Vasectomy Cost and Insurance: What to Expect

A vasectomy is a common, permanent form of birth control for men. Many patients want to know what it will cost before they schedule. The answer depends mostly on your insurance plan, so here is what usually affects the price and how to find out your own costs.

What affects the cost

• The consultation visit before the procedure, where the urologist explains the procedure and answers questions.
• The procedure itself, including local numbing medicine.
• Any medicine for relaxation, if you and your doctor choose it.
• Semen testing afterward. A follow-up sample confirms the vasectomy worked. Until then, you need another form of birth control.

Does insurance cover a vasectomy?

Many health plans cover a vasectomy, but coverage varies. Unlike many birth control options for women, a vasectomy is not always covered without cost sharing, so your normal deductible, copay or coinsurance may apply.

Questions to ask your insurance company

• Is a vasectomy a covered benefit on my plan?
• Is EVU Center in my network?
• How much of my deductible have I met this year?
• What copay or coinsurance applies to the consultation, the procedure and the follow-up semen test?
• Do I need a referral or prior authorization?

Ask for the procedure and diagnosis codes from our office when you call your insurer. That helps them give you a more accurate answer.

Using an HSA or FSA

A vasectomy is generally an eligible medical expense for a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Check your account's rules, and keep in mind that FSA funds may need to be used by your plan's deadline.

If you don't have insurance

Call the office and ask about the self-pay price and what it includes. Under EVU Center's billing policy, patients without insurance are expected to pay at the time of service unless arrangements are made ahead of time. For patients with insurance, EVU files claims when an assignment of benefits is given. Bring your current insurance cards to every visit.

Timing can matter

Some patients schedule late in the year after meeting their deductible, or early in the year to plan around FSA funds. Booking ahead helps you get the date you want.

Learn more

Read about the procedure on our vasectomy page, or about vasectomy reversal and protection after a vasectomy.

This article is general education, not medical or financial advice. Your urologist and insurance plan can tell you what applies to you.