FAQs about colonoscopy prep costs

Is colonoscopy prep covered by insurance?

Sometimes, but not always. And even when colonoscopy prep is covered, you might still have to pay a portion out of pocket. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, 53% of commercial insurance claims and 83% of Medicare claims for colonoscopy prep kits require some type of cost from the patient. Medicaid is more likely to cover the entire cost, since only some plans have cost-sharing policies. However, that same study showed that 8.3% of Medicaid claims for colonoscopy prep still had some out-of-pocket costs.

The research also found that after insurance coverage, patients pay a median amount of $10 for high-volume prep and $60 for low-volume prep. With Medicare Part D coverage, those median costs were $8 and $56, respectively. 

What is the cheapest colonoscopy prep kit?

Without insurance coverage, the cheapest option is typically an over-the-counter regimen that includes Dulcolax pills, Miralax, and Gatorade or a similar beverage (preferably NOT red, orange, or purple). The average cost for Dulcolax is around $5-$10 for 30, 5 mg capsules, and Miralax is around $23 for 1, 238 gm bottle. The cheapest prescription prep kit depends on your insurance plan and the pharmacy you use, but affordable options can include generic versions of Moviprep, GoLYTELY, or Suprep. 

How much does a colonoscopy cost?

According to market research, the cost of a colonoscopy can range from $1,856 to $4,616, depending on where it’s performed, the method of sedation, polyp removal, and potential biopsy costs. However, federal law dictates that private insurance companies and Medicare must cover the entire cost for people older than 45 years old. 

That coverage, though, is typically for routine, preventive screenings. If the doctor needs to remove a polyp, get a biopsy, or perform other types of interventions during the colonoscopy, there might be additional patient costs. With private insurance, these costs will depend on the specific plan. For Medicare beneficiaries, it’s 15% of the Medicare-approved price, and potentially 15% coinsurance for services performed in a hospital outpatient center.