It’s well publicised that the maximum waiting time for NHS non-urgent, consultant-led treatments of 18 weeks is not being met in many cases. According to The Health Foundation, only 59% of patients have been waiting 18 weeks or less, and more than 234,000 patients have been waiting for more than a year, however this can vary depending on where you are in the UK.
With private medical appointments being secured within days or weeks, depending on the condition and chosen provider, it’s understandable that more people could feel they need to turn to private treatments to access the medical care they need.
So how much does it cost?
The cost of private healthcare in the UK varies significantly depending on several factors, including the type of treatment, location, provider, and whether you have health insurance, are part of a healthcare scheme or pay out of pocket. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs and influencing factors:
Typical Costs of Private Healthcare*
- Initial Consultations: £190–£255 per appointment with a specialist (2)
Diagnostic Tests (1):
- MRI scan: £249–£2,000
- CT scan: £355-£850
- X-ray: £100–£300
- Blood tests (7): around £43–£377 for a general health test, but varies significantly depending on the test type
Surgical Procedures:
- Hip and Knee replacements (3/4): around £14,500
- Cataract surgery (5): around £2,000–£3,000 per eye
- ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair surgery (6): starts from around £8,257
Factors Affecting Cost
- Type of Treatment: More complex procedures cost more (e.g. heart surgery vs. minor skin surgery)
- Hospital & Location: London-based private hospitals are more expensive than regional providers
- Consultant Fees: Specialists with high demand charge higher fees
- Length of Stay: Private hospital rooms vary considerably depending on the type of room and location
- Additional Services: Physiotherapy, post-op care, and medication add to overall costs.
Private Health Insurance or Discretionary Healthcare Schemes
Private healthcare in the UK offers an alternative to the NHS, providing quicker access to treatments, specialist consultations, and private hospital facilities. Customers usually pay a monthly or yearly premium/subscription for a level of cover that helps with the cost of medical treatment.
Cover usually starts from the day you start paying premiums/subscriptions, however most private healthcare policies exclude pre-existing conditions. It’s worth checking the exclusions of the scheme before you sign up.
The Police Mutual Discretionary Healthcare Scheme
The Discretionary 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. 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 assess claims on a case-by-case basis in line with the scheme rules.
There are no medicals, but pre-existing conditions (in the five years prior to joining the scheme), radiotherapy & chemotherapy treatments, dental treatments, emergency treatments and cosmetic surgery are not covered.
For more information on the Police Mutual Healthcare Scheme or to get a quote click below.
*Prices accurate as of 08/04/25
Sources:
- The Best of Health:Cost of Private Scans: A Comprehensive Guide in 2024 – The Best Of Health
- PHIN portal: Consultant fees for private healthcare
- Circle Health:Private hip replacement cost | Orthopaedic surgery
- Circle Health:Knee replacement cost UK | How much does a knee replacement cost privately?
- Laser Eye Surgery Hub:How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost In UK Clinics in 2024?
- Circle Health: Paying for your own private treatment
- Nuffield Health: Direct Private Blood Tests | Nuffield Health
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