Private Colonoscopy Cost in the UK

Colonoscopy

So, what is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a medical test where a thin flexible tube with a camera is used to check the inside of your large intestine, also called the colon. Doctors usually do this when they need a closer look based on your health check or if you have certain bowel symptoms. It’s one of a few tests that doctors might do, and sometimes they involve using similar tubes called endoscopes.

What are the Benefits of Private Colonoscopy?

If you have a bowl problem and you need a thorough check, going for a private colonoscopy might be a good idea for a few reasons:

Skip the Wait

It’s no secret that NHS waiting times are long. Seeing a consultant sooner is crucial for a quicker diagnosis, especially for bowel conditions like bowel cancers.

Freedom of Choice

In the NHS, choose a consultant gastroenterologist, but private healthcare offers more options. You can choose a nearby private hospital with a bowel specialist. You can also see your NHS consultant privately, giving you control over your care.

Quicker Diagnosis

As the most common cancer, bowel cancer screening in the UK starts at age 55. It’s crucial to get checked before the free screening starts, especially if you have bowel conditions or a family history of bowel cancer.

Advanced Technology

Private facilities usually have the latest and greatest equipment. This can make the procedure more comfortable for you, and the results might be more accurate.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that you can get quick appointments, have special treatment and access to the latest medical technology can make you feel safer during a potentially stressful time.

How much does a colonoscopy cost the NHS?

Normally you don’t pay for healthcare, like colonoscopies; it’s covered by taxpayer contributions. The cost includes things like staff, equipment, and facilities. The exact amount varies by region, procedure complexity, and any extras needed. But generally, patients don’t pay for colonoscopies in the NHS.

NHS Waiting Time

Recent NHS data reveals that the average wait time for a colonoscopy is approximately 20 weeks, which falls significantly short of the government’s targeted goals. If you experience symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a bowel specialist promptly.

How much does a private colonoscopy cost UK?

A private colonoscopy procedure can cost you between £1,750 and £2,900. The price depends on where you live, in major cities rents, equipment and salaries are higher. If you want to see the best specialist, you’ll pay a higher premium. If you’re in a small town, things might be cheaper. Please note that these figures are provided as a guide, and the actual colonoscopy price may vary.

Private Colonoscopy Average Price

Our health insurance advisors conducted research on the costs of private colonoscopies across several major UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, Manchester, and Leeds.

After looking at private colonoscopy uk price, here’s the average cost for each city. Keep in mind that these prices might change based on the current inflation rate and the cost of living.

• London: £1,925
• Cardiff: £2,316
• Birmingham: £2,209
• Manchester: £2,195
• Bournemouth: £2,501
• Belfast: £1,786
• Edinburgh: £1,893
• Leeds: £1,932

These numbers give you an idea, but real prices could be different due to economic changes.

Colonoscopy Options

Standard Colonoscopy

A standard colonoscopy employs a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, to examine the large bowel. This flexible telescope is inserted through the rectum, allowing visualization of the entire large bowel and even the small intestine if necessary.

Virtual Colonoscopy

In contrast, a virtual colonoscopy utilizes a CT scanner to capture multiple images and generate a 3D representation of the large bowel. However, it cannot perform biopsies or remove colon polyps.

Barium Enema

An alternative procedure, the barium enema, involves introducing a dye to highlight the large bowel. Subsequently, a radiographer takes a series of X-rays to assess and examine the colon.

Which private hospitals provide colonoscopy services?

Our advisors can suggest hospitals from groups like Nuffield, Spre and HCA. But, it’s important to do some research and choose the hospital that fits you best. Make sure to check reviews from independent websites before agreeing to the procedure.

Circle/ BMI Hospital Group

BMI Healthcare operates private hospitals across the UK, and they offer various medical services. Please check here to explore the available consultants and hospitals for colonoscopy treatment.

HCA Hospitals

HCA, the US healthcare company, has been operating in the UK since 1995. Known for their higher costs, HCA hospitals are considered among the most expensive. Presently, colonoscopy services by HCA are exclusively available in London, where they operate at nine different locations, including the London Digestive Centre and two specialised endoscopy procedures centres. Also, you can get virtual colonoscopy options, please check here for more details.

Nuffield Health

Nuffield Health is a big healthcare group in the UK with 36 hospitals. They provide a range of medical services, including surgeries, consultations, and diagnostic procedures. You can get a colonoscopy at 31 of them.

Ramsey Healthcare

Ramsay Founded in 1964 by Paul Ramsay in Sydney, Australia, Ramsay Health Care started as a lone psychiatric hospital. Over the years, the company has experienced substantial growth and expansion. Presently, it offers colonoscopy services in the majority of its hospitals.

