If you’ve ever tried to book a GP appointment at a busy time, you’ll understand why private GP services keep growing in the UK. The big question is simple: how much does a private GP cost in 2026, what do you actually get for the money, and when is it genuinely worth paying?
This guide breaks down real UK price examples, the hidden extras people forget to budget for, and a quick way to decide whether private care makes sense for you right now.
Private GP Cost UK 2026: Typical Prices
Private GP pricing varies mainly by location (London usually costs more), appointment length, and whether it’s online or in-person.
Common private GP price ranges (UK, 2026)
| Service type | Typical cost you’ll see | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-as-you-go GP appointment (remote or in-person) | ~£59 to £130+ | Often depends on 15/20/30+ minute slots and location |
| In-person private GP (London/private hospital setting) | ~£95 to £120+ | Examples below |
| Longer consultations (45–60 minutes) | ~£240 to £305+ | Useful for complex issues |
| Home visit | ~£400 | Typically limited areas |
| Referral letter / admin letters | ~£37+ | Many clinics charge separately |
Real provider examples (so you can sanity-check prices)
- Bupa (pay-as-you-go): appointment prices shown as starting from £59 (length and type vary).
- Bupa GP subscription: plans advertised from £15/month, positioned as “see a GP whenever you need one” (terms/eligibility apply).
- Nuffield Health (example hospital pages):
- 25-minute consultation £95, telephone £50, video £60 (site-specific example).
- Another example: 20-minute consultation £120 (site-specific example).
- Cambridge example shows structured pricing up to £305 for 60 minutes, plus £400 home visit, plus £37 referral letter.
- Spire (private GP services): example pages show £120–£130 for a 30-minute private GP appointment depending on hospital/location.
Bottom line: in 2026, many people will pay around £80–£130 for a standard private GP appointment, with cheaper remote options and higher prices for longer, in-person, or London-based care.
What’s Included In A Private GP Appointment
A private GP appointment often feels “better” because it typically gives you:
1) Faster access and flexible booking
Private providers heavily market same-day/next-day availability and convenient time slots (including evenings/weekends in some locations).
2) Longer consultation time
Many private GP services offer 20, 30, 45, or 60-minute options—helpful if you’ve got multiple symptoms, a long history, or you want a thorough plan.
3) A clear action plan (and more time to ask questions)
In practice, people pay for:
- better explanation of possible causes
- step-by-step next actions
- lifestyle/medicine guidance
- safety-net advice (what to do if it worsens)
4) Referrals and onward pathways
Private clinicians can refer you to private specialists, tests, or scans. In some cases, private providers can make onward referrals to NHS services where appropriate, and patients should be treated based on clinical need.
5) Private prescriptions (common, but not “free”)
Some services include the ability to issue private prescriptions—but you still pay for the medication when it’s private.
The Hidden Costs People Forget (And How To Budget)
The appointment fee is only step one. The “surprise” costs usually come from these:
Tests and scans
Many clinics clearly state that tests/scans are charged separately from the consultation.
Typical add-ons include:
- blood tests
- ECGs
- allergy testing
- imaging (ultrasound, MRI, etc.)
- stool/urine tests
Letters and forms
Examples show separate charges for admin like referral letters.
Follow-ups
If you need a second appointment to review results, adjust treatment, or write further letters, that may be another fee—especially if you’re pay-as-you-go.
Prescriptions (private vs NHS)
- In England, the NHS prescription charge is £9.90 per item (and it’s per item, not per prescription).
- NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) can reduce costs if you pay for multiple items (e.g., 3-month and 12-month PPC pricing is listed by NHSBSA).
- In Scotland, NHS prescriptions are free.
(Policies differ across UK nations, so always check your local rules.)
Budget tip: If you’re going private because you want speed, assume a realistic pathway is appointment + tests + follow-up, not just one visit.
When Paying For A Private GP Is Worth It
Private GP care is often worth it when your biggest pain is time, access, or clarity.
