Private allergy consultation and testing costs explained

Cambridge Allergy Partners' fee page, checked on 20 October 2026, listed an allergy assessment at £350 and a follow-up consultation at £200. It says diagnostics performed during the consultation are included, while external blood-test laboratory fees are additional. These are dated fees from one provider, not a national range or a statement that every person requires the same tests.

Ask the clinic which appointment is appropriate for the concern being referred and whether the quoted fee applies to an adult or child. If you are comparing a consultation-only price elsewhere, keep possible test and result-review charges visible rather than assuming the lower initial fee buys an equivalent service.

The NHS allergy information describes assessment through a GP, who may arrange tests or refer to a specialist clinic. Possible investigations include skin-prick and blood tests. The appropriate investigation depends on the clinical question; this guide does not select an allergen panel or interpret a result.

Prepare a short account of what happened, when it happened and any relevant records or photographs you already have. Ask the clinic how to send these securely. Distinguish a documented previous result from your own suspected explanation. That helps the clinician understand the question without turning the booking conversation into a request to buy as many tests as possible. Ask for the reason behind each proposed investigation before agreeing to its cost.

Use separate lines for the specialist appointment, tests performed in the clinic, externally processed samples and the conversation that explains the findings. If a laboratory invoices you directly, request its amount or estimate before the sample is taken. Ask what happens if the clinician recommends an investigation that cannot be completed during the first visit.

A quote should also say whether a written assessment or management plan is included and how it reaches you and your usual clinician. If an additional procedure needs several visits, ask for the full pathway estimate rather than comparing only the first attendance. Where the scope cannot be known in advance, mark that component as unpriced and identify the point at which you will be asked to approve it.

Some appointments require specific preparation, but instructions depend on the planned test and the service. Ask for written directions when the booking is confirmed. Do not alter prescribed treatment using a generic price guide or assume the instructions from a previous clinic apply to a new appointment. If the directions conflict with advice from your usual clinician, ask the service to resolve that before attending.

Check how long to allow, whether a parent, supporter or interpreter can attend and whether the clinic has age limits. Ask about rearrangement charges if preparation is incomplete or testing is postponed. These are useful booking questions; the clinician should explain whether testing can proceed and whether a different assessment would be more appropriate.

Find out whether results available after the appointment are explained by letter, telephone, video or another consultation. Ask which route is included and what triggers an extra fee. If a follow-up is suggested, confirm its purpose and expected timing before counting it as part of the likely total.

For a proposed longer course of care, request a separate plan covering reviews, prescriptions, medicine costs and monitoring. A first assessment fee should not be treated as a price for ongoing management. Ask which service remains responsible if you want information shared with your NHS GP. Our NHS and private-care guide explains why sending a report and accepting responsibility are different steps.

If you think you or your child may have an allergy, the NHS advises discussing it with a GP. The service can explain the relevant local route and whether specialist assessment is needed. Referral arrangements and available clinics differ, including between UK nations; a private clinic's booking policy does not describe NHS access everywhere.

When collecting private quotes, use the same question, age group and relevant history for each clinic. Compare the assessment type, clinician, included tests, external fees, report and review arrangement in one table. Note the date and cancellation terms. If the service cannot yet confirm a complete price, ask for the first decision point rather than treating uncertainty as a zero charge. This page covers planned appointments; it is not a guide to managing an acute allergic reaction.