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Private healthcare rights

Private healthcare rights

As a private patient you still have rights — including safe, regulated care and a clear way to raise concerns or complain.

At a glance

  • Private healthcare in England is regulated and inspected by the CQC.
  • You should get clear information about costs and how to complain.
On this page (2 sections)

Overview

Private healthcare in England is regulated, and providers are inspected by the Care Quality Commission. As a private patient you should receive safe care, clear information about costs, and a way to raise concerns [1].

Before you start

Before beginning private treatment, ask for clear information about costs and what is included, and how to complain if you are unhappy [1].

Sources

  1. NHS. NHS services (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.

About this page

Written by
Consumer Health editorial team
Medical review
Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
Last updated
August 2026
Next review due
August 2027

Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.

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