Physiotherapy Cost in the UK (2026)

Typical self-pay price£45–£90 a session

Published UK physiotherapy clinic prices, October 2026.

On the NHSFree

Physiotherapy is free on the NHS but there can be a long wait. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) services without seeing a GP.

What's usually included

The first appointment, usually 45 minutes, includes an assessment, some treatment and an exercise plan. Follow-ups are usually 30 minutes. Extras such as shockwave therapy, scans or specialist physio cost more.

Example published prices

Circle Health Group: first appointment (45 minutes) from £64; follow-ups from £50 (source)
Nuffield Health (Bristol): initial assessment £72; follow-up £49 (non-members) (source)
Nuffield Health (Moorgate, London): initial assessment £79; follow-up £52 (non-members) (source)
Pure Physiotherapy (Norwich): initial assessment with treatment £70; follow-up £60 (source)
Ten Health & Fitness (London): assessment and first treatment £130; 30-minute follow-up £80 to £100 (source)

Check your physio is HCPC-registered, and ideally a chartered member of the CSP (MCSP).

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. Your consultant, the hospital, London location and medical complexity can all raise the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Self-pay or health insurance?

Paying yourself makes sense if you need one known procedure now — health insurance won't cover a condition you already have. Insurance is designed for what might happen in future: it spreads the cost of unexpected diagnosis and treatment into a monthly premium. See our guide to self-pay vs health insurance, or estimate what cover would cost you.

Questions and answers

How much does private physiotherapy cost in the UK?

A first private physio appointment usually costs £60 to £90 and follow-ups £45 to £65. London clinics, senior or specialist physios (for example for pelvic health) and longer sessions cost more. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of private physiotherapy?

Will health insurance pay for physiotherapy?

If you have private health insurance and the condition started after your policy began, your insurer will usually cover it, subject to your policy terms, limits and excess. Conditions you had before taking out cover are normally excluded, so insurance won't help with treatment you already need.

Can I get physiotherapy on the NHS instead?

Physiotherapy is free on the NHS but there can be a long wait. In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) services without seeing a GP. Ask your GP about your NHS options, including choosing where you're treated.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.

How much does private physiotherapy cost?