Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
If you’ve been told you need an endoscopy—whether it’s to investigate acid reflux, ulcers, or unexplained stomach pain—your next question is probably: how much is this going to cost?
The answer depends on a number of factors: type of endoscopy, sedation used, location, and insurance coverage. In 2025, medical costs are still unpredictable, but here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect.
Average Endoscopy Costs in 2025
Type of Endoscopy |
Average Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) |
$1,200 – $3,500 |
Colonoscopy |
$1,000 – $3,800 |
Sigmoidoscopy |
$800 – $2,000 |
Capsule Endoscopy |
$1,500 – $4,000 |
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) |
$2,500 – $7,000 |
🚫 These prices include facility fees, sedation, physician fees, and pathology labs, but complications, biopsies, or anesthesia upgrades can increase costs.
Cost With Insurance 📄
Insurance Type |
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|
Private (Employer Plan) |
$200 – $1,500 |
ACA Marketplace (Silver) |
$800 – $2,000 |
~$200 – $500 (Part B, 20% coinsurance) |
|
Medicaid |
Often free or very low-cost if approved |
🔹 If the endoscopy is screening-based (e.g., colonoscopy for age 45+), it may be 100% covered under preventive care guidelines.
Factors That Affect Endoscopy Costs 💳
1. Type of Endoscopy
- A standard upper endoscopy (EGD) is cheaper than specialized procedures like EUS or capsule endoscopy.
2. Sedation Type
- Conscious sedation (moderate) is cheaper.
- General anesthesia adds $500–$1,000 to your bill.
3. Facility Location
- Outpatient centers or GI clinics are cheaper than hospitals.
- Hospital-based procedures may cost 2–3x more.
4. Insurance Coverage & Network
- In-network providers and facilities = lower costs.
- Pre-authorization is often required.
5. Additional Services
- Biopsies, pathology analysis, polyp removal, and follow-up visits add to your total.
Cost Breakdown 💰
Component |
Typical Cost |
|---|---|
Facility Fee |
$500 – $2,000 |
Physician Fee |
$300 – $900 |
Sedation/Anesthesia |
$250 – $1,200 |
Pathology (Biopsies) |
$100 – $700 |
Tips to Save Money on Your Endoscopy 🎁
✅ Ask for a cash-pay discount
- Many outpatient clinics offer flat-rate pricing for uninsured patients.
✅ Compare facilities
- GI clinics often cost 50% less than hospitals.
✅ Verify in-network status
- Double check that facility, GI doctor, anesthesiologist, and lab are all in-network.
✅ Request an itemized quote
- Ask for a CPT code estimate and get a cost breakdown before the procedure.
When Is an Endoscopy Covered as Preventive Care? 🚀
Some endoscopies—particularly colonoscopy screenings at age 45+—are fully covered under most ACA-compliant plans.
✔ No cost-sharing if it’s a scheduled screening (no symptoms present) ✔ If polyps are removed, it may still be fully covered (check your policy) 🚫 Diagnostic procedures (due to symptoms) typically trigger normal deductibles and coinsurance.
Final Thoughts 🤔
In 2025, an endoscopy can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000 out-of-pocket without insurance—and $200 to $2,000 with it, depending on your plan. If you’re due for a routine check or managing a GI condition, it’s worth shopping around and verifying every cost component before the procedure.
Had an endoscopy lately? Drop your cost or tips in the comments to help others navigate it! 💬
