At Practice Plus we offer high quality, consultant-delivered care to suit you. With expert surgeons and state of the art facilities, you’ll get the treatment you need at honest and transparent prices.
Find out how our self-pay healthcare options could get you back on your feet faster.
Put simply, self-pay healthcare is having a procedure that you’re paying for. This is opposed to covering the cost of treatment via an insurance policy or using NHS services. Self-pay at Practice Plus Group can be done on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Who can choose self-pay options?
Whether it’s for a consultation, diagnostic imaging, treatment or surgical procedures, the self-pay option is available to anyone who can cover the cost themselves.
When to pay for yourself
There are a handful of reasons as to why you might want to pay for yourself. These include:
Rapid access to treatment
Ability to choose your own hospital for treatment
Ability to choose the consultant for your treatment
Ability to choose when to receive your treatment
If the treatment you need isn’t available on the NHS.
Self-pay v health insurance – which is best for me?
The answer to this question will depend on a few different factors. While the self-pay option could be more suitable for patients needing one-off treatments, medical insurance is good for those requiring regular access to healthcare. It should also be noted that the majority of private health insurance policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions. You’ll also have to consider your current financial situation, along with the type of healthcare you need.
Is self-pay cheaper than insurance?
The answer depends entirely on individual circumstances. These include the type of procedure you need, the insurance provider and whether you’re able to cover the cost of your treatment.
The benefits of pay for yourself treatment
If you need to access healthcare, you may already be asking the question: why pay for yourself? The NHS v private healthcare debate is always a hotly contested topic, but with the NHS under more strain than ever before, it’s now more relevant than ever. At a time when NHS waiting lists have reached record highs, one of the main benefits of private healthcare is the speed of access. It takes as little as a week to get an appointment, and if treatment is needed, we aim to have you booked in within four weeks of your consultation. You will also benefit from the expertise of a dedicated consultant who will be with you on every step of your journey.
Other benefits of paying for your own treatment include the ability to choose which consultant you have, and the hospital in which to have your treatment.
Your step-by-step guide to self-pay healthcare
The self-pay healthcare process is designed to be as smooth and patient-friendly as possible. Our step-by-step guide will take you through all the stages of the journey: from getting your appointment to what happens after your treatment.
The first step on your self-pay journey is to book an appointment. The good news here is that you don’t always need a referral. This means you won’t necessarily need to make a GP appointment beforehand. Once your referral is dealt with, our friendly staff will book you in at the hospital of your choice.
Once your appointment is booked, it’s time for your initial consultation. This includes a nurse’s assessment and an X-ray (if required). The consultant will then talk you through the treatment options and indicate whether further tests are required. Your initial consultation costs £95.
Once you have undertaken any diagnostic tests required and treatment has been agreed with the consultant, we’ll get you booked in for surgery at a time and date that’s convenient for you.
Payment needs to be made seven days prior to the start of your treatment. This can be made via credit or debit card, BACS, or through our finance partner Chrysalis. Finance is available over 12 months 0% or longer-term options available from 36-60 months 14.9% APR.
We’re committed to honest pricing which means that the quote we give you for treatment is all inclusive. This includes prescriptions, aftercare, equipment used and any extra complications that may arise.
While you’re having your treatment, our friendly and experienced nursing team and your consultant will be with you every step of the way. This is thanks to our commitment to continuity of care. You’ll also enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and our excellent clinical outcomes.
Your aftercare is also included in the price of your treatment. If you do need aftercare following your treatment, we ensure that it’s clinically appropriate and tailored to your needs.
How can we charge less than other providers?
Most of our clinical staff and teams are employed directly by us – meaning you benefit from a settled team, providing consistency of service, professionalism and clinical excellence, whilst we are able to keep our costs down and give you honest pricing.
There are no unnecessary and expensive extras – just high quality care delivering excellent clinical outcomes.
Self-pay private healthcare FAQs
Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our FAQs might be able to help!
According to recent reports and analysis, Practice Plus Group’s fixed prices for treatments are up to 30% cheaper than competitors*. The results are based on the guide prices for Circle Health, Nuffield, Ramsey and Spire.
*Based on current cataract prices
The answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances. You’ll need to decide whether your condition is worth the potential NHS waiting list. You’ll also need to consider whether you can afford to cover the cost of private treatment. At Practice Plus Group, our private healthcare offers comfort, commitment and expert opinion and attention throughout your treatment journey.
Accessing private healthcare is easy at Practice Plus Group. On most occasions, you won’t actually need to see your GP. Simply call our Private Patient Contact centre on 0333 060 4569 and we can take it from there.
