"I love the NHS. I've worked in it my entire career. But I'd be dishonest if I said it always meets every patient's needs in a timely way. Sometimes, going private genuinely makes sense."
The Reality of NHS Waiting Times
As of 2026, approximately 7.5 million people are on NHS waiting lists in England alone. Average wait times for specialist appointments range from 8–18 weeks, and for some procedures, patients are waiting 12–18 months or more. This isn't a criticism of NHS staff — who work incredibly hard — but a reflection of systemic underfunding and rising demand.
5 Situations Where Private Care Makes Sense
You're Waiting 3+ Months for Diagnostic Tests
If you're experiencing worrying symptoms and the NHS wait for investigation is several months, getting a private diagnostic test (MRI, CT, ultrasound, blood panel) can give you answers — and peace of mind — much faster. Many private diagnostic services now offer same-week or even same-day appointments.
💡 GP Tip: Ask your NHS GP for the specific tests you need, then shop around private providers. You can often get the results sent back to your NHS GP to continue your care on the NHS.
Your Mental Health Needs Aren't Being Met Quickly
NHS waiting lists for talking therapies and psychiatric assessments can be 6–18 months in many areas. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions and need support now, private therapy can bridge the gap. Online platforms have made private mental health support more accessible and affordable than ever.
💡 GP Tip: Consider online therapy platforms as a more affordable alternative to traditional private practice. Many offer qualified therapists at a fraction of the cost of in-person sessions.
You Have Complex Long-Term Conditions Needing Specialist Time
NHS specialist appointments are typically 10–15 minutes. If you have a complex condition requiring detailed discussion, a private consultation can give you 30–60 minutes of dedicated specialist time. This can be particularly valuable for conditions requiring shared decision-making about treatment options.
💡 GP Tip: A single private specialist consultation doesn't mean going fully private. Many patients have one private appointment for a thorough assessment, then continue their care on the NHS with the specialist's recommendations.
You're Facing Long Waits for Elective Procedures
Elective procedures — hip replacements, cataract surgery, hernia repairs — often have NHS waits of 12–18 months or more. If the wait is significantly affecting your quality of life, private treatment can offer these procedures within weeks. Many surgeons work in both the NHS and private sector, so you're often getting the same surgeon.
💡 GP Tip: Check whether your condition qualifies for an NHS-funded 'patient choice' transfer to a private provider — sometimes you can get private-speed treatment at NHS cost.
You Want a Second Opinion
Getting a second medical opinion is completely reasonable and something I actively encourage when patients have doubts about a diagnosis or treatment plan. A private second opinion from a consultant in the relevant specialty can confirm or challenge the original assessment and is money well spent for complex or life-changing diagnoses.
💡 GP Tip: You have the right to request a second opinion on the NHS too, but this can take time. A private second opinion is typically available within 1–2 weeks.
What to Watch Out For
⚠️ Unregulated Practitioners
Not all private health providers are equal. Check that any practitioner is registered with the appropriate regulatory body (GMC for doctors, NMC for nurses, HCPC for allied health professionals). Ask about CQC registration for clinics.
⚠️ Aggressive Upselling
Some private providers aggressively upsell unnecessary tests, treatments, or follow-up packages. A good private clinician will be transparent about what you need and what you don't. If something feels pushy, get a second opinion.
⚠️ Fragmentation of Records
One of the biggest risks of private care is that results and letters don't make it back to your NHS GP record. Always ask your private provider to send a copy of all correspondence to your GP. This ensures continuity of care.
Recommended Private Services
Push Doctor
Online GPSame-day video GP consultations with NHS-registered doctors. Prescriptions, referrals, and sick notes available.
Coming SoonLivi
Video ConsultConvenient video consultations with qualified GPs. Available 7 days a week with short waiting times.
Coming SoonDoctorly
Private GPComprehensive private GP service offering longer appointment times and same-day availability.
Coming SoonThe Bottom Line
Private healthcare isn't a replacement for the NHS — it's a complement. Used wisely, it can fill gaps that the public system sometimes can't. As a GP, my advice is always to start with the NHS, understand what's available to you, and consider private options only when the wait is genuinely affecting your health or quality of life. Whatever you do, make sure your NHS GP stays in the loop — continuity of care is everything.
Dr. Ohioma Akhibi
GP · GP Trainer · GP Specialist Advisor CQC
Dr. Akhibi is a practising NHS GP with over 15 years of clinical experience. He specialises in long-term condition management and founded MyVirtualMedic to provide trusted, evidence-based health guidance.