How Much Is Private Surgery UK?

When thinking about private surgery, it’s important to first ask for a full quote from the hospital or clinic. This quote should include all costs, like the surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, tests before surgery, and care after the surgery. You can get this by talking directly to the clinic or your doctor. Some private hospitals offer fixed-price packages, which means you pay one set price for everything. This makes it easier to plan your budget (source).

Paying for private surgery needs good money planning. Try to save money just for healthcare and think about opening a savings account just for medical costs. You can also look at payment options like monthly plans from the clinic or medical loans. These choices let you pay in smaller amounts over time, which can make the cost easier to manage (source).

A first appointment with a private doctor usually costs £150 or more, and this does not include any extra tests you might need. If you need a private surgery, the price can be much higher thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds. For example, a cataract operation usually costs around £2,900 for one eye.

A hip or knee replacement is much more, costing around £14,700. Prices can change a lot depending on where you go. For example, a hip replacement might cost between £10,420 and £17,960, depending on the doctor or hospital. This information comes from the LaingBuisson 2025 Private Healthcare Market Report (source).

Average Costs of Popular Private Surgeries 

The expenses for private surgeries can vary widely. For instance:

 

Prices for private surgery usually come in a package deal. This means the cost often includes hospital fees, staff pay, meals, and sometimes follow-up appointments, so you won’t get surprise bills later (source).

When comparing prices between hospitals, make sure to cheque what’s included in each package, as this can be different from one place to another.

It’s not only surgery that people pay for. Some patients choose to pay for faster appointments with a doctor or specialist to get a quicker diagnosis if they are worried about symptoms. Sometimes this leads to private treatment, but it can also continue with NHS care, depending on what is needed (source).

According to the NHS guide to private care, you are still allowed to use free NHS services, even if you pay for some private care. However, your private and NHS care must be kept clearly separate.

This means you will need to keep track of your appointments and care plans and ask questions if you’re unsure what to do next. It’s important to stay organised to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What is Fixed-Price Surgery?

Fixed-price surgery means the private hospital gives you one total price for your treatment. This price includes everything – your consultant’s fee, the surgery, any tests, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and aftercare (source).

Whether you stay for the day or overnight, you pay the same set amount. Even if you need to stay in hospital longer for medical reasons, you won’t have to pay extra.

This way, you know exactly how much it will cost from the beginning, and there are no surprise bills later on.

Ways to Pay for Private Surgery

1. Self-Pay

This means using your own money to pay for the surgery. It’s a good option if you don’t have private health insurance and have some savings. It also helps you avoid long NHS waiting times.

2. Private Medical Insurance

If you have private health insurance, it might pay for some or all of the surgery, depending on your plan. This is often the cheapest way to pay. Just remember, you may need to pay a small amount yourself (called an excess).

3. Medical Loan

You can take a loan made for medical treatments. Some loans don’t charge interest. You pay the clinic upfront, then repay the loan in small monthly payments.

Conclusion

Choosing how to pay for private surgery can feel confusing, but you have options. Whether you use your own savings, private health insurance, or a medical loan, it’s important to choose what works best for you. Always take time to compare prices and speak to your insurance provider if you have one.

If you’re looking for fast treatment with no waiting time, expert advice, and the best consultants for your private surgery, Heal-Private is here to help. They offer trusted care and support at every step, making your journey smooth and stress-free.