How to see a private GP or same-day doctor in the UK
Checked: July 2026Private Health Compass finds the quickest route to a same-day GP is booking directly with a private GP provider by phone, app, or online, either as a one-off pay-as-you-go visit or a monthly subscription. Same-day video appointments are now close to standard; same-day in-person slots depend on local availability and cost more.
What counts as a same-day appointment
"Same-day" in UK private healthcare usually means one of two things: a video consultation booked and completed within hours, or a same-day in-person slot at a clinic that keeps capacity free for walk-in-style bookings. Video is the most reliably same-day option because it does not depend on a physical room being free. In-person same-day slots exist at larger private GP operators and dedicated same-day clinics, particularly in London, but availability changes hour to hour, so it is worth checking the live booking system or calling directly rather than assuming a slot is open.
What a same-day private GP appointment costs
Published prices vary by provider, appointment length, and whether you see someone online or in person. HCA UK, one of the UK's larger private hospital groups, lists pay-as-you-go GP appointments from £99, alongside subscription options from £25.49 a month for a "Flexible Care GP" plan, working out at £260 a year, rising to £56 a month for a plan that includes an annual health screen. London Doctors Clinic, a London-based same-day GP service, publishes flat per-length prices instead: from £89 for a 15-minute weekday or evening in-person appointment, from £105 at weekends, and a flat £70 for a 15-minute video consultation. Neither provider's consultation fee includes tests, imaging, or the cost of any prescribed medication; those are billed separately. We checked both price lists in July 2026; always confirm the current figure before you book, since clinic pricing changes without much notice.
We track this across more of the market. Our private GP price tracker compares published prices from 13 named UK providers, with the median and the central-London premium set out in full.
| Provider | Appointment type | Same-day availability | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCA UK | Pay-as-you-go, in person or video | Same-day, often within 24 hours | From £99 per appointment |
| HCA UK | Flexible Care GP subscription | Ongoing access, book as needed | From £25.49/month (£260/year) |
| London Doctors Clinic | 15-minute in person, weekday or evening | Same-day, subject to availability | From £89 |
| London Doctors Clinic | 15-minute video | Same-day | £70 flat |
NHS same-day options, for comparison
The NHS has same-day routes too: NHS 111 for urgent, non-emergency advice, and NHS urgent treatment centres for same-day walk-in care that does not need a booked GP appointment. A same-day, in-person appointment with your own NHS GP is not guaranteed; it depends entirely on your practice's capacity that day. Choosing a private GP does not remove you from any NHS list or change your registration with your NHS practice, according to NHS guidance on patient choice.
How to check a same-day provider before you book
- Confirm what is actually included: consultation only, or also prescriptions, referral letters, and basic tests.
- Check the doctor's entry on the GMC register to confirm they are licensed to practise, and see any conditions on their registration.
- Check the clinic's CQC rating if it operates a registered service in England; Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland each have their own equivalent regulator.
- Ask directly whether "same-day" means today, or the next available slot, before you commit to booking.
Comparing cover generally, or need a specialist instead of a GP?
We are not affiliated with HCA UK or London Doctors Clinic. See our editorial policy for how we choose which prices to publish.
Sources checked
Checked in July 2026. Prices and rules can change, always confirm the current figure with the provider before booking.
- HCA UK, private GP services Used for same-day appointment availability and pay-as-you-go and subscription prices, checked July 2026.
- London Doctors Clinic, prices Used for published in-person and video consultation prices by appointment length, checked July 2026.
- GMC, our registers Used for how to check a doctor is registered and licensed to practise.
- CQC, find a hospital Used for how to check a clinic or hospital rating in England.
- NHS, your choices in the NHS Used for NHS referral choice rights, for comparison with private routes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a same-day private GP appointment on the day I call?
Often yes for a video consultation, which is the most reliably same-day option. Same-day in-person slots exist too, particularly at larger providers and dedicated same-day clinics, but availability changes hour to hour, so check the live booking system or call before assuming a slot is open.
How much does a same-day private GP visit cost?
Published prices we checked in July 2026 range from £70 for a 15-minute video appointment to £280 or more for a longer in-person weekend appointment, plus separate charges for any tests or prescribed medication. Subscription plans can lower the per-visit cost if you expect to use one regularly.
Is a same-day private GP appointment quicker than the NHS?
Usually yes, for booking speed: private same-day slots are sold specifically for that purpose. The NHS also has same-day routes through NHS 111 and urgent treatment centres, but a same-day, in-person appointment with your own NHS GP is not guaranteed and depends on your practice.
Do private GP appointments include prescriptions and tests?
The consultation fee itself usually covers the appointment and clinical advice. Prescriptions, blood tests, imaging, and other diagnostics are typically billed separately, on top of the appointment price, at both providers we checked.
Do I need a referral to see a private GP?
No. Private GP appointments are normally self-referral: you book directly with the provider. A referral only becomes relevant if the GP then refers you on to a specialist or if you are claiming the cost through private medical insurance.
This guide is independent and informational only. It is not medical advice. See our disclaimer and editorial policy for how we research and how we handle affiliate links.