Private Gynaecologist in Kensington and Harley Street: What to Know Before Booking

For many women, the decision to see a private gynaecologist is prompted by a specific frustration: a long NHS wait, a concern that did not feel adequately addressed in a ten-minute GP appointment, or simply the desire for the kind of thorough, specialist-led care that is not readily available on the NHS. If you are considering booking a private gynaecology consultation for the first time — particularly if you are from a healthcare culture where seeing a gynaecologist directly is normal — the process in London may feel unfamiliar. It is, in fact, straightforward.

No referral is needed

The single most important thing to know is that you do not need a GP referral to see a private gynaecologist. You can book directly with the consultant of your choice, for any reason — a routine check-up, a specific symptom, a second opinion, or a concern you feel needs specialist attention. There is no gatekeeper.

The one caveat is insurance. Some private health insurance policies require a GP referral letter in order to authorise and reimburse a specialist consultation. If you intend to claim on your insurance, it is worth checking this before you book. Many insurers, however, now offer open-referral policies that allow you to self-refer to a specialist on their approved list.

What a first appointment involves

A private gynaecology consultation is designed to give you time. Where an NHS GP appointment typically lasts ten minutes, a private first consultation generally runs to 30 to 45 minutes. That is enough time for a genuinely thorough assessment.

A typical first appointment in my practice follows a consistent structure:

History taking. I begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, your menstrual history, your contraception, any previous pregnancies, your family medical history, and your general health. This is the foundation of everything that follows, and it is never rushed. Many women tell me that this conversation alone — being listened to without a clock ticking — is what they value most about private care.

Clinical examination. If appropriate to your reason for attending, this may include a pelvic examination, a breast examination, or both. I explain exactly what I am doing and why, and nothing is performed without your explicit consent. If you would prefer not to be examined on a first visit, that is entirely respected.

Investigations. Depending on your clinical picture, I may perform a transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound during the consultation, take a cervical smear if you are due, or arrange blood tests. The ability to perform investigations on the same day — rather than arranging them weeks later through separate NHS appointments — is one of the practical advantages of private care.

Discussion and plan. Before you leave, we discuss my findings, any working diagnosis, and the plan going forward. This might involve treatment, further investigation, monitoring, or reassurance. You receive a clear summary, and I am available for follow-up questions by email or phone — something that is rarely possible in the NHS model.

Understanding the costs

Transparency about fees matters. Private healthcare in London varies in cost depending on the clinic, the consultant, and the investigations required, but I want to give you a realistic framework so that there are no surprises.

Initial consultation: A first appointment with a private gynaecologist in London typically costs between £200 and £350. This usually covers the consultation itself, including history taking, examination, and discussion. Some clinics include a basic ultrasound in this fee; others charge separately.

Follow-up consultation: A return appointment, usually shorter (15 to 30 minutes), typically costs between £150 and £250.

Additional investigations: Procedures such as a detailed pelvic ultrasound, blood tests, or a smear test may incur additional charges. These are always discussed with you in advance so that you can make an informed decision.

I understand that cost is a consideration, and I am always happy to discuss what is clinically necessary versus what is optional. Preventive care does not have to mean exhaustive testing at every visit — a focused, clinically appropriate consultation is often the most valuable thing.

Insurance and French health cover

Many of my patients use private health insurance to cover their consultations. The most commonly accepted insurers at my clinics include:

• Bupa
• AXA Health
• Aviva
• Cigna
• Vitality

For French women specifically, international insurers such as April International and the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger) frequently cover private specialist consultations in London. Coverage varies by plan, so I always recommend confirming with your insurer before your appointment. Some policies require pre-authorisation or a GP referral letter; others allow direct specialist access.

If you are self-funding, the clinic will confirm the exact fees at the time of booking so that you know precisely what to expect.

Two locations: Kensington and Harley Street

I practise at two clinics in central London, each with its own character and practical advantages.

The Medical Chambers Kensington is located at 10 Knaresborough Place, London SW5 0TG — a quiet, residential street just off Cromwell Road, a short walk from Gloucester Road tube station. This is the heart of London’s French community. The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, the Institut Français, the French Consulate, and a network of French shops and restaurants are all within walking distance. For many of my French patients, the location itself feels reassuring — it is a familiar part of London, and the clinic is easily accessible on the school run or between errands in the neighbourhood.

Harley Street Gynaecology is at 25 Harley Street, London W1G 8QW, in the historic medical quarter of Marylebone. Harley Street has been synonymous with specialist medical care in London for over two centuries. The clinic is within easy reach of Bond Street, Regent’s Park, and Baker Street tube stations.

Both locations offer the same standard of care. The choice between them is usually a matter of geography and convenience.

What to bring to your first appointment

Preparation helps us make the most of your consultation time. I suggest bringing:

• A list of any current medications, including contraception, supplements, and over-the-counter remedies
• Any recent test results or medical letters you have — including from France, if you have copies of previous ultrasound reports, blood tests, or smear results
• Your insurance details if you intend to claim, including your policy number and any pre-authorisation reference
• A note of the dates of your last period and any symptoms you want to discuss — it is easy to forget things in the moment
• Any questions you have been wanting to ask a gynaecologist — there is no question too small

If you have seen a gynaecologist in France and have records from those consultations, they can be extremely useful — even if they are in French. I am happy to review them and integrate that history into your ongoing care.

Follow-up and ongoing care

A first consultation is not the end of the process — it is the beginning of a relationship. After your appointment, you will receive a written summary of the consultation and any findings. If further investigations are needed, I will arrange them promptly. If treatment is recommended, we will discuss the options together and agree a plan that works for you.

For women who want the kind of ongoing, longitudinal care they are accustomed to — whether that is an annual well-woman check-up, regular contraception reviews, or monitoring of a specific condition — I am here for the long term. That continuity is something I consider central to good gynaecological care, and it is something that a private consultant can offer in a way the NHS system often cannot.