Yes, and on most occasions you won’t actually need to see your GP. For private treatment enquiries call us on 0333 060 4569.
Yes and no. If you’ve had scans at NHS units within a certain timeframe, the attached report can be used. If you’ve had an NHS consultation but don’t want to observe the waiting list, you can switch to Practice Plus Group healthcare. This must be done within three months of your NHS consultation.
You cannot, however, have an initial consultation with Practice Plus Group and then switch to an NHS pathway. You will still be required to get an NHS referral from your GP.
At Practice Plus Group, our finance options are available through Chrysalis, our finance partner. Finance is available over 12 months 0% or longer-term options available from 36-60 months 14.9% APR.
If you’re paying for yourself, payment must be made seven days prior to the start of your treatment. This can be done via credit, debit card or BACS.
With the finance payment option available, you can spread the cost of your treatment using our interest free and low APR finance options. This can be arranged in advance.
Finance is available over 12 months 0% or longer-term options available from 24-60 months 14.9% APR.
If you’re paying for yourself, you’ll need to pay for your treatment seven days prior.
Why choose Practice Plus Group?
£95 for an initial appointment including X-rays and blood tests. Low cost access to our experienced consultants.
Shorter waiting times. You can have your initial consultation within a week, and surgery around 4 weeks later.
Dedicated customer care. Our responsive customer care team are here for you when you need us…by phone, email or web chat.
Feel better faster. Individual medical treatment and care tailored to your needs – our Practice Plus Group clinical teams will have you back on your feet in no time.
Aside from paying for yourself, you can also pay via finance or through your insurance provider if cover is offered. Finance through Chrysalis, our partner, is available over 12 months. 0% or longer-term options are available from 36-60 months with 9.9% APR.
We’re committed to honest pricing which means that the quote we give you for treatment is all inclusive. This includes prescriptions, aftercare, equipment used and any extra complications that may arise.
“Not only was it considerably cheaper than traditional private hospitals, the CQC rating gave me the reassurance that I could expect high standards of care.”
I had an op today in Emerson Green and wanted to say how well I was looked after and cared for. Truly wonderful. Thank you
by Laura Steer, Twitter
Above and beyond
Big shout out to Practice Plus Group Plymouth who went above and beyond to make my day case visit today as comfortable as possible, from the day case nurses to all the theatre staff. Special mention to Carly, Cathy, Amy and Elaine(?) nothing was too much trouble!
by Sue Bentley, Twitter
Incredibly slick and super friendly
Despite the most huge system demand, strikes and winter pressures the NHS still carries on, so grateful to Practice Plus Group for looking after me yesterday. You were incredibly slick, super friendly and got the job done!
by Joanna Masters, Twitter
Process was very quick and well organised
The whole process was very quick and well organised from first contact to being discharged. The initial telephone contact allowed me to ask questions and be directed to the clinic which would best suit my needs. Everyone involved was very friendly and quickly put me at ease. I was always explained choices and not pressured into any response. My concerns were fully answered enabling me to feel confident to go ahead. I loved my consultants humour during the procedure keeping me involved and relaxed. My eyesight is amazing now with no need to wear glasses so I’m extremely satisfied.
by Mary Hillman, Google
Tremendous skill, diligence and care
Tremendous skill, diligence and care at this hospital. They deserve their reputation as one of the best facilities in the UK for hip and knee replacements.
by Ian Keys, Google
Superb care
Attended for a colonoscopy, superb care from Siobhan the receptionist through to Kemi, the lady who carried out the procedure and everbody inbetween, such care and dedication rarely seen these days. Thanks to all, you made a daunting afternoon much, much better!!!
by Dianne Keys, Google
Friendly, caring and professional
Attended for cataract surgery and cannot fault the care I received from every single member of staff. Following a warm and friendly welcome at reception, pre surgery checks were carried out in a friendly, caring and professional manner with everything clearly explained – this carried through to the actual procedure where theatre staff were so kind and reassuring.
by Yvonne Akrill, Google
Outstanding
A big thank you to Mr Sadek and his team for the outstanding way they looked after me during my hernia surgery. Everyone was so friendly and polite and looked after me so well. Thank you all of you.
by Richard Lewis, Google
Exceedingly courteous and helpful
Appointments staff exceedingly courteous and helpful getting both my elderly parents booked in for appointments on the same day and directly after each other, for eye surgery.
by Paula Stubbs, Google
Very impressed
Very impressed by this team. All appointments ran to time and all staff empathetic, skilful, kind and friendly. Thank you for all the team who dealt with my hernia surgery yesterday, it was a pleasure to meet you all. Great sense of team work and moral, and all communication and managing of expectations top notch.
