The NHS provides care free at the point of use, funded by general taxation. You register with a GP practice near your home; the GP is the gateway to almost all specialist and hospital care.
Emergency number: 999 (or 112)
The NHS 'referral to treatment' standard is 18 weeks; the diagnostic standard is 6 weeks. Actual waits vary widely by specialty and hospital.
My Planned Care (per-hospital waiting times) ↗
| Milestone | Reference |
|---|---|
| Referral to treatment | 126 days (~18w) |
| Diagnostic test | 42 days (~6w) |
| Urgent cancer referral seen | 14 days (~2w) |
Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Private GP appointment | £60–£120 |
| Private specialist consultation | £180–£300 |
| MRI, one area | £350–£600 |
| Cataract surgery, per eye | £2,400–£3,500 |
| Hip replacement | £12,000–£15,500 |
England: £9.90 per item (2025/26), or a Prepayment Certificate (£32.05 / 3 months, £114.50 / year). Free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and for exempt groups.
Visitors from countries with a reciprocal agreement (EU/EEA, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and others) get necessary NHS treatment. A&E and emergency care is free to everyone. Other visitors are charged 150% of the NHS tariff.