Personal Finance and Healthcare Expert
A gastroscopy can tell you what's causing your symptoms or treat some digestive issues. If your doctor has recommended a gastroscopy, you're likely wondering what it involves and whether it's worth going private. We explain what happens during a gastroscopy and how much a private procedure could cost.
A gastroscopy, otherwise known as an upper GI endoscopy, is a procedure used to check the upper part of your digestive system, including your throat, stomach and duodenum. A consultant gastroenterologist usually carries out endoscopy procedures.
A gastroscopy procedure involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera down your throat to check what's causing your symptoms or remove tissue samples.
Your GP might recommend a gastroscopy procedure for several reasons. You might need an endoscopy as part of a series of diagnostic tests, or it could be used as a treatment. Here are the most common reasons for a gastroscopy.
A gastroscopy procedure can help explain the cause of various digestive system symptoms. These can include:
A gastroscopy procedure can show your doctors the underlying cause of your symptoms.
A gastroscopy can treat conditions such as stomach ulcers or other growths, as your consultant can remove them during the procedure. If you've had problems with swallowing or bleeding, a gastroscopy can treat them. For example, pain when swallowing can happen due to a narrow oesophagus, and the procedure can widen the pipe to ease discomfort.
Some conditions can make eating normally a challenge. Surgeons can perform a gastroscopy to insert a feeding tube.
Some digestive problems can indicate cancer. Doctors use endoscopy procedures to perform biopsies and remove tissue samples for testing. Gastroscopy procedures can test for stomach cancer and oesophageal cancer, which affects the tube between your mouth and stomach.
The consultant gastroenterologist will send the samples away for testing after the procedure.
You'll receive excellent care if you choose the NHS or a private endoscopy. However, there are some advantages to opting for a private endoscopy. Here are the main benefits.
As we've mentioned, doctors often use gastroscopy procedures to provide a diagnosis, meaning you may need further treatment afterwards. If you have suspected cancer, an early diagnosis can significantly impact your treatment outcomes. Digestive issues can be distressing and impact your ability to eat properly, meaning you become more unwell due to dehydration or malnutrition.
NHS waiting times are improving but remain high, with over 290,000 patients waiting for more than a year. By contrast, if your GP refers you for a private endoscopy you can usually book an appointment within a couple of weeks.
You can choose which consultant gastroenterologist you want to see with the NHS's Right to Choose framework. However, there's a broader selection of hospitals available if you pay for private treatment, meaning you can decide based on the consultant you want to see, the hospital's location or your preferred facilities. Many NHS hospitals have private units, or you can visit a private hospital.
As a private patient, you're guaranteed a private room, and you'll also have your own bathroom. Most endoscopy procedures don't need an overnight stay, but having a private room gives you peace and quiet to relax and recover after your gastroscopy.
A gastroscopy procedure lets your doctor investigate your symptoms, take tissue samples or provide treatment. However, if the idea of a camera down your throat doesn't appeal, you might wonder whether there are any alternatives.
The main alternative to a gastroscopy procedure is a barium x-ray, which involves drinking a barium solution. Doctors can then see images of your stomach and duodenum using X-rays. They're less accurate at detecting cancer, bleeding ulcers and inflammation and can't be used to perform a biopsy. There are similar issues with capsule endoscopy procedures that use video capsules.
If you're considering a private endoscopy or gastroscopy procedure, you're probably wondering how much it will cost. Here's our research on private endoscopy costs.
Our private healthcare researchers have examined private endoscopy prices from hospitals across the UK. The average cost of a private gastroscopy procedure in (October 2024) was £1,942. This is an average, and your price will vary depending on your location and chosen provider. While consultant gastroenterologists are all highly qualified and regularly update their knowledge, a more experienced surgeon will typically charge higher fees. Various factors influence private treatment costs; you can learn more here.
A hospital's location is one of the most influential factors determining how much your private gastroscopy costs, as wages and rents are typically higher in major cities. It's worth getting quotes from several providers in your area to compare prices.
The table below shows the average gastroscopy cost in twelve UK regions.
Private healthcare companies operate hospital networks throughout the UK, and you can also choose to have your gastroscopy test at a local independent hospital. We looked at gastroscopy prices from various hospitals, from independents to larger companies, including Circle Health, Nuffield Health, Practice Plus Group, Ramsay Health and Spire Healthcare.
