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From waiting lists to quick access: how private healthcare works in the UK
Flexibility and convenience are drawing more people to private care either through work policies or self-pay, especially as NHS waits remain high. Here’s what private healthcare is, what it costs, how to access it, and who it’s for.
More people than ever are choosing private healthcare. Data shows a 53% increase since 2021, driven by the aftershocks of Covid, longer NHS waiting times and ongoing staffing pressures. Recent reports from the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) and Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) show why more people are going private:
- 46% say they couldn’t get an NHS appointment quickly enough
- 12% say their NHS appointments were cancelled or postponed
- 28% say they think private bookings are easier
- 24% say they wanted more personalised care
- 24% say they have access via private medical insurance (PMI)
In short: convenience, certainty and speed are pulling more patients toward private routes, whilst delays and cancellations are prompting some to seek alternatives alongside the NHS.
NHS recruitment freezes
NHS agency staff spend has been steadily reduced since the end of 2024 and Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has pledged to cut it further.
A 2025 Unison survey, covering elective and non-elective procedures, revealed 69% of shifts were understaffed across 42 hospitals.
What is private healthcare?
So, what exactly is private healthcare? In essence, private healthcare is medical or diagnostic care and treatment delivered by independent providers, and bills are either paid directly or through insurance cover (this can be a personal policy or provided as an employee benefit). Often the care is delivered by specialists, who will typically work for the NHS as well as privately.
Private healthcare can provide quicker diagnostics and appointments compared to the NHS, with a choice of consultant and hospital. This often means more control over the schedule and access to experts in their field. Private care doesn’t cover emergency A&E or major trauma though- if you’re in an accident, you’ll be treated on the NHS.
Did you know?
Many consultants and specialists split their time between NHS and private work with the systems running in parallel- not either/ or.
Who is private healthcare for?
Data shows that around a third of the UK population have accessed private healthcare at some point, and many more would consider it in future if needed- over 7 in 10.
Whilst the perception may be that this sentiment is shared only among older age groups, IHPN’s report shows that 35-44 year-olds say they would be likely to use private healthcare in the next 12 months, a jump from 39% in 2024 to 49% in 2025. This was supported by 75% of 18-24 year-olds and 79% of 25-34 year-olds stating they would consider using private healthcare at some point in their lives, if needed.
Socio-economic factors are also a consideration when it comes to private healthcare use. The report highlighted that 16% of people say it didn’t seem like it was for ‘people like me’. But, interestingly, 70% in skilled manual roles and 59% in unskilled manual roles say they’d be open to using private healthcare, up 6% and 10% respectively. This shows a marked difference in the UK population’s attitude towards private healthcare.
For those seeking alternate options to the NHS because of increased wait times, understaffing and for seeking specialities not available other than privately, they cited accessing private healthcare because:
- They think the care is higher quality (19%)
- There were more options available locally (15%)
- They needed a particular expertise (14%)
We’re also seeing that businesses looking to attract top talent to their workforce are beginning to offer PMI as an additional benefit- with premiums and excesses specific to the individual based on the level of cover required and pre-existing conditions.
- 4.7 million people are covered by PMI through their employer
- More than 60% of people think private healthcare should be offered by workplaces
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Is private healthcare worth it?
With faster access to a choice of consultants, hospitals and appointment scheduling, coupled with NHS delays and backlog, it’s not too shocking to find that almost 9 in 10 people say it was worth it.
88% say it was worth the money to pay directly
89% say it was worth going through private insurance
With a rising number of younger age groups considering using private healthcare in the future and 80% of people who have used private healthcare feeling positively about it, citing quick access to high-quality care, it appears it may very well be worth it. Even the share who feel private healthcare may undermine the NHS has fallen from 69% (2023) to 55% (2025).
How do you access private healthcare in the UK?
Although 51% of those surveyed say they weren’t sure how to access private healthcare, the process doesn’t need to be complicated. While the NHS is funded through tax contributions by UK taxpayers and available to all UK residents (as well as emergency care to visitors), private healthcare is self-funded either through paying for assessment and treatment directly, or by claiming on an insurance policy.
Self-funded
Initial consultations, diagnostics, further investigation and treatment are paid for directly by the patient. You choose the consultant you see and the hospital you go to for care. This gives greater and faster access to consultants and specialists, as well as bypassing insurers. Costs vary by case, provider and region but initial consultations typically average around £300 and follow-up consultations usually less.
Insurance (PMI)
An insurance policy can either be taken out as an individual or provided through an employer. The policy is paid as a monthly premium with possible excess amounts if a claim is made. Pre-authorisation is typically required before making a claim, so always check with your insurer before booking care to confirm your coverage. Also be aware of exclusions (for example, cosmetic surgery may not be covered), and rules for pre-existing conditions.
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Private healthcare in the UK
The core value of private healthcare alongside the NHS is clear to see, and the challenges of cost and access seem to play less of a factor for many demographics across the UK population. If you’re considering private healthcare, make sure to:
- Check eligibility for PMI at work
- Compare private insurance packages
- Look into self-funded options, Get Well Soon makes it easy to see costs for specific consultants and clinics
- Verify consultant expertise and experience, through review platforms like Doctify and booking portals [GWS hyperlink]
- Understand follow ups and aftercare
- For emergencies, call 999 or visit A&E
Private healthcare is no replacement for the NHS, but it can supplement and ease pressure on services and provide faster access to specialist care with more flexibility and choice for patients.
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