Safe, outstanding quality care
Paying for private healthcare: Step-by-step
By paying for your own treatment you can be seen faster, at a time to suit you. Below, we’ve outlined the step-by-step journey of a typical private self-pay patient. Our friendly enquiries team can give you more information about your individual needs. Call 01622 237 727 or email enquiries@kims.org.uk
Your Outpatient visit
Your Inpatient Visit
Follow Up
1. Contact our enquiries team for information & appointments
You can call or email our enquiries team who will give you all the information you need about our available treatments, prices, Consultants and appointment times.
As a self-pay patient, you can also choose the most convenient location for your outpatient appointments; either KIMS Hospital in Maidstone or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
We can also provide you with a written guide price if you know which procedure you are likely to need. We can also tell you if you need a GP referral in order to be seen at KIMS Hospital.
2. Arrange an initial consultation
Our enquiries team can book you an appointment with one of our experienced Consultants at a time to suit you. There are no waiting lists, and you can often see a Consultant in as little as 24 hours.
Initial consultation fees vary depending on which Consultant you see. Our team can tell you what each Consultant charges before you book. You will pay this to the Consultant’s secretary directly, either before or after your appointment.
3. Outpatient treatments, scans and tests
Your Consultant may recommend a scan, test or treatment. Our team will guide you through booking these on the day. It might be possible for you to have a treatment, scan or test immediately. Please note not all scans and tests are available at Sevenoaks Medical Centre, and you might need to come to KIMS Hospital for a more advanced diagnostic procedure.
Please be aware that scans, tests and treatments carried out during your consultation will incur additional charges. Your Consultant will charge a fee for their expertise separately and the hospital will charge for use of nursing, equipment and facilities. Our team will give you the price for your scan or test.
Some Consultants may wish to see you again to discuss your results. This will incur an additional charge paid directly to your Consultant.
4. Book your treatment
Once your Consultant has recommended a specific treatment, you can contact our enquiries team who can provide you with the price for your treatment and answer any further questions you may have about coming to KIMS Hospital. If your Consultant’s medical secretary requests a price on your behalf, we will write to you with your quote.
Your price is not final until after you have had your pre-admission assessment, which may pick up additional clinical needs that can alter the price of your procedure. If this does happen, we will write to you with a final fixed price. Your price will include everything from your pre-admission assessment through to your post-op follow up and any physiotherapy (if required).
From this point on you will be covered under our fixed-price guarantee, which means that all costs associated with your procedure are covered.
5. Paying for your treatment
You will be sent details of how to pay for your procedure. We accept payment by cheque, Online Bank Transfer or Credit/Debit card. We ask for funds to be cleared 3 days before your admission. For payments & billing, you can call our team on 01622 538 110.
6. Post-op follow-up consultation
If your Consultant recommends a post-op follow-up appointment after your inpatient procedure, the fee will be included in your fixed price. If your Consultant recommends subsequent follow up appointments, these will normally be charged at the Consultant’s usual follow up fee.
7. Physical Therapy
For some procedures such as hip and knee replacements, it is recommended that you have physiotherapy sessions for a number of weeks after your procedure. Your fixed price will include the cost of your sessions. You can have your physiotherapy at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
Self-pay FAQ
If I see a Consultant privately, do I need a referral letter?
Usually, your Consultant will require a referral letter. This is to ensure you are being referred to the right clinician. Some Consultants are happy to see patients without a referral, depending on the reason you need to see them. It is always best to check with our enquiries team prior to booking an appointment.
Will my appointment with a Consultant be confidential?
KIMS Hospital and your Consultant will send relevant details of your appointment to your GP unless you specifically request us not to. When you arrive for your appointment, we will give you a registration form to complete, On the back of this form is a box you can tick if you do not wish any details of your care at KIMS Hospital to be sent back to your GP.
How long is a consultation?
This will depend on the Consultant that you are seeing; a consultation can range from 15 minutes to 60 minutes.
I have private medical insurance, can I use this to see a Consultant?
If you have private medical insurance you could get the cost of your consultation and any necessary scans, tests and treatment covered by your insurance provider. You will need to speak with your insurance company to check exactly what is covered by your policy. Read more about using your insurance.
If I see a Consultant privately, can I be referred back to the NHS for any scans, tests or treatments I need?
The NHS and private pathways are separate, so your Consultant will not be able to refer you straight into the NHS for scans, tests or treatments. If you would like to be treated on the NHS, you will need to go back to your GP to be referred for a new consultation in line with NHS waiting times.
What is the waiting time for a procedure after seeing a Consultant?
Paying for your own treatment means you can be treated sooner, and at times to suit you. There are no waiting lists for treatment. Your Consultant will be able to discuss appropriate dates for your procedure with you during your consultations. Once agreed, KIMS Hospital will write to you with a formal date for your treatment.
Where can I have my appointments?
Depending on the consultant you choose, you can be seen at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre for most outpatient and imaging appointments.
If you need a procedure, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
Why choose KIMS Hospital
Fast access to expert consultants
State-of-the-art facilities
The people caring for you
Our commitment to leadership
Our patients recommend us
Award winning hospital
Funding your care is simple
Patient stories
I didn’t really think anything of the lump at first… I have private medical insurance through my husband’s work, so I booked an appointment in the Breast Clinic at KIMS Hospital. Imelda Bell – Breast clinic
My stay at KIMS Hospital was great, they really couldn’t do enough for me. The nursing team were incredibly caring and helpful at a very daunting time; everyone put me at ease. Colin Turner – Knee replacement
Going into KIMS Hospital, it was so welcoming and so hospitable, within such lovely environments where you come in it feels more like a hotel than a hospital. Phillipa – KIMS Hospital Patient
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.