Colonoscopy procedure

The guide price for a colonoscopy begins at £2,627* for self-paying patients. This cost can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The hospital where the procedure is performed
• The consultant gastroenterologist you choose
• The complexity or type of colonoscopy (diagnostic vs therapeutic)
• Any additional diagnostic tests or procedures performed before or during the colonoscopy

What’s included in the guide price

Our fixed-price packages typically cover:

• Consultant fees for performing the colonoscopy
• Use of hospital facilities (theatre, equipment, nursing care, etc.)
• Sedation or analgesia used during the procedure
• Routine post-procedure care and follow-up within a defined period

What’s not included

The following services are not included in the fixed-price package:

• Initial outpatient consultation with the consultant (from £200)
• Pre-procedural investigations, such as blood tests, imaging (e.g. CT scans), or ECGs
• Histopathology analysis (if biopsies or polyps are taken)
• Additional follow-up consultations to discuss pathology results, if required

Payment options

To make private treatment more accessible, we offer flexible monthly payment plans ranging from 10 months to 5 years:

• 0% interest over 10 months (no deposit required)
• 14.9% APR for longer payment terms

These plans allow you to spread the cost over a period that suits your financial needs.

Private health insurance

If you have private medical insurance, most insurers will cover the cost of a colonoscopy when it is deemed medically necessary. Please check with your provider for coverage details, including any excess or co-payments.

*This is a guide price for self-funding patients. Your final price will be confirmed in writing after your consultation and once any required diagnostic tests have been completed.

A colonoscopy is mostly performed to investigate the cause of ongoing or unexplained symptoms related to the large intestine (colon) and rectum. These symptoms may include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in your stool (visible or detected via testing)
• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Unexplained or significant weight loss
• Chronic fatigue (which may be due to anaemia)
• Ongoing abdominal or lower gastrointestinal pain
• Excessive or painful gas and bloating

These symptoms may be caused by a range of bowel conditions, and a colonoscopy helps your doctor see the inside of your colon to make an accurate diagnosis.

Crohn's disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract but often affects the end of the small intestine and the colon. Symptoms can include abdominal cramping, persistent diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation may be patchy and can lead to complications such as strictures or fistulas.

Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is another form of IBD, but it specifically affects the lining of the colon and rectum. It causes continuous areas of inflammation, leading to symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urgency to pass stool, and fatigue. The condition often flares up in episodes, with periods of remission in between.

Diverticular disease

This condition involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the wall of the colon.

• When these pouches are present but do not cause symptoms, it is called diverticulosis
• When symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or bleeding occur, it is referred to as diverticular disease
• If the diverticula becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to diverticulitis, a more serious condition

Colorectal polyps

Polyps are small growths that develop in the lining of the colon or rectum. While most are benign (non-cancerous), some types—especially adenomatous polyps—can develop into colorectal cancer over time if left untreated. Polyps are commonly removed during a colonoscopy for biopsy and cancer prevention.

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer)

Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. It may develop from pre-cancerous polyps and can cause symptoms such as:

• Persistent change in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhoea or constipation)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue due to anaemia

Early detection through colonoscopy significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Although bowel symptoms can be distressing, many effective treatment options are available. Once a diagnosis is made, your specialist will recommend a personalised management plan. This may include medication, dietary changes, or in some cases, surgery. With the right treatment, many people experience significant relief from symptoms and a marked improvement in quality of life.

Even if your GP has referred you for a colonoscopy, you’ll still need to have an initial appointment with one of our consultant gastroenterologists. This ensures that a colonoscopy is the most appropriate and effective next step in investigating your symptoms.

At Circle Health Group, you won’t face long waiting times. We can typically arrange your consultation within 48 hours of your enquiry, and you’ll be able to choose an appointment time that fits your schedule.

What to expect at your initial consultation

Your consultant will begin by discussing your overall health and taking a detailed medical history. They’ll ask about:

• Any ongoing medical conditions you have
• Your current symptoms—how often they occur, how severe they are, and how they affect your daily life
• Any treatments or tests you’ve already tried or undergone

A gentle physical examination of your abdomen may be carried out to assess for signs of tenderness, bloating, or other abnormalities.

If no obvious cause is found during the examination, your consultant will explain how a colonoscopy works, what it can help diagnose, and whether it’s the most suitable test for your symptoms.

