A cytology or a biopsy is the test that tells you whether a lump or a skin lesion is benign. These are the 2026 public prices of a university veterinary hospital.
Key facts
- At a university veterinary hospital, skin cytology costs €15 and a skin biopsy €60.
- Cytology of up to two sites costs €55, more than two sites €80, and €75 with a cell count.
- Petplan reimburses 100% up to €3,100 a year, but does not cover preventive care or pre-existing conditions.
Reference prices (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Skin cytology | €15 |
| Cytology of up to two sites | €55 |
| Skin biopsy | €60 |
| Cytology plus cell count | €75 |
| Cytology of more than two sites | €80 |
What makes the price vary?
The number of sites the vet samples, because cytology goes from €55 for up to two sites to €80 for more than two, and costs €75 if a cell count is added. Sedation, when the sampling needs it, is billed under anaesthesia.
How much does Petplan cover?
Petplan Spain reimburses 100% of the invoice up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 co-payment per illness or accident, at the vet of your choice. It does not cover pre-existing conditions or preventive care, and there are waiting periods of 15 days for accidents and 30 days for illness.
Petplan does not cover tests done at a routine or preventive visit, because preventive care is excluded. If the injury or illness already existed before you took out the policy, it is a pre-existing condition and is never covered.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a cytology and how much is a skin biopsy?
At this hospital, skin cytology costs €15 and a skin biopsy €60. If the vet samples up to two sites, cytology costs €55, and €80 for more than two.
Does surgery include the biopsy?
No. In this price list, surgery does not include biopsies, cultures or complementary tests, so the sample is billed separately. The pre-operative assessment without lab work costs €30.
Sources
- Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza, 2026 public prices (VAT included).
- Petplan, health insurance general conditions (in Spanish).
See also: cost of removing a lump, cost of mammary tumour surgery, cost of an endoscopy and real cost of the vet in Spain 2026.
Indicative prices. Spain has no official price scale and each clinic sets its own fees: these are the public prices of a university veterinary hospital, and other clinics may charge differently.
