How to get a same-day private GP appointment in London
All of the information you need to know about how to get a same-day private GP appointment in the UK capital, from home visits to appointments during busy weekends.
5 minute readWhen we think of London, images of red double-decker buses, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are probably what spring to mind.
But what if your trip to the UK capital is more headache than holiday? Maybe you’re here on business, but a sore throat is threatening to put a dampener on your important presentation? Or perhaps you live in the capital, but can’t wait for an appointment with your NHS GP?
Fret not! This is the Health Prem Guide to finding a private GP in London.
How do I find a private GP in London?
There are two main ways to find a private GP in London; through your insurer if you have private medical insurance (PMI), or directly through the practice.
There are many private GPs across London, and a quick Google search will show you a range of private practices near you. You can choose to have a face-to-face appointment with a doctor or speak to a GP from the comfort of your own home by telephone or video link.
If you have Bupa health insurance, you can book an appointment online with a private GP near you. Face-to-face and remote appointments are available in sessions lasting, 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes.
HCA Healthcare also provides face-to-face, telephone or video appointments with a private GP across London and the rest of the UK. Book an appointment by calling 020 8068 2265
How much is it to see a private GP in London?
The cost of seeing a private GP in London varies according to several factors including the location of the practice, the length of the appointment, and the experience and qualifications of the GP. Prices also vary depending on your insurer.
The cost of a private GP consultation in London ranges from £30 to £250 per appointment. On average, you can expect to pay between £100-150 for a 15-minute face-to-face consultation with a private GP.
In addition to the cost of the appointment, any tests, treatments, or specialist referrals are charged separately.
The cost of a private GP consultation with four of the biggest insurers in the UK is as follows:
Bupa: 15 minutes from £79
Circle: 15 minutes from £45
HCA: 15 minutes from £80
Spire: 30 minutes from £90
Do I need to inform my NHS GP before I see a private GP?
You do not need to inform your regular GP before seeing a private GP, but it may be useful to get a letter detailing your symptoms and any treatment you received so that your NHS GP is kept up to date.
Do I lose my NHS privileges if I go to a private GP?
No, your right to NHS treatment is not affected if you see a private GP.
Do private GPs take health insurance?
Whether your private GP accepts your health insurance depends on the practice and your individual policy. Some GPs work directly with your health insurance, while in other cases you may need to pay for your appointment upfront and claim the money back from your insurance company.
Check with the practice about using your insurance before booking your appointment. Alternatively, you can ask your insurance provider for a list of practices they work with before choosing a private GP.
Do I have to register with a private GP in London before I can get an appointment?
Some private GP practices in London do not require you to register with them before booking an appointment. If you do need to register, this is usually free and involves filling out a short registration form and health questionnaire.
Can I get a same or next-day appointment with a private GP in London?
There are many private GPs offering same or next-day appointments in London. A quick Google search will help you find one in your area.
HCA Healthcare UK offers same and next-day appointments in 12 locations across London. Face-to-face, telephone and video consultations are available. To book an appointment call 020 8068 2556. A private GP consultation costs from £80.
London Doctor’s Clinic has 18 locations across London and offers same and next-day appointments from £89. You can book an appointment online or call 0203 993 3586.
The London Clinic offers same-day GP appointments seven days a week, 365 days a year. Their walk-in clinic in Harley Street is open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday and provides face-to-face appointments for £95.
Alternatively, you can book a same-day telephone or video consultation within an hour of booking for £60 (appointments available 24/7).
The London Clinic also offers 24/7 home visits within London zones 1 to 7. Prices start at £209.
Are there private GPs who do home visits in London?
If it’s difficult for you to leave the house, and you want a face-to-face consultation with a GP in London, a home visit may be the best option for you.
Some private GPs offering home visits in London include:
London General Practice offers home and hotel visits 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Prices range from £525 to £595 per hour door to door. For an out-of-hours appointment, call 0207 935 1000.
Doctorcall provides private home, hotel or visits to your place of work, 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Prices start at £225. To arrange a home visit with Doctorcall, book an appointment online.
Harley Street Health Centre promises to have a doctor with you within two hours. They cover most areas of London and are open 7 days a week, from 8 am to midnight. To book a home visit, call 0203 811 770 (Harley Street area) or 0203 733 5852 (City of London).
How long can I expect to wait to see my NHS GP in London?
Waiting times to see an NHS GP vary greatly, and while there are no figures available on average waiting times in London, figures released by the Nuffield Trust in August 2023 show that:
43.9% of patients received an appointment on the same day as booking
7.6% were seen in one day
18.1% were seen in between 2 and 7 days
12.9 % received an appointment in between 8 and 14 days
7.8% of patients were seen in 15 to 21 days
4.9% had an appointment in 22 to 28 days
4.8% of patients waited over 28 days
Can a private GP prescribe medication?
A private GP can prescribe medication in the same way as an NHS GP. Be aware that with a private prescription, you will have to pay the full cost of your medication.
It’s also important to remember that your private GP does not have access to your medical records, so you need to inform them of any medical conditions and relevant medical history you have as well as any medications you take regularly.
Does a private GP give a better service?
While there are benefits to seeing a private GP, the standard of care is usually the same. All GPs practising in the UK have the same qualifications, are bound by the same regulations and must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), ensuring the highest standards of care. Many GPs work in both the NHS and private sector.
Some advantages of seeing a private GP include:
Faster appointments
Appointments during evenings and weekends
Appointments are often longer than the 10 minutes allocated to an NHS GP
Private practices may have access to better, more up-to-date equipment and a wider range of treatments available
How do I choose a private GP in London?
With so many private GPs in London, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. The right GP for you depends on several factors such as whether you prefer a virtual or face-to-face appointment, whether you have private medical insurance and whether you need an appointment during the evening or weekend.
All private GP practices must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Look for the CQC logo and their latest rating on the practice website. Check that your GP is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) by searching the medical register before booking your appointment.
Google is as good a place as any to start. Take a look at a few websites of private practices near you and see which one best suits your needs. Many websites include reviews but bear in mind that these reviews are chosen by the practice. If possible, ask for recommendations from family and friends or check out the practice’s reviews on Google and Trust Pilot.
Some other things to take into account when choosing a private GP include:
Location of the practice
Cost of the appointment
Length of the appointment
Whether they work with your insurance company
Opening hours
Whether evening and weekend appointments are available