Varicose veins are usually seen as ropey-looking veins that bulge from the skin, most often on the legs. They can cause pain and swelling and are often unsightly. The cost of varicose vein treatment in New Zealand varies widely, based on what treatment is needed and the healthcare provider you choose.
As the name suggests, your vein specialist is the most experienced to treat varicose veins. With Simply Veins your treatment is provided by a vein specialist, even though the cost of treatment is around half of the cost of other providers, including many general practitioners (GPs) also offering treatment.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins?
There are several treatment options for varicose veins. Here are the costs:
- Compression stockings: these are often the first line of defence and can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per pair, depending on the level of compression they offer. We recommend medical-grade stockings/socks rather than over- the-counter ones because they offer the best compression and are therefore the most effective. Compression stockings may help to reduce symptoms but do not eliminate varicose veins. Our compression stockings range from $90-$115 (available here).
- Sclerotherapy: this involves injecting a solution (sclerosant) into the veins, causing them to collapse and fade. The vein specialist uses ultrasound to guide them, treating smaller veins with sclerotherapy usually after treating the main veins. Costs range from $1,250 (Simply Veins, one leg) depending on how many legs are being treated. If a second session of sclerotherapy is needed, the cost is another $500 (Simply Veins).
Simply Veins’ costs are lower than other providers, where one leg usually starts at around $2,000.
- Venaseal closure: a ‘medical glue’ is used to close off the veins. This is the preferred treatment method used by Simply Veins. The glue combines with the sticky blood within the vein and is absorbed by the body, fading the veins over time. A minimally invasive procedure sees the patient walking out after treatment and back to normal activities within a couple of days. Simply Veins’ cost for one leg is $4,300 and for two $5,900. Expect to pay more than double this at other vein clinics around New Zealand.
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to seal off varicose veins. Prices are around $6,000 (including ultrasound) for one leg.
- Radiofrequency thermal ablation: the vein is heated with radiofrequency energy, causing the vein to seal. The cost is about the same as for EVLT.
How does Simply Veins keep its prices cheaper
Because Simply Veins is a nurse-led service, with information gained mostly online and the ultrasound scan included in the price, we can keep the prices affordable.
Note: an ultrasound scan is necessary to provide the vein specialist with a map of your veins. This is usually charged out separately. It is included in the cost of varicose vein treatment at Simply Veins.
The only factors that influence the cost of varicose vein treatment with Simply Veins is whether you need one or two legs treated and whether you need sclerotherapy as well.
Further, our service is nationwide (we run a vein clinic in most centres). So the cost will be the same, wherever in New Zealand you are. Although our service is nurse led (remember, the treatment is still performed by a vein specialist) and information is gathered online and via indepth consultation with our nurse, you can still opt for an in-person nurse consultation.
The cost of an in-person nurse consultation is $50 with Simply Veins. Consultations with other providers usually start at around $220.
Many health insurers cover varicose veins. If you have health insurance, check to see whether varicose veins are covered. Your treatment would then be via our REV vein service.
Weighing up the cost of varicose vein treatment – New Zealand
While the initial costs of varicose vein treatments can be costly, most patients find relief from symptoms soon after and improvement in appearance over the next six months. And with Simply Veins it costs around half the normal price.
It is also important to talk to your GP or nurse practitioner about the risks and benefits of treatment.
