How Much Does a Private GP Appointment Cost in the UK?
A standard private GP appointment in the UK typically costs between £50 and £150, with the nationwide average falling around £80 to £120 per consultation.
The exact price depends heavily on the length of the appointment, whether you see the doctor in person or virtually, and the location of the clinic.
A private GP appointment cost comparison should be assessed through the exact service, location, appointment format, and payment arrangement. A published price or insurer label is a reference point, not a guaranteed quote, policy decision, or appointment reservation.
This article is written for readers comparing private healthcare options in the UK. Information and linked pages were checked in September 2026; prices, policy terms, provider availability, and eligibility can change.
Key Takeaways
- Compare like-for-like services, appointment lengths, and payment routes.
- Keep published starting prices separate from a confirmed personal quote.
- Check exclusions, excess, authorisation, referral rules, and provider networks.
- Verify location, booking status, and the identity of the provider or insurer.
- Save the written terms, quote, booking confirmation, and receipt.
Published information and what it means
| Comparison point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Published fee | Check appointment length and location | A starting price is not a universal UK rate. |
| Payment route | Self-pay or insurance | The amount owed can differ by policy and provider. |
| Extras | Tests, prescriptions, letters, follow-ups | These may be billed separately. |
Use this table as a worksheet rather than a ranking. Official provider and independent information should be read alongside the actual quote or policy wording.
Average Cost by Appointment Type
| Appointment Type | Typical Duration | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Online / Video Consultation | 10–20 Minutes | £49 – £90 |
| Standard In-Person Consultation | 15–20 Minutes | £75 – £130 |
| Extended In-Person Consultation | 30–45 Minutes | £120 – £200 |
| Comprehensive Health Screen | 60+ Minutes | £250+ |
| Home Visit | Varies | £200 – £500+ |
Major Provider Pricing Examples
- Push Doctor / Livi (Online): Virtual appointments generally run between £49 and £60 for a brief consultation.
- DocTap / Dr Dropin: In-clinic appointments start from £75 to £89.
- Bupa / Nuffield Health / Spire: Large hospital groups and premium clinics typically charge from £79 to £95 for a standard 15-minute face-to-face appointment. Premium clinics in Central London (such as Harley Street) can charge upwards of £150 to £310.
Hidden and Additional Costs to Keep in Mind
The base consultation fee only covers the doctor’s time and a basic clinical assessment. You should anticipate extra charges for: [1]
- Private Prescriptions: While writing the script is usually free, you must pay the full commercial cost of the medication at the pharmacy counter rather than the standard NHS prescription charge.
- Admin Fees: Some clinics charge an extra £20 to £50 for writing sick notes (fit notes) or specialist referral letters.
- Diagnostics: Blood tests typically start from £80+, while advanced scans like MRIs or X-rays will easily add several hundred pounds to your final bill
Costs, cover, and extra charges
Separate the main appointment or premium from additional items such as tests, prescriptions, letters, follow-ups, excess, membership, or administration. Ask for an itemised estimate before treating a total as complete.
For insurance comparisons, review the benefit limit, excess, waiting period, exclusions, underwriting basis, and approved provider list. Bupa explains that covered treatment is paid according to policy terms, while AXA describes private medical insurance as distinct from a health cash plan. See the Bupa cover comparison and AXA explanation.
Availability, referrals, and provider checks
Ask whether the displayed option is a confirmed appointment or only a request. Confirm the provider, consultant or clinic, location, appointment format, and expected timing before paying.
Where specialist fees are involved, PHIN publishes self-pay fee information that can help consumers understand how consultant charges are presented. See the PHIN fee data.
Questions to ask before choosing
- What exact service or policy does the quoted amount describe?
- What is included and what is charged separately?
- Is a referral, authorisation, or pre-approval required?
- Which provider, consultant, hospital, or network applies?
- What are the cancellation, excess, refund, and claim rules?
- Can the provider confirm the total in writing?
Method, sources, and limitations
This comparison uses official insurer information, PHIN data, and relevant UK public guidance checked in September 2026. It does not provide a personal quote, confirm live availability, or rank providers.
Prices and cover vary by location, appointment length, policy, age, underwriting, consultant, hospital, and current terms. Verify every material detail directly before booking or purchasing.
People Also Ask About Private Gp Appointment Cost
What does the published price include?
Check the exact appointment, duration, tests, prescriptions, and professional fees; do not assume extras are included.
Can insurance cover this service?
Ask the insurer about the exact policy, service, network, exclusions, and authorisation conditions.
Do I need a referral or authorisation?
The answer depends on the provider and policy; confirm it before paying or arranging treatment.
Does location affect access or cost?
Yes. Location, hospital lists, consultant availability, and local pricing can affect the option available.
What is an excess?
It is the amount you may pay under the policy before or alongside insurer contributions; check the policy wording.
Are follow-up appointments separate?
Often they are priced separately or subject to a different benefit; request written confirmation.
How can I compare providers fairly?
Use the same service, duration, location, coverage level, and payment period for each option.
What should I ask before booking?
Ask about total cost, exclusions, excess, cancellation, timing, and what happens if circumstances change.
Can prices change after the first quote?
Yes. Treat an indicative figure as provisional until the provider or insurer confirms the current terms.
What records should I keep?
Keep the quote, policy wording, booking reference, payment record, and any written clarification.
Educational information only. This article does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical advice. Confirm current prices, cover, and availability directly before making a healthcare decision.