It can be worth it if:
- You need reassurance fast (persistent symptoms, worrying changes, but not an emergency)
- You’ve got a complex issue (multiple symptoms, long history) and you want a longer consult
- You want rapid diagnostics (blood tests/scans arranged quickly)
- You need a medical letter for work, travel, insurance, fitness-to-fly, etc.
- You value convenience (evening/weekend slots, remote appointments, same/next-day access)
- You’re comfortable paying for “joined-up” private pathways (private GP → private specialist → private tests)
A quick “worth it” calculator
Ask yourself:
- What’s the cost of waiting? (missed work, stress, symptoms worsening)
- Do I need speed or certainty more than I need “free”?
- Am I prepared to pay for tests and follow-ups too?
- Is this something the NHS is best placed to manage long-term?
If you answer “yes” to 1–3, private often feels worth it.
When Private GP Care Might Not Be The Best Choice
Private GP appointments are great for access—but they are not magic.
Private may not be ideal if:
- You need emergency care (private GP is not an emergency service)
- You need ongoing chronic disease management with integrated NHS records and local services
- You’re trying to “mix” NHS and private for the same episode of care without understanding the boundaries
Government guidance sets out principles on the boundaries between NHS and private care when patients choose to pay for additional private care.
Also, providers often recommend you remain registered with an NHS GP for emergencies and continuity.
Private GP Subscription Vs Pay-As-You-Go: Which Is Better In 2026?
Pay-as-you-go is better if:
- you’ll use it 1–2 times a year
- you want the flexibility to shop around
- you don’t want another monthly bill
Subscription can be better if:
- you want repeat access and predictable costs
- you value convenience (remote care, quick booking)
- you’re likely to use GP services several times per year
Example: Bupa promotes GP subscriptions from £15/month, including access and private prescriptions (medication costs still apply).
Rule of thumb: If you’ll realistically use a private GP 3+ times per year, subscriptions can start looking cost-effective—if the terms fit your needs.
How To Choose A Safe Private GP In The UK
You’re paying extra, so do the 2-minute checks.
1) Check regulation and inspection
In England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects and provides guidance for independent doctor and clinic services (including private GP services).
You can also use CQC’s “find care services” tools to review reports and ratings.
2) Check the clinician is properly registered
The GMC register lets you search a doctor’s registration status and details.
3) Ask exactly what’s included before you book
Before paying, confirm:
- appointment length (15/20/30/60 mins?)
- online vs in-person
- whether letters are extra
- test costs (and who interprets them)
- follow-up policy
- prescription process and fees
Cost-Saving Tips (Without Cutting Corners)
- Use a pharmacist first for simple issues (often the quickest option)
- If you pay for NHS prescriptions in England, consider a PPC if you need multiple items.
- If your main issue is tests, compare bundled health checks vs separate appointment + tests
- Check whether your employer provides cash plans or private healthcare benefits
- If you only need speed occasionally, pay-as-you-go may beat subscriptions
FAQs: Private GP Cost UK 2026
Can a private GP refer me to the NHS?
In some cases, private providers can make onward referrals to NHS services where the patient would be eligible for NHS referral.
Will seeing a private GP affect my NHS GP?
Some providers state that a private GP appointment does not change the care you receive from your NHS GP and recommend you stay registered with an NHS practice.
Why are private GP prices so different?
Main drivers are:
- city vs rural location
- appointment length
- in-person clinic costs
- brand/hospital setting
- what’s bundled in (tests, follow-ups, admin)
Final Take: Is A Private GP Worth It In 2026?
A private GP is often worth it when you want speed, longer time with a clinician, and fast access to tests—and you’re comfortable paying not just for the appointment, but for the likely add-ons too.
If your situation needs continuity, integrated long-term NHS care, or urgent/emergency response, private GP appointments are usually not the best “main” solution—though they can still be useful as a one-off for clarity and a plan.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. For urgent symptoms, use NHS 111 (or 999 in an emergency) and seek professional care.