What is Self-Pay Health?

Are you seeking an alternative healthcare optionto the NHS, anddon’t havePrivate Medical Insurance (PMI)?

This is where selfpayhealth.co.uk can help in a number of ways...

In the UK, interest and demand in “Self-pay” healthcare is on the rise, Self-pay is a term commonly used within the private health care sector to describe a pathway where the patients, like you –wish to pay directly themselves for medical treatment “out of their own pocket”, i.e. not through a Private Healthcare insurance product, such as BUPA or AXA.

The growth in self -pay has been driven by several factors…

Key benefits such as fast treatment access, combined withthe complete freedom to choose healthcare provider (without network restrictions or the challenge for pre-approvals from the private medical insurers) have had an impact – especially when combined with the growing NHS waiting times and reduced confidence that appointment dates won’t be pushed out further, have all had an impact. Sadly, “satisfaction” in the NHS are at an all time low at just 28%*

If we look at data reported from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), which is the statutory body collecting data from all private hospitals, theJune 2025 market update (covering the full year of 2024, and comparing with 2019, i.e. pre pandemic, a notable shift is taking place.

Total private admissions have increased 20%, with Private Medical Insured admissions increasing 14%, vs Self-Pay at 38%. So, patients choosing to “self-pay” is very much on the increase, and growth is faster than that of taking out a “Private Insurance” policy.

In the new “digital world”, we have become increasingly familiar with the growth of online “market places” set up to help us find and understand the best option for our individual needs and circumstances …. whether buying holidays or flights, car or home insurance, essential utilities such as Gas and Electricity - or everyday products from platforms such as Amazon.Marketplace platforms, such as price comparison sites,have proliferated – putting “buys” in front of “sellers” and vice versa.

‘Paying for Healthcare’ is unfortunately, but understandably more complex than say booking a return flight to a specific chosen destination, or switching mobile phone contracts. Why? – because healthcare is not a simplecommodity that can easily be compared.Without a clear diagnosis, and then discussion around treatment options, we as the patients (consumers) typicallydon’t knowwhat we need, making comparison very difficult!

Self-pay health is changing this – we are building a“marketplace” for a broad range of healthcare services, from initialconsultations and diagnosis, through to treatment and follow up.It’s a win-win… benefiting both you as the patient as well as the private providers of these same clinical services who often have spare capacity in the private sector.

We can help, whether you are at the start of your journey, such as diagnosis and clinical consultations to discuss appropriate treatment options, whether you are seeking the treatment itself (and youwish to continue down the “self-pay” route), or whether it is seeking a second opinion, or exploring other options to get you better.

This is YOUR CHOICE – in many cases, simply understanding ourclinical problem opens other options for you to consider : self-management or discussions with your NHS GP.

Self-Pay Health have focused on 12 specialties, typically the areas people need access most, such as Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology and Cardiology. In many of these specialities, Self-Pay Health have negotiated fixed initial consultation prices, which is most cases will be cheaper than contacting the consultant directly. Soon, this will extend to diagnostic scans, such as MRI and Ultrasound, as well as common treatments including joint replacement, cataract surgery and carpal tunnel.

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 insurance or the NHS: Some treatments and medications are not available through the NHS, or through Private Medical Insurance, requiring individuals to pay out of pocket to access these specific, often innovative treatments. 

Seeking a second opinion or specialist care: Access to specialist care or a second opinion through selfpayhealth.co,.uk, essential for those seeking reassurance or a deeper understanding of their health condition.

You want to choose where or when to have your procedure: You can choose your consultant/surgeon, including therefore the date or location for undergoing treatment.

Deciding to pay for your own medical treatment requires careful thought.

Factors to consider before choosing a self-pay route: Evaluate treatment costs, service availability, and access speed. Compare the benefits of private treatment versus the public 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 seeking treatments not covered by insurance, self-paying may be suitable.

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.

The cost of self-pay health care varies. Self-pay is less predictable compared to private insurance, but has the obvious benefit of you’re only paying for services, as, when and if you choose. There are no monthly costs, no increasing premiums, excesses or restrictions.

Self-Pay approach can often be more economical for those requiring minimal clinical services, we aim to provide complete transparency around costs – allowing you to consider and make an informed decision.