Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and with the advancements in medical technology, various treatment options are now available. According to the American Cancer Society, the average cost of prostate cancer treatment can range from $2,800 to $14,453 per year.
Key Takeaways:
The cost of prostate cancer surgery varies between $7,500 and $27,000, as fees vary depending on hospital location, doctor’s qualifications, healthcare provider acceptance, and insurance coverage;
Health insurance often covers prostate cancer surgery but may still leave patients with out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.
The most affordable prostate removal cost is in Turkey (from $9,000);
One of the most expensive surgeries is performed in Austria (an average cost - $19,000);
Survival rates for prostate cancer are high, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90%, especially when treated early.
This article explores prostate cancer surgery costs, related financial considerations, and how patients can manage expenses during treatment.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Average Prostate Cancer Surgery Cost?
- What Are the Factors Behind Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs?
- Traditional vs. Robotic Surgery: What's the Difference?
- Additional Costs Affecting Prostate Operation Price
- Insurance Coverage of Prostate Cancer Treatment
- Prostate Removal Budgeting
- Reducing Prostate Cancer Surgery Expenses
- FAQ
What Is the Average Prostate Cancer Surgery Cost?
Here's the list of top European countries offering radical prostatectomy:
Country | Cost |
|---|---|
Austria | From $13,500 |
Germany | From $25,500 |
Israel | From $12,000 |
Spain | From $26,900 |
Turkey | From $9,000 |
United Kingdom | From $14,700 |
- Dr. Semih Ayan holds a clinical fellowship in minimal invasive urologic oncology from the University of Chicago.
- VM Medical Park Florya Hospital serves patients from Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and CIS countries.
- Included Services: General anesthesia, preoperative tests, blood tests, MRI of one area, consultation with a urologist, full board (breakfast+lunch+dinner+drinks), hospitalization, transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 7 days stay in the hospital, 5 days stay in the hotel, included in the price.
Ask About the Price
What Are the Factors Behind Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs?
Prostate cancer surgery price depends on the following factors:
Surgery type (open radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgery);
Hospital accreditations (whether they have special equipment for solving complex cases);
Geographic location and government regulations.
Screening for prostate cancer often involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which can help in early detection and influence the choice of treatment options.
❗ On average, prostate surgery costs range from $7,500 to $27,000 or more.
Advanced surgical procedures like robotic-assisted surgery, such as the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy, are often more expensive due to the technology involved. Still, they may offer benefits such as fewer complications and shorter recovery times.
❗ Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy in most European countries can cost anywhere from $19,000 to $28,000.
Traditional open surgery, on the other hand, is less expensive because it doesn't need high-technology equipment. However, robotic surgery can sometimes result in lower long-term costs due to its faster recovery rates (2-3 weeks compared to 2 months for open prostatectomy).
Solingen Municipal Hospital/Academic Hospital of the University of Cologne is among top clinics in Germany according to Focus magazine - one of the most widely circulated German editions. Städtisches Klinikum Solingen is a certified medical institution treating over 60,000 patients per year.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Traditional vs. Robotic Surgery: What's the Difference?
Robotic surgery comes at higher costs because it needs specialized equipment and a doctor's expertise. Despite the cost-reduction strategies, such as financial assistance programs and insurance, the patients still have to be ready to pay an outstanding balance for a modern treatment approach.
Here's a breakdown of costs compared in different countries for traditional, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery:
Country | Radical Prostatectomy | Robotic-Assisted Surgery | Laparoscopic Prostatectomy |
|---|---|---|---|
Austria | From $13,500 | From $17,600 | From $10,000 |
Germany | From $25,500 | From $24,000 | From $15,000 |
Israel | From $12,000 | From $20,000 | From $8,000 |
Spain | From $26,900 | From $30,000 | From $17,400 |
Turkey | From $9,000 | From $15,000 | From $6,000 |
United Kingdom | From $14,700 | From $19,300 | From $12,600 |
*Please, note that costs vary depending on the hospital's policy, exchange rates, and government assistance programs. For the individual cost estimate, please contact the Bookimed medical coordinator.
The prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) is performed in the Surgery Department.
Prostate cancer operation lasts from 2 to 4 hours and requires general anesthesia.
After the prostatectomy, a surgeon places the catheter to withdraw the urinating. In 1-2 weeks it is removed; the natural urination restores.
A patient needs to stay in the Hospital for 3-5 days.
The cost of prostatectomy includes:
- surgery
- lab tests
- hospitalization.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
Ask About the Price
Additional Costs Affecting Prostate Operation Price
Even though most health insurance plans cover surgical removal of the prostate, they may still leave out the other health services. The "hidden" costs of prostate cancer care include:
Cancer medications;
Doctor's follow-ups and screenings;
Legal fees. These include any inquiries about employee rights and tax filing related to cancer diagnosis;
Caregiver expenses;
Transport and lodging costs.
