A hysterectomy in the United States typically has a billed cost of about $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the surgical approach. Vaginal and laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy tend to cost less than an open abdominal hysterectomy. Medicare and private insurance cover medically necessary hysterectomy, so out-of-pocket costs are usually far lower, often about $1,500 to $5,000 after insurance. The approach, facility, and length of stay are the biggest cost drivers.
| Cost item | Typical 2026 US range | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal or laparoscopic/robotic hysterectomy (billed) | $10,000 to $20,000 | Covered when medically necessary; often outpatient or a short stay |
| Abdominal (open) hysterectomy (billed) | $15,000 to $25,000 or more | Covered; longer stay raises cost |
| Medicare or private out-of-pocket | $1,500 to $5,000 | Depends on deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum |
| Uninsured cash-pay | Negotiable; financial assistance available | Not covered; self-pay discounts often apply |
| Cost drivers | Approach, facility type, hospital days, whether ovaries are removed | Robotic surgery may add facility cost |
Hysterectomy Cost by Approach
The surgical approach is the largest single factor in the total cost.
- Vaginal hysterectomy: No abdominal incision; often the least costly and a shorter stay.
- Laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy: Small incisions; robotic surgery can add facility cost but may shorten recovery.
- Abdominal (open) hysterectomy: A larger incision and usually a longer hospital stay, so it tends to cost the most.
Insurance Coverage
Medicare and virtually all commercial plans cover medically necessary hysterectomy, for reasons such as fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, or cancer. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. Ask your insurer for an estimate using the specific procedure codes your surgeon plans to bill, and confirm that the surgeon, facility, and anesthesiologist are in network.
If You Do Not Have Insurance
- Ambulatory surgical centers may offer lower bundled cash-pay rates for minimally invasive cases.
- Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance for lower-income patients.
- Payment plans are commonly available.
- Request a good-faith estimate under the No Surprises Act.
What the Hysterectomy Cost Includes
A hysterectomy bill usually bundles several parts, and the hospital or facility fee is typically the largest:
- The surgeon’s fee
- The facility fee (hospital or ambulatory surgical center)
- Anesthesia
- Any inpatient hospital days
- Pathology and lab work
- Pre-operative evaluation and follow-up visits
Medicare and Private Insurance Coverage
Medicare and virtually all commercial plans cover medically necessary hysterectomy, for reasons such as fibroids, endometriosis, prolapse, abnormal bleeding, or cancer.
- Private insurance: You pay the deductible and coinsurance up to the annual out-of-pocket maximum. A minimally invasive case done as outpatient may cost less out of pocket than an inpatient open surgery.
- Medicare: Part A covers an inpatient stay and Part B covers outpatient or physician services, each with its own cost-sharing.
- Network matters: Confirm the surgeon, facility, assistant, and anesthesiologist are all in network to avoid surprise charges.
Other Factors That Affect Your Cost
- Surgical approach: Vaginal and laparoscopic or robotic cases are often outpatient or a short stay; open abdominal surgery usually means a longer stay and a higher total.
- Whether the ovaries are removed: Removing the ovaries and tubes at the same time (salpingo-oophorectomy) can affect the surgical time and total.
- Hospital days: Each inpatient day adds cost, so a shorter stay lowers the bill.
- Region and facility type: Prices vary by area and are often higher at hospitals than at ambulatory surgical centers for eligible cases.
- Case complexity: Large fibroids, scarring, or cancer surgery can raise the cost, which is why estimates are ranges.
Typical Out-of-Pocket Scenarios
- Insured, minimally invasive (vaginal or laparoscopic) hysterectomy: often about $1,500 to $4,000 out of pocket after insurance, depending on the plan.
- Insured, open abdominal hysterectomy with an inpatient stay: can reach the higher end of the out-of-pocket range until the out-of-pocket maximum is met.
- Uninsured cash-pay: negotiable; ask about self-pay discounts, financial assistance, and payment plans.
How to Get a Personal Cost Estimate
- Ask your surgeon’s office for the specific procedure codes they plan to bill.
- Call your insurer with those codes to learn your expected out-of-pocket cost.
- Confirm the surgeon, facility, and anesthesiologist are in network.
- Ask whether your case can be done minimally invasively or as outpatient, which can lower the total.
- If you are uninsured or paying cash, request a good-faith estimate under the No Surprises Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hysterectomy cost in the US?
Billed costs typically range from about $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the approach. With insurance, most patients pay about $1,500 to $5,000 out of pocket.
Does insurance cover a hysterectomy?
Yes, when it is medically necessary. Medicare and most private plans cover it. Cost-sharing depends on your plan.
Which approach costs the least?
Vaginal hysterectomy is often the least expensive because it avoids an abdominal incision and usually involves a shorter stay. Open abdominal surgery tends to cost the most.
Does robotic surgery cost more?
Robotic-assisted hysterectomy can add to the facility cost, though it may shorten recovery. Coverage is generally the same as for other minimally invasive approaches.
Is a hysterectomy done as outpatient or inpatient?
Many vaginal and laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomies are done as outpatient or with a short stay, while open abdominal surgery usually means an inpatient stay. The setting affects the total cost.
Does having the ovaries removed add to the cost?
Removing the ovaries and tubes at the same time can add to the surgical time and total. Your surgeon can explain whether it is recommended in your case and how it affects the estimate.
How much time off work should I budget for?
Recovery varies by approach, from a couple of weeks for minimally invasive surgery to around six weeks for open abdominal surgery. That time away is an indirect cost to plan for alongside the bill.
Is a hysterectomy covered for fibroids or heavy bleeding?
Yes, when it is medically necessary and other treatments have not worked or are not appropriate. Coverage and cost-sharing depend on your specific plan.
Related Reading on Know Your Surgery
- Hysterectomy: Overview, Types, and What to Expect
- Hysterectomy: Procedure, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
- Hysterectomy: FAQs, Statistics, and Patient Stories
More US Cost Guides
Comparing costs for another US procedure? These guides use the same insurance-and-Medicare breakdown:
- How Much Does LASIK Cost in the US?
- How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost in the US?
- How Much Does Cataract Surgery Cost in the US?
- How Much Does a Tonsillectomy Cost in the US?
- How Much Does an Appendectomy Cost in the US?
- How Much Does Total Knee Replacement Cost in the US?
- Compare all procedures: US Surgery Cost Index
Sources
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Coverage of medically necessary surgery. https://www.medicare.gov/
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Hysterectomy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hysterectomy
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Hysterectomy. https://medlineplus.gov/hysterectomy.html
- FAIR Health Consumer. US medical and surgical cost estimates. https://fairhealthconsumer.org/
- US No Surprises Act. Good-faith estimate rights. https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general education and reflects typical 2026 US ranges, which vary by approach, facility, insurer, and region. Verify costs with your surgeon and insurance plan. This article is not medical or financial advice.
