Paying for yourself

There are lots of reasons for choosing private healthcare:

• A private healthcare provider offers the treatment you want
• Fast access to treatment
• You want to choose the date for a hospital operation
• Choosing a consultant or specialist you want to see
• Getting a second opinion on treatment you've already had
• You want a health screening
• The option to have treatment(s) may not be available on the NHS

Why do people pay for their own healthcare?

You might fund your own medical treatment if:

• You prefer not to wait for NHS treatment
• You don’t have private health insurance: private health insurance can help you with the cost of some treatments, but there are usually some exclusions involved
• You aren’t eligible for NHS treatment: if you’re not a UK or EEA national you might not qualify for free treatment

How much does private medical treatment cost?

The cost of private medical treatment will depend on many factors, such as the degree of treatment you need and the hospital you’re treated at.

At Spire Healthcare we publish guide prices for a range of treatments on our website. Following the initial consultation, we’ll offer you a single, fixed price which will cover all your treatment costs so you won't get any unexpected bills or charges. You can call our Private Patient Sales Advisers to discuss treatments and to get a quote.

Treatment costs must be paid in full before admission.

What is included in self-funded treatment?

If you are having surgery then this is known as ‘fixed price or all-inclusive surgery’. This is a type of contract which sets out what is included and what isn’t so you know exactly what you are paying for. This contract includes:

• Private room
• Nursing care
• Theatre time
• Drugs used
• Dressings used
• Costs incurred because of complications
• Pre-operative tests
• Consultation fee
• Anaesthetist fee
• Costs of post-treatment medication

It doesn’t include:

• Further tests after pre-assessment
• Personal extras such as phone calls, meals for guests

How does self-pay work?

Step 1: Before booking an appointment, you may need a referral letter from your NHS GP. If you already know the type of consultant you need to see, you can call the hospital to make an appointment.

Step 2: Your GP will recommend a specialist consultant and write a private patient referral letter on your behalf. You can then self-refer and call the hospital to make an appointment.

Step 3: If you need any tests or scans, these can be undertaken either before or after your initial consultation. Your GP may already know what tests you need or your consultant will advise you.

Step 4: After the appointment, the consultant will write to your GP to update them on what they have found. You may also have a follow up appointment with the consultant to discuss any test or scan results.

Step 5: After the appointment, the Private Patient Sales Advisers can give you a personalised Inclusive Care package price if inpatient treatment is needed. An all-inclusive care package price will include all aspects of your care while in hospital and includes one follow-up consultation.

Step 6: Once you’ve decided to go ahead with treatment, admission will be arranged.

How do you pay for treatment?

When you visit a Spire hospital for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment, the hospital and your consultant are likely to ask you for payment separately. This is because your consultant isn’t employed by Spire, and so will usually bill you independently for fees.

If you’re coming in for a procedure under an Inclusive Care package:

• The hospital will discuss and agree the cost of the package with you before your visit
• You’ll need to pay for your treatment before you come into hospital
• The inclusive care price will include the professional fees of your consultant while you’re in hospital and usually one follow-up consultation
• The terms of your inclusive package and appointment letter will confirm what is and isn’t included
• Any additional items will be charged to you separately

For outpatient diagnostics, treatments and sundry items for that require payment, we’ll arrange to settle the balance on the day of your appointment, where possible. Sometimes your bill will need to be generated after you’ve left the hospital and we’ll write to you about the payment process. [Link to billings FAQs]