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Hemorrhoid surgery

Get an overview of the out-of-pocket costs associated with your procedure so you know what to expect.

What is hemorrhoid surgery?1

Hemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are lumps that occur inside and around the anus. They are usually caused by straining when going to the toilet because of constipation, and sometimes occur during pregnancy or labour.

Hemorrhoid surgery is an operation to remove severe hemorrhoids. It’s usually performed in hospital as a day procedure under general anaesthetic (you’ll be ‘put to sleep’). The surgery is simple and safe, but recovery can take weeks and be painful.2

Hemorrhoids often don’t require surgery. They can be treated with medicines or nonsurgical procedures. They may also be avoided by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, drinking enough water, and getting regular exercise.

Hemmorhoid surgery is usually performed by a gastroenterologist.

The medical term for hemorrhoid surgery is hemorrhoidectomy.

Note: The proper spelling of ‘hemorrhoid’ is actually haemorrhoid. We have used ‘hemorrhoid’ here because it’s the more commonly used spelling.

How much does hemorrhoid surgery cost?

Our out-of-pocket calculator will provide you with a clear understanding of the typical costs associated with this common hospital procedure.

It’s important to understand how getting your procedure in a public or private hospital differs.

QuestionPublic system 
(Without health insurance)
Private system 
(With health insurance)
Will I avoid public hospital waiting lists?

No.

Yes.

Will I be able to choose my hospital?

No.

Yes.

Will I be able to choose my doctor or surgeon?

No.

Yes.

Will I have out-of-pocket costs?

No.

Yes.

In a public hospital, hemorrhoid surgery is covered by Medicare for eligible residents.

Once you are discharged from hospital, you may still need to pay out-of-pocket for things like medicines and health services (like physiotherapy or occupational therapy).

In a private hospital, private health insurance can cover some costs of hemorrhoid surgery.

You may have an out-of-pocket cost if you use private hospital cover when you get treatment. You can minimise some of these costs by choosing a hospital and specialist that have agreements with your health insurer.

If you have an excess on your cover, you will have to pay for that out of pocket.

Hospital excess is the amount of money you contribute upfront (out of your own pocket) before you can claim a benefit on hospital treatment. With HBF hospital cover, you choose a set excess option when you first get hospital cover, but you can change your excess at any time.

With HBF, you only pay hospital excess once per person, per calendar year (to a maximum of twice on a family policy) when you’re admitted to hospital.

Are you an HBF member? You can check your excess in myHBF or the HBF App. This is the set amount you’ll pay when you’re admitted.

A hospital out-of-pocket cost is the portion of a hospital bill that you pay from your own pocket for which you won’t be reimbursed – by either health insurance or Medicare.

If you want private health insurance cover for hemorrhoid surgery, look for HBF hospital cover (not extras cover) that includes a category called ‘Digestive system’.

You need to hold hospital cover that includes Digestive system for two months before you can claim for it (or 12 months if you need hemorrhoid surgery due to a pre-existing condition).

Find hospital cover for hemorrhoid surgery

Ask your GP for an open referral

Your GP is the one who’ll most likely refer you to a specialist – but you may want the option to choose your own specialist.

Asking for an open referral can let you:

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Signs you might need hemorrhoid surgery2

Surgery is usually only recommended if lifestyle changes and other treatments are not helping.

Signs you may need hemorrhoid surgery include:

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Alternatives to hemorrhoid surgery1

Preventing constipation can be helpful in avoiding hemorrhoids. A diet high in vegetables, fruits, cereals, and water, and getting adequate exercise can help.

Alternative treatments include:

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Hemorrhoid surgery recovery2

Many people get surgery and go home the same day. But recovery can take a few weeks and can be painful.

Looking for health insurance? Get a quote in minutes

Compare our hospital and extras cover options now. Or use our recommendation tool to select your needs and find our most affordable cover to suit.

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Further reading

Doctor with notebook
Understand your hospital cover and reduce stress during your stay with our simple hospital guide.
Learn more
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Already an HBF member? See what you’re covered for and manage your cover by logging into myHBF.
Learn more
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Learn about other common hospital procedures, their costs and what recovery might look like.
Learn more

1 Better Health - Haemorrhoids. (2023)

2 Health Direct - Haemorrhoidectomy. (2023)