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 Group, Ramsay Health Care UK, and HCA Healthcare are the main private hospital groups offering this procedure.

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 10 weeks. The 92nd percentile (long-tail) wait can extend to 29 weeks. Waits vary significantly by NHS trust — see the city breakdowns below for local figures.

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), Cambridge (6 weeks), Liverpool (6 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 cost UK: private from £1,300

Endoscopic examination of the large bowel, often with biopsy or polyp removal. Private treatment typically costs £1,300–£2,800. The current NHS median wait is around 10 weeks.

Private cost (typical)

£1,850

Range £1,300–£2,800

NHS median wait (England)

10 weeks

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Long-tail wait (92nd percentile)

29 weeks

135,320 patients waiting

According to TreatCompare analysis of NHS England RTT data, the current national median NHS wait for colonoscopy is approximately 10 weeks, while the 92nd percentile wait is approximately 29 weeks.

According to TreatCompare analysis of published UK private hospital prices, private colonoscopy typically costs £1,300-£2,800, with a typical price around £1,850.

According to TreatCompare analysis, users comparing colonoscopy should check local NHS wait by city or postcode before deciding whether private self-pay, insurance or staying on the NHS list is the better route.

TreatCompare NHS wait and private price model. NHS data month: Mar 2026.

Important context

NHS waiting-time figures are published at trust or specialty level and private prices are indicative ranges. Local eligibility, referral route, clinical urgency, provider package and insurance status can change the real-world choice. TreatCompare is for comparison only and is not medical, legal or financial advice.

Source type: Official NHS waiting-time data and private price model
Primary source: NHS England Referral to Treatment waiting-time data
Reporting period: Mar 2026
Last updated: 2026-05-22
Figure type: Mixed sources
Use: Research and comparison only

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Compare your route

Choose the right colonoscopy comparison route

People often start with the national price, then drill into a city, postcode area or referral route. These links keep that path visible from the top of the page.

Finance options

National overviewCurrentPrivate from £1,300 with NHS waits across England.Sunderland city pageA local NHS wait page with trust context and private price range.Postcode area pagesStart with a postcode area and move into outcode-level pages.Private GP referralCheck same-day GP and referral options before contacting hospitals.All NHS vs privateCompare other procedures if the patient is still researching options.

Decision paths

Compare colonoscopy waits, prices and next actions

These pages are most useful when visitors move from the national benchmark into a local wait, private price range, referral route or price-update action.

Check NHS wait in your areaStart with Sunderland, then compare other cities.See private price rangePrivate from £1,300 to £2,800.Use postcode pagesMove from postcode area to outcode-level NHS wait context.Compare referral routesPrivate GP and referral-letter options before contacting hospitals.Submit a price updateSend a hospital quote or updated provider fee.Ask for verificationRequest editorial or reviewer checking for this page.

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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 →
Cambridge	6 weeks	See Cambridge →
Liverpool	6 weeks	See Liverpool →
Newcastle upon Tyne	6 weeks	See Newcastle upon Tyne →
Leeds	8 weeks	See Leeds →
Exeter	8 weeks	See Exeter →
Derby	8 weeks	See Derby →
Southampton	9 weeks	See Southampton →
Reading	9 weeks	See Reading →
Coventry	9 weeks	See Coventry →
London	9 weeks	See London →
Bradford	10 weeks	See Bradford →
Portsmouth	10 weeks	See Portsmouth →
Plymouth	10 weeks	See Plymouth →
Sheffield	10 weeks	See Sheffield →
Brighton	10 weeks	See Brighton →
Bristol	11 weeks	See Bristol →
Norwich	11 weeks	See Norwich →
Stoke-on-Trent	11 weeks	See Stoke-on-Trent →
Oxford	12 weeks	See Oxford →
Nottingham	12 weeks	See Nottingham →
Manchester	13 weeks	See Manchester →
Leicester	14 weeks	See Leicester →
York	14 weeks	See York →
Blackpool	14 weeks	See Blackpool →
Birmingham	15 weeks	See Birmingham →
Hull	18 weeks	See Hull →
Preston	20 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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