Private healthcare in the UK operates alongside the National Health Service (NHS) and is delivered by private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals. Patients can access private healthcare either by purchasing private Health Insurance, paying directly for specific treatments or joining a Discretionary Healthcare Scheme.
Why is Private Healthcare important?
While the NHS provides comprehensive, free healthcare to all UK residents, private healthcare plays a crucial role in complementing and supporting the system. It offers an alternative for individuals who seek faster access to treatment and greater choice in their care.
Private healthcare also alleviates some of the burden on the NHS by reducing waiting times for procedures and consultations, helping to ease pressure on public services.
The Benefits of Private Healthcare
1. Shorter Waiting Times
One of the most significant advantages of private healthcare is the ability to bypass long NHS waiting lists. Many private hospitals and clinics offer quicker appointments for consultations, tests, and surgeries.
2. Greater Choice and Flexibility
Private patients usually have a wider access to consultants, hospitals, and even the timing of their treatment. This level of control allows for a more personalised healthcare experience.
3. Access to Specialist Treatments
Some treatments, medications, and procedures that may not be available on the NHS due to funding restrictions can be accessed privately. This can include advanced diagnostic tests, and specialist surgeries.
4. Comfort and Privacy
Private hospitals typically provide enhanced facilities, including private rooms, better amenities, and a more comfortable environment compared to NHS hospitals, where wards may be shared with multiple patients.
5. Continuity of Care
Private healthcare allows for greater continuity of care, meaning patients are more likely to see the same consultant throughout their treatment journey, rather than being treated by different doctors at different stages.
The Police Mutual Discretionary Healthcare Scheme
The Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme is set up for members of the Police family, by the Police, to help with the cost of private medical treatment when you need it, in the event of an illness. It allows you access to treatment at a range of private UK hospitals and facilities and can reduce time spent waiting for diagnosis or necessary medical procedures.
The Healthcare Scheme is a discretionary scheme financed by the subscriptions of the members and is not an insurance product. Whereas an insurance product has a set criteria for claims our discretionary scheme, claims are assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the scheme rules.
How do Private Healthcare Schemes compare to the NHS?
| Feature | NHS | Private Healthcare |
| Cost | Free at point of use, funded by taxes | Paid for by premiums/subscriptions through a healthcare policy/scheme |
| Waiting Times | Can be long, especially for non-urgent treatments | Typically shorter for consultations and procedures |
| Choice of Doctor | Limited – patients see available NHS consultants | Patients medical needs are discussed and the most suitable consultant and hospital will be offered |
| Facilities | Standard hospital facilities, shared wards | Private rooms, enhanced amenities |
| Treatments Available | Covers essential and emergency care | Includes additional treatments not always covered by NHS. T&Cs apply |
| Emergency Services | Covers urgent and life-threatening conditions | Typically doesn’t provide emergency care |
Is private healthcare right for you?
While the NHS remains the backbone of UK healthcare, private healthcare offers an important alternative for those who want quicker access to treatment, more choice in their healthcare provider, and a more comfortable hospital experience. However, it does come at a financial cost. Some people choose a hybrid approach—using the NHS for emergency and essential care while opting for private treatment for specific conditions or quicker access to specialists.
For more information on the Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme or to get a quote click below.
Police Mutual Healthcare is a discretionary scheme and is not an insurance product. This product is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority and therefore is not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
PMHC Limited, trading as Police Mutual, is registered in England and Wales No. 03018474. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB.