What is Private Healthcare?

Private healthcare is medical care that’s funded and accessed outside of the NHS (the UK’s public healthcare system). Patients pay for their care themselves (known as self-pay) or via a private medical insurance policy. 

Private healthcare can act independently as an alternative to NHS care, or in combination with it, to give patients the option to move between systems depending on their needs.

The benefits of private healthcare include:

• faster access to consultations, tests, and treatment

• choice of consultant and location 

• flexibility in appointment scheduling

• access to tests and treatments not available on the NHS 

• regular health screenings

• comfortable surroundings and private patient rooms

The terms ‘private healthcare’ and ‘private healthcare cover’ can be easily confused. Private healthcare is the care itself (consultations, diagnostics, treatments), whereas private health cover (insurance) is one of the ways you can pay for it.

How private healthcare works

While private healthcare can operate in collaboration with NHS services, private care is delivered in independent hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centres.

You can typically make a private appointment by:

• getting a referral from your GP (private or NHS)

• booking a consultation directly with a specialist or private clinic

See our step-by-step guide to accessing private healthcare for more information.

One of the key benefits of private healthcare is that patients have the freedom to choose their consultant, hospital, and appointment times. Private facilities also provide enhanced comfort, shorter waiting times and a more personalised experience throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

It’s important to understand that private care can be costly. If you wish to access private healthcare, there are 2 main ways to pay for it:

• self-pay – this is where you pay for your care out of your own pocket

• private health insurance – much like home insurance, these policies will pay for some or all of your healthcare expenses, depending on your level of cover

Learn more about ways to pay with our helpful guide.

Who provides private healthcare?

Private healthcare in the UK is delivered by a mix of:

• independent hospitals dedicated entirely to private care, such as Welbeck

• specialist outpatient clinics providing expertise in areas such as diagnostics, imaging, or surgery, like Welbeck’s specialist centres

• private patient wings operated by NHS Trust hospitals

• private patient units within NHS hospitals operated by other private companies

What treatments and services are available privately?

Private healthcare covers a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services. Some of these mirror those available on the NHS, but in most cases, private care provides faster access to more advanced tests, treatments, and aftercare.

Private healthcare services available at Welbeck include:

• specialist consultations

• diagnostic tests and investigations, including blood tests, imaging scans, and biopsy

• outpatient and day-case procedures, surgeries and other treatments

• health assessments and screenings

At Welbeck, we offer private care and services across a range of specialties, each housed in our dedicated, state-of-the-art centres.

Do I need insurance to use private healthcare?

Private health insurance isn’t required to access private healthcare, but it can be helpful. 

Some patients choose to self-pay, covering the cost of consultations, tests and treatments themselves. However, you may want to take out and use a private health insurance policy, as it can cover some or all of the costs of private medical care. 

Visit this page for more information on pricing and payment options.

Can I combine NHS and private treatment?

Yes. Many people move between NHS and private care depending on their circumstances.

For example, you might have an NHS diagnosis but choose to have your treatment privately, or start your care privately before continuing your follow-up through the NHS.

Your GP or consultant can help you decide the most appropriate route for your individual situation.

How do I start my private healthcare journey?

At Welbeck, we offer an integrated, multi-specialty approach, bringing together expert consultants, advanced diagnostics, and tailored treatment pathways — all under one roof.

Starting your private healthcare journey with us couldn’t be simpler. You can ask your GP for a referral to a private specialist, or you can book an initial consultation with us directly.

Please note that many health insurance policies require you to have a referral from your GP for your initial consultation and any tests to be covered. 

Find out more about our specialists and book your private consultation with Welbeck today.