Private GP Cover
Private GP Health Insurance in the UK
Get 1 month FREE on every Health Insurance policy with Cancer cover
Get Tailored Health Insurance Quotes from the Top UK Insurers
Private GP Health Insurance in the UK
What is a private GP with private health insurance? In this guide, let’s find out what a private GP is, whether you need to add one to your health insurance plan and the benefits of doing so.
An NHS GP (General Practitioner) offers free healthcare in the UK, but waiting times can be lengthy. According to NHS Digital, patients wait about 13 days for an appointment. In some areas, it can stretch to three weeks. Over 40% of patients report difficulty securing a timely appointment. In contrast, a private GP can provide quicker access, often with same-day or next-day appointments. Adding private GP services to your health insurance plan can be beneficial for faster care.
How it Works
Step 1. Answer a few simple questions
Step 2. Get tailored quote
Step 3. Get covered and start saving
Why Choose Us
We offer completely free and no obligation advice on Private Health Insurance. Our experienced advisors will take the stress away from you and do all the hard work in finding you the best Provider by comparing quotes with the top leading providers in the market. We have worked directly with AXA, Aviva, Bupa, and Vitality for over 40 years, and we have tailor-made the best cancer insurance policy for our customers.
Health Insurance People
Get expert advice from our dedicated health insurance advisors for free
24/7 Customer Care
You can contact us anytime and one of our health insurance consultants will always be available to you.
Claims Support
We will be there for you throughout the claims process to ensure that it is easy and stress-free.
What is a private GP?
A private GP offers similar services to an NHS GP, including diagnosing and treating different and common health issues, from acute to chronic conditions, through check-ups, consultations, referrals for scans, tests and appointments. The main difference lies in the setting: private GPs operate in independent clinics or hospitals, often requiring a membership fee or a one-time payment for access. It is often included as a benefit in employer health insurance plans and health cash plans or can be covered by individual private health insurance policies.
Does health insurance cover private GPs?
When looking at private health insurance, you might wonder if it covers private GP visits. Whether it is covered by your health insurance depends on your specific plan. Some health insurance plans include private GP services as part of their standard cover. This means you can visit a private GP healthcare without paying extra costs beyond your regular insurance premium.
However, not all plans offer this benefit. Some plans might not cover private GP visits at all, or they may offer it as an optional extra that you can add to your plan. To find out if your health insurance covers private GP services check your policy details.
Why include a private GP in your health insurance policy?
These are the key benefits of private GP when you include it in your health insurance:
- You will see a practitioner quicker
- Flexible appointment times and locations.
- You will get more personalised attention
Does health insurance policy include virtual GP as a standard?
Since COVID-19, most insurance providers now offer free virtual GP consultations as a standard feature. This makes it easier for you to get medical advice from home, reducing the need for in-person visits. Virtual GP services provide quick consultations, often with shorter wait times and are a convenient option for non-urgent health concerns.
Which Insurance Companies Offer a Private GP Add-On?
While many insurance providers offer 24/7 virtual GP consultations as a standard feature, some UK leading health insurers provide the option to add private face-to-face GP services. Let’s check them out:
With Bupa, you can access face-to-face GP appointments for £20 per visit. The great advantage here is that you don’t have to pay extra on top of your regular monthly premium. This means you can benefit from convenient in-person consultations without increasing your overall insurance costs.
AXA offers both face-to-face and telephone GP appointments. However, there is an annual limit of £500 for private GP services per person on the insurance plan. This limit helps manage costs while still providing access to a private GP when needed.
Freedom Health provides a 24/7 virtual consultation service, which is included in their standard offerings. For their Elite insurance policy, they cover up to £300 annually for face-to-face private GP consultations. This plan offers flexibility with virtual and in-person care, making it easier to get the help you need.
With Vitality, you pay £20 per appointment for face-to-face private GP visits. They also offer unlimited 24/7 virtual GP through their Vitality Health APP.
What is Included Under Private GP Cover
- Consultations – In-person or virtual appointments.
- Diagnostic Tests – Tests and screenings during visits.
- Minor Surgeries – Procedures done in the GP’s own surgery.
What is Not Included Under Private GP Cover
- Home Visits – Consultations at your home.
- Drugs and Dressings – Medications and supplies.
- Administration Fees – Extra charges for paperwork.
Check your policy documents for a full list of exclusions.
How much does a private GP appointment cost?
A private GP appointment generally costs between £40 and £250, depending on a few factors:
- Shorter appointments (around 15 minutes) are less expensive, while longer ones (up to 60 minutes) cost more.
- Appointments with doctors who have specific expertise may be more expensive.
- Costs can vary by clinic location, with prices not always highest in major cities like London.
- If you are self-paying, you will cover the full cost. Health insurance might cover some or all of the fees.
GP appointment costs at Bupa Health Center
At Bupa Health Centres, the costs for private GP appointments are:
| Duration | Cost (In-Person) | Cost (Online) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | £79 | £59 |
| 30 minutes | £140 | £99 |
| 45 minutes | £200 | £140 |
| 60 minutes | £250 | Not available |
GP appointment costs at Medicspot
Medicspot offers online GP consultations starting from £29 for a 15-minute appointment. You can also book appointments at local pharmacies where available.
GP appointment costs at Nuffield Health
Nuffield provides initial virtual GP appointments for £65. These are conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be followed by in-person visits if necessary.
Benefits of Health Insurance
Core Cover:
Optional Add-Ons:
For more information or to customise your plan, contact us today!
Why should I have private GP UK insurance?
Private GP insurance UK can be very useful. For example, if you need a referral to a blood test or scan, having private insurance often means you can get an appointment much faster than through the NHS. This means less waiting time and quicker results. Private insurance also gives you more flexible appointment times, like evenings or weekends, which can fit better with your busy schedule. Plus, private GPs usually have shorter waiting times for follow-ups and offer more personalised attention.
If you’re not sure whether private GP appointments or a Virtual GP service would be better for you, it’s a good idea to speak with our health insurance advisors at Premier PMI. We can help you understand your options and find the best health insurance policy to suit your needs. We will guide you through the process and ensure you get the cover that works best for you.
Get A Quote
What customers say about us
Frequently Asked Questions
Have any questions?
Send us a message and one of our dedicated advisors will contact you shortly.
