What is Self-Pay Health
Introduction
Paying for your own medical costs can be an alternative to the NHS and private healthcare.
In the UK, the interest in self-pay healthcare is on the rise, driven by benefits such as quicker treatment access and the freedom to choose healthcare providers without network restrictions or the need for pre-approvals, offering a direct and often quicker route to medical services.
We offer access to a number of consultants, at many locations across London and the UK.In a number of specialities which patients need access to the most and at a fixed initial consultation price, which in many cases is cheaper than contacting the consultant directly.In many cases we are able to book your appointment directly with the clinic/consultant's team on your behalf, alternatively, we can contact the team and they will get back to you with an available appointment slot.
What Is Self-Pay Health
Self-pay health care entails individuals directly paying for their medical treatments, encompassing everything from routine consultations, diagnositics to complex procedures. It serves as an alternative for those without insurance or who choose not to use insurance for specific treatments or those treatments where insurance does not cover the cost of treatment (e.g. new or novel treatments, cosmetic surgery, etc).
The services available on a self-pay basis is broad, including GP appointments, specialist consultations, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and some therapies, essentially covering any service within the healthcare system.
When comparing self-pay to traditional health insurance, a notable difference lies in cost management. While health insurance involves a premium for coverage of most medical expenses, self-pay requires full payment when services are rendered, potentially offering savings on procedures not fully covered by insurance.Self-pay also allows a patient to undertake procedures which health insurance does not cover (e.g. new or novel procedures)
Why use Self-Pay
There are a number of reasons to use Self-Pay
Avoiding long NHS wait times: Many patients opt for self-pay healthcare to bypass NHS waiting periods, crucial for urgent treatments, painful conditions or to get back to work sooner
Desire for specific treatments not covered by insureance or the NHS: Some treatments and medications are not available through the NHS/insurance, prompting individuals to pay out of pocket to access these specific treatments (emergency treatment, cosmetic procedures, or in many cases, pre-existing conditions)
Seeking a second opinion or specialist care: Access to specialist care or a second opinion, essential for those seeking reassurance or a deeper understanding of their health condition
You want to choose where or when you have your procedure:You can choose your consultant/surgeon or if you want to choose the date or location for a hospital operation
Should I pay for my own treatment
Deciding to pay for your own medical treatment requires careful thought.
Factors to consider before choosing self-pay: Evaluate treatment costs, service availability, and access speed. Compare these to the benefits of private health insurance or the NHS. Consider how these align with your healthcare needs
Personal circumstances that favour self-pay: If you need treatment with long NHS waiting lists or one not covered by insurance, self-paying may be suitable. Additionally, those who can afford upfront costs and seek faster treatment might find self-pay beneficial
Long-term implications of self-pay: Consider the sustainability of self-payment. Assess the potential financial impact on your savings, particularly for chronic conditions or unexpected medical issues in the future
Is it expensive
Generally speaking, the cost of self-pay health care varies. Self-pay is less predictable compared to private insurance due to the latter's risk-spreading among many individuals, potentially lowering costs.
However, self-pay might be more economical for those requiring minimal services. The cost of self-pay services varies significantly, influenced by factors such as treatment type, provider location, and treatment duration. Without the bargaining power of large insurers, prices for self-pay patients are often higher.
For those considering self-pay, managing expenses is crucial. Strategies include shopping for the best prices, negotiating with providers, seeking special payment plans or discounts, and using healthcare cost comparison tools to find affordable options, making self-pay viable for many.
FAQ's
Yes of course. You can take any clinical letters or documentation from your consultation/treatment/procedure to your GP practice and have further follow up (e.g. having stitches removed or dressings changed, long term medication needs, further referrals to specialists) treatment done. You can be on the NHS wait list for one treatment, and still have self funded treatment on another joint/area, or even the other side. Paying for treatment does not restrict your access to the NHS
Yes, you abolutely can choose your own consultant. We have a number of consultants in our database and you are free to choose a location which suits you and read the biographical information for each consultant and choose one who matches your needs. You may have been recommended a consultant by a friend/family, or just looking for a consultant who sees patients in a location convienient to your needs.
In many cases, yes. If your NHS consultant also has a private practice, then they will be able to see you as a private patient. You will be seen faster than if you go through the NHS, with many appointments being available the same week/the following week.
Yes, we can book you in for any diagnostics, be it blood tests, imaging like MRI or Ultrasound scans. We offer appointments at a number of sites around London and the UK.
Yes, we can book you in for gene testing at a number of sites. Depending on the tests required, there may need to be follow up appointments
We can recommend a specialist based on symptoms using our innovative AI symptom checker, which can match your symptoms to a specialist who will be able to diagnose your issue. We also have a detailed list of all specialities and sub specialities that the UK NHS use to classify doctors and consultants. Please check the list for more information
Yes, we have an in-house GP available who you can discuss your issue and direct you to a specialist, provide treatment/medication, arrange diagnostic tests, provide a referral or a second opinion. Our GPs are available for online, telephone or video call appointments, so you do not need to leave your home to attend the appointment.
Yes, of course we can. Book an appointment with the consultant/specialist needed and you will be able to discuss your issue and get a second (or third…) opinion
Yes, we have a number of treatments that are new or novel, or not available on the NHS. Search for the procedure or speciality you are interested in and we will find consultants who offer that service
Yes, once you have spoken with your consultant, they will organise an appointment at a location which is suitable to you at a time you are happy with. You will have to be flexible on the time of the procedure, as you may need to be fitted in with other patients, depending on your treatment.
No, we do not. We recommend that all emergencies are directed to your nearest NHS A and E department
In many cases, no you do not need a referral. There are a small number of cases where a referral from your/a GP will be needed. We can let you know when you book your appointment whether a referal is needed
Yes, there are a number of Finance options available for treatments. The consultant/clinic staff will be able to assist your in organising this.
Your consultant/specialist can organise this for you
Yes, we do not offer holistic treatments at this time but we aim to in the future