Private Neurology Appointment UK (2026): Costs, What to Expect & How to Book
Facing a long NHS wait for headaches, dizziness, numbness or memory problems? A private neurology appointment gets you a consultant neurologist — often within days. Here’s what it costs in 2026, what’s involved, and how to book.
⚠️ Some neurological symptoms are emergencies
Call 999 immediately for signs of stroke — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech (FAST) — or a sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache, a first or prolonged seizure, sudden confusion, vision loss or weakness. These need emergency care, not a booked private appointment. A private neurology appointment is for non-urgent investigation of ongoing symptoms.
Quick Answer
A private neurology appointment in the UK typically costs £220–£350 for a first consultation and £130–£190 for a follow-up, with nerve tests (EMG/NCS) around £210–£280 and a brain or spine MRI often £400–£550 if needed. You can usually be seen within 1–2 weeks, and many clinics accept self-referral.
Neurologists assess conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves — migraines, dizziness, numbness, epilepsy, memory problems and more. Below: costs, what to expect, and how to book.
On this page
What Is a Private Neurology Appointment?
A neurologist is a doctor specialising in conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. A private neurology appointment gives you fast access to a consultant neurologist for assessment, diagnosis and a treatment plan — bypassing NHS neurology waiting lists, which can run many months.
It’s ideal if you have ongoing symptoms like recurrent migraines, dizziness, numbness or tingling, tremor, or memory concerns and want answers quickly. You’ll typically get a longer appointment than the NHS can offer, and quick onward access to scans and nerve tests if needed.
Conditions a Private Neurologist Sees
Private neurologists assess and manage a wide range of conditions, including:
- Migraine & headache disorders — chronic or severe headaches, migraine with aura
- Epilepsy & seizures — evaluation and management
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) & other demyelinating conditions
- Neuropathy — nerve pain, numbness, tingling or weakness
- Parkinson’s disease & tremor
- Memory disorders & cognitive concerns
- Dizziness, vertigo & balance problems
- Stroke follow-up & TIA review
If your symptoms relate to nerve compression or back/neck problems, you may also want our guides to private brain MRI and spine imaging.
How Much Does a Private Neurology Appointment Cost? (2026)
| Item | Typical cost (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First neurology appointment | £220–£350 | Consultation & initial plan |
| Follow-up appointment | £130–£190 | Review after tests/imaging |
| EMG / nerve conduction study | £210–£280 | For nerve disorders |
| Brain / spine MRI | £400–£550 | Often needed for diagnosis |
| EEG (brain activity test) | £250–£450 | For seizures/epilepsy |
Indicative 2026 ranges — confirm with the clinic. The appointment itself is often the lowest cost; scans and tests add to it. Compare with our cost of seeing a private specialist guide.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A first private neurology appointment usually lasts 30–45 minutes and involves:
- A detailed discussion of your symptoms and history
- A neurological examination — testing reflexes, strength, sensation, coordination, balance and sometimes vision
- A working diagnosis and an investigation plan (scans, nerve tests or blood tests if needed)
- Discussion of treatment options and a follow-up plan
Some clinics ask you to arrange imaging or blood tests beforehand so the consultant can review them at the appointment — check when booking.
Neurology Tests & Scans
Neurology diagnosis often relies on tests the neurologist will arrange:
- Brain MRI and spine MRI — the most common neurological imaging
- EEG — records the brain’s electrical activity, used for seizures/epilepsy
- EMG / nerve conduction studies — assess nerve and muscle function for neuropathy
- CT scans and blood tests where relevant
For how scans compare and what they cost, see MRI vs CT and our diagnostics hub.
How to Book a Private Neurology Appointment
Many private neurology clinics accept self-referral — you can book directly, providing your symptom details and medical history, often with an appointment within 1–2 weeks. A GP referral is sometimes preferred (and usually needed if you’re claiming on insurance).
See our guides to GP referrals for private treatment, how to get a private referral, and how quickly you can see a private specialist. To find a provider, browse the private hospitals hub.
Does Insurance Cover Neurology?
Often yes — when medically needed and referred. Most private medical insurance covers neurology consultations, scans and nerve tests where you’ve been referred for investigation of symptoms, subject to your outpatient cover, limits and pre-authorisation.
⚠️ Pre-existing conditions
A new policy generally won’t cover investigating a neurological condition you already have or have had symptoms of — that’s pre-existing. If you already have symptoms, self-pay or the NHS are your routes. See pre-existing conditions explained.
To check what a policy would cover going forward, compare providers, and see does insurance cover diagnostics?
The bottom line
A private neurology appointment costs around £220–£350 and gets you a consultant neurologist in days to a couple of weeks, rather than the long NHS neurology wait — ideal for ongoing headaches, dizziness, numbness or memory concerns. Scans and nerve tests add to the cost but speed up diagnosis.
Urgent symptoms like stroke signs need 999, not a booked appointment. For ongoing, covered access to neurology and diagnostics, comparing health insurance can beat paying per appointment and scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a private neurology appointment in the UK?
Typically £220–£350 for a first consultation and £130–£190 for a follow-up. Nerve tests (EMG/NCS) are around £210–£280, an EEG £250–£450, and a brain or spine MRI £400–£550 if needed. The appointment is usually the lowest cost; tests add to it.
Can I book a private neurology appointment without a referral?
Often yes — many private neurology clinics accept self-referral, so you can book directly. A GP referral is sometimes preferred and is usually needed if you’re claiming on insurance.
How quickly can I see a private neurologist?
Usually within 1–2 weeks, sometimes sooner, compared with many months on the NHS for non-urgent neurology. Urgent symptoms should go through emergency care, not a booked appointment.
What conditions does a neurologist treat?
Conditions of the brain, spine and nerves — including migraine and headaches, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, Parkinson’s and tremor, memory disorders, dizziness and stroke follow-up.
Do I need tests before my appointment?
Sometimes — some clinics ask you to arrange imaging or blood tests beforehand so the neurologist can review them at the consultation. Check when you book.
Does insurance cover a private neurology appointment?
Usually when medically necessary and referred, subject to your outpatient cover, limits and pre-authorisation. A pre-existing neurological condition, or one you already have symptoms of, generally isn’t covered on a new policy.
- NHS — neurological conditions & stroke (FAST) guidance
- Association of British Neurologists — patient information
- Going Private UK — brain MRI, EEG & diagnostics guides (2026 indicative pricing)
Important information
This guide is produced independently by Going Private UK and is not affiliated with any clinic or insurer. Prices are indicative 2026 ranges — always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
We may earn a commission when readers compare or take out health insurance through our quote service — this never affects the guidance we give. This is general information, not medical advice. Call 999 for stroke signs (face/arm/speech), a sudden severe headache, a seizure, or sudden weakness, confusion or vision loss. Always consult a qualified doctor or neurologist about neurological symptoms.
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