NHS vs Private Healthcare Cost Calculator UK 2025/26
NHS treatment is free at the point of use, but private healthcare can be quicker and more accessible. This guide compares the real costs of NHS and private healthcare options — from GP appointments to
NHS vs Private Healthcare Costs 2025/26
NHS Services (Free at Point of Use)
| Service | NHS cost to patient | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| GP appointment | Free | Days to weeks |
| NHS 111 call/online | Free | Immediate |
| A&E (Emergency) | Free | Hours (urgent) |
| Outpatient specialist | Free (referral needed) | Weeks to months |
| NHS dentist (check-up) | £26.80 (Band 1 2025/26) | Varies |
| Prescription (per item) | £9.90 (unless exempt) | Same day |
NHS Prescription Exemptions
Prescriptions are free if you are: under 16, 16-18 in full-time education, 60 or over, hold a medical exemption certificate (chronic conditions), hold an HC2/HC3 certificate (low income), on UC/Income Support/PIP, pregnant or had a baby in last 12 months.
Private Healthcare Costs
| Service | Typical private cost | Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Private GP consultation | £80–£200 | Same day to 48 hours |
| Private specialist outpatient | £150–£500 | Days to 1 week |
| MRI scan (private) | £400–£1,000 | Days |
| Blood tests (private) | £50–£250 | Same day |
| Minor surgery (private) | £500–£3,000 | Weeks |
Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
PMI covers private specialist care, some surgery, and hospital stays. Average cost 2025: £60-£200/month for an individual, depending on age, health, and excess chosen. Benefits: faster access, private rooms, wider choice of specialists. Does NOT cover: routine GP (usually), dental (unless add-on), optical (unless add-on).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private GP consultation cost in 2025/26?
Private GP consultations typically cost £80-£200 for a 15-20 minute appointment. London-based GPs tend to be at the higher end (£150-£250). Online/video GP services (e.g., Babylon, Push Doctor) cost £40-£80. Some private GPs charge membership fees (£150-£200/year) for reduced consultation rates.
Are there any NHS charges for GP appointments?
No. GP appointments are free on the NHS, including face-to-face, telephone, and video consultations. There is no charge for GP referrals to specialists or for most tests ordered by your GP. Prescriptions from a GP cost £9.90 per item (unless exempt).
What is the NHS prescription charge in 2025/26?
£9.90 per prescription item in England from April 2025. NHS prescription prepayment certificates (PPC): £32.05 for 3 months, £114.50 for 12 months. If you have more than 2 prescriptions per quarter, a PPC saves money. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What does NHS dental treatment cost in 2025/26?
NHS dental charges in England: Band 1 (check-up, simple cleaning): £26.80. Band 2 (fillings, root canal, extractions): £73.50. Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges): £319.10. Orthodontic treatment: £319.10. Wales: max £14 per course. Scotland: varies. Northern Ireland: max £300 per course.
Is private medical insurance worth it?
Depends on your situation. Benefits: faster specialist access, private rooms, choice of consultant. A typical non-urgent outpatient appointment on NHS: 6-18 weeks wait. Privately with insurance: 1-2 weeks. Consider: if you earn £80,000+, saving 6 months off a specialist wait may be worth £100/month premium. Chronic conditions and routine GP are usually not covered by PMI.
What is the NHS eye test charge?
NHS eye tests are free for: under 16, 16-18 in full-time education, 60+, diabetics, glaucoma sufferers, close relatives of glaucoma patients, those with NHS Complex Lens Voucher eligibility, UC/means-tested benefit recipients. Private eye test: £25-£50. Glasses on top.
Can I see a specialist without a GP referral privately?
Yes. Most private specialists accept self-referrals (no GP letter needed). You can book directly online. However, your GP referral letter can be useful for providing your medical history, and some specialist clinics prefer or require it. Costs are the same either way.
What is covered by a private medical insurance policy?
Typical PMI covers: inpatient hospital treatment, day surgery, outpatient specialist consultations, diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, blood tests), cancer treatment, mental health (limited). NOT typically covered: GP consultations, dental/optical (unless added), pre-existing conditions (often excluded for first 1-2 years), A&E emergency care (NHS used), chronic disease management.