Private GP for Children UK: Cost, Age Limits and When to Use the NHS

Cost summary

Which services see children, and from what age?

This is the question parents most frequently get wrong, and it is worth understanding before you book. When TreatCompare checked the published age policy of 141 UK private GP services, only 30 stated on their own website that they see children, 6 explicitly limited access to over-16s or over-18s, and 105 (74%) published no age policy at all — leaving parents to book without knowing whether their child can be seen. That is why you should always confirm the specific age policy with the provider before booking.

Online questionnaire-based services — usually adults only

Many of the lower-cost online GP services in the UK operate through digital questionnaires rather than live consultations. These services are typically designed for adults, and their terms explicitly exclude patients under 16 or under 18. If you try to book for a child through one of these routes, you may find the consultation cannot proceed, or that clinical safety protocols prevent it.

The online doctor comparison will often flag this age restriction, but always verify directly with the provider before booking.

Video GP services — more likely to see children

Live video GP services are more likely to accommodate children, typically with a parent or guardian present throughout the consultation. The GP can observe the child, speak with the parent, and assess the situation more fully than an asynchronous text consultation allows. Many video GP providers will see children from birth, others from age one or two, and some from age 16 only.

The age policy varies by provider and is sometimes different for out-of-hours versus standard appointments. Check the specific provider's terms before booking rather than assuming.

In-person clinics and hospital group practices

Private GP clinics and hospital group practices are generally more equipped to see children across a wider age range. Some have dedicated paediatric sessions or access to paediatric nursing support. For children who need physical examination, this is usually the most appropriate private route.

Home visit services

Home visit GP services will typically see children of all ages, which makes them particularly useful for children who are too unwell to travel or who find clinical environments distressing. Cost is higher than video or in-person options, and availability outside London and major cities can be limited. See private GP home visit cost UK for current pricing.

A practical note on booking

When booking a private GP appointment for a child, always state the child's age at the point of booking, confirm the service can see children of that age, and confirm that a parent or guardian being present is sufficient consent for the consultation to proceed. For children under 16 in most circumstances, parental consent is required. For adolescents approaching 16, Gillick competence may apply and the GP will assess this individually.

When private makes sense — and when to use the NHS, 111 or A&E

This is the most important section of this article, and the one that a private GP would want every parent to read before booking.

When private GP is appropriate for a child

Private GP is appropriate for non-urgent concerns where you want a prompt, unhurried assessment. Common examples include:

• Recurrent or persistent symptoms that have not improved but are not acutely worrying
• Ear, throat or skin concerns where you want examination and assessment within 24 to 48 hours
• A second opinion on a diagnosis or management plan
• Behavioural or developmental concerns where you want time to discuss properly
• Travel health advice or school absence documentation
• A condition your child has had before and you want assessed and treated promptly

When to use NHS services instead

If your child is registered with an NHS GP and the concern is non-urgent, the NHS is free and appropriate. Many NHS practices offer same-day appointments for children, and most will prioritise a sick child. If you cannot get an NHS appointment within a time frame that feels clinically appropriate for your child's symptoms, private GP or NHS 111 are reasonable next steps.

When to call NHS 111

NHS 111 is the right service when you need urgent medical advice and are not sure whether your child needs to be seen urgently or can wait. Call 111 if your child has a temperature and you are unsure what to do, if a symptom has developed suddenly and you are not sure how serious it is, or if your usual GP is unavailable and you want clinical advice before deciding whether to seek care.

When to go to A&E or call 999 — red-flag symptoms in children

Do not book a private GP appointment if your child has any of the following. These require immediate emergency care. The following list is based on NICE guideline NG143 (Fever in under 5s) and NHS emergency guidance.

• A non-blanching rash — a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it. This may indicate meningococcal disease and is a medical emergency.
• High fever in a baby under three months (38°C or above) or under six months (39°C or above) — go to A&E or call 999.
• Difficulty breathing — breathing faster than normal, or the skin between the ribs pulling in with each breath (recession).
• A bulging fontanelle in a baby — the soft spot on the top of the head should not bulge when the baby is not crying.
• Persistent vomiting, particularly with a high temperature or rash.
• Reduced consciousness, unusual drowsiness, or difficulty waking.
• Seizures or convulsions — if this is the first time, call 999.
• A child who looks seriously unwell to you, even if you cannot identify a specific symptom. Parental instinct matters and should be acted on.

What is included, and the extras

The headline consultation fee for a private GP appointment typically covers the clinical assessment and any advice, management plan or diagnosis arising from it. However, several additional costs are common and worth checking before you book.

Private prescriptions

If your child needs medication following the consultation, this will usually be issued as a private prescription. The private prescription fee is typically £20–£35, and the medicine itself is charged additionally at the dispensing pharmacy. The medicine cost varies significantly depending on what is prescribed. Ask the provider at the time of booking whether the prescription fee is included in the consultation cost or charged separately.

School absence notes

A school absence note or medical certificate for a child can usually be provided at a private GP appointment. Some providers include this in the consultation fee; others charge £15–£50 as a separate administrative fee. For current pricing, see private GP sick note cost UK.

Referral letters

If the GP recommends a specialist referral following the consultation, a referral letter is typically £30–£100 depending on the provider. Ask whether this is included before booking if a referral is likely.

Follow-up appointments

Follow-up appointments are usually charged at the same rate as the initial consultation. Some providers offer reduced-cost follow-ups within a set time period. Check the provider's policy if ongoing review is likely.

What to ask before booking

• Does the service see children of my child's age?
• Is a parent or guardian required to be present throughout?
• Is the prescription fee included or charged separately?
• Is a school absence note included if needed?
• What is the follow-up policy and cost if we need to come back?

This article is for general information only and does not constitute personal medical advice. Always speak to a qualified, GMC-registered clinician before booking a private consultation for your child.

Related guides

• Private GP cost UK
• Same-day private GP cost UK
• Private GP home visit cost UK
• NHS vs private GP UK