Guidance and support every step of the way

This consultation is a key part of your care journey. It ensures that any investigation—such as a colonoscopy—is clinically appropriate and tailored to your individual needs. Your consultant will also be happy to answer any questions you have and to address any concerns you may feel about the procedure itself.

Following your consultation, our team will clearly explain the next steps, provide preparation instructions if a colonoscopy is advised, and book your procedure at a time that works for you.

In certain cases, your gastroenterologist may recommend having a gastroscopy (also known as an upper GI endoscopy) at the same time as your colonoscopy. While a colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon and rectum), a gastroscopy is used to view the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

A combined procedure allows your specialist to examine both the upper and lower sections of your digestive system during a single session. This is performed using two different flexible instruments:

• A gastroscope to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract
• A colonoscope to evaluate the large bowel

This approach is particularly useful when your symptoms are not clearly localised or when a more comprehensive evaluation is needed. For example, it may be recommended if you have symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia, or chronic digestive issues that could originate from multiple areas of the GI tract.

Your consultant will discuss with you why a combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy is appropriate in your case and will ensure you understand the benefits and what to expect from the procedure.

Please note that the prices listed below are guide prices. The final confirmed cost of your treatment will be provided in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic investigations.

Any diagnostic tests required before the procedure will incur an additional fee. If you have a follow-up consultation to review the results of these tests, a separate consultation fee may also apply.

Patient pathway	Initial consultation	Diagnostic investigations	Main treatment	Post discharge care	Guide price
Hospital fees	N/A	Not included	£2,806	Included	£2,806
Consultants fees (from)	£200	N/A	Included	Included	£200
Total guide price	£3,006

We are committed to transparent pricing and flexible payment options. Our team will ensure you are fully informed about all associated costs before proceeding with treatment.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of your large bowel (colon and rectum). It involves a thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has a light and camera on the end. This allows your consultant to view the lining of your bowel on a monitor and check for abnormalities such as inflammation, bleeding, polyps, or signs of bowel cancer.

How long does a colonoscopy take?

The procedure typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. However, you should allow additional time for preparation and recovery, especially if you are receiving sedation.

Is a colonoscopy painful?

A colonoscopy is usually not painful, but you may experience some mild discomfort or cramping as the scope moves through the bowel. You will be offered a sedative or pain relief to help you relax and minimise any discomfort during the procedure.

What is the difference between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy? (endoscopy vs colonoscopy)

Endoscopy is a general term for procedures that use a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your body via a natural opening.

• A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy used to view the large bowel (via the rectum).
• A gastroscopy (or upper endoscopy) examines the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine via the mouth.
• A cystoscopy is used to look inside the bladder via the urethra.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy? (sigmoidoscopy vs colonoscopy)

Both procedures examine parts of the large intestine:

• A colonoscopy examines the entire colon, including the rectum and the end of the bowel.
• A sigmoidoscopy is a shorter procedure that only examines the lower portion of the colon, typically the rectum and sigmoid colon.

As with any medical procedure, complications can occur, though they are uncommon. Most colonoscopies are performed safely and without issue. However, potential risks and side effects may include:

• Mild anal bleeding, particularly if a biopsy or polyp removal is performed
• Abdominal cramping or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting, often related to sedation or bowel preparation
• Bloating or gas, usually temporary after the procedure
• Fever, which may indicate an infection (though rare)
• Rectal or bowel perforation (a tear in the wall of the rectum or colon) — this is a rare but a serious complication

While serious complications are rare, it’s important to understand the risks. If you have any concerns, your consultant gastroenterologist will be happy to discuss them with you, including the likelihood of complications and how they are managed. Their goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and reassured throughout your care.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that fit around your schedule
• The freedom to choose the hospital and Consultant that best meets your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led care with treatment plans tailored specifically to you
• Comfortable, private facilities maintained by experienced, multidisciplinary teams
• Continuity of care from the same compassionate clinical team throughout your journey
• Transparent, fixed-price packages that include aftercare
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your treatment

If you’d like to learn more about this procedure or discuss your options, you can book your appointment online today or speak directly with a member of our team.

1. What is a colonoscopy?, NHS
2. Colonoscopy, Mayo Clinic
3. Colonoscopy, Cleveland Clinic
4. Colonoscopy for bowel cancer, Cancer Research UK
5. Colonoscopy, WebMD