
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the growing need for fast, accessible healthcare. This guide to private medical insurance (PMI) and private GPs in the UK focuses on Manchester, helping you navigate your options for 2025 and beyond.
Manchester is a vibrant, thriving city, but like many parts of the UK, its NHS services are feeling the strain. Securing a timely GP appointment can be a challenge. NHS England data from 2024 showed that millions of appointments involved a wait of more than two weeks, prompting many Mancunians to explore private alternatives.
Private General Practitioners (GPs) offer a solution, providing prompt, in-depth consultations that put you back in control of your health. Whether you need a one-off appointment, a second opinion, or a comprehensive health screening, the private sector in Manchester is well-equipped to help.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we'll break down everything you need to know: the top clinics, the costs involved, how private medical insurance can help, and what to expect from your private healthcare journey in the heart of the North.
The shift towards private primary care isn't just about avoiding queues. It's about a different kind of healthcare experience. Here are the key advantages that are persuading more people to go private:
Going private means you pay directly for the service. The pricing structure is generally straightforward, but it's important to understand what you're paying for.
There are three main ways to pay for private GP care:
Here’s a look at typical costs for private GP services in Manchester. Please note these are 2025 estimates and will vary between clinics.
| Service | Estimated Cost Range (2025) | What's Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GP Consultation (15-20 mins) | £80 - £150 | In-depth discussion, basic examination, a private prescription if needed. |
| Extended GP Consultation (30+ mins) | £150 - £250 | For complex issues or multiple concerns. |
| Telephone/Video Consultation | £50 - £100 | Convenient for follow-ups, advice, or simple issues. |
| Private Prescription Fee | £20 - £40 | This is the administrative fee for writing the prescription. The cost of the medicine is separate. |
| Referral Letter | £30 - £50 | A letter to a private specialist or for a diagnostic test. |
| Basic Health Screen | £250 - £500 | Blood tests, lifestyle assessment, GP examination. |
| Advanced Health Screen | £600 - £1,200+ | Includes the above plus specific tests like ECG, cancer markers, or scans. |
Important Note on Prescriptions: A private prescription allows you to get medication from any pharmacy. However, you will pay the full cost of the drug itself, not the subsidised NHS prescription charge. For common, inexpensive drugs, this might be cheap. For newer or more specialised medications, it can be costly.
While you can pay for a private GP out-of-pocket, private health cover can play a vital role, especially when it comes to specialist care. Here’s what you need to know.
This is a common point of confusion. Most standard private medical insurance policies in the UK do not cover the cost of private GP appointments as a core benefit. The primary function of PMI is to cover the costs of specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and hospital treatment for acute conditions.
However, insurers have recognised the demand for faster GP access. Many now offer two solutions:
This is the single most important concept to understand about UK private medical insurance.
Understanding this distinction is key to avoiding disappointment. PMI is not a replacement for the NHS; it's a complementary service designed for rapid access to treatment for new, curable health problems.
Manchester has a fantastic selection of private clinics, from large, well-known hospital groups to smaller, independent practices. Here, we review some of the leading providers to help you make an informed choice.
| Clinic Name | Starting Consultation Cost (Est. 2025) | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pall Mall Medical | £85+ | Wide range of services and central locations | All-round convenience and diagnostics |
| Spire Manchester Hospital | £120+ | Hospital-based GP service with immediate access to specialists | Seamless referrals and complex cases |
| Nuffield Health Manchester | £100+ | Integrated health approach (gyms, physio) | Holistic health and preventative screenings |
| The Doctors Clinic Group | £89+ | Focus on speed, convenience, and corporate health | Busy professionals and same-day needs |
| Oakley Partnership | £130+ | Premium, membership-focused practice | Personalised, long-term continuity of care |
Overview: Pall Mall is one of the most established and well-regarded private healthcare providers in the North West. With a prominent clinic in Manchester city centre and another in Newton-le-Willows, they offer a huge range of services beyond GP appointments, including advanced diagnostics, private dentists, and cosmetic treatments.
Services Offered:
Pricing (2025 Estimate): A standard 15-minute GP consultation starts from around £85. They operate on a clear pay-as-you-go basis, with all costs explained upfront.
Availability & Access: Excellent. They are known for their ability to offer same-day appointments, and their online booking system is easy to use. Their central Manchester location is very convenient for city workers.
Best For: Individuals and families looking for a reliable, comprehensive, one-stop shop for medical needs, from a quick GP check-up to complex diagnostic scans.
Overview: Spire Manchester in Didsbury is a state-of-the-art private hospital. Their private GP service is fully integrated within this hospital environment. This is its biggest strength – if your GP recommends a blood test, a scan, or a consultation with a cardiologist, it can all happen seamlessly under one roof, often on the same day.
Services Offered:
Pricing (2025 Estimate): Consultations are typically more expensive, starting from around £120, reflecting the hospital-based setting.
Availability & Access: Appointments are readily available, and the booking process is efficient. The real value is the instant access to the wider hospital's services and consultants.
Best For: Patients with a specific concern that they suspect may require specialist investigation. The ability to go from GP to consultant to diagnostic test in one place is unparalleled.
Overview: Nuffield Health takes a uniquely integrated approach to wellbeing. Their private GP service is part of a broader ecosystem that includes their well-known fitness and wellbeing centres. This means your GP can work alongside physiotherapists, nutritionists, and personal trainers to create a holistic health plan.
Services Offered:
Pricing (2025 Estimate): GP consultations start from around £100. They place a strong emphasis on their 360 Health Assessments, which have tiered pricing based on comprehensiveness.
Availability & Access: Good availability at their Printworks site. Nuffield is also a major partner for many private medical insurance UK providers, so your policy may give you preferential access.
Best For: Those who want to take a proactive and preventative approach to their health, combining medical advice with fitness and lifestyle support.
Overview: Part of a larger national group, The Doctors Clinic Group focuses on delivering fast, convenient, and affordable private GP care. Their Manchester clinic is designed for busy people who need to fit healthcare around a demanding schedule.
Services Offered:
Pricing (2025 Estimate): Very competitive, with standard consultations starting from £89. They offer clear, transparent pricing for all services.
Availability & Access: Their key selling point is convenience. With a simple online booking portal and a promise of same-day appointments, they are a go-to for urgent but non-emergency issues.
Best For: Busy professionals, commuters, or anyone needing a rapid, no-fuss consultation for a specific health issue.
Beyond the physical clinics, the biggest revolution in primary care is the rise of virtual GP services. These app-based platforms allow you to consult with a registered GP via video or phone from anywhere.
How it Works: You book an appointment via an app, fill in a short summary of your symptoms, and a GP calls you back for a video consultation at the scheduled time. They can diagnose conditions, issue private prescriptions (sent electronically to a pharmacy near you), and provide fit notes or referral letters.
Pros:
Cons:
Many of the best PMI provider policies offered by insurers like Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality now include a 24/7 virtual GP service as standard. When comparing policies, this is a feature worth its weight in gold. An expert broker like WeCovr can help you identify which policies offer the most robust and user-friendly virtual GP apps.
A private GP is a fantastic resource, but true health is built day by day. Living in Manchester offers wonderful opportunities to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
Choosing the right path for your health can feel overwhelming. Do you need a pay-as-you-go GP? A full private health cover policy? Which insurer is best? This is where we come in.
WeCovr is an independent, FCA-authorised PMI broker. Our job is to help you for free.
Navigating the world of private medical insurance UK is complex. Let us make it simple for you.
Ready to take control of your health?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and compare leading private medical insurance policies to find the perfect cover for you and your family. Our expert advisors are here to help you every step of the way.