When visiting a hospital not covered by the insurance plan, the patients might face out-of-network costs. The studies show that the average copayment amount people spend for treating prostate cancer is $2,800 per month.
Insurance Coverage of Prostate Cancer Treatment
The extent of insurance varies depending on your personal plan. Reviewing the coverage policy to understand what is covered, what is not, and what out-of-pocket costs you may incur is essential.
Some key questions to ask the insurance provider:
What is the copayment or coinsurance for prostate cancer treatment?
Are there any deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums that apply?
Are there any restrictions or limitations on coverage for specific treatments or providers?
Are there any additional costs for out-of-network providers or services?
By getting clear answers to these questions, you can better plan for the financial aspects of your prostate cancer care and avoid unexpected expenses.
If you need assistance finding the best hospital and most affordable radical prostatectomy cost, request consultation from a Bookimed coordinator.
Prostate Removal Budgeting
The overall cost of treatment can be extremely high, even with health insurance coverage. Here are the average cost estimates for a prostate cancer patient:
Surgery: $15,197 to $35,500;
Hospital fees: $10,000 to $135,000;
Physician fees: $4,028 to $18,720;
Radiation therapy: $12,500 to $40,000;
Hormone therapy: $17,474 to $25,097.
By planning and budgeting for these expenses, you can better manage the financial impact of prostate cancer surgery and ensure you have the resources needed for your treatment and recovery.
Ask About the Price
Reducing Prostate Cancer Surgery Expenses
While radical prostatectomy can be expensive, patients can use these cost-reduction strategies:
Active surveillance. This approach focuses on regular check-ups and repeatable tests. It helps to lower costs if the doctors doubt the necessity of a radical treatment.
Outpatient surgery. Having surgery on an outpatient basis reduces the recovery time (patients go home on the same day after the operation).
Bundled pricing. Some treatment centers offer bundled pricing for surgical procedures, allowing smooth payment.
Financial assistance programs. The Prostate Cancer Foundation has provided a list of financial resources, such as RX Hope and Needy Meds, to cover the co-payments and prescription drugs.
Non-profit organizations. American Cancer Society and similar organizations often have financial assistance offers to lower the typical cost of surgery.
To explore the best options and set your payment schedule, contact the Bookimed coordinator for a free quote.
Quiron Barcelona Hospital is a top clinic in Spain, known for its advanced oncology care through the Baselga Institute of Oncology, which collaborates with leading American centers. With 23 operating rooms and cutting-edge technology like PET-CT and MRI, it offers precise and effective treatments, including robotized surgeries and assisted reproduction.
The hospital provides personalized care for international patients, with 165 wards, suites, and royal apartments. Services include tailored treatment plans, WiFi, airport transfers, and nearby hotel accommodations, making it a preferred choice for high-quality medical care.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Ask About the Price
FAQ
How Much Does a Prostatectomy Cost?
The prostate gland surgery cost varies between $14,700 - $27,000. The final price depends on the hospital expenses, your individual insurance plan, and the additional tests.
The price also differs depending on the procedure specifics:
Robotic prostate surgery costs between $7,200 and $35,500;
The cost of radical prostatectomy is between $16,891 to $17,560;
Transurethral Resection of the prostate (TURP) costs approximately $11,500.
What Is the Out-of-Pocket Cost for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
A study found that the average cost of treating prostate cancer is around $2,800 per month after diagnosis. However, this can vary depending on your insurance coverage, government assistance, and the specific treatment you need.
Which Is Better, Robotic or Open Prostate Surgery?
One of the most significant advantages of robotic surgery is its precision. The robotic arms are smaller and allow for more delicate movements. This means:
Shorter hospital stays. Smaller incisions heal faster, so patients can go home sooner.
Less pain. Robotic prostatectomy makes approximately 6 small keyhole (< 1cm) in the abdomen. It is smaller than the traditional surgery (the minimal incision is 4-5 inches long), so patients might need less anesthesia.
You May Also Like
-
Common Cancer Types. Comprehensive Cancer Information - NCI. URL: https://www.cancer.gov/types/common-cancers (date of access: 17.10.2024).
-
HealthMatch staff. Prostate Cancer: Costs For Diagnosis, Treatment, And Care. HealthMatch. URL: https://healthmatch.io/prostate-cancer/costs-for-prostate-cancer (date of access: 17.10.2024).
-
Outpatient Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer Patients - UF Health. UF Health - University of Florida Health. URL: https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/outpatient-prostatectomy-for-prostate-cancer-patients (date of access: 17.10.2024).
-
Prostate cancer treatment: How much it costs. Medical and health information | MedicalNewsToday. URL: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cost-of-treating-prostate-cancer (date of access: 17.10.2024).
-
The Cost of Prostate Cancer. WebMD. URL: https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/cost-of-prostate-cancer (date of access: 17.10.2024).
-
What Are the Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer? Information and Resources about Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin | American Cancer Society. URL: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html (date of access: 17.10.2024).