This page explains what treatments are available privately for stroke care and rehabilitation. It also includes information on how to get private treatment and how to pay for it.

On this page

What private treatments are available for stroke?
How do I get private treatment?
Can I have private and NHS treatment at the same time?
How do I pay for private treatment?
Other sources of help and information
Accessible formats

What private treatments are available for stroke?

You can use private healthcare for most aspects of stroke care. Any health treatment you pay for yourself, either directly or through medical insurance, is known as private treatment.

If you have a stroke, you'll be taken by ambulance to an NHS hospital for diagnosis and emergency treatment. But it's possible to be transferred later to a private hospital to continue treatment, if you're well enough to be moved.

You can also choose to have private stroke rehabilitation therapies, to help with the effects of your stroke and your recovery. This might include:

• Physiotherapy.
• Speech and language therapy.
• Psychological services like counselling.
• Dietary support from a dietitian.

You can also have diagnostic and health screening checks for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) done privately, such as scans and blood tests.

Some people decide to use private health providers for a number of reasons, including:

• To have quicker access to certain treatments or therapies if there’s a longer wait on the NHS.
• To carry on therapy after NHS therapy has ended.
• To have more choice about where and when you are treated.
• To be treated by a particular specialist.
• For a second opinion on diagnosis or treatment.
• To have a treatment not available on the NHS. If you’re considering doing this, discuss your situation with your GP, therapist or stroke consultant first. They can explain the benefits and risks of the treatment, and what other support is available for you.

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How do I get private treatment?

You can sometimes go directly to the private healthcare provider to ask for treatment. Some providers ask you for a referral or letter from a healthcare professional, such as your GP or a therapist.

If you have medical insurance and are using it to pay for treatment, they may ask for proof the professional treating you is qualified and registered. Some insurance companies ask you to use their preferred providers.

It can be a good idea to visit your GP first to discuss your symptoms. They can suggest types of treatment and where to get it on the NHS or privately. If your GP thinks you need to see a specialist and you would like a private referral, they can write a referral letter, explaining your condition and medical history. There is no charge for this.

Finding a provider

You can search for healthcare professionals and healthcare bodies like hospitals online. We have included some useful websites and phone numbers in the Other sources of help and information section below.

Check what services the provider offers. Ask them if they’re experienced and qualified in stroke care. Ask for a cost for the treatment you need and to detail what’s included. Check if anything is not included, such as fees for tests or aftercare if needed.

You can compare different options and choose the best provider for you.

Checking your provider

Only use private healthcare professionals or organisations who can provide evidence of qualifications and accreditation. They should be happy to share these details with you. For individuals like therapists and doctors, you can check their details and qualifications with the professional body they belong to.

Hospitals and other care providers must be registered with the main regulator in their area. Regulators publish inspection reports on providers on their websites.

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Can I have private and NHS treatment at the same time?

Having private treatment does not affect your right to treatment from the NHS. You can also stay on an NHS waiting list if you have a private consultation.

Any private treatment should happen at a different time and in a different place to your NHS treatment. The only exception is if there are patient safety concerns – for example, if an NHS hospital in-patient is too ill to be moved to a private facility for additional private treatment. Approval may be needed from your doctor and the NHS trust’s medical director first.

Some NHS organisations offer private healthcare services, but this should take place somewhere separate from NHS care. This could be in a private room or a different part of the building.

You must tell your doctors and therapists about all the treatments you’re receiving, so they can ensure your care is consistent.

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How much does private treatment cost?

The cost of private treatment varies depending on where you live and the type of treatment you need. Make sure you research all the costs involved before deciding on any treatment.

If you are having private rehabilitation therapy, such as physiotherapy, the cost can also vary by the length of treatment sessions and how many sessions you need. Some therapists may charge more for treatment at your home than at a clinic.

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How do I pay for private treatment?

Medical insurance

Some employers offer medical insurance as a benefit, or you can buy your own. With some insurance policies, you pay for the treatment yourself and then claim the money back. Other policies pay the hospital or therapist directly.

Check what conditions and treatments are included in your insurance, and whether treatments are covered in full or in part. Get a written agreement that your insurance company will pay and check if they need a referral from your GP.

Be aware that pre-existing health conditions may not be covered if you take out a new policy.

Paying for yourself

You can pay directly for the cost of your treatment, if you do not have medical insurance or do not wish to use your insurance. Some healthcare providers offer finance options to help you pay, such as loans or instalment plans. You should get independent advice if you’re thinking about taking out a loan or credit agreement.

The private provider should give you a clear, written outline of all the costs involved before you agree to treatment.

Grants

Some organisations, such as charities, provide grants to help with some types of therapy. These may be means-tested or have other eligibility criteria. See Funding private healthcare below.

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Other sources of help and information

Accessible formats

The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:

• Download this information:
  • PDF
  • Large print Word document
• Order a printed copy from our shop.
• To request a braille copy, email feedback@stroke.org.uk