Help & FAQs

Find Care Compare was created because navigating healthcare in the UK is harder than it should be. Information is scattered, comparing options is difficult, and patients are often left unsure of what's available to them.

We wanted to build a single, transparent platform that brings NHS and private providers together—so people can make informed choices about their care without confusion or pressure.

Yes. All provider information on Find Care Compare is verified during onboarding. We check regulatory registrations, service details, and pricing.

Providers are responsible for keeping their profiles accurate, and we regularly review listings to maintain quality. We do not accept sponsored placements or promote any provider over another.

No. Find Care Compare is an independent platform. We are not part of the NHS, but we display NHS services alongside private options to give patients a complete picture of what's available.

NHS services shown on the platform are accessed through their own referral pathways.

Your match is based on factors including:

• Distance from your postcode
• Waiting time estimates
• Access type (online or in-person)
• Condition match
• Insurance compatibility
• Age group served

Providers are never ranked or promoted—the match reflects your preferences only.

Yes. Signing in and setting your preferences—such as location, budget, and referral type—will give you more personalised results.

For private providers, click 'Check availability' on their profile, select an appointment type, date and time, then complete payment.

NHS providers are accessed through their website or via referral.

Yes. You'll be asked to create a free account or sign in before completing a booking. This ensures your booking details and history are saved securely.

You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. A reminder will be sent 24 hours before your appointment.

You can view and manage all bookings from your account.

Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before your appointment. After that, the provider's cancellation policy applies—this could be a 50% refund, no refund, or reschedule only.

The specific policy is shown on each provider's profile.

Go to 'My account' > 'Upcoming bookings', select the booking, and click 'Cancel'. You'll see the applicable refund terms before confirming.

You'll need to pay the full appointment fee at the time of booking. We'll provide a receipt which you can submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

Insurance-accepted providers are clearly marked on their profiles.

Inside your booking details, you'll find a 'Report an issue' button. This opens a structured dispute process. Payouts to providers are paused while a dispute is being reviewed.

Most NHS specialist services require a referral from your GP. Your GP will assess your condition and, if appropriate, refer you to the relevant NHS service.

Learn more in our NHS referrals guide.

NHS Right to Choose allows eligible patients in England to choose which provider delivers their first outpatient appointment for certain NHS-funded services, including ADHD and autism assessments.

Read our full guide: NHS Right to Choose explained.

NHS waiting times vary by specialty and region. The NHS target is for patients to wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment, but many patients currently wait longer depending on the service.

Explore our guide: NHS waiting lists explained.

We collect only what's necessary to provide the service—your account details, search preferences, and booking history.

We do not store clinical data. Your information is never shared with third parties for marketing.

Read our full Privacy Policy.

Yes. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We comply with UK GDPR and follow NHS data security standards.

Yes. Searching, comparing providers, and accessing guides is completely free. You only pay when booking an appointment with a private provider.

Currently, Find Care Compare focuses on healthcare services in England. We plan to expand coverage to other UK nations in the future.