AIBU to wonder if private clinics check costs based on appearance?

[Receptive1]

For the first time in my life, I’ve used private healthcare—three times over the past couple of weeks—so I have no prior experience of how it usually works.
It’s not something I can really afford long-term, but it felt necessary to speed up some important tests for both myself and my elderly mum.
I wanted to ask if something I’ve experienced is normal, or if I might be reading too much into it.
At each appointment, when tests or fees were mentioned, staff have been very careful to check that I’m okay with the cost. For example, one test was around £111, and they explained the price and then double-checked if that was manageable, even mentioning payment plans. The same kind of thing has happened at reception too—confirming I’m aware there’s a charge and asking if I’m okay with it.
I completely understand that private care is expensive and that they need to be transparent, but it’s happened at every visit, which made me wonder if this is standard practice for all patients.
I’ll be honest—sitting in the waiting rooms, I did feel a bit out of place. Most people looked very polished and well put together, whereas I’ve been quite stressed with caring responsibilities and probably looked a bit more worn out and scruffy than usual. That’s not a criticism of anyone else, just how I felt in myself.
So I suppose my question is: is this kind of repeated checking about costs something they do with everyone in private healthcare? Or could it be influenced, even unconsciously, by how I came across?

They do it with everyone who doesn't have health insurance. You'd expect costs and payment options to be made clear with any paid-for service. People with health insurance are given an authorisation code by the insurer, which the health care provider uses when billing them.

I look like a tramp 90% of the time and I’ve never been repeatedly asked if I’m okay with charges, I have regular private dental and medical appointments

Theyve possibly had a number of people take on a treatment plan and then struggle to pay. Or they have high interest rates and are trying to entice customers into taking out an agreement.

I've had 3 lots of fairly major orthopaedic surgery privately without insurance and wasn't asked if I was ok with the charges. Probably because I rang up beforehand and got a breakdown over the phone. Only once I was told that there was a slight chance I'd need an MRI on top of the x-ray and that would be charged separately.

They ask all self-paying customers this.

This has generally been my experience too when I’ve self-paid.

I don't know the answer to this
But I'm actually quite surprised that they don't give you something in writing before authorising any tests

Is it possible that they keep asking as a substitute for not writing it down? So you can't say later on that you weren't aware?

They obviously don't want to order a test or a scan and then find that you can't pay the bill.

I don't think he's haven't got anything to do with your appearance

I wouldn't want to agree to something, unless I've seen the price in writing myself - in fact, I'd want them to address it to me personally or I'd want to sign a form etc.

I am sure you looked fine - but I know how your feel -
worn out - and this makes one feel a bit self conscious. I would put the onus on the healthcare provider to be proper and transparent and not put the burden of proof on yourself.

take it easy xx

That’s so kind, thank you xx

That’s interesting. One of the comments was mid appt when the consultant suggested some further bloods, the others were around the reception and then a repeat appointment and it just felt as though they were really keen to check i understood the cost (which i did, i had looked it all up online in advance of the appointment as money is very tight so i needed to be sure of my numbers)

Almost everyone at private clinics is there through their work insurance - very few pay for themselves

Ah ok this makes sense! I thought it would be about 50/50 insurance / self pay. I chose the wrong job 😂

No lots of people pay for their own insurance or pay for some appointments and then only use the insurance for major things to avoid it going up or paying the excess - mine is £500 and my parents is £1000

Of course some people pay for their own. But 40% of businesses in the UK offer private health insurance cover and the vast majority of private treatment goes through this. I know, I work in the industry!!!

The clinics I have used /considered using publish price lists. Is this not standard?

I use HCA a lot and self pay. I’ve never been asked if the price is ok, and I dress like a lunatic!

I was never asked when I went private a couple of years ago but I had already done my research - I was shocked by the cost of the various blood tests which came to around £1000
Ive found vets are very careful around pricing, offering options, payment plans and checking if I could afford it or had enough insurance
In the first year of having Dcat - we spent over £10k after an accident and a few other more minor health issues

What I found strange was paying a full month in advance for a test which was then cancelled as they didn’t have the radioactive substance to do the test! And I’m due a refund as the test I ended up having was cheaper than the cancelled one and it was done last Tuesday and I’m still waiting on a refund! We’re talking a test that cost thousands of pounds too not just hundreds!

You are very fortunate, if private healthcare highlights the costs.
I had some dental issues a few years ago, I have private insurance with a 1200 excess.
I ended up having a lot of work done, which I was given to understand was necessary. The total cost came to 35k, my insurance paid about 10% as most of it was deemed "cosmetic" - which was really not my intention at all. I am losing jawbone density.
Luckily I had the funds to pay for the rest. Interestingly, after I queried certain costs, every time I went back, the dentists talked about medical necessity.