For many men considering circumcision in Ireland, one of the first questions is “How much does it cost?” Closely linked to this is how long you may have to wait for the procedure through the HSE compared with going private.
This guide explains the cost of adult circumcision in Ireland, what’s included in the fee, whether private health insurance or the GMS scheme covers it, and how private clinics compare with hospitals.
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Private Circumcision Costs in Ireland
The cost of adult circumcision in Ireland depends on:
Whether it is performed in a specialist clinic or a private hospital
The type of anaesthetic used (local vs general)
The surgical method (traditional cut & stitch, Shang Ring, CircCurer stapler)
Whether consultation and surgery are done on the same day
At Circumcision Centre Ireland (CCI), adult CircCurer stapler circumcision is €1,900.
This includes a one-stop service (consultation and procedure on the same day to minimise travel).
If you prefer a separate consultation before surgery, an additional €150 applies.
Other specialist clinics in Dublin charge around €1,700–€2,000 with additional consultation fees.
By contrast, hospital procedures under general anaesthetic (GA) are more expensive, typically €3,000–€4,600, because of theatre, anaesthetist, and consultant fees.
Does Insurance or GMS Cover Circumcision?
Private Health Insurance (VHI, Laya, Irish Life, etc.):
In some cases, insurers may cover circumcision if it is deemed medically necessary (e.g. phimosis, recurrent balanitis, BXO). However, coverage depends entirely on the individual policy and usually requires:Pre-authorisation from the insurer
Medical documentation from your GP or specialist
Surgery being carried out in a hospital setting under GA
Because every plan differs, patients should contact their insurer directly to confirm if their policy includes circumcision.
GMS / Medical Card:
Circumcision is not covered under the GMS scheme for adults and is treated as a private procedure.
Waiting Times – HSE vs Private Clinics
If you go through the HSE, waiting lists for adult circumcision are often 12–24+ months depending on the region. When added to the waiting time for initial consultation, this can total upto 4 years in some regions.
At CCI and similar private clinics, appointments are usually available within weeks, and with our one-stop service most men can be seen and treated on the same day.
Cost & Access Comparison
Below is a comparison of adult circumcision costs, waiting times, and anaesthetic options in Ireland and Northern Ireland. This shows the differences between public hospitals, private hospitals, and specialist clinics
| Option | Anaesthetic | Approx. Cost | Waiting Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSE / Public Hospital | General anaesthetic (GA) | Free | 24+ months | Restricted to medical need only; very limited adult access |
| Private Hospital (Dublin: Beacon, Mater, etc.) | General anaesthetic (GA) | €3,000+ | Weeks–months | Higher cost due to hospital, surgeon & anaesthetist fees |
| Kingsbridge Private Hospital (Belfast) | General anaesthetic (GA) | From £3,994 (~€4,600) | Weeks–months | Higher cost due to hospital, surgeon & anaesthetist fees |
| Specialist Clinics (e.g. CCI) | Local anaesthetic (LA) | €1,700–€1,900 | 1–4 weeks | One-stop option available; More personalised care. |
Patients from Northern Ireland
We regularly see patients from Northern Ireland who travel to Dublin for circumcision because:
NHS waiting lists in Belfast can exceed several years from referral to surgery
Private hospital costs (Kingsbridge from £3,994) are significantly higher
The stapler method is not widely available elsewhere in Ireland
At Circumcision Centre Ireland, men can access a modern, discreet and affordable service within weeks.
Why Choose Circumcision Centre Ireland?
Specialist clinic
We focus exclusively on circumcision.
New techniques
The only clinic in Ireland offering stapler circumcision for adults.
One-stop service
Consultation and procedure on the same day.
Affordable pricing
From €1,800 all-inclusive, compared with €3,000–€4,600 in hospitals.
Conclusion
Adult circumcision in Ireland costs around €1,700–€1,900 in independent private clinics under local anaesthetic, while hospital procedures under general anaesthetic can exceed €3,000–€4,600.
Insurance may sometimes cover circumcision for medical reasons such as phimosis, but this varies by policy and typically requires hospital treatment. The GMS scheme does not cover adult circumcision.
With public waiting lists over a year long, many men choose private clinics like Circumcision Centre Ireland for fast, safe and modern, cutting edge treatment within weeks.
FAQs
How much does circumcision cost in Ireland?
Adult circumcision in private clinics costs €1,700–€1,900 under local anaesthetic. In private hospitals under general anaesthetic, costs can exceed €3,000–€4,600.
Is circumcision covered by private health insurance in Ireland?
Sometimes, if there is a medical reason such as phimosis. Coverage depends on your policy and usually requires pre-authorisation.
Does the GMS or Medical Card cover circumcision?
No. Circumcision is not covered by the GMS scheme for adults.
What are the waiting times for circumcision in Ireland?
Public waiting lists can be 12–24+ months. Private clinics like Circumcision Centre Ireland usually offer appointments within weeks, often with same-day consultation and surgery.
Why is circumcision more expensive in private hospitals compared to independent clinics?
Hospitals use general anaesthetic, with additional costs for theatre, anaesthetist and consultant fees. Clinics use local anaesthetic are faster, safer and more affordable due to lower overhead costs and higher efficiency compared to larger hospital settings.
