A private GP appointment in London typically costs £80–£150 in person, usually available same-day or next-day. The market splits into pay-as-you-go clinics, membership practices charging a monthly or annual fee, and digital-first services — many insurance policies also include virtual GP access at no extra cost, which is worth checking before you pay per visit.
- ✓London private GP appointments typically cost £80–£150 in person.
- ✓Same-day or next-day appointments are the norm, not the exception.
- ✓Many insurance policies include virtual GP access — check before paying per visit.
What a private GP costs in London
The core product is simple: a longer appointment (usually 15–30 minutes), at a time you choose, typically same-day or next-day. In London, the standard in-person consultation sits around £80–£150, with premium Harley Street-style practices above that and shorter or video appointments below. Extras are where bills grow — blood tests, prescriptions and referral letters are usually charged on top, so ask for the full price list up front.
| Service | Typical London price |
|---|---|
| Standard in-person GP appointment | £80–£150 |
| Video/phone GP appointment | £40–£100 |
| Longer or premium-practice appointment | £150–£250+ |
| Common add-ons (bloods, letters, prescriptions) | Charged separately — ask first |
Our private GP cost guide covers UK-wide pricing in more depth.
The three models: pay-as-you-go, membership, digital
- Pay-as-you-go clinics. The bulk of the market — city and neighbourhood clinics where you book and pay per appointment. Best for occasional use; no commitment.
- Membership practices. A monthly or annual fee buys ongoing access to a named GP, longer appointments and same-day availability — popular in central London for continuity of care. Costs vary widely by practice; make sure you'd use it enough to beat paying per visit.
- Digital-first services. App-based GP consultations, often within hours, at the lower end of the price range — good for straightforward issues, prescriptions and referrals, less suited to anything needing examination.
How to choose, practically
Clinical standards are regulated by the CQC wherever you go, so choosing is mostly about fit. Occasional need with no strings: a pay-as-you-go clinic near work or home. Ongoing conditions or a preference for one doctor who knows you: a membership practice earns its fee through continuity. Quick, simple issues: digital is cheapest and fastest. Two things worth checking whoever you choose: whether the practice can refer you onwards privately (most can — the referral letter is often the real reason to go), and what add-ons cost, since a £95 appointment can become £250 with bloods and a letter.
Location logic is worth a thought too. London's private GP clinics cluster around the City, the West End and the wealthier residential neighbourhoods, so most office workers have several options within a ten-minute walk — which makes same-day booking genuinely usable in a lunch break. If you're outer-borough, a video-first service with occasional in-person visits usually beats trekking into zone 1.
Using private GPs often?
Private GP as a gateway, not a destination
For many Londoners, the private GP visit is step one of a longer journey — the fast referral into a private consultant, scan or operation. That's where the economics tip towards insurance: paying £80–£150 per GP visit is fine, but the consultant (£150–£300), diagnostics (MRI £300–£500) and any surgery behind it add up quickly if you're self-paying. If you find yourself using private primary care regularly, it's worth pricing cover — a healthy 30-year-old starts from around £38/month, and most policies bundle the virtual GP in. The maths is straightforward: a handful of private GP visits plus one scan a year already approaches the cost of entry-level cover — and cover keeps going when something serious turns up. If private primary care has become your habit rather than your exception, comparing policies is the logical next step.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private GP appointment cost in London?
Typically £80–£150 for a standard in-person appointment, with video consultations from around £40 and premium practices charging £150–£250 or more. Add-ons — blood tests, prescriptions, referral letters — are usually charged separately, so ask for the full price list before booking.
Can I get a same-day private GP appointment in London?
Usually, yes — same-day or next-day availability is the norm across London's private GP clinics, and digital services often offer appointments within hours. That speed, plus longer appointment times of 15–30 minutes, is the core of what you're paying for.
Are membership private GP practices in London worth it?
They can be, if you value continuity — a named GP who knows you, longer appointments and guaranteed same-day access. Fees vary widely by practice, so do the maths against pay-as-you-go: if you'd visit only once or twice a year, paying per appointment is usually cheaper.
Can a London private GP refer me to a specialist?
Yes — private GPs can write private referral letters to consultants, and this is often the main practical reason for the visit. Most insurers accept these referrals, though some prefer their own virtual GP's; check your policy's referral rules before paying for an appointment.
Do I need a private GP in London if my insurance includes a virtual GP?
Often not — most health insurance policies include 24/7 virtual GP access at no extra cost, and it can issue the referrals your policy needs. In-person private GPs still earn their fee when you need a physical examination or prefer continuity with one doctor.