Private GP appointments: what to know

Private GP services have sprung up post-pandemic, with many offering virtual or in-person appointments on a pay as you go basis.

Well-documented struggles to access NHS GP appointments due to backlogs and staff shortages mean some people may be tempted to opt for a private appointment for the first time.

If that's you, we run through how private GP appointments work vs the NHS, how costs compare between providers, and what to watch out for.

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How do private GP appointments work?

There are a few ways you can get a private GP appointment. If you have private medical insurance (PMI), you can book one through your insurer. 

Otherwise, you can either book directly with a private healthcare provider such as Bupa or Nuffield Health, who both offer 'pay as you go' options, or with a private GP appointment provider.

There are online-only and in-person options, though availability may vary depending on where you live.

Thinking of going private for an operation or consultant's appointment? Read our private vs NHS surgery guide

How much do one-off private GP appointments cost?

Private GP appointments typically cost between £30 and £100 for a short appointment. Price and length of appointment varies considerably by provider.

You’ll typically have to pay extra for any prescriptions, blood tests or other diagnostic procedures that are needed as a result, though some providers offer packages that include some of these expenses. 

Some of the bigger private healthcare providers, such as Bupa, charge a flat rate for appointments (from £79 for 15 minutes to £250 for 60 minutes). With others, like Spire and Circle, prices differ per hospital and GP – you can use their websites to check local prices before you book. 

You can have appointments virtually or face-to-face. The cheapest private GP appointments are likely to be from online-only providers. 

Some high street pharmacies offer private GP appointments via recommended partners, such as Boots and Livi, but there are a number of independent providers as well. 

Some may be private-only while others also offer NHS appointments (though you'll usually have to register, such as with GP At Hand, powered by Babylon).

Private GP appointment costs compared

We've checked prices and appointment times for the main private online GP providers. 

*Prices and info correct as of 18 August 2023. **Longer appointments available for extra cost. ***Only direct via Circle surgeries, prices may vary ****Subscriptions available - £24.99 monthly, £14.99 pay monthly/annual. Medication costs included.

TapGP's quick online-only appointments are the cheapest, but there are a few options around the £40-50 mark to choose from. 

If you think you'll make regular use of the service, Lloyds Pharmacy's subscription service, which include the cost of prescriptions, looks to be good value.

Can I see a private GP if I have private medical insurance?

If you have private medical insurance (PMI), the chances are that you have access to a private GP. 

These services are often covered under your policy benefits, allowing you to schedule appointments directly with a private GP through your insurer. You may have the option of in-person, video appointments or both.

Some health insurance providers include this as a standard, while others offer it as an optional extra. It depends on the provider and your specific policy terms as to what level of coverage you get.

Private medical insurance may also cover the costs of prescriptions, tests, or procedures recommended during the consultation, but you'll need to double-check.

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How to choose a private GP appointment provider

If you just want a quick, easy-access appointment as soon as possible, you've got plenty of virtual options, and you can pick based on price and availability.

If you're keen to have a face-to-face appointment, larger private health providers, such as Bupa, are more likely to have in-person clinics near you.

Check the small print before you go ahead, so you know what to expect in terms of how long your appointment will be, and what happens if you need a prescription or follow up. 

Note that 'prescription writing' being included in the cost is not the same as the cost of the prescription being included. Private prescriptions can be pricey, and you can't typically go back to your NHS GP to request this instead (without having an appointment to confirm it's needed).

Make sure the service is legit too. All private GP practices must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and should display the logo and their latest rating on their website. You can check how they're rated and when they were last rated too.

You can also search for specific doctors to ensure they are registered with the General Medical Council on its medical register.

Anyone can pay for ads to appear top of search results, but they might not be offering the most appropriate service for you, so these basic checks will help to ensure you're looking at a legitimate provider.

GP appointment woes - why NHS appointment are hard to get hold of, and how to get through when you need to

When might you want a private GP appointment?

The main reason people choose private GP appointments is likely to be availability and speed. 

If you're struggling to get an NHS appointment at your local practice, you'll most likely find a same-day appointment with one of the above providers. 

Some patients book private appointments to get peace of mind when certain symptoms are bothering them. But if a medical condition is identified, any additional tests or treatment will cost extra. 

Private prescriptions aren't capped at the £9.65 NHS rate either (and in Scotland NHS prescriptions are free), so they could be more expensive. Tests, too, will have a cost. At DocTap, blood test prices range from around £50 to £250. 

Private GPs aren't able to hand out NHS prescriptions or make NHS referrals.

Follow up from private GPs - how does it work with the NHS?

If your care plan post-private GP appointment is looking expensive, you might wonder if you can switch back to the NHS. Since going private doesn't exclude you from NHS healthcare, you absolutely can. But it might not be the smoothest process. 

You'll likely need to book an NHS GP appointment first - unhelpful if you only went private due to difficulties securing one - and when you get there, you may need to go through the diagnostic process once again to see if your NHS doctor agrees with the private course of action. 

The NHS guide to private care FAQs has more on what to know when accessing private care.

Best NHS and private dentists - we asked thousands of customers to rate big dental brands on value, quality of care and availability

Other ways to access a GP appointment

NHS GP appointments

Don't be put off by the news or past issues you've had. There are options, including potentially switching to another local - or digital - NHS practice if you're really struggling with your current one. See the NHS 'Choose a GP surgery guide'. 

Here you can see reviews and also, using the NHS Digital GP comparison service, see how many patients are registered at different GPs.

Some NHS surgeries are tackling the backlog by hiring more specialist healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, podiatrists and musculoskeletal practitioners. 

If you call your GP surgery with a problem a specialist can help with, you may be booked in with them instead. Some people find this disconcerting, but they're often better-placed to help with your problem.

NHS self-referral

Some NHS trusts allow patients to self-refer for certain types of healthcare without seeing a GP first, such as for mental health services and podiatry. 

Check with your surgery online to see if you have this option. 

Private health insurance

Some private health insurance providers include access to private GPs as part of the package, which you typically pay a monthly premium for.

Depending on your cover, you could still need to pay something for GP appointments, but it may work out cheaper than pay as you go.

See our guide to how to get the best private medical insurance for more.

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