Price of varicose vein treatment: what does it cost in 2026?
By Dr. Bahir Hadi — Consultant Surgeon, PhD
Price of varicose vein treatment: What does it cost in 2026?
Price is often the first question patients ask when considering treatment for varicose veins. The short answer: with a referral from your GP it is free. As a self-payer in Denmark, the price typically lies between DKK 8,000 and 25,000 per leg depending on method and clinic.
This page sets out what varicose vein treatment actually costs in 2026, what is included, and when it makes sense to choose self-pay.
With or without a GP referral?
Treatment of varicose veins is covered by Danish public health insurance when you have symptoms. That means:
- With a referral from your GP: the entire pathway is free, including the duplex ultrasound work-up, the procedure itself, and follow-up. Most private specialists have waiting times of 4-12 weeks depending on the region.
- Without a referral (self-pay): you pay yourself, but you usually get an appointment within 1-2 weeks. Read more about varicose veins without referral.
Both routes lead to the same treatment and the same team. The difference comes down to waiting time and payment.
What do varicose veins cost at our clinic? (self-pay prices 2026)
Our prices are fixed and include the work-up, the procedure and the follow-up scan. There are no hidden fees.
| Treatment | Price per leg |
|---|---|
| Laser treatment (EVLT/EVLA) | DKK 12,000 |
| Classic varicose vein surgery (stripping + miniphlebectomy) | DKK 8,000 |
| Foam sclerotherapy of smaller branches | Included with concurrent EVLT |
| Control scan at 4-6 weeks | Included |
If both legs are treated in the same session, we usually offer a combined price. Discuss this at the consultation.
See the full overview at price of varicose vein treatment.
What does the cost of laser treatment for varicose veins look like elsewhere?
To give a realistic picture, we have compared publicly available 2026 prices from Danish private clinics:
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT/EVLA): DKK 10,000-18,000 per leg
- Classic stripping operation: DKK 7,000-15,000 per leg
- Foam sclerotherapy alone: DKK 2,000-5,000 per session
- Cosmetic spider vein treatment: DKK 1,500-3,500 per session
The range reflects whether work-up and follow-up are included, and whether the procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia. At our clinic everything is included and treatment is done under local anaesthesia.
What is the cost of varicose vein removal by surgery?
Classic surgery, where the diseased trunk vein is removed (stripping) and visible side branches are pulled out through tiny incisions (miniphlebectomy), costs DKK 8,000 per leg at our clinic. We still use it when laser treatment is not technically possible, or when the vein has a tortuous course unsuited to laser. Read more about removal of varicose veins.
Why is laser treatment more expensive than stripping?
EVLT costs more because the single-use equipment (laser fibre and access kit) is expensive. In return you get:
- Treatment under local anaesthesia with no overnight stay
- Less bleeding and swelling
- Faster return to work, often the day after
- A better cosmetic result
- Documented success rate above 95% at 5 years
For most patients it is worth the money. We always go through the choice individually at the consultation. Read the details about laser treatment with EVLT.
What is included in the price?
When you self-pay at our clinic, the price covers:
- Consultation and clinical assessment
- Duplex ultrasound scan of the leg
- The procedure itself (laser or surgery)
- Local anaesthesia and dressings
- Compression stocking (class 2)
- Control scan at 4-6 weeks
- Telephone follow-up as needed
Does private health insurance cover it?
Most Danish private health insurers (Falck Healthcare, Mølholm, Codan/Tryg, PFA Helbredssikring and others) cover treatment of varicose veins when symptoms are present, such as heavy legs, swelling, calf cramps, swollen ankles, venous leg ulcers or venous eczema. Check your policy or contact your insurer directly.
Purely cosmetic treatment of spider veins without accompanying symptoms is usually not covered.
When does the self-pay option make sense?
It typically makes sense if:
- You have bothersome symptoms and do not want to wait months
- You have a health insurance that covers treatment
- You have a venous leg ulcer or superficial thrombophlebitis where prompt treatment matters
- You are pregnant or planning pregnancy and want treatment before the next strain on your veins, see varicose veins during pregnancy
- You are self-employed and cannot afford a long sick leave
Questions and answers
How much does varicose vein treatment cost with a GP referral? Nothing. It is fully covered by public health insurance.
How much does it cost to remove varicose veins without a referral? At our clinic DKK 12,000 per leg with laser or DKK 8,000 per leg with classic surgery. All inclusive.
Are there extra invoices? No. The price covers the entire pathway, including the control scan and compression stocking.
Can I pay in instalments? We do not offer direct instalment plans, but several health insurance products and healthcare loans (for example via Resurs or Express Bank) can be used.
What does spider vein treatment cost? We do not offer purely cosmetic spider vein treatment. You can approach a cosmetic clinic, where prices typically range from DKK 1,500 to 3,500 per session.
Summary
Price of varicose vein treatment in 2026:
- With referral: free
- Self-pay EVLT laser: DKK 12,000 per leg
- Self-pay classic surgery: DKK 8,000 per leg
- Everything included: work-up, procedure, compression, follow-up
Want to know whether laser or classic surgery suits your legs best? Book a consultation and we will go through it together. See also the overview of treatment options and the full price list.
More on this topic at Kirurgen.dk
Category: Varicose veins