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 |
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.
🪑 Don’t wait until it’s unbearable. The earlier you act, the cheaper (and less miserable) it’ll be.
🔚 Bottom Line
- Office procedures cost $500–$1,500 without insurance
- Surgical removal? $4,000–$10,000 out-of-pocket
- Insurance helps, but you may still owe a chunk depending on your plan
- Start small, escalate smart — and for the love of comfort, don’t ignore it
