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Private Healthcare

Booking private healthcare

How do I access private healthcare?

'Going private' for your healthcare might seem a daunting task at first. However, it's simpler than you might think. 

Whatever path you use to get to us, once here, we will look after you every step of the way.

Let's look at each method of getting private treatment in more detail.

  • consultant with patient
    GP referral  

    You can access healthcare at one of private hospitals through a referral from your usual GP, or via one of our virtual GPs.
  • couple looking at laptop
    Health insurance  

    If you have private health insurance you can often use this for treatment. See our guide online for how to use your insurance for payment.
  • woman using tablet
    Paying for yourself  

    Another way to get treatment is to pay for yourself. Find out what costs to expect and various ways to pay, including flexible payment options.

Understanding private healthcare options

In this video, we explain the main ways of how to access private healthcare in the UK.

Find out more

  • Starting your journey

    One way to start your journey with us is by booking a private GP appointment.

    Appointments are a relatively cost-effective way of seeing a doctor quickly. Our specialist GPs can talk to you about your health issues and refer you for treatment if needed. They can explain the whole process to you and guide you through any further appointments that you need.

    We want to make this process as seamless as possible. Whether you're considering private care for faster access to treatments, or needing a specialist consultation, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

    Book a private GP appointment

  • How do I choose a private hospital?

    Whether you already have a referral or are looking to book an appointment with us directly, selecting the right private hospital is the next step on your healthcare journey.

    You can search through all our hospitals by looking at the 'find a hospital' section of our website. Here you can see what facilities the hospital has and what treatments they offer; you can see reviews from other patients. You can also book an appointment from here directly with a consultant, viewing their diary so that you can choose your own time.

    Find a hospital

How do I choose my consultant?

Once you have decided where you want to go for treatment, you can decide who you want to have it with. At Circle Health Group, you can choose your own consultant from our list of experts.

You won't be put on a long waiting list to see a consultant. You'll usually be able to book an appointment within two or three days of getting in touch, and the whole process of treatment will move as quickly as possible.

Do I need a referral?

If you're paying for your treatment, you can often book a private consultation without a GP referral letter, giving you even faster access to expert treatment.

Some consultants, however, may ask for a referral letter from your GP before they can book you in for an appointment. This is normally so they can double-check that their medical expertise meets your needs, as confirmed by your GP's recommendation. If you don't want to wait for an appointment with your regular GP, you can use a Circle Online GP to get a same-day virtual appointment with a GP.

Choosing the right consultant

Choosing the right consultant is crucial for your treatment success and we can help you with this if you need. Start by identifying specialists with expertise in your specific health condition. You can do this on our website by searching for the treatment or specialty you are interested in and looking at the list of consultants listed at the bottom of that page. Your GP can advise on the type of specialist you need to see.

Take a look at the consultant profiles on our website. Here you can review their qualifications and their experience. Selecting a consultant who you feel comfortable with and trust is key to a positive healthcare experience.

You can book a consultation with them online, or if you would prefer you can speak with one of our advisers to help you choose.

  • How to book an initial consultation

    Booking your initial consultation is a significant step forward in getting treatment.

    You can book a consultation using the following methods:

    Online: Visit our online booking page. or fill in our enquiry form or get an online consultation

    Phone: Call us via the number at the top of this page. Provide details about your healthcare needs and preferred location. We'll help you schedule an appointment with the right consultant at a time that suits you.

Starting your private healthcare journey

So, you know that you want to go down the private healthcare route, but don’t know where to start.

In this video, we’ll take you through the process of choosing a hospital and consultant. We will show you how to book an appointment, and how to prepare for your first visit.

Find out more

The healthcare journey explained

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