Hysterectomy Cost: What You’ll Pay, What Insurance Covers and How to Lower the Bill

There is no single price for a hysterectomy. What you pay depends on how the operation is done, whether you stay in hospital overnight, where you live, and above all on your insurance. A woman with a good employer plan may pay a few hundred dollars, while someone without insurance can be quoted tens of thousands for the same surgery.

This guide explains what a hysterectomy typically costs in the United States, what makes up the bill, how the type of surgery changes the price, what insurance, Medicaid and Medicare usually cover, and the practical steps that can lower what you pay. It also covers the costs nobody quotes you, such as time off work. If you are still deciding whether you need the operation, start with our guide to the reasons for a hysterectomy.

How much does a hysterectomy cost?

The most reliable national figures come from insurance claims, which show what was actually paid rather than the list price a hospital charges. A study of more than 386,000 hysterectomies in women with private insurance (2010 to 2013) found that the average total payment, insurer plus patient, was about $8,400 per operation. Of that, the patient paid on average about $790 out of pocket. Outpatient (same-day) surgery cost much less than an inpatient stay.^[1]

Privately insured women, 2013	Average payment
Inpatient hysterectomy (at least one night in hospital)	About $11,300
Outpatient hysterectomy (home the same day)	About $6,100
All hysterectomies, insurer + patient	About $8,400
Patient’s share (deductible, copay, coinsurance)	About $790 on average

Two things are worth knowing about these numbers. First, they are averages: your own share can be far higher if you have not met your deductible or if your plan has high coinsurance. Second, the price a hospital lists for uninsured patients is usually much higher than what insurers pay, which is why the steps later in this guide matter if you are paying yourself.

What is included in the bill?

A hysterectomy is rarely one bill. You can expect separate charges from several providers, even when you only met your surgeon:

• The hospital or surgical center (facility fee): the operating room, nursing, equipment, medicines and any overnight stay. This is usually the largest part.
• The surgeon and, often, an assistant surgeon or surgical assistant.
• Anesthesia: billed by the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist.
• Pathology: the lab that examines the removed uterus.
• Before surgery: consultations, blood tests, ultrasound or other imaging.
• After surgery: prescriptions, follow-up visits and, if needed, treatment of complications.

Each of these providers may have a different contract with your insurer. In a study of 585,223 hysterectomies in privately insured women whose main surgeon was in-network, 8.8% still included at least one out-of-network claim. Anesthesia was the most common source and the largest, with a median out-of-network amount of about $890 for inpatient and $1,021 for outpatient surgery. Out-of-network facility claims were rarer but much bigger, with a median of $8,307 for an inpatient stay.^[2] The section on insurance below explains how the law now protects you from most of these bills.

Cost by type of hysterectomy

The route of surgery affects both the hospital bill and how long you are off work. Your surgeon chooses the route mainly on medical grounds: the size of the uterus, previous surgery, the reason for the operation and their own experience. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends vaginal or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery whenever it is feasible, with the vaginal route preferred when possible, because recovery is quicker.^[3]

Vaginal hysterectomy

The uterus is removed through the vagina, with no cut in the abdomen. It needs no special equipment and many women go home within a day or two.^[4] In the claims study, average payments for vaginal hysterectomy were lower than for laparoscopic surgery, so it is usually the least expensive route when it is suitable.^[1] Read more in our step-by-step guide to vaginal hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

The surgeon works through small cuts in the abdomen with a camera. Disposable instruments add to the cost of the operation itself, but many women go home the same day or the next, which saves on the hospital stay.^[4] Laparoscopy became the most common route among privately insured women in the US in 2013.^[1] See our guide to laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Robotic hysterectomy

Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy in which the surgeon controls the instruments from a console. It is the most expensive minimally invasive option. In a study of 264,758 women treated for non-cancerous conditions at 441 US hospitals, a robotic hysterectomy cost about $2,189 more per operation than a laparoscopic one (median hospital cost $8,868 vs $6,679), while overall complication rates were almost the same (5.5% vs 5.3%).^[5] Robotic surgery can still be the right choice in some cases, such as a large uterus or scarring from previous surgery. More on this in our guide to robotic hysterectomy.

Abdominal (open) hysterectomy

The uterus is removed through a larger cut in the lower abdomen. The operation itself uses simple instruments, but the hospital stay is longer (usually up to 5 days) and full recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks.^[4] In the claims study, average payments for abdominal hysterectomy were similar to those for laparoscopic surgery, because the savings on equipment are offset by the longer stay.^[1]

Partial or total: does it change the price?

