Private contract surgery means paying directly for surgery without waiting for NHS care. It is often chosen when people want faster treatment, more control over their care, or if the NHS has long waiting lists. But before deciding, it's important to understand how much private surgery costs and what it includes (Strategic Dynamics).
In the United States, some medical treatments and surgeries can be very expensive – sometimes costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars (U.S. News). Even if you have health insurance, you might still have to pay a lot of money yourself, which can make it hard for many people to afford the care they need.
Health insurance plans can be very different. Some plans have low monthly payments, but they might come with high deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance starts helping), high total costs you have to pay in a year, or extra charges if you see doctors who are not in the insurance network (Yahoo Health Search).
The United States spends more money on health care than any other rich country. It is also the only developed country that does not have health care for everyone.
In the U.S., health care makes up 17.6% of the whole economy. In 2023, the country spent $4.9 trillion on health care. That’s about $14,570 for each person, and it’s 7.5% more than what was spent in 2022.
“The cost of health care usually goes up every year, and it’s very rare for prices to go down,” says John Hargraves, who works at the Health Care Cost Institute in Washington, D.C.
Private contract surgery is when a person pays a hospital or doctor directly for an operation. It can be done at private hospitals or private units inside NHS hospitals. You do not need private health insurance to get it. Some people also call it “self-pay surgery.”
People go private for many reasons:
Faster treatment: No long waiting lists.
Choice of doctor: Pick who you trust.
Better rooms: Private rooms with more comfort.
More flexible dates: Choose a date that suits you.
Each type of surgery has a different cost. For example:
Eye surgery (like cataract removal): Less complex, cheaper.
Joint replacements: More expensive due to hospital stay and rehab.
Heart surgery: Very costly due to the risk and expert care needed (6 Degrees Health).
Sometimes, the main price does not include:
Blood tests or scans
Follow-up visits
Medicines after surgery
Additional nights in hospital
Always ask for a full breakdown before agreeing to the surgery.
You can pay in different ways:
Savings: Many use their own money.
Payment Plans: Some hospitals offer monthly payments
Private Insurance: If you have it, cheque what’s covered.
Loans: Some use medical loans.
It depends on your needs:
Pros:
Quick treatment
More comfort
Pick your doctor
Cons:
Expensive
May not cover complications
Not always better results
Think about what matters most to you.
Look for:
Experience and training
Good reviews
Clear price information
Safe and clean hospitals
You can search online or ask your GP for suggestions.
Ask these questions:
Q1: What does the price include?
Q2: Who will do the surgery?
Q3: What are the risks?
Q4: How long is the recovery?
Q5: What support is given after?
Clear answers will help you feel ready.
Compare hospitals and packages
Ask about weekday vs weekend prices
Choose bundled packages
Avoid peak times (like winter)
Planning can save you money and stress.
You arrive early
Meet the surgeon and nurse
Surgery happens under local or general anaesthetic
Short rest, then go home (same day or next)
It’s smooth and organised.
After the surgery:
You may get home visits or phone calls
Follow-up cheques are arranged
You get a phone number for help anytime
Recovery support is often better in private care.
Private contract surgery gives speed, choice, and comfort. But it can be expensive. Always get full details, compare clinics, and think about what’s best for your health and wallet.