How long is the NHS wait for colonoscopy in the UK?

The current median NHS wait for colonoscopy (within the Gastroenterology specialty) in England is approximately 12 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 32 weeks. Waits vary significantly by NHS trust — see the city breakdowns below for local figures.

How much does private colonoscopy cost in the UK?

Private colonoscopy in the UK typically costs £1,300–£2,800, with a typical price around £1,850. Prices vary by hospital group, surgeon experience, and what's included (anaesthesia, follow-ups, physiotherapy). Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, Circle Health and BMI Healthcare are the main private hospital groups offering this procedure.

Can I switch from NHS to private for colonoscopy?

Yes. You can self-fund or use private health insurance to access colonoscopy privately while remaining on the NHS waiting list. Many patients do this to avoid the long wait. Some private hospitals offer consultation packages where you can be assessed within days. You will not lose your NHS place by getting a private opinion or treatment.

Which cities have the shortest NHS waits for colonoscopy?

Based on the latest NHS England RTT data, the UK cities with the shortest median waits for gastroenterology (the specialty covering colonoscopy) include Sunderland (4 weeks), Middlesbrough (5 weeks), Milton Keynes (5 weeks), Liverpool (8 weeks), Cambridge (8 weeks). See the full city table below.

Is colonoscopy covered by private health insurance?

Most major UK health insurers (Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA) cover colonoscopy on standard policies, subject to underwriting and policy terms. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Always confirm coverage with your insurer before scheduling.

Colonoscopy: NHS wait vs private cost

Endoscopic examination of the large bowel, often with biopsy or polyp removal. The current NHS median wait is approximately 12 weeks. Private treatment typically costs £1,300–£2,800.

NHS median wait (England)

12 weeks

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Long-tail wait (92nd percentile)

32 weeks

145,581 patients waiting

Private cost (typical)

£1,850

Range £1,300–£2,800

NHS wait by city — fastest first

City	Median wait	Compare locally
Sunderland	4 weeks	See Sunderland →
Middlesbrough	5 weeks	See Middlesbrough →
Milton Keynes	5 weeks	See Milton Keynes →
Liverpool	8 weeks	See Liverpool →
Cambridge	8 weeks	See Cambridge →
Coventry	8 weeks	See Coventry →
Newcastle upon Tyne	8 weeks	See Newcastle upon Tyne →
Leeds	9 weeks	See Leeds →
Exeter	9 weeks	See Exeter →
Southampton	9 weeks	See Southampton →
Derby	10 weeks	See Derby →
Reading	11 weeks	See Reading →
London	11 weeks	See London →
Plymouth	11 weeks	See Plymouth →
Sheffield	12 weeks	See Sheffield →
Brighton	12 weeks	See Brighton →
Bradford	12 weeks	See Bradford →
Norwich	12 weeks	See Norwich →
Stoke-on-Trent	13 weeks	See Stoke-on-Trent →
Nottingham	13 weeks	See Nottingham →
Bristol	13 weeks	See Bristol →
Portsmouth	14 weeks	See Portsmouth →
Oxford	14 weeks	See Oxford →
Manchester	14 weeks	See Manchester →
Leicester	15 weeks	See Leicester →
York	15 weeks	See York →
Blackpool	17 weeks	See Blackpool →
Hull	18 weeks	See Hull →
Birmingham	19 weeks	See Birmingham →
Preston	21 weeks	See Preston →

Looking for colonoscopy waits by postcode?

We also publish wait times by postcode area, mapped to the NHS trust most likely to accept your GP referral.

See colonoscopy by postcode area →

All English cities

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