How much does circumcision cost? A guide for parents

When you're preparing for your baby's arrival, understanding the costs involved in your care decisions helps you plan ahead. Circumcision pricing can vary significantly depending on where the procedure is performed, whether your insurance covers it, and which provider you choose. If you're wondering how much circumcision costs and what factors influence the price, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Cost matters, but so does quality of care. We'll walk you through typical pricing across different settings, explain what's included in those fees, and help you understand the value behind different options.

At a glance

• The cost of a circumcision performed in a hospital is typically divided into two components: a professional fee, which covers the physician or provider performing the procedure, and a facility fee, which covers the hospital's space, staff, and supplies.

• For hospital circumcisions, the professional (physician) fee generally ranges from $250 to $600.

• The facility fee may be included as part of a global newborn hospitalization charge or billed separately, depending on the hospital and insurance plan. This fee can range from $100 to $750.

• Insurance coverage varies widely, though many private insurance plans cover newborn circumcision.

• In Rhode Island, many insurance plans cover circumcision, often with no copay or preauthorization.

• Another factor that can affect cost is how the newborn is insured—whether the baby is temporarily covered under a parent's policy or has their own individual policy. This distinction can influence whether deductibles or coinsurance apply.

• Because of these variables, the total cost of a newborn circumcision performed in the hospital can be difficult to predict and varies significantly between hospital systems and insurers.

• SafeCirc® offers transparent, self-pay pricing of $750 for an outpatient circumcision using the AccuCirc® device, including comprehensive education and follow-up care.

Hospital circumcision costs

When circumcision is performed in the hospital shortly after birth, the typical physician fee ranges from $250 to $600, according to published healthcare cost data. This fee usually covers:

• The procedure itself

• Disposable clamp or device (typically Gomco, Mogen, or Plastibell)

• Local anesthesia (topical and/or injectable, depending on provider preference)

• Basic supplies and documentation

The actual cost to families varies significantly based on insurance coverage. If the procedure occurs before hospital discharge and is billed under the newborn admission, families with private insurance may face minimal to no out-of-pocket costs beyond their standard copay or deductible.

What's typically not included:

Hospital circumcisions are often performed within the constraints of inpatient newborn care. Education and follow-up care may be limited, and parents generally do not choose the device or technique used. The procedure is typically performed by the clinician on call, who may not specialize exclusively in circumcision. In many hospital settings, the provider performing the procedure is not available to manage complications.

Insurance coverage for circumcision

Understanding your insurance coverage is essential to estimating your out-of-pocket costs.

Private insurance

Most private insurance plans cover routine newborn circumcision, though coverage details vary by plan. According to research published in PubMed, reimbursement data suggest average private insurance payments of approximately $450–$500 per procedure. Reimbursement for newborn male circumcision in the hospital is complicated and highly variable, making it difficult for hospitals to reliably provide a high level of care for this procedure.

For families with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of:

• A copay ranging from $0 to $50

•Coinsurance if a deductible has not been met

Coverage depends on whether circumcision is classified as a covered benefit under your specific plan.

Medicaid coverage

Medicaid coverage for circumcision varies by state. Currently, 16 states do not cover routine newborn circumcision under Medicaid, while others provide full or partial coverage. Research shows that states discontinuing Medicaid coverage experienced a 16–20 percentage point decrease in circumcision rates, particularly among lower-income families.

Where Medicaid does cover circumcision, reimbursement to providers averages approximately $75–$80 per procedure.

SafeCirc® pricing

At SafeCirc®, we believe in transparent pricing and comprehensive care. Our circumcision fee is $750. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, allowing families time to bond after birth and receive dedicated follow-up care.

SafeCirc® is a self-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. Payment is required at the time of service. We provide families with a detailed superbill that may be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement, depending on individual plan benefits.

What's included in SafeCirc® care

The AccuCirc® device:

SafeCirc® exclusively uses the AccuCirc® device, a single-use, minimally invasive circumcision device. Unlike traditional clamps, AccuCirc® incorporates an internal shielding ring designed to protect the glans and eliminate the need for a dorsal slit. The device has received FDA clearance and WHO prequalification following clinical evaluation.

Some traditional devices, including the Mogen clamp, have been associated with rare but serious complications in medical literature. AccuCirc® was developed to reduce these risks and has been studied in large-scale clinical trials supported by organizations like the NIH and Gates Foundation.

A family-centered experience:

Your baby's circumcision is not rushed between other hospital tasks. Families have time to ask questions, understand the procedure, and feel confident in their decision. Our facility is designed specifically for newborn circumcision, with a calm environment and viewing window for family members.

Comprehensive follow-up care:

SafeCirc® provides ongoing support until satisfactory wound healing is complete. Families receive direct access to our clinical team, scheduled follow-up visits, and clear aftercare guidance. Learn more about circumcision aftercare.

Time for breastfeeding establishment:

By scheduling circumcision 7 to 14 days after birth, rather than within the first 48 hours, families have time to establish breastfeeding, recover from delivery, and bond with their newborn. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of early breastfeeding support for infant health.

Health benefits and medical perspective

When considering the cost of circumcision, it's helpful to understand the medical context. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, while emphasizing that the decision ultimately belongs to families. Documented benefits include reduced risk of urinary tract infections in infancy and lower rates of certain sexually transmitted infections later in life.

The World Health Organization also supports male circumcision as part of comprehensive HIV prevention strategies in high-prevalence settings. Explore the global perspective on circumcision.

Frequently asked questions about circumcision costs

Does insurance always cover circumcision in the hospital?

Coverage varies by plan and state. Most private insurance plans cover routine newborn circumcision, while Medicaid coverage depends on location. Many Rhode Island families experience broad coverage, but benefits should always be confirmed directly with your insurer.

Does insurance cover SafeCirc® circumcision?

SafeCirc® is a self-pay practice and does not bill insurance directly. Payment is required at the time of service. We provide families with a detailed superbill that may be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement. Coverage depends on factors such as:

• Whether your newborn is added to an insurance plan

• Out-of-network benefits

• Deductible status and policy terms

Some families receive partial reimbursement, but outcomes vary.

Why does SafeCirc® cost more than some hospital options?

SafeCirc® pricing reflects the use of the AccuCirc® device, specialized expertise, dedicated appointment time, comprehensive follow-up care, and a purpose-built outpatient environment. Many families feel the added safety features and continuity of care provide meaningful value.

Ready to learn more?

Schedule a tour of SafeCirc® Center of Excellence to see our facility and learn more about our transparent pricing. For families who have already delivered, schedule your baby's care directly.