Planning for Johannesburg’s UFE Fibroids Cost in 2026

Financial planning for UFE fibroids cost in Johannesburg becomes the next important step if Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) has been recommended as a treatment option. Understanding UFE costs in South Africa helps you move forward with confidence, knowing what to expect and how to prepare.

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids open surgery, shortens hospital stays, and supports a faster return to daily life for many patients. While it is largely more cost-effective than surgical alternatives, the total UFE fibroid treatment cost can vary depending on several medical and logistical factors. The good news is that many medical aids in Johannesburg and across South Africa provide substantial cover for UFE when clinically indicated, subject to plan rules and pre-authorisation. .

This guide breaks down the elements that influence UFE treatment cost in 2026, helping you plan realistically, especially if medical savings are limited or you’re weighing different fibroid treatment options.

What Influences UFE Fibroids Cost in Johannesburg?

There is no single, fixed price for UFE. Instead, the overall fibroid removal cost is made up of several components that reflect your individual treatment plan.

Pre-Procedure Consultations and Imaging

Before UFE, you’ll undergo specialist consultations and diagnostic imaging, most commonly an MRI or ultrasound. These assessments confirm whether UFE is suitable for your fibroids and guide precise treatment planning. Imaging plays a crucial role in ensuring effective embolisation and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Specialist and Radiology Fees

UFE is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist using advanced imaging guidance. Specialist expertise, procedural planning, and real-time imaging technology all contribute to the UFE procedure cost in Johannesburg. At centres like Minima Radiology, treatment is delivered by specialists who focus exclusively on minimally invasive therapies.

Hospital Admission and Facility Costs

Although UFE does not require major surgery, it is usually performed in a hospital setting. Most patients stay overnight for pain control and monitoring, which adds to the total UFE treatment cost. However, this stay is usually far shorter than that required for hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Anaesthesia and Medication

UFE is commonly performed under conscious sedation or light anaesthesia rather than general anaesthesia. You can expect 2-3 days of strong cramping, fatigue, nausea, and potential fever after treatment. Therefore, post-procedure pain management, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive care are factored into the overall cost.

Note: Anaesthesia type depends on patient and facility

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Recovery after UFE is generally quicker and less resource-intensive than surgical fibroid removal. Follow-up appointments and imaging may be required to monitor fibroid shrinkage and symptom improvement, but extended rehabilitation is uncommon, although recovery experiences vary between patients.

UFE Fibroids Cost in Johannesburg: What to Expect

The UFE fibroid treatment cost is usually more predictable and, in many cases, lower than surgery when total care is considered. In private healthcare settings, the UFE procedure cost in Johannesburg is largely comparable to or lower than surgical alternatives, particularly once hospital stay length and recovery time are factored in.

Indicatively, UFE treatment costs may fall within a similar overall range to surgical procedures, but many patients experience lower out-of-pocket expenses

Importantly, most South African medical aids cover a significant portion of UFE costs when the procedure is clinically indicated, which can substantially lower the final amount payable by the patient.

How Medical Aid Cover Affects UFE Treatment Cost

One of the most decisive variables in UFE fibroids cost is your medical aid cover. Many South African medical schemes recognise UFE as a clinically proven alternative to surgery and cover a large portion of the procedure, particularly when symptoms are severe or quality of life is affected.

Coverage may include:

Specialist consultations
Diagnostic imaging
Hospital admission
The embolisation procedure itself

Out-of-pocket expenses depend on your plan, available medical savings, and whether providers are in-network. It’s always advisable to confirm pre-authorisation requirements early in the planning process.

Indicative Fibroid Removal Costs in Johannesburg

While individual treatment plans and medical aid benefits ultimately determine what a patient pays, having an indicative cost range can help with realistic financial planning. The figures below are approximate and intended for comparison only.

