NHS vs Private HRT UK 2026: Costs, Waits & What You Get
Compare NHS and private HRT in the UK, including consultation costs, prescription charges, medicine prices, follow-up appointments and what to check before paying.
10-second answer
- NHS HRT is usually much lower-cost where you can access it.
- Private HRT is usually consultation plus follow-up plus prescription plus medicine cost.
- Speak to a qualified clinician about suitability, risks and monitoring.
Short answer
NHS vs private HRT cost comparison
| Route | Typical cost | Usually included | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS GP route | NHS prescription charges in England; free prescriptions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | GP assessment, prescription and NHS follow-up | Appointment availability and GP confidence with some regimens can vary |
| NHS menopause clinic | NHS-funded if referred | Specialist NHS assessment and management | Referral criteria and waiting times vary locally |
| Private menopause clinic | Initial consultation commonly GBP150-GBP465 | Longer appointment, specialist plan, private prescription route | Follow-ups, blood tests and medicine costs may be separate |
| Private online HRT provider | Lower-cost private consultation routes may start below specialist clinic pricing | Remote assessment and prescription where suitable | Check clinician credentials, safety checks and follow-up model |
What private HRT usually adds
Private HRT is not one price. It can include:
- Initial assessment or menopause consultation.
- Follow-up appointment after treatment starts or dose changes.
- Private prescription issuing fee.
- Medicine cost from the pharmacy.
- Blood tests where clinically needed.
- GP letter or shared-care request if the provider offers it.
The clinically sensible route depends on symptoms, medical history, contraindications and the treatment being considered. TreatCompare compares costs only; it is not medical advice.
Questions to ask before paying privately
- Is the clinician GMC-registered or otherwise appropriately regulated?
- Is the prescription fee included?
- Can my NHS GP continue the prescription if it is a standard HRT option?
- How many follow-ups are recommended in the first year?
- Are blood tests required, optional or included?
- What happens if symptoms do not improve or side effects occur?
Related HRT guides
- Private HRT cost UK - full first-year cost breakdown
- Menopause clinic cost UK - private consultation and follow-up fees
- HRT prescription cost UK - NHS and private medicine costs
- HRT consultations - compare specialist consultation prices
- HRT prescriptions - compare medicine and prescription routes
Compare private HRT consultation, prescription and medication costs from UK providers.
Compare HRT providers pricesHealthcare data note
Sources, review and limits
Main sources
- NHS HRT prescription charge information
- British Menopause Society information
- GMC registration checks
- TreatCompare HRT provider price tracking
Methodology: We compare NHS and private HRT access routes, including consultation fees, follow-up costs, prescription charges and medicine costs. This is cost guidance, not personal clinical advice.
Important context
TreatCompare uses public data, provider-published information, official datasets, structured research and analysis. Figures can change and may not be complete in real time. Use this page for research and comparison only, then verify directly with the relevant provider.
- Source type
- Named public and provider sources
- Primary source
- NHS HRT prescription prepayment certificate
- Reporting period
- 2026-05-09
- Last updated
- 2026-05-09
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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Frequently asked questions
Is NHS HRT lower-cost than private HRT?
Yes. NHS HRT is usually much lower-cost where you can access it. In England, HRT can be covered by the HRT prescription prepayment certificate, while private care usually adds consultation, follow-up, prescription and medicine costs.
How much does private HRT cost?
Private HRT usually involves an initial consultation, follow-up appointments, prescription issuing fees and medicine costs. A first year can commonly run from several hundred pounds to more than GBP1,000 depending on provider and monitoring.
Should I use an NHS GP or a private menopause clinic?
Start with an NHS GP if access, timing and treatment choice meet your needs. Private menopause clinics may help when you want a longer appointment, specialist review, faster access or broader private prescribing options.
Sources & further reading
- NHS HRT prescription prepayment certificate — NHS HRT prescription charging
- British Menopause Society — Clinical context for menopause care
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