I went to a guy in Oklahoma who only does reversals and it was about $1000 IIRC. It was about 7 or 8 years ago.Define "not too expensive." I think mine was like $5000 about 6 or 7 years ago. So not expensive by surgery standards, but not pocket change either. And like you said insurance doesn't cover a cent.
And the surgery is 3-4 hours, you're awake the whole time so it's outpatient, recovery is worse, and it's not 100% effective (mine was not).
If a couple is sure they don't want any more kids, vasectomy is the best way to go about it IMO. But it's also a terrible idea for "temporary" or "I'm mad at my wife" contraception.
Drove straight down and back the same day which was not recommended.