- Home
- Conditions and treatments
- Tonsillectomy
Need a private tonsillectomy?
On Private Healthcare UK, you can find 639 private ENT surgeons and 176 private hospitals offering tonsil removal surgery and if you’re paying for yourself, you could expect it to cost between £2,045 and £3,145. We have over 20 years' experience helping people to make the right choice about private healthcare.
Skip to:
- Should I go private?
- Find a doctor
- Find a hospital/clinic
- What does it cost?
- Am I covered by insurance?
- Do I need a GP referral?
What is a tonsillectomy?
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the tonsils. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat and are part of the immune system. Tonsil removal may be recommended if the tonsils become repeatedly infected (tonsillitis). Sometimes both the tonsils and adenoids are removed. An operation that combines both tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is called an adenotonsillectomy. Removing the tonsils or the adenoids does not affect the immune system. Tonsillectomy in adults is less common than for children as the tonsils and adenoids shrink during the teenage years.
A tonsil removal surgery takes about 30 minutes and is performed under a general anaesthetic. Patients typically go home the same day as the operation but an overnight stay may be recommended by the surgeon. Tonsil removal in adults can be performed under a local anaesthetic for faster recovery time. Tonsillectomy recovery involves rest and over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Full recovery after tonsil removal is one to two weeks.
Should I go private?
Choosing to go private for tonsillectomy surgery offers the following benefits:
- Gain access to fast treatment
- Jump the tonsillectomy NHS waiting list
- A choice of when you want to be treated
- A choice of where to be treated
- A choice of the consultant or private ENT specialist
- Sometimes, access to options which may not be available on the NHS such as laser tonsillectomy
Private ENT Surgeons in the UK
The following ENT surgeons perform private tonsil removal in the UK.
Paul Chatrath
Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon
Essex, Central London/Harley Street
View Profile >Get advice from 3 of the leading private hospitals/clinics near you for free and get on the fast track to treatment.
Fast Track >How do I choose a private tonsillectomy specialist?
We recommend preparing a list of questions to ask the specialist, you might want to ask:
- Can you provide a detailed profile of your background, experience and qualifications?
- When and where did you receive training in ENT surgery?
- What is your position and role within the NHS?
- How many tonsillectomy procedures do you undertake each year?
- Can I speak to any of your past patients to find out about their experience?
- How much do you charge for the initial consultation?
Which hospitals and clinics provide tonsillectomy surgery?
The following private hospitals and ENT clinics offer private tonsillectomy procedures in the UK.
Get advice from 3 of the leading private hospitals/clinics near you for free and get on the fast track to treatment.
Fast Track >How do I choose a private hospital or clinic?
You should compare what the hospitals or clinics have to offer, how they differ, and what sort of philosophy of care they offer. The location of the hospital will play an important role in your choice - search the Private Healthcare UK private hospital database to find hospitals which are within easy travelling distance so that family can visit and you can eliminate any discomfort of long journeys.
How much does tonsil removal cost?
If you're paying for yourself, a tonsillectomy typically costs. £2,727. (between £2,045 and £3,145) at private hospitals and clinics in the UK. To get a more accurate cost, you can get a personalised quote from Private Healthcare UK.
What is included in the price?
In most cases, the following is included in the price, but you should double check exactly what is included:
- All medical and nursing care during your procedure
- Hospital fees
- Any drugs that you need while in the hospital
- Surgeon or consultant fees
The price is normally payable on or before admission to the hospital.
Is my private tonsillectomy covered by insurance?
If you have health or private medical insurance, you likely covered for a tonsillectomy – you should check with your insurer and get a claim authorised before booking an appointment with a specialist.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Many private ENT surgeons are reluctant to see a patient requiring treatment unless there is a referral letter from your GP and we recommend checking with individual specialists to see if this is required or not. If you do not have a GP, many private hospitals can arrange for you to have an appointment with a private GP in their outpatient department.
The practicalities of going private
Your initial consultation is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the procedure. You should bring any test results with you so that you won't have to repeat expensive tests or scans - you can get these from your GP. If you are paying for yourself, you should be prepared to pay the consultation fee on the day. If you are insured, remember to bring your registration documents and proof of pre-authorisation.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
If you haven't found an ENT specialist or hospital near you, you might consider widening your search to further afield. Alternatively, you can take the hassle out of searching by using our fast track enquiry service - get personalised advice from three of the leading private hospitals/clinics near you for free and get on the fast track to treatment.
Follow us on social media
For more tips, recommendations and information about going private...
Find information on other websites
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-expect-getting-your-tonsils-out
- https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/sore-throat-2/tonsillectomy
Authors and sources
- Private healthcare information reviewed by Keith Pollard, UK private healthcare expert and Executive Chairman of LaingBuisson International Limited
- Price range calculated using costs sourced from:
- Hospitals and clinics in the UK including BMI Healthcare, Nuffield Health and Spire Healthcare
- The LaingBuisson Self-pay Market Report