Vascular · 2026
Varicose vein treatment,
modern endovenous techniques.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) from $1,800. VenaSeal cyanoacrylate available. Day-case treatment, fly home in 3–5 days. Bilingual report and home-team handover.
$1,800–3,500
EVLA / RFA per leg
vs $5,500–12,000 in the US
Partner clinic quotes 2024
Day-case
Local anaesthesia
Walk-in / walk-out same-day
Industry standard
VenaSeal
Available
Cyanoacrylate closure — no thermal energy or compression
Manufacturer data
3–5 days
Stay
Pre-op + procedure + 1 follow-up
Industry guidance
Class A
Vascular centres
PUMC, Zhongshan, Ruijin vascular surgery
NHC ratings
Compression
+ rehab plan
Bilingual post-op compression and walking plan
Service standard
Tiers & pricing
Six tiers, transparent pricing.
EVLA (endovenous laser)
1470nm or 1940nm laser via small access. Day-case under local + tumescent anaesthesia.
$1,800–3,500 / leg
RFA (radiofrequency)
VNUS / Closure FAST. Equivalent outcomes to EVLA. Day-case.
$1,800–3,500 / leg
VenaSeal cyanoacrylate
No thermal energy, no tumescent, no post-op compression mandatory. Higher cost.
$3,500–6,500 / leg
Foam sclerotherapy
For tributary varicosities and reticular veins. Often combined with EVLA / RFA same session.
$280–650 / session
Phlebectomy (stab)
Hook-out of large bulging tributaries through tiny incisions. Same-day discharge.
$650–1,500
Traditional surgical stripping
Reserved for very specific anatomies; largely replaced by endovenous techniques.
$1,500–3,500
Top hospitals
Six centres
open to international patients.
PUMC Vascular Surgery 北京协和医院
Academic vascular surgery · all endovenous and surgical techniques · diagnostic excellence
Zhongshan Hospital Vascular 中山医院
Class A · large vascular service · VenaSeal program · same-day venous surgery
Ruijin Hospital 瑞金医院
Class A · MIS vascular procedures · multi-modal venous program
Beijing Friendship Hospital 北京友谊医院
Class A · dedicated venous clinic · day-case unit
United Family Hospitals 和睦家
JCI · routine venous surgery · English-first day-case unit
West China Hospital 华西医院
Class A · regional reference · venous and arterial vascular surgery
Cost comparison
China vs US vs UK,
real pricing.
Sources: SVS published rates 2024, NHS / Bupa UK 2024, partner-hospital itemized quotes 2024–2025. Indicative; excludes airfare, accommodation and complications.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
- Why China for varicose veins?
- Varicose vein treatment has shifted globally to endovenous techniques — EVLA, RFA, VenaSeal, foam sclerotherapy. Top Chinese vascular centres run the same equipment (Medtronic VNUS Closure, Covidien ClosureFAST, Diomed laser, Medtronic VenaSeal) and report outcomes within published international benchmarks. The cost differential is mostly a labour and facility-cost story; the procedure itself is short and low-acuity.
- What's the difference between EVLA, RFA and VenaSeal?
- EVLA (laser) and RFA (radiofrequency) both use thermal energy delivered via a catheter to close the great or small saphenous vein, with tumescent anaesthesia for protection. Outcomes at 5 years are similar (95%+ closure rate at top centres). VenaSeal uses medical cyanoacrylate glue — no thermal energy, no tumescent injection, and no mandatory post-op compression stockings. VenaSeal costs more and isn't always reimbursed at home; thermal techniques have a longer evidence base.
- How long do I need to stay?
- Standard pathway: arrival + duplex ultrasound mapping + consultation day; procedure day; follow-up day with second duplex; departure. Total 3–5 day trip. Walking is encouraged from day 1 (reduces VTE risk). Compression stockings worn for 1–2 weeks post-thermal-ablation. Long-haul flights generally cleared at day 3–5 post-procedure with stockings + walking-every-90-minutes guidance.
- What about cosmetic spider veins?
- Spider veins (telangiectasias) are cosmetic, not medical, and treated with sclerotherapy ($180–$450 per session, typically 2–4 sessions) or surface laser ($380–$850 per session). Insurance does not cover cosmetic spider vein treatment. Any deeper underlying venous reflux should be addressed first with EVLA / RFA / VenaSeal — otherwise spider veins will recur.
- Will my home insurer reimburse?
- Depends on home-country policy. If your home physician has documented chronic venous insufficiency with C2–C6 CEAP grade, ulceration, or symptoms refractory to compression therapy, many insurers will reimburse abroad treatment. Pure cosmetic treatment is rarely reimbursed. We provide bilingual itemized invoice and CEAP-graded clinical summary for your insurer.
Related guides
Post-Op Care
Aftercare for short-stay vascular procedures.
Read the guideTravel Insurance
Coverage for elective varicose treatment and complications.
Read the guideRecords Translation
Bilingual CEAP-graded clinical summary for insurance reimbursement.
Read the guideSecond Opinion
Independent vascular second opinion if treatment is contested.
Read the guideCost Comparison
Cross-procedure pricing across countries.
Read the guideMedical Companion
Bilingual companions for clinic visits.
Read the guideSend your duplex
for a written endovenous plan.
Upload your duplex ultrasound report (or send leg photos and CEAP class). We return a written treatment plan from a partner vascular surgeon — including technique, expected sessions and recovery.
This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Sudden leg swelling or calf pain is a possible deep vein thrombosis — present to your nearest ED, do not travel.