How much does it cost to see a private consultant in the UK?
Waiting for a referral letter can be stressful; for some, there is little indication of when an appointment will take place. With NHS waiting lists close to record levels, it is no wonder that more patients than ever are considering going private for their consultations.
Are you stuck on a waiting list and looking for treatment?
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 (2025)
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.
Click on the specialist below to jump to their pricing.
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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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 £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:
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.
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Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private medical treatment superior to the NHS?
Every private hospital and private consultant is subject to the same stringent regulations as NHS hospitals and staff. The facilities in a private hospital may be more pleasant and comfortable, but the level of care will be the same. The main benefits of going private are having greater flexibility, access to more treatments, and shorter waiting times.
Do I need a GP referral to see a private specialist?
If you are willing to pay for your private consultations, booking a consultation is usually possible without needing a GP referral. You will need to check with the individual private care provider. The information on whether they accept self-pay patients is usually available on their website.
How do I make an appointment with a private specialist?
Many individual private consultants, private hospitals and clinics allow you to book an appointment online. For example, Spire Healthcare lets you book your chosen consultant for a self-pay appointment without registering or obtaining a GP referral.
Will my private medical insurance cover the cost of private treatment?
Your specific insurance company and health insurance coverage may pay for you to see a consultant privately if required. However, some treatments and private hospitals may not be covered. You will need to contact your insurer before scheduling any appointments.
Is private health insurance or pay as you go the better option?
The better option for you may be different for someone else. What is worth considering is that private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Are there hidden costs with going private?
Most providers offer transparent pricing so that there are no nasty surprises. For example, if you need to undergo a surgical procedure, you can often find a 'fixed price surgery' package. This service will usually cover the full costs for the entire process, such as pre and post-op consultations, nursing care, surgeon costs, theatre time etc.