Thinking of paying for treatment or using health insurance?

Most people waiting for planned treatment in England stay with the NHS. If you are considering paying for treatment yourself or claiming on health insurance, here is what to know first.

At the end of August 2026, half of the 7.19 million people on the NHS waiting list in England had waited less than 12.2 weeks. Waits vary a lot between hospitals, so check the NHS waits near you first. A shorter NHS wait elsewhere may be available, free, through patient choice.

How it works alongside the NHS

• Paying for one treatment privately does not usually remove you from the NHS waiting list for anything else. Ask the hospital and your GP how it affects your NHS referral for the same condition.
• Many private hospitals also treat NHS patients. The same hospital may offer you an NHS place, free, through patient choice.
• Health insurance policies differ in what they cover. Conditions you had before taking out a policy are often excluded, so check before you book.

Questions to ask a private hospital

• Is the price all-inclusive, covering consultations, tests, the operation, anaesthetist, stay, follow-up and physiotherapy?
• Who is the consultant, and how many of these procedures do they do each year?
• What happens if there are complications, and is aftercare included?
• What is the hospital's latest Care Quality Commission rating?
• When could I have my first appointment, and the treatment itself?

This page is general information, not medical or financial advice. Your GP or consultant can advise on what is right for you.