UK Healthcare Calculators
The NHS is brilliant -- until you need a hip replacement and the wait is 18 months. That is the reality in 2025: the NHS is still free at the point of use, but waiting lists are hovering around 6 million people, and for a lot of procedures the honest question is not "should I go private?" but "can I afford not to?" A private hip replacement runs £10-15k. A private GP consultation is £50-150. Those are big numbers, and most people have no idea what the real cost difference is until they are already in pain and trying to decide under pressure.
These tools give you the numbers upfront so you can plan properly. Compare what common procedures actually cost on the NHS (free, but with the wait) versus going private. Check current NHS waiting times by trust and specialty -- because the wait in Devon is very different from the wait in Leeds. And if you are a healthcare professional thinking about setting up your own practice, work out the real startup costs including premises, CQC registration, staffing, and equipment. No sales pitch, just the figures you need to think it through clearly.
All Healthcare Tools (4 live)
NHS vs Private Cost Comparison
Compare NHS and private healthcare costs for common procedures, treatments, and consultations.
NHS Waiting Time Estimator
Estimate current NHS waiting times by trust and specialty to help plan your treatment options.
GP Practice Setup Cost Estimator
Estimate the costs of setting up a GP practice including premises, equipment, staffing, and CQC registration.
NHS Dental Cost Calculator
Calculate NHS dental treatment costs — Band 1, 2, 3 charges and exemption checker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private healthcare cost in the UK compared to the NHS?
Private healthcare costs vary significantly by procedure. A hip replacement costs around £10,000-£15,000 privately versus free on the NHS (but with a typical 12-18 month wait). A private GP consultation costs £50-£150 versus free on the NHS. Private health insurance premiums average £1,500-£2,500 per year for an individual, with family plans costing £3,000-£6,000. Many people use a combination -- NHS for emergencies and ongoing care, private for diagnostics and elective procedures where waiting times are long.
How long are NHS waiting times in 2025?
NHS waiting times in England vary significantly by trust, specialty, and procedure. As of early 2025, approximately 6 million people are on NHS waiting lists. The median wait for a consultant-led referral-to-treatment pathway is around 14 weeks, but some specialties like orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and ENT have median waits exceeding 20 weeks. Cancer two-week-wait referrals have improved, with over 90% seen within the target. A&E waiting times remain under pressure, with around 70% of patients seen within four hours against a 95% target.
How much does it cost to set up a GP practice in the UK?
Setting up a GP practice in the UK involves significant investment. Premises costs range from £200,000-£500,000 for a purchase or £30,000-£80,000 per year for a lease, depending on location and size. Equipment and IT systems cost £50,000-£150,000. CQC registration fees are around £3,000, plus ongoing inspection costs. Staffing is the largest ongoing expense -- a salaried GP costs £80,000-£120,000 per year, a practice nurse £35,000-£45,000, and reception staff £22,000-£28,000. Total startup costs typically range from £300,000 to £800,000.
Is private health insurance worth it in the UK?
Private health insurance is worth considering if you want faster access to consultants and treatment, a choice of specialist and hospital, private rooms, and flexible appointment times. It is particularly valuable for conditions with long NHS waits like joint replacements, cataracts, and hernias. However, it typically does not cover A&E treatment, GP visits, pre-existing conditions (initially), pregnancy, or dental care. Many employers offer it as a benefit. Individual premiums start from around £50/month for basic cover and increase significantly with age.
What are the CQC requirements for healthcare providers?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and social care providers in England. Registration requires demonstrating compliance with five key questions: is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led? Providers must have a registered manager, appropriate policies and procedures, adequate staffing levels, proper training records, and complaint handling processes. CQC conducts regular inspections and rates services as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate. Failing to register or comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
How do NHS prescription charges work?
NHS prescription charges in England are £9.90 per item in 2025/26. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In England, you are exempt from charges if you are under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education), over 60, pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, have certain medical conditions, receive certain benefits, or hold a valid NHS exemption certificate. A Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) costs £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for 12 months, saving money if you need more than three items per quarter.