What advance rates can I expect on NHS or insurer invoices?

Advance rates commonly range from 80% to 95% of eligible invoice value, depending on your debtor concentration, contract terms and verification.

How quickly can funding be released?

Once onboarding and verification are complete, drawdowns on approved invoices can often be made within days. Timelines vary by provider and documentation quality.

Will my NHS Trust or insurer be notified of the funding?

In factoring, debtors are usually notified and payments go to a controlled account. In confidential discounting, you manage collections and the facility may be undisclosed. Your chosen provider will explain options.

Do you support medical staffing agencies supplying the NHS?

Yes. We can introduce providers experienced with NHS frameworks, neutral vendor platforms and timesheet verification, including payroll-linked funding solutions.

Are start-ups eligible?

Our service focuses on established UK companies and LLPs. Many providers prefer at least 6–12 months' trading and a minimum turnover threshold.

Do you offer invoice finance for NHS or insurer payments?

Q: Do you offer invoice finance for NHS or insurer payments?

We don't lend directly, but we introduce UK businesses to providers who fund invoices raised to NHS Trusts, ICBs, local authorities and private medical insurers. Funding is subject to provider approval and your circumstances.

The short answer and how we help

Yes — we can introduce you to UK invoice finance providers who fund invoices raised to NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS SBS, local authorities, and private medical insurers such as Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality and Cigna. Best Business Loans does not lend directly, but our AI-powered platform matches your business with lenders or brokers experienced in healthcare receivables. That means you save time and get connected to specialists who understand NHS and insurer payment processes.

Invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in approved invoices, typically advancing 80%–95% of the invoice value. It can be structured as factoring, confidential invoice discounting or selective/spot finance, depending on your needs and debtor profile. Many funders have dedicated facilities for medical staffing agencies, medical device suppliers, care providers, and private clinics billing insurers.

We aim to make your options clear, fair and not misleading. Rates, eligibility and advance levels vary by provider and your circumstances. A quick, no-obligation enquiry helps us route you to suitable partners for a Decision in Principle or an initial eligibility view.

Who this is for

Typical users include medical staffing agencies supplying NHS frameworks, healthcare suppliers providing devices and consumables to Trusts, clinics billing insurers for diagnostics or procedures, and care operators with council or insurer-funded placements. If you raise B2B invoices with agreed credit terms, invoice finance may be a fit. If you are a start-up or sole trader, we are unlikely to be able to assist at this time.

Important note

We operate as an independent introducer and do not provide financial advice. Any facility is subject to provider approval, status, and terms, and may require security and personal guarantees. Always consider whether a product is suitable for your cash flow and business goals.

How invoice finance for NHS and insurer invoices works

Invoice finance lets you access a percentage of your invoice value soon after it is raised, rather than waiting for payment. With NHS or insurer payments, funders often view the debtor as lower risk, which can support stronger advance rates and competitive pricing. Some lenders also offer specialist healthcare teams familiar with e-invoicing portals and authorisation flows.

There are three core approaches most relevant to healthcare invoices. The right route depends on whether you want the funder to manage collections, how confidential you need the facility to be, and whether you want to fund all invoices or only selected ones. The choice also hinges on your debtor concentration and contract frameworks.

Funding options commonly used in healthcare

Factoring: The provider advances cash and usually manages debtor collections, with notices sent to NHS or insurers.
Confidential invoice discounting (CID): You handle collections; the funding line is discreet and typically invisible to debtors.
Selective or spot finance: You choose individual invoices or a small batch to fund, useful for seasonal or project-driven needs.
Payroll/Recruitment finance: Tailored for medical staffing agencies where timesheets, frameworks and neutral vendor portals apply.
Bad debt protection: Optional credit insurance to help mitigate approved debtor default risk, subject to policy terms and limits.

Factoring vs discounting at a glance

Factoring suits businesses wanting outsourced credit control, clear visibility of debtor performance, and faster onboarding.
Discounting suits more mature finance teams needing confidentiality and control over customer relationships and processes.

Typical terms and costs you may see

Advances: Often 80%–95% against eligible NHS or insurer invoices, subject to concentration limits and verified debt.
Fees: A service fee (e.g., a small percentage of turnover) plus a discount rate (often a margin over base rate), billed on funds used.
Contracts: Ranging from flexible, no-minimum selective facilities to 12–24 month agreements for whole-turnover solutions.
Security: May include personal guarantees, debentures or assignment of receivables, depending on risk profile and structure.

Numbers vary by provider, sector, and debtor mix. Your actual offer will depend on underwriting and due diligence.

Eligibility, documents and the process

Healthcare receivables are specialised, and funders look for clarity around frameworks, authorisations, and invoice approval workflows. A clean audit trail and accurate billing data are critical for faster decisions. Robust processes help secure higher advance rates and smoother reconciliations.

