Unlike other healthcare systems, most people in the UK rely exclusively on the NHS for care. Everyone will require the NHS at some point in their lives – it’s why it’s such a beloved institution. Even when people choose to go private, the NHS still forms a big chunk of their care.
However, with the post-COVID waiting list rising, more and more patients are opting to go private. As of early 2024, there were 7.5 million patients on NHS waiting lists. Skyrocketing demand has led 1 in 8 Britons to pay for private healthcare due to long waiting lists. Between 2022-23, private admissions rose by 7%, with an increase in both insurance and self-paid treatments.
But is private healthcare better than the NHS? Are there alternative solutions within the NHS? And what are your options? Let’s find out.
In this guide:
- NHS vs. private healthcare: What’s the difference?
- Is private healthcare worth the money?
- Does private healthcare shorten waiting times?
- You’re using the NHS incorrectly
NHS vs private healthcare: What’s the difference?
The most obvious difference between the NHS and private hospitals is the cost. The NHS prides itself on being “free at the point of use.” Whatever treatments you receive, you’ll never have to pay. The downside is that it leads to some healthcare rationing – be it in terms of waiting times or access to advanced treatments.
Consider these differences:
| NHS | Private Healthcare | |
| Cost | Free at the point of use, funded by taxes | Paid for directly or via insurance |
| Waiting Times | Often longer due to high demand | Typically shorter with faster access |
| Choice of Doctor | Limited choice, assigned by the NHS | Freedom to choose a specific doctor/specialist |
| Facilities | Standard facilities, varying by location | Often more modern with private rooms |
| Availability of Treatments | Covers all essential medical treatments | May offer wider range of treatments, including some not available on the NHS |
| Focus | Universal healthcare for all residents | Tailored, individualised care options |
Is private healthcare worth the money?
Yes and no – it all depends on who you ask.
If you’re in pain or struggling with a chronic condition, getting seen in days, not weeks or months, is certainly worth the money. However, while some may enjoy perks like a nicer room, others are likely to see it as a needless expense.
According to Which?, most people receiving private healthcare are happy with their care. But few pay extra for better food or private rooms. The biggest driver was how quickly you’re treated. Little wonder then that private healthcare spiked as the NHS waiting times lengthened.
There’s also the choice of how to pay for healthcare. Patients may choose private insurance as a long-term commitment or opt to pay for a one-off procedure. The average self-paying patient is doing so out of desperation – they feel they have little choice.
Does private healthcare shorten waiting times?
Yes. Most people who go private will receive an appointment within a few days. The waiting time from your first consultation to treatment (including surgeries) is often less than a week.
In contrast, the NHS aims to get all patients seen for the first time within 18 weeks of the first referral – although it often takes much longer. A cancer specialist should see you within 2 weeks. That being said, not all waiting times are the same. Some providers will see patients in just a few days, while others have a months-long list.
You’re using the NHS incorrectly
It seems that if you want to get seen quickly, you have to go private. But is that really the case? Well, there’s an aspect of the NHS few patients know about: the right to choose.
It states that you can choose your provider and clinical team for any non-urgent secondary care referral. That means when your GP refers you, you have complete freedom regarding where you are seen. The problem is most patients are restricted to in-person hospital consultations.
Medefer is the antidote to long waiting times
Medefer is an innovative outpatients service that connects patients with NHS specialists. We provide timely access to specialist services, helping you receive a diagnosis and treatment faster. It’s an aspect of the NHS that few patients take advantage of.
Best of all, it doesn’t cost a penny. We work closely with NHS providers, organising everything from your first review through to testing and treatment. We provide an information pack detailing everything you need to know, and your specialist will write to your GP with a personalised management plan. If, for whatever reason, Medefer isn’t right for you, we’ll refer you to another service that you choose.
With patients primarily choosing private healthcare due to waiting times, the right to choose offers the perfect solution, saving money and time.
Why wait weeks for a specialist appointment when your GP refers you? With Medefer, a consultant will review your case within just 48 hours! We’ll take care of everything—from organising any necessary tests to ensuring you get timely follow-up care, so you won’t experience unnecessary delays.
Want to know more? Simply email us at patients@medefer.com or call 08000 112 113—we’re here to help!
