How Much Does Hemorrhoid Removal Cost?

Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage

Hemorrhoids: the most painfully awkward topic nobody wants to talk about — until you’re desperate to get rid of them. From creams to surgery, there’s a wide range of treatments, and the costs vary just as wildly.

Let’s break down what it actually costs to remove hemorrhoids — whether you’re going over-the-counter or going under the knife.

💡 Quick Answer:

Treatment Type	With Insurance	Without Insurance
In-office Procedures (Rubber Band Ligation, Infrared, etc.)	$100 – $500	$500 – $1,500
Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy (OR Procedure)	$1,000 – $3,500	$4,000 – $8,000
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy	$1,500 – $4,000	$5,000 – $10,000
Prescription Medications	$10 – $50 (with insurance)	$30 – $150
OTC Creams/Wipes/Suppositories	N/A	$5 – $40

🔥 TL;DR: If it’s minor, it’s manageable. If it’s surgical, it’s expensive.

🩺 Types of Hemorrhoid Removal (and What They Cost)

1. Rubber Band Ligation (RBL)

✅ Most common non-surgical option
💸 Cost: $500 – $1,500 (cash price)
🩹 Minimal recovery, done in-office
🧾 Covered by most insurance plans

2. Infrared Coagulation (IRC) / Laser Treatment

🔥 Uses light to shrink the hemorrhoid
💸 Cost: $400 – $1,200 per session
📆 May require multiple treatments
🧾 Often covered with referral

3. Sclerotherapy

💉 Injection that shrinks internal hemorrhoids
💸 Cost: $300 – $800
🕒 Usually done in under 30 minutes
💡 Best for small internal hemorrhoids

4. Surgical Hemorrhoidectomy

🏥 OR procedure under anesthesia
💸 With insurance: $1,000 – $3,500
💸 Without insurance: $4,000 – $8,000
🤕 Recovery time: 2–4 weeks
✅ Best for large, prolapsed, or persistent hemorrhoids

5. Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy (PPH)

🔧 Staples hemorrhoid tissue back in place
💸 Cost: $5,000 – $10,000 (no insurance)
😬 High up-front cost but shorter recovery
⚠️ Less common in U.S. but available

💊 Alternative: Meds & Over-the-Counter Relief

Option	Use	Cost
Hydrocortisone Cream	Reduces itching/swelling	$6 – $20
Witch Hazel Pads	Cleansing & soothing	$5 – $12
Lidocaine Gel	Numbs pain	$10 – $25
Prescription Suppositories	Shrinks swelling	$30 – $150

💡 OTC = great for temporary relief. Not a cure if it’s chronic or severe.

🧠 With Insurance? Read the Fine Print

Coverage Type	What’s Covered?
Private PPO/HMO	Exams, in-office procedures, sometimes surgery
Medicare	Covers if medically necessary (e.g., bleeding)
High Deductible Plans	You may still owe $1,000+ upfront
FSA/HSA	Can be used for OTC and medical treatments

🛠️ How to Save on Hemorrhoid Removal

✅ Get referred to a colorectal specialist in-network
✅ Ask about non-surgical options first
✅ Shop cash-pay pricing at local GI clinics
✅ Use your FSA/HSA for OTC and office visits
✅ If uninsured, call local outpatient surgery centers — many offer flat rates

💭 Final Thoughts: Sit Down and Take This Seriously

If creams aren’t cutting it and sitting feels like punishment, it’s probably time to escalate. The good news? Most people never need surgery. The bad news? If you do — the bill can sting almost as much as the recovery.