How do I access private healthcare?

How do I access private healthcare?

You can access private healthcare through your GP, or in some cases directly. You can pay the full cost yourself, or use private health insurance to pay for it. If you use insurance, you’ll need to tell your insurer before having the treatment, so they can check that your plan covers it.

Accessing private healthcare is a little different to using the NHS. If you’ve got private health insurance, your insurer will help you with the process. If you’re paying the cost yourself (‘self-funding’), you’ll need to do some research to find the right provider. Private healthcare can be very expensive, so it’s important you also get an estimate of the likely costs. 

If you’re paying the cost yourself:

1. Check which test or treatment you need

You may need to ask your GP to confirm exactly which test or treatment you need. Make sure you know the correct name.

2. Find a specialist, hospital or clinic

You can research healthcare providers using the Private Healthcare Information Network [link to https://www.phin.org.uk], which gives impartial information, including reviews.

3. Get a full picture of the costs

Ask for an estimate of your costs. Some hospital networks or clinics will tell you this on their website. Remember that this will be an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher.

4. Get a private referral from your GP, if you need one

For some tests or treatment, you don’t need a GP referral. However, for others, you’ll need to ask your GP for a private referral – your chosen provider will tell you if they need one. You’ll need to give the GP the name of your chosen specialist, hospital or clinic. Ask them for a paper copy of your referral letter.

5. Arrange your appointment

Once you have the referral, you’ll need to contact the specialist, hospital or clinic to arrange your appointment. Your GP won’t arrange this. You may need to give payment details when you set up the appointment.

6. Go to your appointment

Take your referral letter with you to the appointment. Your healthcare provider will explain how to pay. Make sure you know what happens if you find you need further treatment, and decide whether you want to go back to the NHS for this or continue with private options.

What are open and named GP referrals?

Your GP will give you an open or a named referral. Your health insurance may only cover you for an open referral depending on how your plan is set up. You’ll find information about this in your policy documents, or by contacting your health insurer.

Open referral

An open referral doesn’t name a specific specialist. Instead, it says what type of specialist you need, for example, a cardiologist.

Named referral

With a named referral, the GP recommends a particular specialist.

Can I still use the NHS if I have private health insurance?

Yes. Private healthcare isn’t intended to replace the NHS, and you’ll still be able to use the NHS. Once you’ve set up health insurance, you don’t need to tell your insurer about NHS treatment you receive.