Surgical Fibroid Removal Costs

Traditional fibroid removal procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy are generally the most expensive options due to their invasive nature. In Johannesburg’s private healthcare sector, surgical fibroid removal costs can range broadly depending on the procedure type, hospital stay, and specialist fees.

Patients can expect indicative total costs in the region of R45,000 to R180,000*, with more complex or invasive surgeries generally falling at the higher end of this range. These procedures mostly involve longer hospital stays, general anaesthesia, and extended recovery periods, which can increase both direct and indirect costs.

UFE vs. Surgical Fibroid Removal: Cost Comparison

Factor	Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)	Surgical Fibroid Removal
Indicative Cost Range	Often comparable to or lower than surgery when total care is considered	± R45,000 – R180,000* depending on procedure
Hospital Stay	Usually 1 night	Several days, depending on surgery
Anaesthesia	Conscious sedation or light anaesthesia	General anaesthesia
Recovery Time	Shorter, typically days to 1–2 weeks	Longer, often several weeks
Time Off Work	Minimal for most patients	Extended time off often required
Risk of Surgical Complications	Lower	Higher due to invasive nature
Impact on Uterus	Uterus preserved	May involve partial or full removal
Medical Aid Cover	Commonly covered when clinically indicated	Commonly covered, depending on plan

Why Indicative Costs Matter

Rather than focusing on a single price, understanding the components that make up fibroid removal cost allows for better preparation and fewer surprises. Your care team can provide guidance tailored to your medical aid benefits, treatment needs, and recovery expectations during your consultation.

*All costs discussed are indicative (not a quotation) and may vary based on individual medical needs, hospital requirements, and medical aid benefits.

Planning Ahead for UFE in 2026

As healthcare costs evolve, a careful strategy is key. If you’re considering UFE in 2026:

Review your medical aid benefits early
Budget for potential shortfalls not covered by medical insurance
Factor in time off work, even though recovery is usually brief
Discuss payment options or cost estimates during your initial consultation

Knowing what to expect can assist with financial planning and optimal decision-making..

Frequently Asked Questions About UFE Fibroids Cost

How much does fibroid removal cost in Johannesburg?

Fibroid removal costs vary depending on the treatment approach. In Johannesburg’s private healthcare sector, surgical fibroid removal (such as myomectomy or hysterectomy) can range from approximately R45,000 to R180,000, depending on procedure complexity, hospital stay, and specialist fees. The UFE fibroids cost is often comparable or lower when total care and recovery costs are considered.

Is UFE more cost-effective than surgery?

In many cases, yes. While the upfront UFE fibroid treatment cost may fall within a similar range to surgery, UFE typically involves a shorter hospital stay, reduced anaesthesia requirements, and faster recovery. These factors often translate into lower overall costs and fewer indirect expenses, such as extended time off work.

Does medical aid cover UFE treatment costs?

Many medical schemes may provide cover, subject to plan benefits and clinical motivation. Cover often includes specialist fees, hospital admission, imaging, and the embolisation procedure itself. Pre-authorisation is usually required, and out-of-pocket expenses depend on your specific plan and available medical savings.

Are there additional costs after the UFE procedure?

Post-procedure costs are generally limited. Follow-up consultations or imaging may be recommended to monitor fibroid shrinkage, but long-term medication, rehabilitation, or repeat hospital admissions are uncommon compared to surgical alternatives.

How can I get a clearer estimate of my UFE costs?

A consultation and diagnostic imaging assessment allow your care team to confirm suitability for UFE and review your medical aid benefits. This process provides the most accurate picture of expected costs and any potential shortfalls.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Understanding UFE fibroids cost and comparing treatment options are important steps in planning your care. A consultation and diagnostic assessment at Minima Radiology allows your specialist to review your fibroid condition, discuss the suitability of Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), and provide guidance on expected costs and medical aid coverage. This ensures you can make an informed decision based on both your medical and financial needs.

Schedule your consultation and assessment today to explore the best treatment options for your fibroids.