Whether the cervix is kept (partial or supracervical hysterectomy) or removed (total hysterectomy) is a medical decision, and the route and setting usually matter more for the bill. Removing the tubes or ovaries at the same time, or treating endometriosis or adhesions during the same operation, can add time and cost. Our guide to partial vs total hysterectomy explains the differences.

Inpatient vs outpatient hysterectomy

Going home the same day is now common after vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Among privately insured women, outpatient hysterectomy overtook inpatient surgery between 2010 and 2013, and outpatient operations were paid 44% to 46% less on average than similar inpatient ones.^[1] Same-day discharge is not right for everyone: it depends on your health, the length of the operation and having someone at home with you. If it is an option, ask your surgeon whether it would change your costs.

Does insurance cover a hysterectomy?

Most health plans cover a hysterectomy when it is medically necessary, for example for fibroids, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, prolapse or cancer. Even then, you usually pay part of the cost:

• Deductible: what you pay before the plan starts paying. If surgery is planned, scheduling it in a year when you have already met your deductible can make a big difference.
• Coinsurance or copays: your share after the deductible, often a percentage of the bill.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you will pay in a plan year for in-network care. For a large bill, this is the number that really matters.
• Prior authorization: many plans must approve planned surgery in advance. Ask your surgeon’s office to confirm it has been approved before the date.

Surprise bills. Since January 1, 2022, the federal No Surprises Act protects insured patients from out-of-network bills for emergency care and for care at an in-network hospital or surgical center, such as an out-of-network anesthesiologist. In those situations you should only be charged your in-network cost share. If you get a bill you think breaks these rules, you can file a complaint through the federal No Surprises Help Desk.^[6] To be safe, ask before surgery whether the hospital, surgeon, anesthesia group and lab are all in your network.

Elective hysterectomy. Coverage is less certain when the operation is not medically necessary, for example when the main purpose is permanent contraception. Plans often require documentation of the medical reason. Our article on getting a hysterectomy without a medical reason explains the issues.

Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid covers hysterectomy when it is medically necessary, usually with little or no cost to you. Federal rules add one requirement: before the operation, you must be told orally and in writing that a hysterectomy will make you permanently unable to have children, and you must sign an acknowledgment form (there are exceptions for emergencies and for women who were already sterile). Medicaid does not pay for a hysterectomy done only for sterilization.^[7] If your surgery is canceled or a bill is denied, a missing form is a common reason, so ask your surgeon’s office to confirm it is on file.

Medicare covers medically necessary surgery. Inpatient stays fall under Part A and outpatient surgery under Part B, so your share depends on the setting and on any supplemental plan you have. Medicare’s online Procedure Price Lookup tool shows national average costs, and what patients typically pay, for outpatient procedures in hospitals and surgical centers.^[8]

If you don’t have insurance

Paying for a hysterectomy yourself is daunting, but you have more rights and options than many people realize.

1. Ask for a good faith estimate. If you are uninsured or choose not to use your insurance, providers must give you a written estimate of the expected charges when you schedule care at least 3 business days ahead, or when you ask for one.^[9]
2. Keep the estimate. If a provider’s bill ends up at least $400 more than its estimate, you can start a federal dispute process within 120 days of the bill. There is a $25 fee.^[6]
3. Compare prices. Since 2021, US hospitals must publish their prices online, including a consumer-friendly list of common services.^[10] Ask each hospital for its self-pay (cash) price for the whole package: facility, surgeon, anesthesia and pathology.
4. Apply for financial assistance before you pay. Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy offering free or discounted care to patients who qualify, and they must explain how to apply.^[11] Many people with modest incomes qualify and don’t know it. Ask for the application, even after you have received the bill.
5. Check Medicaid or Marketplace coverage. If your income has dropped, you may now qualify for Medicaid, or for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace during an enrollment period.

Ways to pay for a hysterectomy

Once you know your real share, these are the main options, roughly from the safest to the riskiest:

• HSA or FSA: money in a health savings account or flexible spending account can be used, tax-free, for medically necessary surgery, hospital care and prescriptions.^[12] If surgery is planned for next year, you can raise your FSA contribution during open enrollment.
• Hospital payment plan: most hospitals offer monthly payment plans, often without interest. Ask for one before using credit.
• Medical credit cards: these are often offered at the front desk, with “no interest” for a promotional period. Be careful: if the balance is not paid in full in time, interest is usually charged back to the original date. A report from the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that patients paid about $1 billion in deferred interest on these products between 2018 and 2020, with typical rates around 27%.^[13]
• Personal loans: rates depend on your credit. Compare the total cost, not just the monthly payment.
• Crowdfunding: sites such as GoFundMe help some people cover medical bills, but results are very uneven. A study of 637 GoFundMe medical campaigns found that outcomes depended little on things campaigners control, such as photos, videos and updates, and were poorer for some groups of people.^[14] It works best alongside, not instead of, the steps above.

