Private healthcare Dr Rob Hicks More and more people are choosing to 'go private' in the UK, but what does this actually involve?

In this article

Possible disadvantages

Referrals and recommendations

For many people, private healthcare doesn't cost anything because they receive private medical cover from their employer. It often makes sense for companies to offer such benefits, as it means employees spend less time off sick.

Going private is often convenient too, not only because there are usually shorter waiting times involved but also because appointments are better tailored to the individual.

For example, many private specialists will offer appointments outside normal working hours, even on weekends, so people don't have to take time off work.

Another reason people choose to be seen privately, even if it's at an NHS hospital, is that it guarantees you'll see a consultant. As an NHS patient, you'll often only see the consultant if your problem is particularly complex.

However, there are cons that need to be weighed against the pros of private healthcare. For example, one of the problems with seeing someone who's particularly good in their field is that the waiting list may be long - perhaps even longer than on the NHS.

It's also worth thinking about what you'll do if your problem isn't clear cut. Because a consultant is a specialist in one particular area, you may have to see many different specialists before your problem is resolved. If you're funding your private care yourself, this could get very expensive. If it's paid through an insurance company, it may not be happy with the situation.

Whether you pay for your own private care or have private medical insurance, you may need a referral from your GP before you can see a consultant. They'll be able to recommend an appropriate specialist, or your insurance company may be able to make a recommendation.

As with any health expert you see - whether they're NHS or private - make sure they're appropriately qualified, registered with their particular speciality's governing body and insured to practise.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in February 2007.