price tags can be intimidating. You have two main ways to fund private surgery: paying directly (self-pay) or using private medical insurance (PMI).
The Self-Pay Route
This involves paying for the full cost of your treatment out of your own pocket. Many hospitals offer finance options to help spread the cost.
- Pros: Immediate access if you have the funds; no need for a policy or monthly premiums.
- Cons: A significant financial outlay. You are exposed to the risk of unexpected costs if complications arise, which could add thousands to your final bill.
The Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Route
This is where private health cover comes in. You pay a monthly or annual premium to an insurer. In return, if you develop an eligible medical condition, the insurer pays for your private treatment, including consultations, diagnostics, and surgery.
- Pros: Peace of mind. For a manageable monthly premium, you gain access to treatment that could cost tens of thousands of pounds. It protects you from unforeseen medical costs.
- Cons: You need to have the policy in place before you get ill.
Crucial Point on Pre-existing Conditions: Standard UK private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that begin after your policy starts. It does not cover pre-existing conditions (illnesses or injuries you already had or had symptoms of) or chronic conditions (long-term illnesses like diabetes or asthma that require ongoing management rather than a cure).
This is the single most important rule to understand. PMI is for new, unexpected health issues, not for managing existing ones. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
How Private Medical Insurance Makes Private Surgery Affordable
Imagine you need a knee replacement, costing around £14,000. Paying this yourself is a major financial event.
With private medical insurance, your policy would cover the cost (minus any excess you've chosen). Your contribution is limited to your monthly premium and your chosen excess.
Example Scenario:
- Sarah, 45, a self-employed graphic designer. She develops severe hip pain and is diagnosed with osteoarthritis requiring a hip replacement. The NHS waiting list is 18 months.
- Without PMI: Sarah must find £13,000 for the surgery or face a long, painful wait, impacting her ability to work.
- With PMI: Sarah took out a policy two years ago. Her PMI provider authorises the treatment. She sees a specialist within a week and has her surgery a month later. She pays her £250 policy excess. The insurer covers the remaining £12,750 bill. She is back on her feet and back to work much sooner.
Choosing the Right Private Health Cover with WeCovr
Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK can be complex. Different providers offer various levels of cover, hospital lists, and underwriting options. This is where an independent broker is invaluable.
At WeCovr, we specialise in helping individuals, families, and businesses find the best PMI provider for their specific needs and budget. Our service is at no cost to you – we receive a commission from the insurer you choose.
We help you compare policies from leading UK insurers, explaining the key differences in:
- Level of Cover: From basic plans covering only in-patient surgery to comprehensive policies that include out-patient consultations, diagnostics, and therapies.
- Hospital Access: Policies have different "hospital lists". A cheaper policy might restrict you to a list of local hospitals, while a premium policy gives you nationwide access, including central London.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. Choosing a higher excess (e.g., £500) will lower your monthly premium.
- Underwriting Options: We can explain the difference between Moratorium and Full Medical Underwriting to find the best fit for your medical history.
As a WeCovr customer, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition app, CalorieHero, to help you manage your health proactively. Plus, clients who purchase PMI or life insurance often qualify for discounts on other types of cover. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, honest advice.
A Quick Guide to Preventing the Need for Surgery
While PMI is there for when things go wrong, the best strategy is always prevention. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing conditions that require surgery, like heart disease or joint problems.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts immense strain on your joints, especially hips and knees, and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart conditions. Use an app like CalorieHero to track your nutrition.
- Stay Active: Regular, moderate exercise strengthens muscles that support your joints, improves cardiovascular health, and helps with weight management. Aim for 150 minutes of activity like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling per week.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A Mediterranean-style diet is consistently linked to better heart and brain health.
- Don't Smoke: Smoking damages your blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and dramatically raises your risk of heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to a host of health problems, including weakened immunity and higher stress levels.
By taking proactive steps, you not only improve your general wellbeing but may also contribute to keeping your future private health cover premiums more affordable.
Does private medical insurance cover a condition I already have?
What is the difference between an in-patient and out-patient on a PMI policy?
Can I choose my surgeon and hospital with private health cover?
Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Understanding the potential costs of private surgery highlights the immense value of private medical insurance. It's not just about skipping queues; it's about financial security and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can access high-quality care quickly when you need it.
Let WeCovr help you navigate your options. Our friendly, expert advisors will compare the market for you, providing clear, jargon-free quotes tailored to your needs and budget.
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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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