Everything you need to know about accessing private health clinics

Private health clinics are a great option for those looking to get faster access to healthcare and have more control over their treatment.

We’re exploring everything you need to know about private health clinics and how to access them.

What is a private health clinic?

A private health clinic is a medical facility that operates independently to the NHS and you’ll either need to self-pay for it or have it covered by a private health insurance policy. They usually offer more specialised services.

A private health clinic will typically offer:

• Outpatient consultation and treatment
• Minor procedures
• Diagnostics and surgery
• Dental treatment
• Physiotherapy
• Counselling and support

They offer consultant-led care, focusing on personalised treatment.

What to expect from a private health clinic:

There are many benefits of going to a private health clinic, including:

• Faster access to treatment
  Going private means avoiding long NHS waiting lists for the treatment you need to get your health back on track.
  
  
• Improved choice of treatment and specialists  
  Have more choice and control over your health by choosing the specialist and treatment that suits you.
  
  
• Flexibility with appointments
  You’ll have more flexibility and option when it comes to appointments, allowing them to fit around your life.
  
  
• Improved comfort and quality
  You can expect private rooms and modern facilities.
  
  
• A more personalised experience
  Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs, focusing on the most effective options for your situation.

Private health clinics differ to private hospitals, primarily in the range and nature of services they provide.

Private hospitals typically offer comprehensive care, including inpatient services such as overnight stays and complex surgical procedures.

In contrast, private health clinics focus on outpatient care, providing services like GP appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialist consultations.

The key differences are in the scope, hospitals cater to a broader spectrum of medical needs, while clinics are more specialised and generally smaller. Hospitals are equipped for inpatient care and clinics primarily serve outpatient requirements.

How to access a private health clinic

There are several different ways you can get access to private health clinics. You’ll usually need to self-pay for your treatment, or you can use your health insurance plan if you have one in place.

To get booked into a health clinic, you'll use one of the following options:

• A GP referral: You can ask your GP for a referral to a private specialist or clinic for the treatment you need. If you have a health insurance policy in place, getting an open referral means you can choose where you’re treated and who by.
• A self-referral: If you know the consultant or specialist you need, you can call the private hospital or clinic to make an appointment yourself or use their online booking system if they have one.

If you have a health insurance policy, your visit to the private health clinic will typically be covered, as long as the treatment needed is included in your policy.

You’ll need to get authorisation from your private health insurer to confirm the treatment is covered before you go ahead with it, to avoid any unexpected bills.

If you choose to self-pay, once you have a referral you can go ahead and book your appointment. You’d need to pay for the whole course of treatment and any extra services you use.

Can health insurance help you to access a private health clinic?

Health insurance in the UK plays a key role in helping people access private health clinics by offering faster, more flexible, and more personalised healthcare options compared to the NHS.

Health insurance can help you to access private health clinics by covering you for treatment needed there, if it’s included on your policy.

Unlike the NHS, where you're typically assigned a consultant, private insurance lets you select your specialist based on experience, reviews and preference.

If it’s covered on your health insurance policy, you won't have to self-pay or pay out of pocket for your treatment. This can be beneficial in helping you manage large, unexpected bills. 

Paying your premium monthly for your health insurance can make healthcare costs easier to manage.

You can still use your NHS GP for routine care and referrals, while relying on private medical insurance for faster or more specialised treatment.

Many people combine the NHS and private healthcare using each system where it’s most effective.

How to get a health insurance policy

Obtaining health insurance can be simple if you know where to get started. Using a free health insurance comparison service like Usay Compare, can mean getting the best policy for your needs at the best price.

Usay Compare can:

• Understand your needs, budget and requirements for health insurance
• Compare policies from the leading UK health insurers
• Offer advice and recommendations
• Offer the best price guaranteed
• Support you through the entire process
• Answer any questions and fully explain your policy ins and outs
• Offer confidence in your cover and for your future health

Our experienced advisers are here to guide you through every step of the process. Here's what a typical consultation looks like:

1. Understanding Your Needs
   Your adviser will take the time to learn about your medical history, personal preferences, and what you’d like included in your health insurance policy.
   
   
2. Comparing the Best Options
   Using our advanced comparison technology, your adviser will search quotes from leading UK providers to find the most competitive price.
   
   
3. Tailored Recommendations & Expert Advice
   Based on your needs, your adviser will recommend the most suitable options and explain the details of each policy. You’re encouraged to ask as many questions as you like to ensure you fully understand your cover.
   
   
4. Time to Decide
   There’s no pressure to commit immediately. You’re welcome to take time to consider your options and reconnect with your adviser if you have further questions.
   
   
5. Ongoing Support
   From the moment you choose your policy through to renewal, you’ll have continuous support and guidance from our team.

If you're ready to find a health insurance policy, or you're looking to see if you can save by switching, get in touch for a free consultation.

Fill out the form below to get a quote or give us a call on: 01285 864670.