Metoidioplasty Cost
Metoidioplasty is a gender-affirming genital surgery that creates a small phallus using hormonally enlarged genital tissue. It is one of the primary genital reconstruction options for transgender men and some nonbinary people. Compared to phalloplasty, metoidioplasty generally involves fewer surgical stages and lower overall costs, though the procedures serve different goals.
The cost of metoidioplasty varies considerably depending on the surgeon's experience, country, hospital, and insurance coverage.
The specific procedures performed also have a major impact on the total cost. For example, a simple release may cost only a few thousand dollars, while full metoidioplasty that includes urethral lengthening, vaginectomy, scrotoplasty, or testicular implants, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some surgeons combine hysterectomy with metoidioplasty, further increasing costs.
Additional expenses such as revision surgery and out-of-pocket costs after insurance coverage can also affect the final amount you'll pay.
Estimated self-pay cost: approximately $20,000–40,000 USD for comprehensive metoidioplasty, although prices vary substantially by surgeon and country.
Insurance Coverage for Metoidioplasty
Does insurance cover metoidioplasty? In many cases, yes. Metoidioplasty insurance coverage is available through many employer-sponsored and private health insurance plans in the United States when the procedure is considered medically necessary. If you’re wondering whether your insurance covers metoidioplasty, the answer depends on your specific plan, medical necessity, prior authorization requirements, and your insurer’s policies.
Medicaid coverage varies by state, while Medicare reviews requests on a case-by-case basis.
Even with insurance approval, many patients still have metoidioplasty out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, coinsurance, travel expenses, lodging, lost wages, or procedures and supplies that are not covered by their insurance plan.
How Much Does Metoidioplasty Cost?
The prices below are approximate and may change over time. Surgeons often customize procedures based on each patient's goals, so the total cost will depend on which procedures are performed together. Contact the surgeon's office for the most current pricing and package options.
| Surgeon | Technique | Cost Range | Location | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Daniel Medalie | Simple Release | $14,000 - $15,000 | Beachwood, US | 9/24/2024 |
| Dr. Richard Santucci | Full Metoidioplasty | $25,000 | Austin, US | 6/25/2021 |
| Dr. Richard Santucci | Simple Release | $11,000 | Austin, US | 6/25/2021 |
| Dr. Curtis Crane | Full Metoidioplasty | $25,000 | Austin, US | 6/25/2021 |
| Dr. Curtis Crane | Simple Release | $11,000 | Austin, US | 6/25/2021 |
| Dr. Alan Dulin | Simple Release | $4,500 | Plano, US | 6/25/2015 |
| Dr. Alan Dulin | Full Metoidioplasty | $16,000 | Plano, US | 6/25/2015 |
| Dr. Ivan Enriquez Aguilar | Simple Release | $5,999 | Guadalajara, MX | 6/25/2026 |
| Dr. Ivan Enriquez Aguilar | Simple Release, Testicular Implants | $6,999 | Guadalajara, MX | 6/25/2026 |
| Dr. Ivan Enriquez Aguilar | Full Metoidioplasty | $8,499 | Guadalajara, MX | 6/25/2026 |
| Dr. Ellie Zara Ley | Simple Release, Full Metoidioplasty | $19,000 - $42,000 | San Francisco, US | 6/25/2026 |
| Dr. Gerardo Malzone | $14,000 | Firenze, IT | 6/26/2026 | |
| Dr. Christine McGinn | Simple Release | $11,960 | New Hope, US | 7/8/2026 |
| Dr. Christine McGinn | Ring Metoidioplasty | $26,280 | New Hope, US | 7/8/2026 |
| Dr. Christine McGinn | Simple Release with Mons Resection | $11,960 | New Hope, US | 7/8/2026 |
| Dr. Christine McGinn | Ring Metoidioplasty | $26,280 | New Hope, US | 7/8/2026 |
Pricing information is provided for general educational purposes only and may not reflect current surgeon fees, insurance reimbursement, or total patient responsibility.
Additional Costs to Budget For
The quoted surgical price is only one part of the total cost of metoidioplasty. Depending on your insurance coverage, surgeon, and travel requirements, you may also need to budget for additional medical and non-medical expenses before, during, and after surgery. Some of the costs below may be covered by insurance, while others are commonly paid out of pocket. Planning for these expenses in advance can help reduce financial stress and ensure you're better prepared throughout your surgical journey.
Medical Expenses
- Consultation fees (may be covered by insurance)
- Primary care physical
- Laboratory testing
- Medications
- Compression garments
- Catheter supplies
- Revision surgery (if needed)
Travel & Accommodation
- Travel for consultation
- Hotel or Airbnb
- Meals
- Transportation
Personal & Recovery Costs
- Therapist letters
- Time off work
- Caregiver expenses
Frequently Asked Questions About Metoidioplasty Cost
What is included in the quoted price?
Every surgeon structures their fees
differently, so if you’re paying out of pocket
for metoidioplasty, it's important to ask
exactly what is included in your quote. Some
estimates include the surgeon's fee,
anesthesia, and hospital or surgical facility
costs, while others may list these charges
separately. If you're comparing prices between
different surgeons, ask whether your quote
includes consultations, follow-up visits,
medications, catheter supplies, pathology
fees, implants, or additional procedures such
as urethral lengthening, scrotoplasty, or
vaginectomy.
Does the cost include revisions?
Not always. While some surgeons include minor
revisions performed within a certain period
after surgery, most revision procedures are
billed separately. Because healing varies from
person to person, it's a good idea to ask
about the surgeon's revision policy before
scheduling surgery and to budget for the
possibility of additional procedures if
needed.
Can I finance metoidioplasty?
Yes. Many patients finance metoidioplasty
using medical financing companies, personal
loans, or by combining insurance coverage with
out-of-pocket payments. Financing options,
interest rates, and eligibility vary, so ask
your surgeon's office what payment methods and
financing programs they accept.
Is traveling abroad cheaper?
For some patients, yes. Surgeons in countries
with lower healthcare costs, such as Mexico,
Thailand or Lithuania, may offer
metoidioplasty at a lower price than surgeons
in the United States. However, it's important
to consider the total cost, not just the
surgical fee. International travel,
accommodations, meals, transportation,
follow-up care, and the possibility of
returning for revisions can significantly
increase your overall expenses. Choosing a
surgeon should be based on experience,
outcomes, and quality of care, not price
alone.
Last updated: 06/25/26