NHS and Private Healthcare:
Understanding Care Routes
Understanding the differences between NHS and private routes can help you discuss the right next step for your circumstances.
Evidence-only patient guide · Updated 29 August 2026
In brief: NHS and private pathways are organised differently. At Victoria Medical, the clinic confirms appointment availability, whether the route is appropriate, referral requirements, and reporting and follow-up arrangements at booking. Private care is not a substitute for emergency NHS services.
NHS vs Private: Waiting Times by Specialty
| Specialty / Service | NHS Wait | Private (Victoria Medical) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiology | Access varies by local NHS pathway | Availability confirmed at booking |
| Gynaecology | Access varies by local NHS pathway | Availability confirmed at booking |
| GP appointment | Access varies by local NHS pathway | Availability confirmed at booking |
| Blood tests | Testing and results follow the relevant NHS pathway | Reporting and follow-up confirmed at booking |
| Ultrasound scan | Access depends on symptoms and local referral pathways | Availability, reporting and follow-up confirmed at booking |
| ECG | Access depends on the clinical pathway | Availability, reporting and follow-up confirmed at booking |
| Health check | Eligibility and local provision vary | Availability and clinical scope confirmed at booking |
Choosing a non-urgent route
The right route depends on urgency, symptoms, the clinical question and personal circumstances. Use NHS urgent services for red-flag symptoms, and ask clear questions about appointments, reporting and follow-up before choosing a non-urgent pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the current NHS waiting list?
NHS access and waiting times vary by service, urgency and local pathway. Check NHS England statistics and My Planned Care for current provider estimates; these are not a personal prediction. If symptoms are severe, sudden or worsening, use NHS 111 or call 999 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Can I use private healthcare and still access the NHS?
NHS entitlement is not determined by whether someone has also used private care. However, the transfer of information, prescriptions and onward NHS treatment depends on the relevant services and individual circumstances. Confirm arrangements directly with the services involved.
Is private healthcare covered by health insurance?
Insurance cover, authorisation requirements and excesses vary by policy. Check directly with your insurer before arranging care. The clinic can explain its self-pay and invoice arrangements at booking.
Do I need a GP referral to see a private specialist?
The clinic confirms the appropriate appointment route and any referral requirements at booking. A referral letter can still be useful because it provides clinical context, and some insurers may require one.
How much does a private GP appointment cost in London?
Current Victoria Medical GP fees are published on the Pricing page. The clinic confirms availability and the appropriate appointment route at booking.
References
- [1]NHS England. Consultant-led Referral to Treatment Waiting Times Data. NHS England. 2024. https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/rtt-waiting-times/
- [2]NHS. Guide to NHS waiting times in England. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/
- [3]NHS. When to use NHS 111 online or call 111. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/
About this guide
Evidence-only information · Updated 29 August 2026
This guide summarises publicly available NHS information. For non-urgent concerns, the clinic can explain available routes and confirm arrangements at booking. Use NHS 111 or 999 when symptoms need urgent attention.
Discuss a non-urgent care route
The clinic can explain whether a route is appropriate and confirm appointment, reporting and follow-up arrangements at booking.
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