NHS Vs Private Healthcare

Since its launch in 1948, the NHS has grown to become the world’s largest publicly funded health service. You could argue it’s the most cost-effective healthcare system in the world in terms of the extent of care it provides, and while its difficulties are widely documented, it’s also internationally renowned as a system for quality healthcare delivery.

Despite this, the UK’s private healthcare market hit £5.6 billion in value in 2019.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of private healthcare and the NHS in the UK?

Waiting times

For everyone it seems, waiting times are one of the main reasons why people turn to private health; they want to cut down the time they have to wait to have a procedure. Latest reports state that more than 400,000 patients are now waiting more than the maximum 18 weeks after referral for treatment, up by 60,000 since 2019.

Comfort: You get what you pay for

Whilst shorter waiting times may be what attracts people into private healthcare, comfort is what allures people to carry on using it. Whilst the NHS will be trying to get you home as soon as possible to free up another bed, private healthcare will be more personal and less clinical.

Everything from the waiting room to the treatment room, it can feel more like a hotel than a hospital. Typically, you can enjoy better food, modern ensuite bathrooms and a lot more privacy. Visitation hours are also less likely to be restricted when going private too.

Breadth of treatment

Private healthcare insurance doesn’t cover all treatments and your treatment will be dependent on your level of insurance. You might not find the same depth of experience for complex treatments in private hospitals as you would on the NHS.

The NHS won’t pay for some niche drugs because of cost; you’re more likely to have access to those sorts of drugs if you’re being treated privately.

Cost

Cost is the main reason why people stay with the NHS; it provides free treatment to millions, 365 days per year. The price of private healthcare varies depending on your level of cover and whether you use ‘pay as you go’ options.

The average monthly premium for a 50-year old non-smoker with £500 deductible excess is approximately £88 based on having a full outpatient plan.

Price varies on a ‘pay as you go’ option depending on your level of treatment; for example, you can expect to pay in excess of £10,000 (national average), for a knee replacement.

The level of care you receive through private healthcare or the NHS shouldn’t differ hugely as they’re both dedicated to providing each patient the highest level of care, but factors surrounding both the NHS and private healthcare create different experiences.

Final Word

The great position UK residents are in is that they have a choice. The NHS provides a solid foundation of free healthcare, but if you’re looking for faster, more comfortable and more personal healthcare, the UK has some of the best private healthcare in the world.