Your Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Private Healthcare
Accessing private healthcare should feel simple, supportive, and straightforward. This guide walks you through the practical steps to accessing care at Welbeck — whether you come to us directly, or with a GP referral. You’ll discover exactly what to expect, what information to prepare, and how your private healthcare journey will unfold.
Your routes to private healthcare
At Welbeck, you can access our private specialist care in 2 ways:
via a GP referral – your NHS or private GP assesses your symptoms and recommends a suitable specialist
through direct booking (self-referral) – contact us directly, and we’ll help guide you to the right consultant
Both pathways provide rapid access to leading experts and advanced diagnostics and treatment in a calm, modern environment.
Which route is right for you?
If you’re already under the care of a private or NHS GP and need a specialist opinion for a specific condition, they can provide you with a referral for a streamlined process.
If you already know which service you need, or you’d simply like fast access to an expert, self-referral offers a convenient and efficient option. Our team can help you decide which route best suits your needs.
Please remember that some health insurance policies will only pay out for your care if you have a GP referral. If this is the case, we recommend making an appointment with a GP before booking with Welbeck.
You can learn more about this in our guide on how to pay for private healthcare.
Booking with a GP referral
If your GP suggests private care, the following steps outline exactly what happens next.
Your GP will assess your symptoms, advise on the best next steps and prepare a referral letter for your chosen consultant or speciality.
You may already have a specialist in mind, or your GP may suggest one. Our team can also help you choose. We also have helpful information in our guide to choosing a consultant.
If you’re using private health insurance to pay for your care, it’s important to make sure your chosen specialist is covered under your policy. If you’re a self-paying patient, please ask our team for pricing information when you book.
If you have private health insurance, please contact your provider to obtain your authorisation information before booking your appointment with us.
When booking an appointment at Welbeck, let us know that you have a referral letter and also if you have the results of any recent scans or tests. We’ll explain how you can safely send these with us, and will book your appointment for a time that suits you.
At your initial consultation, your consultant will review your symptoms and may send you for some diagnostic tests. Wherever possible, tests will take place on the same day as your appointment.
Depending on the type of tests you have and the results, your consultant may be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan on the same day, or they may invite you back for a follow-up consultation where they will discuss your diagnosis and next steps.
With your consent, we’ll send your GP a summary so they remain informed and can continue supporting your wider health.
Booking as a self-referring patient
If you’d like to self-refer for care at Welbeck, the process is very simple. However, it’s important to bear in mind that if you wish to pay through a private health insurance policy, you may need to request a referral from your GP.
If you’re self-paying and know which specialist you’d like to see, you can contact Welbeck directly to book your appointment, and our bookings team will provide pricing information.
If required, we’re able to offer same-day and next-day appointments in many cases.
Sharing clinical letters or the results of any past investigations before your appointment can help your consultant understand your medical history from the outset.
At your initial consultation, your consultant will review your symptoms and may send you for diagnostic tests. Wherever possible, tests will take place on the same day as your appointment.
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can continue your care privately, or you can request to be referred back to your GP or NHS team.
With your consent, we’ll send your GP a summary so they remain informed and can continue supporting your wider health.
Do I need private health insurance to access care?
Private health insurance isn’t required to access private healthcare, but it can be helpful.
If you choose to self-pay, you will need to cover the cost of all consultations, tests, and treatments yourself. If you have a private health insurance policy, this can cover some or all of the costs of your private medical care.
Visit this page for more information on pricing and payment options.
What information will my healthcare provider need?
To help us arrange your appointment as quickly and seamlessly as possible, please have the following ready when you contact us:
your full name, date of birth, and contact details
a brief description of your symptoms or reason for referral
any referral letters, clinical notes, or test results
our insurance membership number and pre-authorisation code (if applicable)
any accessibility needs or preferences
How appointments and consultations are arranged
Our dedicated bookings team will help you arrange appointments on dates and times that best suit you. As diagnostic tests are often required, we suggest that initial consultations take place in person when possible. Virtual appointments are available upon request in some cases.
Our private GP partnership network
At Welbeck, we collaborate closely with general practitioners to ensure a seamless patient referral process. We’ve partnered with esteemed external GPs to provide expert medical care, personalised treatment plans, and peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
No. We provide care to patients who come to us directly, as well as those who have received a GP referral.
Yes. At Welbeck, we happily see both self-paying (non-insured) and insured patients.
Your GP will only be informed about your private treatment with your consent. While not mandatory, this is encouraged, as it helps to support safe, joined-up care.
Certain tests cannot be self-referred and must be requested by a specialist or GP.
Yes, your entitlement to NHS care is not affected.
Book an appointment
We’re here to help you access outstanding private healthcare. Book an appointment today with your referred or chosen specialist.