Private health top-ups to NHS treatments has once again become fierce debate, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal. The court ruled that a decision by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) to ban an Alzheimer’s drug was flawed.
NHS top-ups are prompting a fierce debate amongst health policy experts, about whether patients on the NHS have the option to make their treatment more comprehensive by paying for some drugs privately. The NHS argue that if patients pay for non NICE approved drugs they must pay for all treatment privately.
Recent British Medical Journal articles argue that top-ups are possible if handled correctly, with fees affordable for all. Other healthcare experts say that the fees will reduce medical treatment fairness.
For customers with health insurance or private medical insurance policies the debate is not relevant.




