Does job-based or Marketplace insurance cover colonoscopy?

A qualifying screening colonoscopy is usually covered at $0 in network. Screening is recommended from age 45. Polyp removal during a screening and a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test should also be preventive under federal guidance, but diagnostic colonoscopies for symptoms usually have cost sharing. Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.

Does Original Medicare cover colonoscopy?

Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed. Part B covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030. Cost: Screening $0; if a polyp is removed, 15% coinsurance in 2026.

Does Medicare Advantage cover colonoscopy?

Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed. Part B covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030. Medicare Advantage plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider. Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.

Does Medicaid cover colonoscopy?

Yes, Medicaid covers screening and diagnostic colonoscopies. Cost sharing is minimal and set by your state.

Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?

Colorectal cancer screening or a diagnostic scope of the colon. Here’s how each kind of plan usually handles it.

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Employer or MarketplaceCovered with conditions
A qualifying screening colonoscopy is usually covered at $0 in network.
More details
Screening is recommended from age 45. Polyp removal during a screening and a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test should also be preventive under federal guidance, but diagnostic colonoscopies for symptoms usually have cost sharing.
Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.
Original MedicareCovered with conditions
Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed.
More details
covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030.
Cost: Screening $0; if a polyp is removed, 15% coinsurance in 2026.
Medicare AdvantageCovered with conditions
Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed.
More details
covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030. plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider.
Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.
MedicaidUsually covered
Yes, Medicaid covers screening and diagnostic colonoscopies.
More details
Cost sharing is minimal and set by your state.

Plan type	How it’s usually covered
Employer or MarketplaceCovered with conditions	A qualifying screening colonoscopy is usually covered at $0 in network. Screening is recommended from age 45. Polyp removal during a screening and a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test should also be preventive under federal guidance, but diagnostic colonoscopies for symptoms usually have cost sharing. Cost: $0 in network when it qualifies as preventive; follow-up or diagnostic work can have normal cost sharing.
Original MedicareCovered with conditions	Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed. covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030. Cost: Screening $0; if a polyp is removed, 15% coinsurance in 2026.
Medicare AdvantageCovered with conditions	Medicare covers screening colonoscopies at $0, but you may owe coinsurance if a polyp is removed. covers screening colonoscopy once every 120 months (every 24 months at high risk). A follow-up colonoscopy after a positive Medicare-covered stool or blood screening test is also $0. Removing a polyp turns part of it into a diagnostic procedure: you pay 15% of the Medicare-approved amount in 2026, 10% from 2027 to 2029, and nothing from 2030. plans must cover Medicare’s preventive services at $0 when you use an in-network provider. Cost: $0 in network for the preventive service; follow-up care can have your plan’s copays.
MedicaidUsually covered	Yes, Medicaid covers screening and diagnostic colonoscopies. Cost sharing is minimal and set by your state.

What usually has to be true

You must meet age, risk, and frequency criteria.
Use an in-network provider and facility.
You can get separate bills for anesthesia, the lab that checks a polyp, and the facility.

Good to know

Screening and diagnostic colonoscopies can have different cost sharing.

Blood tests & lab work · Blood work, urine tests, and other lab services.

Sources

Typical rules for 2026 plans, checked against these sources on October 20, 2026. Your plan’s own documents decide.

1
Preventive health services
HealthCare.gov
Most plans must cover specified preventive services without cost sharing when the person meets the recommendation criteria and network rules.
2
Preventive care benefits for adults
HealthCare.gov
Covered adult preventive services include blood pressure, cholesterol, colorectal cancer, depression, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis, and lung cancer screenings, immunizations, PrEP for HIV prevention, tobacco-cessation interventions, and obesity counseling, when criteria are met.
3
Screening colonoscopies
Medicare.gov
Part B covers screening colonoscopies, with no minimum age, generally once every 120 months (24 months at high risk). If a polyp is removed, you may pay coinsurance.
4
Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Medicare.gov
Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers (except hospice, which Original Medicare continues to pay), usually use provider networks, often require referrals or prior authorization, and may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing.
5
Mandatory and optional Medicaid benefits
Medicaid.gov
States must cover mandatory benefits such as inpatient and outpatient hospital care, physician services, laboratory and X-ray services, home health, and nursing facility care; many other benefits, including adult dental, vision, and prescription drugs coverage details, are state options.

General information about how coverage usually works, not a decision about your plan. Your plan documents and insurer have the final word.

Is colonoscopy covered by insurance?

What usually has to be true

Good to know

Related

Sources