How Much Does a Private Paediatric Dietitian Cost in the UK?

If your child has been referred to dietetics but you are facing a lengthy NHS wait, you may be considering going private. This guide sets out what you can expect to pay for a private paediatric dietitian in the UK, what the fees include, and how to make the cost more manageable.

Initial Assessment Fees

A first appointment with a private paediatric dietitian typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and costs between £150 and £350. The fee reflects the clinician’s qualifications, experience, and the complexity of your child’s needs. Specialist feeding clinics in major cities tend to charge towards the upper end of this range.

At the initial assessment, the dietitian will take a full dietary and medical history, review growth charts, and begin to formulate a plan. Many clinicians ask you to complete a detailed food diary in advance to make the most of the appointment time.

Follow-Up Appointment Costs

Follow-up appointments, which usually last 30 to 60 minutes, cost between £80 and £180. How many follow-ups your child needs depends on the nature of their difficulty. A child with a straightforward food allergy may need one or two reviews; a child with ARFID or complex medical needs may require regular monthly sessions over a year or more.

Specialist Feeding Clinic Packages

Some clinics offer multidisciplinary feeding assessments, bringing together a dietitian, a speech and language therapist, and an occupational therapist in a single appointment. These comprehensive packages typically cost between £400 and £900 and produce a detailed written report that can be used in EHCP applications or shared with school.

Private Health Insurance

Major UK health insurers including Bupa, Vitality, and AXA Health include paediatric dietetics within their cover for certain policy types. If your child has a relevant diagnosis, check whether you need a GP or paediatrician referral for preauthorisation before booking. Even where insurance is available, an initial self-pay appointment can be worthwhile to establish whether ongoing support will be needed before making a claim.

Is the Cost Worth It?

For families waiting many months for NHS dietetics, the cost of private assessment needs to be weighed against the impact of delay on your child’s growth, nutrition, and quality of life at mealtimes. A detailed private report can also be used to evidence need in an EHCP application, potentially unlocking funded support in the longer term.

The SEND List can help you find a verified, HCPC-registered paediatric dietitian near you.