Private GP Consultations UK: Costs, Providers & What to Expect (2026)
Complete guide to private GP appointments in the UK. Video GP from £29, in-person from £60, home visits from £200. How to choose a provider, what's included, and when it's worth paying.
A private GP consultation gives you same-day access to a doctor without waiting weeks for an NHS appointment. Prices start from £25 online and £60 in-person. Here's everything you need to know.
How much does a private GP cost?
| Type | Price range | Typical | Duration | |------|-----------|---------|----------| | Video consultation | £29–75 | £49 | 10–15 min | | Phone consultation | £25–60 | £39 | 10–15 min | | In-person appointment | £60–200 | £100 | 20–30 min | | Extended consultation | £100–300 | £180 | 30–60 min | | GP home visit (London) | £200–500 | £300 | 30 min | | GP home visit (UK-wide) | £250–600 | £350 | 30 min |
Prices as of April 2026. Video consultations have become significantly cheaper since 2020 due to increased competition.
Online vs in-person: which should you choose?
Choose online (video/phone) if:
- You need a prescription, referral letter, or sick note
- Your issue is straightforward (UTI, skin rash, repeat medication)
- You want same-day access at the lowest price
- You're travelling or can't get to a clinic
Choose in-person if:
- The doctor needs to physically examine you
- You have a complex or ongoing condition
- You want a longer, more thorough consultation
- You need tests done on-site (blood pressure, blood draw)
What can a private GP do?
A private GP can do everything an NHS GP can:
- Prescribe medication — antibiotics, contraception, repeat prescriptions, specialist medications
- Write referral letters — to private consultants or back to NHS pathways
- Issue fit notes — medical certificates for work absence
- Order investigations — blood tests, imaging, specialist referrals
- Ongoing management — chronic conditions, mental health, medication reviews
The prescription is sent electronically to any UK pharmacy. Controlled drugs may require a paper prescription.
Do I need to leave my NHS GP?
No. You can see a private GP and stay registered with your NHS practice. Many people use private GPs for convenience (same-day, evenings, weekends) while keeping NHS registration for ongoing care, hospital referrals, and free prescriptions where eligible.
When is a private GP worth the money?
- Urgent but not emergency — you need antibiotics today but can't get an NHS appointment for 2 weeks
- Workplace sick note — many employers accept private fit notes
- Second opinion — you want another view on a diagnosis
- Convenience — evening/weekend appointments, no waiting room
- Privacy — the consultation doesn't appear on your NHS record (unless you choose to share it)
How to choose a provider
For lowest price: Zava (from £25, asynchronous — no video), Livi (from £29), TapGP (from £39).
For same-day video: Push Doctor (£49), HealthHero (£49), DocTap (£55).
For in-person: Bupa (from £75), Nuffield Health (from £80), or a local private GP practice.
For home visits: GPDQ (London from £200), or ask your local private GP about home visit fees.
All providers should employ GMC-registered doctors only. Check the doctor's GMC registration at gmc-uk.org.
Compare private GP prices on our Private GP comparison page.