Costs of treatment will depend on the type of treatment required. But like NHS hospitals, private medical care will have similar health care standards that you would expect from your local GP or hospital.
Maternity Treatment
This is one of the commonest treatments offered by private hospitals. The costs will depend on your respective needs. For instance, a normal first baby delivery could cost around £3,000 while costs for a private obstetrician will be in the order of £3,000 – £4,000. Caesarean births will inevitably cost more.
That said, many private maternity hospitals which offer what’s called a ‘Midwife Led Delivery Service’ will generally be lower in cost. Similarly, there can be savings made when a private unit, within a National Health Service hospital is used, particularly in teaching hospitals. Pre and after birth medical care are also offered by private health care professionals, covering a range of services from 3D and 4D ultrasound scanning to hiring a nanny.
Laser Eye Treatment
This is another treatment that many people are now undergoing using private companies.
Called LASIK (Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis), the medical treatment involves reshaping the outer surface of the eye (that is the cornea) to improve your eyes’ ability to focus. It is a painless procedure (including recovery), so you will see an improvement in a short time.
LASIK treatment is offered by private surgeries and hospitals. Costs can vary between about £400 – £1000.
Before getting this or any surgery carried out it is important to ensure that the private practitioner is not only qualified but also complies with health care standards including consultation and after care standards. As such, getting advice from your GP or Optician should be paramount.
Cosmetic Surgery
Perhaps the one type of medical practice often associated with private health care is cosmetic surgery.
Nowadays, cosmetic treatments are wide and varied covering a whole range of medical problems. This can include relatively small scale operations such as eyelid surgery which involves removal of excess skin on the eyelid to tummy tucks and liposuction.
Eyelid surgery however can be expensive – £2,850 – £3,600; tummy tucks can cost upwards of £5,200 while liposuction which removes fat rather than skin can cost anything between £1,500 to £5,000.
When considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to take other factors into account and not just cost. Before making any decision you should consider the type of surgeon and the company he or she works for. Does the individual or company offer after care services for instance? Do they have an ethical health policy? Are their home health care standards up to scratch?
In short, ensure you do your research on the company and / or doctor before signing any contract. This is even more important if you are thinking of going abroad to get treatment.
Should You Go Private?
While going private can be expensive, it is an option if you are caught in a dilemma between having to suffer and having to wait for treatment on the NHS. Before doing so, however, get advice from your local GP or health professional.
