Helping NHS patients
get treated faster

Here's how
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Doctor is here to help you make the right choices for your treatment
How we can
help you
See a
GP faster
Beat NHS
waiting times
A smarter way
to choose
health insurance
Waited too long?
Clinical negligence?
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Recent reviews

"I have used your website to great effect for my wife and her ENT assessment, thank you very much."

"Excellent and really useful"

"Really helpful site, thank you"

"8 weeks, that would be better. I didn't know you could choose anywhere in the country, I'll be honest."

"Brilliant"

"In a few moments you have availed to me what months of searching and research took to find. Please keep it up and grow the site."

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  • Avoid NHS waiting lists and see a private consultant of your choice

  • All featured brokers rate higher than 4 out of 5 on Trustpilot or Reviews.io

  • All quotes are free with no obligation.

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  • Totally impartial

  • All featured insurers rate higher than four out of five on Trustpilot, Feefo, or Reviews.io

  • All quotes are free with no obligation.

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Find the Right Online Doctor Quickly When You Need Care

  • Access prescriptions, referral letters and sick notes without travelling or sitting in waiting rooms

  • Choose from free and paid options

  • Some options include NHS referral for treatment.

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How Does the Hospital Search Work?

You have the legal right to have your free NHS treatment at an NHS or private hospital of your choice. Use Health Compare to make this choice, or to select the best hospital paid for by you or your insurance.

For example, you could be looking for hospitals that have the shortest waiting times for 'Cataract Surgery in Uttoxeter' or 'Hip Replacement in Southampton' or 'Knee Treatment in Chester'

Read our 3 things to do now to get your NHS treatment quicker guide

Start your search

You may also want to read our guides on

What 3 things mean you can claim for medical negligence?

What 3 things mean you can claim for NHS treatment delay?

Has waiting for your NHS treatment harmed your health?

A guide on how to choose the right hospital

1. Read our guide

Read our guide to choosing the right hospital for your treatment here

Search and compare hospitals

2. Search, compare and make enquiries

Use the site to make an enquiry at one or more hospitals

Inform your GP or Insurance Provider

3. Decide and inform your:

- GP/Online doctor (NHS)
- Chosen hospital (if self pay)
- Insurance provider (if insurance policy)

Online Doctors

Online doctors are designed to ensure you can get a GP appointment, even if you're not able to see a GP face to face. Some providers are linked to NHS practices and are able to offer you a direct replacement to seeing your own GP, but if this isn't an option through your own practice, you can still have a private consultation with an online doctor.

Choose an Online Doctor

Check that your chosen online doctor offers the service you need and you understand the costs.

Each online doctor operates slightly differently, here are some things to consider:

  • Do they have the ability to refer to an NHS consultant?

  • Are the fees for a referral included, or are they an additional cost?

  • Are they able to communicate directly with your own GP?

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Book an Appointment

Use the providers' website, app or give them a call to book your consultation.

Compare providers to find the one which is right for you:

  • Download the app, use the website or call the booking number

  • Create an account and book your appointment

  • You may need to pre-pay for your appointment

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Have Your Consultation Online

Speak to a qualified GP in the comfort of your own home.

Each provider operates slightly differently, here are some things to consider:

  • Follow the provider's guidance on what information you need to share ahead of your appointment

  • Find a suitable place to have your confidential consultation

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Choose well with Health Compare

Search and compare over 34,000 healthcare providers.

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Search and comapre over 20,000 health products

More Ways to Make the Right Choice

Find the right GP Practice for you

GP Practices

You have the right to choose your GP practice and practitioner, find the right GP practice for you

Health Compare enables comparison of over 6500 GP practices across England. Use Health Compare to find the right GP practice for you

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Find the right Care Home for you

Care Homes

Find the right care home for you or your family member

Health Compare brings together a variety of data sources to enable comparison of over 15,000 care homes in England. Use Health Compare to find the right care home for you or your loved one

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Find the right care at home for you

Care at Home

Care at home is an alternative to residential care homes

Use Health Compare to find the best quality, local, care at home providers across England

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a few things you'd like to clear up? We've put together the following simple answers to questions frequently thought, but rarely asked, about finding the right hospital for your treament.

Will I be charged for using Health Compare?

No, this service is completely free to the patient.

Will the NHS really pay for me to have my NHS treatment at a private hospital?

Yes. If you are referred by a GP for NHS treatment, the NHS will pay for your treatment at an NHS or private hospital of your choice, as the Health and Social Care Act 2013 gives you the legal right to choose. There are some exceptions*, but most private hospitals across the UK have a contract with the NHS to perform treatments on their behalf* (click here for Exceptions).

Can I change hospitals if I've been waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment?

Yes. Patients have a right to start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral or request an offer of alternative providers that can start their treatment sooner. The NHS must take all reasonable steps to meet patients' requests.

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