The costs nobody quotes you

The hospital bill is only part of the cost. Plan for these as well:

• Time off work. After an abdominal hysterectomy, full recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Recovery is usually shorter after vaginal or laparoscopic surgery, but if your job involves heavy lifting you may need longer.^[4]
• Job protection, not pay. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave a year, but it is unpaid. It applies if you have worked for a covered employer for at least 12 months and 1,250 hours.^[15] Check whether your employer or state offers short-term disability or paid leave, and whether you need to apply before surgery.
• Help at home: childcare, transport to appointments, or someone to help with lifting in the first weeks.
• Recovery supplies and medicines: pain relief, stool softeners, pads and a few comfort items. Our week-by-week recovery guide explains what you are likely to need and when.

Outside the United States

In countries with public health systems, such as the UK, Canada and Australia, a medically necessary hysterectomy in a public hospital is generally covered by the public system, although waiting times can be long. Private treatment is faster but you pay for it, either directly or through private insurance, and prices vary widely between hospitals. If you are considering surgery abroad to save money, remember to budget for travel, a longer stay and follow-up care once you are home.

Questions to ask before you schedule surgery

• Which type of hysterectomy do you recommend for me, and why? Is a vaginal or laparoscopic route possible?
• Will I go home the same day or stay overnight?
• Are the hospital, the anesthesia group, the assistant surgeon and the lab all in my network?
• Has my insurer approved the operation (prior authorization)?
• Can I have a written estimate of my total out-of-pocket cost, including all providers?
• What is the self-pay price, and do you have a financial assistance policy or an interest-free payment plan?
• Are there other treatments that could work for me first? (See our guide to alternatives to hysterectomy.)

For more ways to prepare, read our top recommendations before your hysterectomy.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a hysterectomy with insurance?

It depends on your deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum. In a large study of privately insured women, the average patient share was about $790, but many paid much more and some paid nothing.^[1] Your out-of-pocket maximum is the upper limit for in-network care in a plan year.

Is a robotic hysterectomy worth the extra cost?

For most non-cancerous conditions, a large US study found that robotic surgery cost about $2,189 more than laparoscopic surgery with similar complication rates.^[5] It can be useful in complex cases. If you are offered a robotic operation, it is reasonable to ask whether a laparoscopic or vaginal approach would work just as well for you.

Can I get a hysterectomy for free?

Sometimes. If you qualify for Medicaid, a medically necessary hysterectomy usually costs little or nothing.^[7] If you are uninsured or underinsured, a nonprofit hospital’s financial assistance policy may reduce your bill or cancel it completely.^[11]

Why did I get a separate bill from the anesthesiologist?

Anesthesia, pathology and assistant surgeons usually bill separately from the hospital and the surgeon. If they were out-of-network at an in-network hospital, the No Surprises Act generally limits you to your in-network cost share.^[6] Check the bill against your insurer’s explanation of benefits before you pay.

Sources

1. Morgan DM, Kamdar NS, Swenson CW, et al. Nationwide trends in the utilization of and payments for hysterectomy in the United States among commercially insured women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2018;218(4):425.e1–425.e18. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Albright BB, Chen L, Havrilesky LJ, Moss HA, Wright JD. Out-of-network bills among privately insured patients undergoing hysterectomy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2022;226(4):543.e1–543.e45. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 701: Choosing the route of hysterectomy for benign disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2017;129(6):e155–e159. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. NHS. Hysterectomy: recovery. nhs.uk
5. Wright JD, Ananth CV, Lewin SN, et al. Robotically assisted vs laparoscopic hysterectomy among women with benign gynecologic disease. JAMA. 2013;309(7):689–698. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Dispute a medical bill (No Surprises Act). cms.gov
7. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 42 CFR 441.255: Sterilization by hysterectomy. ecfr.gov
8. Medicare.gov. Procedure Price Lookup for outpatient services. medicare.gov
9. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Good faith estimate: know your rights. cms.gov
10. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Hospital price transparency. cms.gov
11. Internal Revenue Service. Financial assistance policies (FAPs). irs.gov
12. Internal Revenue Service. Publication 502: Medical and dental expenses. irs.gov
13. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. CFPB report highlights costly credit cards and loans pushed on patients (2023). consumerfinance.gov
14. Kenworthy N, Dong Z, Montgomery A, Fuller E, Berliner L. A cross-sectional study of social inequities in medical crowdfunding campaigns in the United States. PLoS One. 2020;15(3):e0229760. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
15. US Department of Labor. Family and Medical Leave Act. dol.gov

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice. Costs, coverage rules and assistance programs change and vary by plan and state, so always confirm details with your insurer, hospital and doctor.