NHS Waiting Times Alternative
The main alternative to NHS waiting times is private healthcare—private GPs for immediate access, and private specialists for faster treatment. The Online GP offers same-day appointments from £49. For specialist care, private referrals can reduce waits from months to days.
Current NHS Waiting Times (2026)
GP appointments:
Routine: 2-4 weeks average
Urgent: Same-day possible but competitive
A&E:
4+ hour waits common
Target: 76% seen within 4 hours (currently ~70%)
Specialist referrals:
18-week target frequently missed
Some specialties: 40-60+ weeks
Cancer: 62-day target (often breached)
Private Alternatives to NHS
For GP Access: Private Online GP
Wait time: Same-day
Cost: From £49
What you get:
30-minute consultation (vs 10 min NHS)
Prescriptions, sick notes, referrals included
Video or in-person
For Specialist Access: Private Referral
Wait time: Days to weeks (vs months on NHS)
Cost: £150-300 for initial consultation (varies by specialty)
How it works:
See private GP
Get referral letter to private specialist
Book appointment (often within 1-2 weeks)
See specialist
For Tests and Scans: Private Diagnostics
Wait time: Days (vs weeks/months on NHS)
Examples:
MRI: £300-700 private (weeks faster)
Blood tests: Same/next day
Ultrasound: £150-300
When to Use Private vs NHS
Use private when:
Can't wait for NHS appointment
Need urgent letter or prescription
Want longer consultation time
Need quick referral to specialist
Condition affecting work/life quality
Use NHS when:
Not urgent
Ongoing chronic condition management
Cost is concern
Already on NHS treatment pathway
Can I Use Both?
Yes. Many people use:
Private GP for immediate access
NHS for ongoing/chronic care
Private for quick tests
NHS for treatment/surgery
There's no rule against mixing NHS and private care.
Book Private GP
Skip the wait. See a doctor today.
From £49. The Online GP.
The Online GP. Same-day access when NHS isn't available.