by Jon “Jev” Ev, Google
Looked after all way through
The Endoscopy staff were fantastic put me at ease straight away. Dr Patel was so nice and what I thought was going to be a horrible experience wasn’t. Looked after all way through.
by Jane Morgan, Google
Would recommended to everyone
Had hip op recently. Big thanks to Mr Flood..Maria..and all the hospital staff they treated me with care ..respect thank you all for being there for me. Would recommended to everyone.
by Arthur Syson, Google
Service was excellent
The service was excellent and all the staff were kind and considerate and helpful during my stay. It’s never nice having to have a operation but they made the experience a lot better and I was very impressed.
by Alan Cole, Google
Reassuring and kind
All the staff were amazing friendly and helpful. They were understanding, reassuring and kind. The receptionist, the dental surgeon and the dental nurse were all fantastic. I can’t thank you enough for how kind you all were.
by Liberty Davies, Google
From start to finish my treatment by all was amazing
I had a Partial Knee Replace at this hospital on the NHS. From start to finish my treatment by all was amazing. I cannot praise the care I had enough. The nurses are so friendly and caring. The hospital was very clean. A good choice of food. Highly recommend.
by Audrey Hartley, Google
Really felt looked after
Staff were absolutely fantastic, really felt looked after. I was nervous about my procedure and the staff were reassuring and kind.
Procedure was smooth and painless. Many thanks all!
by Hugh Jego, Google
So much care and compassion
I recently had a total knee replacement operation at Shepton Mallett hospital, and there are not enough words to describe what an amazing place it is.
Everyone I came into contact with from the beginning of my referral has been so positive. So much care and compassion, I cannot thank you all enough you are all angels.
by Carol Ison, Google
Could not fault the care, thank you
Had a cystoscope done this morning I could not fault the care and the support from Christopher and the nursing team thank you from an anxious patient.
by Gemma Hopkins, Google
So caring
I found the hospital to be very clean, staff could not be more helpful and Nurses and ward team so caring nothing to much trouble, food first class, would recommend this hospital. Thank you to all the staff.
by John Coulthard, Google
Best experience ever for my hip replacement
I had the best experience ever for my hip replacement. Would highly recommend, thank you to all the staff involved throughout
by Franca
Highly recommend
I highly recommend Practice Plus Group! I had eye surgery yesterday and already can see clearly.
by Dave
Aftercare was brilliant!
I went in for my new hip and was out within 3 days! The aftercare was also brilliant – 10/10!
by Peter
Thank you
I just wanted to thank everyone at your urgent treatment centre, the receptionist was lovely, we were seen very quickly despite it being very busy. Thank you again.
by Natalie Cossar, Facebook
Fabulous practice
I had 2 cataract operations by the same surgeon and she was excellent! Both eyes are now perfect and operations went without a hitch! Aftercare was superb!
by Anonymous, Plymouth
Amazing facility
This was my 2nd time as an inpatient at Barlborough for knee replacement surgery and in my opinion you couldn’t have this surgery at a better place. It is truly outstanding.
by Joy Lesley Wright
Absolutely wonderful
I had a knee replacement in May 2022. I have to say that all of the staff from the consultant, the nursing staff and the entire team were absolutely wonderful.
by Susan Farmer
A big thank you
I had a day case hernia repair yesterday and wish to thank all staff involved. Throughout the experience I felt reassured, fully informed and cared for.
by Kevin
Brilliant in every respect
Very polite and helpful staff at all levels. Friendly consultant who explained everything clearly. Extremely efficient x-ray department and choice of treatments.
by Ann Sturtridge
Brilliant service
I visited this walk in centre today and although there were quite a few people already there I was in and out in 15 minutes. They were very efficient and helpful.
by Anonymous
Amazing staff
Went here as a nervous patient. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel welcome and looked after extremely well. Practice Plus Group staff are just amazing and caring.
by M K
Friendly and highly professional
October 2020 I had total knee replacement, NHS referral. My experience was excellent…everyone was caring, listening and very professional.
by Anonymous
No pain at all
Best dentist I’ve ever been to ! Had to have 2 teeth removed this week ! A very professional team took care of everything!
by Mrs Hazel Showering
Fantastic care
I would recommend Practice Plus Group and would use them again if I need to. So, so grateful to all of them.
by Fran Taylor
Well organised from start to finish
Well organised from start to finish. Staff so friendly & reassuring. Excellent facilities & a really personal service provided.
by John Telcot, NSRF Specialists
Nothing was too much trouble
The staff were so friendly & put me at ease. Lovely clean hospital.
