A colonoscopy is one of the most important preventive health procedures, especially for adults over 45 or those with a family history of colon cancer. But how much does a colonoscopy actually cost?
The price varies significantly based on where you live, whether you have insurance, and the type of facility performing the procedure. Let’s break down the average costs, what’s included, and how to save money if you need this important screening.
Average Cost of a Colonoscopy in the U.S. (2024)
Location |
Average Cost Without Insurance |
Average Out-of-Pocket With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
Hospital |
$2,500 – $5,000 |
$300 – $1,000 |
Outpatient Surgery Center |
$1,200 – $3,000 |
$200 – $800 |
Office-Based Clinic |
$900 – $2,500 |
$150 – $600 |
Colonoscopies performed in hospitals are often the most expensive, while standalone outpatient centers or gastroenterologist offices tend to offer lower prices.
What’s Included in the Cost of a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy isn’t just the procedure itself—there are several components to the total bill:
- Initial consultation – reviewing symptoms, history, and preparing for the procedure.
- Bowel prep kit – medications to clear your colon (usually $30 – $75 out of pocket).
- Procedure fee – the cost of the actual colonoscopy.
- Facility fee – charged by the hospital or surgery center.
- Anesthesia fee – sedation is almost always used ($300 – $1,000 if billed separately).
- Biopsy analysis – if polyps are removed, there will be lab fees ($150 – $500).
Colonoscopy Costs by State
State |
Average Cost Without Insurance |
|---|---|
California |
$2,500 – $4,000 |
New York |
$2,800 – $5,000 |
Texas |
$1,500 – $3,200 |
Florida |
$1,700 – $3,500 |
Ohio |
$1,200 – $2,800 |
Costs are higher in large metropolitan areas and states with higher healthcare costs overall.
Does Insurance Cover Colonoscopies?
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover screening colonoscopies at 100% for people aged 45 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer. This means no copay or deductible for a screening colonoscopy.
However, if a polyp is found and removed, the procedure could be billed as diagnostic, meaning you may have to pay part of the cost (usually toward your deductible).
Insurance Type |
Coverage |
|---|---|
Employer Insurance |
Fully covered if preventive (age 45+) |
Medicare |
Fully covered if preventive |
Medicaid |
Fully covered if preventive (varies slightly by state) |
Private Marketplace Plan |
Fully covered if preventive |
Uninsured |
Full cost ($900 – $5,000) |
Screening vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy: What’s the Difference?
Type |
Typical Coverage |
Reason |
|---|---|---|
Screening Colonoscopy |
100% covered (under ACA) |
Routine check for adults 45+ |
Diagnostic Colonoscopy |
Deductible + Coinsurance Apply |
Investigating symptoms (bleeding, pain) or follow-up after abnormal test |
If you go in for a screening and they find polyps, it could switch to diagnostic billing. This is one of the most common billing surprises for patients.
Costs for Virtual (CT) Colonoscopy
Some patients opt for a virtual colonoscopy—a CT scan used to check the colon. This costs $600 – $1,500 but may not be covered by insurance, and if anything suspicious is found, you’ll still need a traditional colonoscopy.
How to Save Money on a Colonoscopy
If you’re uninsured or facing high out-of-pocket costs, these strategies can help:
- Compare prices across hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics—prices can vary by $1,000 or more within the same city.
- Ask for cash discounts—some providers offer lower rates for self-pay patients.
- Consider medical tourism if you live near a border—some U.S. patients go to Mexico for colonoscopies, where the cost can be $500 – $800.
- Use an FSA or HSA to pay with pre-tax dollars.
- Check community health programs—some nonprofit hospitals and public health agencies offer free or low-cost screenings for low-income patients.
What Happens if You Skip a Colonoscopy Due to Cost?
Delaying a needed colonoscopy could cost far more in the long run if colorectal cancer or other serious conditions go undetected. Colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early, but far more expensive to treat if diagnosed later.
Stage of Detection |
5-Year Survival Rate |
Estimated Treatment Cost |
|---|---|---|
Stage 1 (Early) |
Over 90% |
$30,000 – $50,000 |
Stage 3 (Advanced) |
71% |
$75,000 – $150,000 |
Stage 4 (Metastatic) |
14% |
$150,000+ |
Final Thoughts
The average colonoscopy costs $900 to $5,000 depending on where you go, whether you have insurance, and if the procedure is preventive or diagnostic. Most insured people over 45 years old can get a screening colonoscopy for free, but if you’re uninsured, shopping around and asking for cash discounts is key to saving money.
Have you had a colonoscopy recently? What did you pay? Share your experience in the comments.
For real-world healthcare pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
