Private healthcare options in London
London is the centre of private medicine in the UK. The capital is home to long-established independent hospitals such as The London Clinic, King Edward VII's Hospital and the hospitals of the HCA Healthcare and Nuffield Health groups, alongside the world-famous Harley Street district where hundreds of consultants hold private clinics. Almost every specialty is available privately in London, from routine orthopaedics and dermatology through to complex cardiac care and oncology.
Most patients start with a referral from their NHS or private GP, then see a consultant either through private medical insurance or on a self-pay basis. Because so many consultants practise in London, appointments are often available within days, and many hospitals publish fixed self-pay prices for common procedures. Competition between providers means patients have genuine choice over where and by whom they are treated.
Private hospitals serving London
Cromwell Hospital
London · Bupa
A Bupa-owned private hospital in Kensington, west London, known for complex care including cancer treatment, cardiac services and neurosurgery, serving UK-based and international patients across many specialties.
View hospital →King Edward VII's Hospital
London · Independent
An independent charitable hospital in Marylebone with a long history, known for orthopaedics, urology, women's health and general surgery, and for its charitable support of veterans of the Armed Forces.
View hospital →London Bridge Hospital
London · HCA Healthcare UK
A large private hospital on the banks of the Thames near London Bridge, known for complex cardiac care, liver and digestive medicine, orthopaedics and cancer treatment, supported by extensive diagnostic facilities.
View hospital →Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital
London · Nuffield Health
A private hospital run by Nuffield Health within the historic St Bartholomew's Hospital site in the City of London, known for specialist cardiac care and cancer treatment delivered alongside leading NHS expertise.
View hospital →Spire London East Hospital
London · Spire Healthcare
A private hospital in north-east London serving Redbridge and surrounding areas, offering planned surgery and outpatient care across core specialties including orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology and ophthalmology.
View hospital →The Harley Street Clinic
London · HCA Healthcare UK
A private hospital in London's Harley Street medical district, part of HCA Healthcare UK, known for complex cancer care, cardiac services and specialist treatment for both adults and children.
View hospital →The Lister Hospital
London · HCA Healthcare UK
A private hospital in Chelsea overlooking the Thames, part of HCA Healthcare UK, known for fertility services, gynaecology, general surgery and a wide range of outpatient and diagnostic care.
View hospital →The London Clinic
London · Independent
One of the UK's largest independent charitable hospitals, on Harley Street, known for cancer care, digestive diseases, orthopaedics and complex surgery, with profits reinvested into patient care and research.
View hospital →The Princess Grace Hospital
London · HCA Healthcare UK
A private hospital in Marylebone, part of HCA Healthcare UK, known for orthopaedics, breast care, digestive health and robotic-assisted surgery, offering consultant-led treatment across a wide range of specialties.
View hospital →The Wellington Hospital
London · HCA Healthcare UK
One of the UK's largest private hospitals, located in St John's Wood, known for complex cardiac care, neurosurgery and acute neurological rehabilitation alongside a broad range of surgical and medical specialties.
View hospital →The NHS picture locally
NHS care in London is provided by several large trusts, including Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Like the rest of England, routine waits are significant: the median wait for consultant-led treatment in England is around 12.4 weeks, and many routine surgical pathways take six to twelve months.
See our full NHS waiting times guide for the national picture and your rights as a patient.
Private GPs in London
Private GP access in London is the best in the country, with same-day and next-day appointments widely available from independent practices, hospital-based clinics and national groups with a presence in the capital. A standard 15 to 30 minute consultation typically costs between £70 and £150, with many clinics offering evening and weekend slots around the City and West End.
How private GP appointments work →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a private consultant in London?
Usually, yes. Most London consultants and most insurers ask for a GP referral before a first appointment, and it helps ensure you see the right specialist. You can use your NHS GP or book a private GP, many of whom offer same-day appointments in central London. Some services, such as physiotherapy, often accept self-referral.
Is private health insurance more expensive in London?
Premiums in London are often somewhat higher than in other parts of the UK, because private treatment costs in the capital are higher and many policies price by postcode. Some insurers offer lower premiums if you exclude the most expensive central London hospitals from your policy, which is worth weighing against the wider choice a full list gives you.
Can I self-pay for private treatment in London without insurance?
Yes. All the major London private hospitals accept self-pay patients, and many publish fixed or guide prices for common procedures such as cataract surgery, hip replacement and diagnostic scans. You will normally need a GP referral first. Because so many providers compete in London, it is worth comparing quotes from more than one hospital.
Other locations
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