How much does it cost to see a private consultant in the UK?

The basis for our research

The inevitable question on any patient's lips when the idea of going private comes up is, "what will it cost?" However, with numerous providers, hospitals and consultants spread across the UK, finding out what the going rate is can be difficult.

To help people better understand what it typically costs to see private consultants (without private health insurance), we've collected pricing from close to 600 medical practitioners spread around the UK in 8 different locations. Of course, it should go without saying that you should seek pricing from consultants local to you. However, we hope that the information we have gathered helps you to have a rough idea of the cost of initial consultations and follow-ups.

Have you already been diagnosed and are looking for treatment prices?

• The information on this page focuses on what it costs to see private medical specialists for initial consultations and follow-ups. If you are currently awaiting surgery and want to know what it might cost to do it privately, please click the link below to read our private medical treatment prices guide. Our guide to private medical treatment costs in the UK (2022)

Key findings of our research

Here we summarise the key findings of our extensive look at the cost of seeing private consultants in the UK. Please read on past this section if you'd like to understand what specific consultants charge in different parts of the country.

• The average cost to see a private medical consultant for an initial consultation is £195.
• The average cost for follow-up appointments is £130.
• It costs on average 27% more to see a medical consultant in London compared to the rest of the UK.
• Physiotherapists are the least expensive consultants, with an average initial consultation of £67.
• Psychiatrists are the most expensive consultant, with an average initial consultation costing £300 (50% above average).
• Northern Ireland was the most affordable region, with initial consultations costing £150 (25% less than the rest of the UK).
• Newcastle was the most affordable location in England, with initial consultations costing £170.

Types of consultants we've covered in this article

Click on the specialist below to jump to their pricing.

Navigate this guide:

• Cardiologist
• Dermatologist
• Endocrinologist
• Gastroenterologist
• Gynaecologist
• Haematologist
• Oncologist
• Ophthalmologist

• Orthodontist
• Paediatrician
• Physiotherapist
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Rheumatologist
• Urologist

Benefits of using a private consultant

There are many benefits to seeking private medical consultation, but arguably the most important is the speed at which you can see one. We've also researched average waiting times for private consultants, the results of which we will publish shortly. Below are some of the advantages you can expect from going private.

Get a diagnosis quicker

Sometimes, waiting lists are filled with large numbers of patients waiting to use a limited number of specialist diagnostic equipment. Private hospitals often provide a more comprehensive range of tests due to a higher equipment budget and have a far more favourable equipment-to-patient ratio.

Jump the queue

A patient may need immediate care but is stuck on a waiting list before they can get a referral for testing. by paying for a private consultation, it is possible to get an urgent referral back to the NHS if necessary. This can remove the initial step and greatly expedite the process.

Access treatment not available on the NHS

Most cosmetic procedures and treatments are not usually covered by the NHS, with some finding even more severe issues erroneously categorised as cosmetic. In the past, even some drugs found to be effective and approved for use have been available privately but not on the NHS. This is because the NHS can be slow to adopt new treatments, but also because the NHS has budgetary considerations; even if a treatment is found to be effective, it may be rejected if it is too expensive.

The average price to see specialist medical consultants in the UK

myTribe obtained consultant fees from close to 600 private specialists across the UK. The below graphic and table show the UK-wide results. To see regional pricing, please see later in this article.

Average cost to see a private specialist in the UK

Specialist type	Initial consultation fee	Follow up fee
Cardiologist	£200	£150
Dermatologist	£200	£140
Endocrinologist	£202	£150
Gastroenterologist	£200	£125
Gynaecologist	£200	£140
Haematologist	£200	£150
Oncologist	£200	£120
Ophthalmologist	£200	£150
Orthodontist	£80	£89
Paediatrician	£200	£150
Physiotherapist	£67	£50
Psychiatrist	£300	£165
Psychologist	£80	£121
Rheumatologist	£220	£145
Urologist	£200	£140

The average cost of seeing a specialist consultant by UK region

The cost of private medical consultations varies considerably depending on your location in the UK. As seen in the 'key statistics' section, London is the most expensive region to get private consultations. But what about other places in the country? Is it worth travelling if you are able and willing? The tables and graphics below provide data on a specialist's cost in each UK region.

Average cost to see a private cardiologist in the UK

Based on our extensive research we found that people will typically pay £200 to see a private cardiologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £150 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private dermatologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £140 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK: 

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £202 to see a private endocrinologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £150 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private gastroenterologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £125 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private gynaecologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £140 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private haematologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £150 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private oncologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £120 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private ophthalmologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £150 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £80 to see a private orthodontist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £89 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private paediatrician in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £150 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £67.36 to see a private physiotherapist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £50 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £300 to see a private psychiatrist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £165 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £80 to see a private psychologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £121 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £220 to see a private rheumatologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £145 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Our extensive research shows that people will typically pay £200 to see a private urologist in the UK, with follow-up appointments usually costing £140 each. The following table shows how prices differ across the UK:

Methodology and disclaimer

The prices in this article are based on information obtained from nearly 600 specialists across the UK in July and August of 2022. The averages are medians calculated from between 2-5 samples per location and act as examples only. What you pay to see a consultant privately will be different.