Private hospitals and clinics

Information for patients attending private hospitals and clinics

If you are thinking about using a private health provider, either by self-funding or private health insurance, we strongly advise you to first consider the information held within this patient information leaflet.

Please be aware that your GP practice is contracted to provide National Health Services, in line with a General Medical Services (GMS) contract, on behalf of NHS Highland. It is not contracted nor obliged to provide private services out with this contract, unless local arrangements have been agreed with the Health Board.

Surgery abroad without NHS referral

Choosing to pay to travel abroad for surgery is not recommended by NHS Scotland, or by the surgical specialist associations in the UK.

If you still wish to do this, be aware that NHS Scotland (including your GP practice) is under no obligation to provide pre and post-operative care other than emergency care.