How much does a hysteroscopy cost in the UK? (2026 price guide)
A private hysteroscopy in the UK typically costs £2,475, anywhere from £1,500 to £4,995 across the 8 clinics we track. Two things move that number: whether it’s diagnostic (just a look inside) or operative (they treat what they find at the same time), and whether it’s a quick outpatient appointment or a day case under general anaesthetic.
Diagnostic vs operative hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a look inside the womb with a thin camera. There are two versions, and which one you have is the biggest thing driving your bill:
- Diagnostic (outpatient) – just investigating, usually for heavy bleeding or trouble conceiving. Done awake under local anaesthetic, and the cheaper end of the range.
- Operative (day case) – treating what they find at the same time, like removing polyps or fibroids. Usually under general anaesthetic in theatre, so the dearer end.
Plenty of private clinics offer a “see and treat” approach, sorting minor issues during the diagnostic appointment. Handy – but it quietly shifts you onto the operative price, so ask before, not after.
What’s included
- The gynaecologist’s time and the procedure itself.
- For a day case, the theatre time and anaesthetic.
- Any biopsy or lab analysis.
- Your results and follow-up.
The bits that go missing from a quote: the consultation, any ultrasound, and the anaesthetic. Ask straight out whether they’re in the price or billed on top.
Does where you live change the price?
It does – consultant experience and location both push the number around, with central London sitting at the top. The cheapest we currently track is London (from £1,500). Compare prices near you:
| City | From | Typical | Clinics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,500 | £2,150 | 5 | Compare |
| Birmingham | £1,500 | £1,500 | 1 | Compare |
| Manchester | £4,995 | £4,995 | 1 | Compare |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | £3,770 | £3,770 | 1 | Compare |
Live data from TreatmentCosts - updated automatically as clinics change their prices.
NHS vs private
A hysteroscopy is free on the NHS, usually after a GP referral or once other investigations point that way – the catch is the wait for non-urgent cases, which can drag. Going private buys you a faster appointment and a named consultant. On private medical insurance you’ll normally still need a GP referral and pre-authorisation first.
What’s it like, and how long does it take?
An outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, and most people head home the same day. It can bring on cramping like period pain – pain relief and local anaesthetic are on offer, and a general anaesthetic (for day-case operative procedures) means you feel nothing during it. Anything about your own symptoms is a question for your consultant, not a price guide.
What changes the cost
- Diagnostic vs operative.
- Outpatient vs day-case (and general anaesthetic).
- Whether consultation and anaesthetic are separate.
- Consultant experience and location.
How to avoid overpaying
- Get one all-in quote covering consultation, procedure, theatre and anaesthetic – not a headline figure with extras hiding behind it.
- Pin down whether “see and treat” is included or charged as operative.
- Ask if a diagnostic outpatient procedure would answer the question first, before you commit to a day case.
- Compare a few clinics – the gap between the cheapest and dearest we track is £3,495.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private hysteroscopy cost in the UK?
Usually £1,500–£4,995, with a typical price of £2,475. Diagnostic outpatient procedures are the cheap end; operative day cases under general anaesthetic cost more, and the consultation and anaesthetic are sometimes billed separately.
Is a hysteroscopy free on the NHS?
Yes – usually after a GP referral or other investigations, though non-urgent waits can be long. Going private mainly buys you speed.
Does it hurt?
An outpatient procedure can bring period-like cramping, and pain relief and local anaesthetic are available. A general anaesthetic means you feel nothing during a day-case procedure. Your consultant can talk you through what to expect for you.
Do I need a referral to go private?
Self-paying, often not – though it usually follows a consultation or ultrasound anyway. On insurance you’ll normally need a GP referral and pre-authorisation.
Ready to compare? See hysteroscopy prices by clinic, or browse all UK clinics for transparent pricing near you.
