
As expert brokers in UK private medical insurance, WeCovr has helped over 900,000 individuals and families navigate their healthcare choices. This guide provides an authoritative look at London's premier private maternity hospitals, breaking down their costs and services for 2026 to help you make an informed decision for one of life's most important moments.
Choosing where to welcome your new arrival is a deeply personal and significant decision. For those considering private care, London is home to some of the world's most renowned maternity units, offering a level of service, comfort, and personalised care that goes far beyond the standard.
These exclusive wings promise a consultant-led journey, luxurious hotel-like suites, and a degree of privacy that appeals to many, from international clients to discerning local families.
However, navigating this exclusive world can be complex. The costs are substantial, and understanding what is—and isn't—included in a "package" is crucial. This guide will demystify the process, comparing London's top private maternity hospitals and explaining the financial landscape, including the role of private medical insurance.
Before diving into the hospitals themselves, it’s essential to understand how private maternity care operates in the UK, particularly concerning insurance.
This is the most common question we receive, and the answer requires careful explanation.
Standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover routine pregnancy and childbirth. Insurers classify pregnancy as a planned life event rather than an unforeseen, acute medical condition, which is what PMI is designed for.
Insider Tip: If you're planning a family, don't assume your private health cover will pay for a private birth. At WeCovr, we can review your policy documents to give you clarity on what is and isn't covered, ensuring there are no surprises down the line.
In the private sector, the primary model is consultant-led care. This is one of its main attractions.
London's private maternity scene is dominated by a few prestigious names, most of which are private wings within large, reputable NHS hospitals. This co-location is a significant advantage, providing the best of both worlds: the luxury of private care with the immediate back-up of NHS critical care and neonatal intensive care units (NICU) if required.
Here’s our 2026 review of the top contenders.
Famed as the choice for the British Royal Family, The Lindo Wing has a global reputation for excellence and discretion. Situated within St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, it offers patients peace of mind with access to one of London's leading NHS teaching hospitals.
| The Lindo Wing - 2026 Estimated Package Costs | Starting Price (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Delivery (1 Night) | £16,500 | Includes midwifery care, theatre costs, routine monitoring. |
| Caesarean Section (2 Nights) | £22,000 | Includes planned C-section theatre costs, midwifery care. |
| Extra Night | £2,000 | Priced per night in a standard room. |
| Consultant Fees | £9,000 - £15,000+ | Billed separately by the consultant's practice. |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for 2026, subject to change, and exclude consultant, anaesthetist, and paediatrician fees.
The Portland is the only fully independent private hospital in the UK dedicated entirely to the care of women and children. Located in central London, it's synonymous with luxury, privacy, and five-star service, making it a favourite among celebrities and international clients.
| The Portland Hospital - 2026 Estimated Package Costs | Starting Price (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant-Led Normal Delivery | £18,000 - £30,000+ | Price varies based on room type and length of stay. |
| Consultant-Led Caesarean Section | £25,000 - £40,000+ | Includes a 2-3 night stay typically. |
| Consultant Fees | £10,000 - £18,000+ | Billed separately and can be higher than other units. |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for 2026 and are highly variable. They exclude consultant, anaesthetist, and paediatrician fees.
The Kensington Wing is a modern, highly-regarded private maternity unit located within the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, one of the UK’s top-performing NHS trusts. It offers a superb balance of comfort, expert care, and the critical safety net of a major hospital.
| The Kensington Wing - 2026 Estimated Package Costs | Starting Price (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Delivery (1 Night) | £14,500 | Consultant-led package. |
| Caesarean Section (2 Nights) | £18,500 | Planned C-section package. |
| Midwife-Led Package | £11,000 | A more affordable option for low-risk pregnancies. |
| Consultant Fees | £8,000 - £12,000+ | Billed separately by the consultant. |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for 2026 and exclude additional fees for consultants, anaesthetists, and paediatricians.
Located directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Maternity Suite boasts some of the most iconic views of any hospital in the world. As part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, it benefits from the backing of a world-class medical institution.
| The Westminster Suite - 2026 Estimated Package Costs | Starting Price (Estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Delivery Package | £15,000 | Includes a one-night stay. |
| Caesarean Section Package | £20,000 | Includes a two-night stay. |
| Consultant Fees | £8,500 - £13,000+ | Billed separately by the consultant. |
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates for 2026 and exclude fees for consultants, anaesthetists, and any additional treatments or stays.
To help you compare at a glance, here is a summary of the estimated starting costs. Remember, the total cost will be the package price plus all additional fees.
| Hospital | Normal Delivery (Package Est.) | C-Section (Package Est.) | Consultant Fees (Est. Additional) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lindo Wing | £16,500+ | £22,000+ | £9,000 - £15,000+ | Royal-approved reputation; co-located with St Mary's NHS. |
| The Portland Hospital | £18,000+ | £25,000+ | £10,000 - £18,000+ | Fully private; luxury hotel feel; extensive paediatric services. |
| The Kensington Wing | £14,500+ | £18,500+ | £8,000 - £12,000+ | Excellent value; modern facilities; co-located with top NHS trust. |
| The Westminster Suite | £15,000+ | £20,000+ | £8,500 - £13,000+ | Unbeatable views; backed by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS. |
CRITICAL NOTE: A realistic total budget for a private birth in London in 2026, including all fees, is likely to be in the £25,000 to £45,000 range, and potentially higher if complications arise.
Understanding the "extras" is vital for budgeting accurately. A package price is just the starting point. Fees almost always billed separately include:
While a standard private medical insurance UK policy won't fund your private birth, having the right health cover for your family is more important than ever.
The birth of a child is often a trigger for families to review their healthcare provisions. At WeCovr, our expert advisers can:
We provide a no-obligation, free service to help you find the best private health cover for your new and growing family's needs.
Choosing a private maternity hospital is a major financial and personal commitment. London offers some of the best facilities in the world, but it's crucial to go in with your eyes open to the full scope of costs and services.
While private medical insurance may not cover the birth itself, ensuring your family has comprehensive health cover for everything else is a wise investment. Speak to a WeCovr adviser today for a free, no-obligation quote and find the right protection for your loved ones.






