What age can you get a colonoscopy with Aetna?
Asked by: Agustina Tromp | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (32 votes)
At what age does Aetna cover a colonoscopy?
Aetna considers any of the following colorectal cancer screening tests medically necessary preventive services for average-risk members aged 45 years and older when these tests are recommended by their physician: Colonoscopy (considered medically necessary every 10 years for persons at average risk); or.
At what age will insurance cover a colonoscopy?
Colon cancer screening starting at age 45
As a result, most health insurance companies cover colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 with no out-of-pocket costs to the patient.
Can I request a colonoscopy at 25?
"For a young adult, a colonoscopy isn't recommended unless other workups or tests indicate that there's good reason for a more thorough check of your colon." Typically, screening colonoscopies begin at age 45 and are done every 10 years.
What are the age requirements for a colonoscopy?
Current guidelines suggest that you should get your first colonoscopy at age 45 if you are at average risk for colorectal cancer. If no polyps are found during your initial colonoscopy, then you wouldn't need your next colonoscopy for another 10 years. Regular screenings are recommended from age 45 through 75.
Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans
How do you qualify for a colonoscopy?
Colorectal cancer often doesn't cause any symptoms until it's too advanced to treat effectively. You may be due for a colonoscopy for cancer screening if you: Are older than 45 and haven't had one. Haven't had one for 10 years.
What are the new age guidelines for colonoscopy?
Screening recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The decision to be screened between ages 76 and 85 should be made on an individual basis. If you are older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
Can I just ask for a colonoscopy?
If you are eligible, you can simply schedule the colonoscopy at your convenience. If you aren't, ask your primary care physician for a referral to a gastroenterologist (GI) for a pre-procedure appointment.
Is colonoscopy painful?
Is a colonoscopy painful? Many people are afraid of experiencing pain during a colonoscopy, but the procedure is painless. "It's why we can do this procedure without sedation when needed," says Dr. Millien.
Are colonoscopies 100% covered by insurance?
with colon polyps or colon cancer. Your insurance should cover 100% of the costs, so you will not need to pay. If your doctor removes a polyp during the test, it becomes a DIAGNOSTIC COLONOSCOPY.
How much does a private colonoscopy cost?
The average cost of a private colonoscopy in the UK is currently £2,421 (October 2024).
Can I refuse a colonoscopy?
Can a person refuse a colonoscopy? It is up to individuals if they decide to proceed with a colonoscopy. Doctors cannot carry them out if a person refuses. At-home tests are an alternative to a screening colonoscopy, but people will need to do these regularly every 1–3 years.
What is the age limit for Aetna?
Coverage for Dependent Children
To be eligible for coverage, a dependent child must be under 26 years of age.
Do you lay on your back during a colonoscopy?
You will be asked to lie on your left side with your knees pulled up towards your chest. A lubricated tube will be put into your anus and moved into your rectum and colon. You may feel mild pain, pressure or cramping during the procedure. A sedative is used to reduce your discomfort.
How can I get a free colonoscopy?
- The Colorectal Cancer Alliance provides resources to access free screenings and financial assistance for those that are eligible.
- In some states, the Department of Health provides free screenings, including colonoscopies.
Does it hurt to poop after a colonoscopy?
Does it hurt to poop after a colonoscopy? If a doctor removed polyps during surgery, people may experience some discomfort and a small amount blood in stools that decreases over time after a colonoscopy.
How long are you asleep for a colonoscopy?
Propofol works quickly; most patients are unconscious within five minutes. "When the procedure is over and we stop the intravenous drip, it generally takes only 10 to 15 minutes before he or she is fairly wide awake again.”
What is the biggest risk with a colonoscopy?
- A reaction to the sedative used during the exam.
- Bleeding from the site where a tissue sample (biopsy) was taken or a polyp or other abnormal tissue was removed.
- A tear in the colon or rectum wall (perforation)
Who cannot have a colonoscopy?
Is there anyone who should not have the procedure? Colonoscopy is not recommended in pregnant patients, patients 75 years or older, patients with limited life expectancy, or in patients with severe medical problems making them high risk for sedation.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
When the procedure room is ready, you will be wheeled over on your gurney to the procedure room. Most colonoscopies take only 15-30 minutes to complete. As a reminder, most patients recall feeling minimal to no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Will they remove hemorrhoids during a colonoscopy?
Many people undergo colonoscopies for routine screenings, and during the procedure, your gastroenterologist may detect internal hemorrhoids. However, depending on the removal technique, it may not be advisable to remove hemorrhoids during a colonoscopy.
What is the age cut off for colonoscopy?
There's no upper age limit for colon cancer screening. But most medical organizations in the United States agree that the benefits of screening decline after age 75 for most people and there's little evidence to support continuing screening after age 85.
What are the symptoms of polyps in the bowel?
Bowel polyps don't usually cause any symptoms, so most people with polyps won't know they have them. They are often picked up during screening for bowel cancer. However, some larger polyps can cause: a small amount of slime (mucus) or blood in your poo (rectal bleeding)
How much is a colonoscopy without insurance?
Without insurance, a colonoscopy in the U.S. can range from $1,250 to $4,800 or more with an average cost of $2,750. If you have insurance, you typically pay nothing for a screening colonoscopy.