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How Much Does a Prostate Cancer Test Typically Cost?

A prostate cancer test can offer insight into your prostate health and whether you may need follow-up care. If your doctor recommends testing, you may wonder how much it costs and what your insurance may cover.

Prostate cancer test costs depend on the type of test, where you get it, your insurance coverage and whether you need additional testing. Below, we explain common prostate cancer tests, what affects prostate cancer test prices and how supplemental cancer insurance may help provide financial support for covered cancer-related expenses.

4 min. read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is one of the most common prostate cancer screening tests.1
  • Prostate cancer test pricing can vary depending on your lab, provider, insurance coverage and follow-up testing.
  • Aflac's cancer insurance can help with eligible cancer-related expenses, subject to policy terms, conditions and limitations.

What is a prostate cancer test?

A prostate cancer test checks for signs that may suggest prostate cancer. One of the most common screening options is a PSA test. This test measures the amount of PSA — a protein produced by the prostate — in your blood.1

An elevated PSA level doesn't always mean you have prostate cancer. PSA levels can also rise due to:2

  • Aging
  • Inflammation
  • Infection
  • Recent ejaculation
  • Surgery
  • Certain medications

Your health care provider can help interpret your PSA results while factoring in your health history, symptoms and other findings. Some providers may also recommend a digital rectal exam (DRE) during prostate cancer screening to feel for changes in the prostate.1

If your PSA level is elevated or your provider has other concerns, they may recommend additional follow-up testing, such as another PSA test, imaging or a biopsy.1

How much does a prostate cancer test cost?

The cost of a prostate cancer test can vary. Without insurance, a PSA test may cost $100 to $300 or more, depending on the provider, lab and location.3 Some direct-to-consumer or cash-pay labs may offer lower prices for the blood test. However, testing through a doctor's office or hospital may cost more because the final bill could also include:

  • The office visit or consultation
  • PSA blood test
  • DRE
  • Lab processing
  • Results interpretation

You may also incur prostate cancer genetic testing costs if your provider recommends genetic testing based on your diagnosis, family history or treatment plan.

Does insurance cover prostate cancer testing?

Health insurance may help cover prostate cancer testing, but coverage can vary. Some plans only cover PSA testing when your provider recommends it based on your age, symptoms, risk factors or prior results. Even then, you may still owe a copay, deductible or coinsurance. Medicare Part B covers PSA blood tests once every 12 months for men over the age of 50 if your health care provider orders the screening. If you meet that criteria, you may not have to pay anything for your PSA blood test.3 If you meet Medicare's requirements, the PSA blood test may be covered. However, out-of-pocket costs may apply in certain circumstances, such as if you receive additional services or if your provider does not accept Medicare's approved amount.

If you have private insurance, coverage can vary,4 so it's a good idea to contact your health plan before testing to confirm whether:

  • Your plan covers PSA testing
  • Your lab and provider are in network
  • Follow-up testing requires prior authorization
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When should you ask about prostate cancer testing?

Your decision to get screened may depend on your age, risk factors, health history and personal preferences. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that:4

  • Men who are 55 to 69 talk with their doctor about the potential benefits and risks before choosing PSA-based screening
  • Men who are 70 or older avoid routine prostate cancer screening

These recommendations apply to men without prostate cancer symptoms or a previous prostate cancer diagnosis, whether they have average or increased risk.4 Your health provider may recommend screening earlier if you are at higher risk of prostate cancer, such as a family history or other risk factors.

Additional testing may also be appropriate if you have the following symptoms:5

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pelvic discomfort

What follow-up tests may add to the cost?

A PSA test doesn't diagnose prostate cancer on its own.1 If your results are elevated or change over time, your provider may recommend follow-up tests, such as:5

  • Additional PSA blood testing
  • DRE
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy

These services may increase your total cost, especially if they fall under diagnostic benefits instead of screening benefits.

How supplemental cancer insurance can help

Even if your primary health insurance helps cover prostate cancer testing and treatment, you may still incur some out-of-pocket expenses for:

  • Deductibles, copays and coinsurance
  • Trips to the hospital

Prescriptions and Medications Aflac's supplemental cancer insurance can help with covered cancer-related expenses. Our cancer insurance policies pay cash directly to you, unless otherwise assigned, so you can use the money where it helps most.

Prepare for unexpected costs with Aflac

Unexpected costs can vary widely depending on your provider, location, insurance coverage and additional testing. If you are interested in added support for future cancer-related expenses, Aflac's cancer insurance can help. You can also explore some of our other policies that can help provide added financial protection. Chat with an Aflac agent today to learn more about your coverage options and get a quote.

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