The price you pay will depend on which hospital you choose, as each site will vary depending on its location.
Choose Wellsoon and get back to what matters most to you.
Now we've explained the likely cost of your gastroscopy, you might wonder how to fund the procedure. There are three main ways to pay.
Your doctor will let you know what will happen during your gastroscopy test and how to prepare before the procedure. Here's our guide to gastroscopy so you know what to expect.
During your initial consultation, the consultant gastroenterologist will take a full medical history and ask for details of any medication you take regularly.
Before you go into the hospital, you should receive a letter or guidance leaflet explaining how to prepare for your gastroscopy test. You must usually stop eating at least six hours before the procedure. This helps your doctor get a clear view of your stomach during the test and also reduces the risk of vomiting while you're sedated.
Before the procedure, medical staff will check your history and offer you sedation to make you feel drowsy and reduce discomfort. This typically includes an injection and a spray to numb your throat. You don't have to accept a sedative if you don't want to, and you can have the spray on its own.
A gastroscopy usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes. The consultant passes a flexible telescope down your throat and into your stomach and uses air to inflate your stomach, meaning you may feel bloated. They'll examine your oesophagus, stomach and small intestine and may also take a small tissue sample.
When the procedure is over, you can rest in your room until you feel well enough to go home, usually within a few hours.
Your doctor may be able to tell you what they found before you leave. However, if they performed a biopsy you'll receive your results later.
You'll need some recovery time after you leave the hospital. If you were sedated, you mustn't drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or sign anything important for the first 24 hours. Ask a friend or relative to drive you home and stay with you.
You can start eating or drinking when the anaesthetic spray has worn off, which should take about an hour. Start with sips of water to check you can swallow safely before eating and drinking normally.
Your doctor may give you your results before you leave the hospital or confirm whether the treatment was successful. If you had a biopsy, your treatment could include a follow-up appointment to discuss your results. Alternatively, they may send a written report to the GP who referred you.
Results can take up to two months, but if you have suspected cancer, you'll get them within two weeks. Any follow-up treatment or further diagnostic tests will vary depending on whether you need NHS treatment or can access private care.
After a gastroscopy, you may feel a bit bloated and have stomach pain and a sore throat. These symptoms are normal and usually resolve within a few hours after the procedure.
Every medical procedure has some risks, but gastroscopies' complications are rare. Some patients have an allergic reaction to the sedatives. There's also a small risk of bleeding or damage to the gastrointestinal tract, food pipe or bowel. Patients with heart or lung conditions can be at increased risk, so your doctor asks about your medical history.
If you have a fever, feel breathless, keep being sick, or have a black poo, call the hospital for advice, as these can be signs of infection or damage to your bowel. If you vomit blood or have severe or worsening stomach or chest pain, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
We've mentioned avoiding driving, alcohol, or operating machinery for 24 hours after sedation. You should also take the next day off work. The numbing spray can affect your ability to swallow, but you should be able to eat and drink normally after an hour or two.
Most people recover fully within about 24 hours and you can return to your normal activities after this.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what a gastroscopy involves. MyTribe guides let you learn more about private healthcare and your treatment options. If you'd like to discover how health insurance can give you quick access to medical care, contact us for a comparison quote. We'll connect you with a high-quality broker for tailored advice.
Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Kirsty is a personal finance and healthcare expert who enjoys demystifying legal and insurance topics for a wider audience. She’s a former solicitor with a personal injury and insurance background.
A gastroscopy test uses a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to look inside your oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and upper small bowel to diagnose digestive issues or treat conditions.
A gastroscopy test can explain digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. It can also take samples for a biopsy and treat ulcers or other issues.
An endoscopy procedure typically uses conscious sedation, so you're awake during the procedure but shouldn't find your endoscopy painful. You can choose not to be sedated if you prefer. Sedation includes an injection and numbing throat spray; you can have both or just the throat spray.
A gastroscopy and colonoscopy are both types of endoscopy. A gastroscopy test examines your upper digestive system, while a colonoscopy checks your bowels, meaning the endoscope is typically inserted via your bottom.