Who typically qualifies

Established UK limited companies or LLPs trading B2B with NHS bodies, local authorities or accredited private insurers.
Turnover thresholds vary, but many funders prefer £100k+ annual revenue and at least 6–12 months’ trading.
Invoices must be for completed, receipted goods or fully signed-off services with no right of set-off beyond normal terms.
For staffing agencies, framework compliance, verified timesheets, and clean vendor management system data are key.

Documents checklist

Recent management accounts and filed statutory accounts.
Aged debtors and creditors reports, plus sample invoices and remittances.
Customer lists showing NHS Trusts, ICBs, or insurers, with concentration breakdown.
Framework or supplier agreements and insurance certificates, if applicable.
Bank statements and details of any existing finance facilities.

How funding is arranged

Submit a Quick Quote enquiry with your business details and debtor profile.
Our system matches you to providers active in healthcare receivables who review your documents.
You receive an initial view or Decision in Principle outlining potential limits and pricing, subject to underwriting.
Due diligence follows, including KYC/AML checks, debtor verification, and notice of assignment where required.
On approval, the facility is set up and you can draw against eligible NHS or insurer invoices.

The time to funds can be rapid once due diligence is complete. Many well-prepared businesses secure a first drawdown in days, not weeks.

Benefits, risks and sector specifics you should know

Invoice finance helps smooth cash flow, cover payroll, and fund growth without waiting for 30–60 day terms to run. In healthcare, that can be critical for staffing, consumables, and regulatory compliance. It can also reduce reliance on costly short-term borrowing or supplier pressure.

Key benefits

Faster working capital against approved NHS and insurer invoices.
Flexible facilities that can grow with turnover and contract wins.
Optional credit control support and platform integrations to reduce admin.
Potentially competitive pricing due to strong debtor quality and predictable remittances.

Important considerations and risks

Eligibility: Only verified, undisputed invoices are fundable, and concentration caps may apply.
Dilutions: Credit notes or query rates can reduce availability and increase costs.
Confidentiality: Some NHS teams require notice of assignment; discuss options if CID is important.
Contract terms: Review minimum periods, exit fees, trust account setups, and audit obligations.

NHS-specific notes

Know your route-to-payment: Trust AP teams, NHS SBS, ICBs or councils may have differing processes.
Use correct POs and follow e-invoicing rules (e.g., PEPPOL, supplier portals), as errors can delay approval.
Framework suppliers should keep framework documentation and KPIs accessible for lender review.

Insurer-specific notes

Include pre-authorisation references and codes on invoices to reduce queries.
Maintain accurate clinic and consultant credentials used by insurers to validate claims.
Reconcile remittances carefully, as partial approvals can affect availability and aged debt.

If you operate across care, clinics or staffing, you can also explore broader funding support alongside invoice finance. See our page on healthcare business loans for complementary options.

Get started, compliance and FAQs

Our goal is to help you make informed, confident funding decisions. We do not guarantee the cheapest rate, but we’ll introduce you to relevant providers who actively fund NHS and insurer receivables. You stay in control at every step and can compare terms before you proceed.

Start your Quick Quote

Tell us who you invoice (NHS Trusts, ICBs, local authorities, insurers) and your average payment terms.
Share your latest numbers and debtor breakdown for a faster initial view.
Get matched to providers who understand your sector and can move quickly.

There is no obligation to proceed, and your enquiry is handled securely and confidentially. Most importantly, all communications aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in line with UK rules and guidance.

Transparent, UK-compliant messaging

We operate as an introducer, not a lender, and do not provide regulated advice.
All facilities are subject to status, affordability and provider underwriting.
Eligibility may exclude start-ups, sole traders, franchises, and property-led finance.
Costs and advance rates vary and are personalised to your business and debtor book.

Quick FAQs

Do you offer invoice finance for NHS or insurer payments? We introduce you to specialist providers who fund NHS, local authority and insurer invoices across the UK.

How fast can I get funding? After onboarding, you can often draw down within days on eligible invoices, subject to verification and setup.

What advance rates are typical? Many providers offer 80%–95% on approved healthcare invoices, depending on concentration and profile.

Will my NHS Trust or insurer be notified? Factoring involves notification; confidential discounting may not. Your provider will explain options and implications.

Do you support medical staffing agencies? Yes, we can introduce payroll and invoice finance facilities tailored to NHS frameworks and neutral vendor platforms.

Summary: key takeaways

We help UK healthcare businesses access invoice finance for NHS, council, and private insurer payments.
Specialist lenders offer factoring, confidential discounting, and selective options with sector-aware underwriting.
Typical advances are 80%–95% on eligible invoices, with pricing based on usage and risk.
Clean data, verified timesheets, and correct POs and authorisations speed decisions and improve availability.
Submit a Quick Quote for a fast, no-obligation eligibility check and introductions to suitable providers.

Editorial note and update

Information is provided for general guidance and may change without notice. Always review provider documents carefully and consider professional advice where appropriate. Updated October 2025.