Spire Healthcare

Spire Healthcare is a private healthcare company based in the United Kingdom and was founded in 2007. The company operates private hospitals and provides a range of healthcare services, including colonoscopy.

How It Works

A private colonoscopy starts with choosing a healthcare provider and setting an appointment. During the procedure, a flexible tube with a camera checks the colon. You can choose your gastroenterologist, talk about anaesthesia and get more personalised care with flexible scheduling and added comforts. Lets explore these options in-depth.

Reasons for private colonoscopy

According to Bowel Research UK, bowel or colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths (after lung cancer). With around 42,000 new cases every year, catching it early is crucial. If your doctor suggests a colonoscopy, it’s because they want to check your colorectal health for different reasons:

Screening for Bowel Cancer

If you’re between 60 and 74, you might receive a kit to check for signs of bowel cancer. If the test shows potential issues, a colonoscopy may be recommended.

Investigating Symptoms

A colonoscopy is a way to investigate potential issues if you have symptoms such as:

1. You’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea or bleeding.
2. You’re experiencing unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
3. There are suspicions of an inflammatory bowel disease like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease.
4. There’s a concern about the presence of bowel polyps.
5. Further examination or testing is required, potentially for the detection of bowel cancer.

A colonoscopy is recommended for a more accurate and direct view of the entire colon, surpassing diagnostic imaging capabilities like X-rays. It allows for detailed observation, biopsy of abnormal areas in the large colon lining, and removal of bowel polyps without the need for surgery.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor can take samples and remove polyps to understand the situation and provide a diagnosis. This procedure aids in checking for problems related to bowel habits, signs of bowel cancer, abdominal pain, and other bowel conditions.

How is a colonoscopy performed?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of your colon (large intestine) for any abnormalities. Here’s a simple explanation of how it works:

Preparation

Before the procedure, you’ll need to follow a specific diet and take a laxative to clean out your colon. This ensures a clear view during the examination.

At the Clinic

On the day of the colonoscopy, you’ll go to a medical facility or hospital. You might receive a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

Insertion of the colonoscope

A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted through your back passage and advanced into your colon. The colonoscope has a light and a camera at its tip, allowing the doctor to see the inside of your colon.

Visual examination

As the colonoscope is slowly manoeuvred through your colon, the camera sends images to a monitor. The doctor carefully examines the lining of the colon, checking for any signs of inflammation, polyps, or other abnormalities.

Biopsy or removal of polyps

If the doctor finds any abnormal tissue, they may take a small sample (biopsy) for further examination or remove polyps. Polyps are growths on the inner lining of the colon, and their removal can help prevent the development of colorectal cancer.

Completion of the procedure

Once the examination is complete, the colonoscope is gently withdrawn. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Recovery

After the colonoscopy, you’ll spend a few hours in a recovery area until the sedative wears off. You may experience some stomach cramps, gas and bloating due to the air introduced during the procedure, but this typically resolves quickly. Results are typically available within two weeks.

Paying for your Colonoscopy

We know colonoscopies can cost a lot, especially with the high cost of living. There are a few ways to pay for it. It’s worth looking into these options to figure out what works best for you.

Self-Pay

The most straightforward way is to use your funds – pay the entire amount if you can. Begin by checking prices, choose the hospital for your private treatment, get a quote, and find a consultant. Once everything is agreed upon, put down a deposit, and then pay the rest later on.

Private Medical Insurance

You also have the option of using health insurance. If you’re already covered, it’s easier to make a claim. However, if you’re considering getting insurance specifically for this treatment, be aware that it might not cover it since it’s seen as a pre-existing condition.

Here’s the process: Start by getting a referral from your GP for a colonoscopy. Then, obtain authorisation from your insurance provider and select a clinic for your treatment. Your choices will depend on your outpatient coverage and the hospitals available in your preferred network for treatment.

Personal Medical Loan

If you don’t have a lump sum, you have the option to consider a medical loan that allows you to pay in instalments. Many providers offer medical loans, often with 0% interest. Alternatively, you can explore getting a loan from your bank and managing the payments independently.

How Can We Help?

Let our expert health insurance brokers help you find the answer to “How much is a private colonoscopy?” and find you the perfect health insurance plan which covers private colonoscopy. With a health insurance plan, you can address future concerns privately, avoiding the wait times of the NHS. Our experts will guide you through the claiming process for already insured patients. Enjoy peace of mind with a plan tailored just for you.

Stuart Hendy, Senior PMI Advisor &Editor

Stuart Hendy is a highly experienced health insurance broker with extensive knowledge of private medical insurance and private treatment. His expertise is frequently sought by industry professionals and his insights have been featured in leading financial publications. Stuart is committed to providing his clients with the best possible healthcare solutions and empowering them to make informed decisions.

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