You don’t need private health insurance to access the best-in-class healthcare experts, state-of-the-art diagnostics, wellness, illness and injury prevention and rehabilitation services at Prime Health. You can simply pay for yourself.

You are welcome to pay for all or part of your diagnostic or treatment journey and ‘going private’ will not preclude you from using the NHS which will always be available to you.

We understand that until you use it, paying for healthcare privately can be a bit of a mystery and might seem out of reach to you and so here are some frequently asked questions that we hope will allay any concerns you may have.

Do you need private health insurance?

No. While Prime Health is accredited by all major private health insurers and you can use your health insurance policy if it covers the treatment or diagnosis you need, you don’t have to have health insurance cover – you can simply self pay.

Does going private affect future NHS treatment?

No. If you are a UK citizen, NHS treatment will always be available to you.

We will give you access to information about any private tests, scans or treatments you have with us, which can be shared with your NHS GP or healthcare professional.

Can I self-refer for private treatment?

You may be able to get private treatment from a consultant or specialist without a referral from your GP.

However, many private healthcare providers will ask for a referral and it is best practice to request a referral from your GP as they have your medical history and can advise if a referral to a private specialist or for specialist treatment is necessary.

For private services such as osteopathy or physiotherapy, you don’t need a referral.

How can you get a referral for private treatment?

An NHS GP or a private GP can write a referral for you with an appropriate specialist or for private treatment at a private hospital or clinic.

If you don’t have a diagnosis or a referral, you can make an appointment with a private GP at Prime Health.

It is worth noting that a GP will only refer you if they believe a specialist assessment or further treatment is necessary.

Other Allied Health Professionals can also refer you for private medical treatment or investigations. With your medical history, a physiotherapist, for example, can refer you for a diagnostic scan or to a consultant.

How to book the private medical treatment you need

Booking a diagnostic scan, a private consultant appointment or treatment at a private hospital or clinic is easy and straightforward.

If you already have a referral from your GP

Your GP will send a referral letter to the consultant
Contact the consultant’s secretary to organise an appointment

OR
Contact your nearest Prime Health centre to book the appointment

You do not need a GP referral for services such as physiotherapy or osteopathy. If you don’t have a diagnosis or a referral, you can make an appointment with a private GP at Prime Health.

If you don’t have a referral

Book an appointment with one of our private GPs – they have full practising rights and can refer you to a consultant or for further treatment at one of our centres.

Book an appointment with a GP today – click here

If you know the consultant you would like to see

Details of all the consultants and specialist healthcare providers who practice at Prime Health centres are listed on our Consultant Directory. Once you have selected a specific consultant or specialist, contact your nearest centre to book an appointment.

If you have private medical insurance

You will require authorisation from your private medical insurance provider before undertaking any appointments or treatment. Often insurance companies will ask to see the original referral letter from your GP.

If you don’t have private medical insurance

If you do not have private medical insurance, you can still access private medical treatment. Patients can self-pay for their treatment.

When will I be seen?

We try to ensure your appointment fits in with what is convenient for you. Often we can make appointments for the next day and sometimes for the same day.

Our aim is to provide everything you need, under one roof so that you can access the care you need in as few visits as possible. Some of our specialists have weekly clinics, so how long you wait may be dependent on this.

What payment methods do you accept?

You can pay for your treatment by cheque, or debit/credit card (except American Express). Payments will be taken by our staff at the centre or over the telephone before your appointment.

How much does private healthcare cost?

Often people are surprised at the value for money private healthcare provides. the cost of private healthcare can vary. To find out the price of a scan, consultation, treatment or test, please ask our customer service team by calling 03300 252 100.

What is included in the price?

We will provide you with all-inclusive fixed-price packages and will always make any costs clear to you before they are incurred, so there is no need to worry about hidden extras. If additional tests or procedures are needed, we will always give you all the details beforehand and will ensure no cost is incurred without your full consent.

FAQs

Is there a waiting list for private medical treatment?

At Prime Health, we offer fast access to patients. If you require a diagnostic scan such as an MRI scan, we aim to offer your an appointment within 48 hours of your enquiry.

Appointments for specialist consultants are also available promptly and at a time and day convenient to you. Across our centres, we offer appointments throughout the week, in the evenings and at weekends.

Can I pay in instalments?

At Prime Health, payment for your treatment or consultation is required at the time of, or in advance of your appointment.

Will I be charged for not turning up to my appointment?

Yes, unfortunately, we do have to charge for appointments that aren’t attended.

In Summary

If you have any questions which aren’t addressed here, please contact us – we are always happy to help. Contact our helpful team on 03300 252 100.

Our private healthcare centres:

At our centres in Harley Street, Surrey and Manchester, we offer both self-pay and insured patients rapid access to the best diagnostic scanning expertise and technology, and first-class healthcare professionals, including private GPs and physiotherapists, from a wide range of treatments and rehabilitation services, all under one roof.

Book an Outpatient or GP appointment today – click here.