Medicare Coverage · Updated August 2026

Does Medicare Cover Pap Tests and Pelvic Exams?

Short answer up top, then the exact rule. Here's what Original Medicare does and doesn't cover for Pap tests and pelvic exams in 2026 — and where a Medicare Advantage plan can fill the gap.

By TemplateTitanHQ · ✓ Rules verified against Medicare.gov

Quick answer: Yes — free. Part B covers a Pap test and pelvic exam (including a clinical breast exam) once every 24 months in most cases — once every 12 months if you're at high risk. You pay $0 when the provider accepts assignment.

Does Original Medicare cover Pap tests and pelvic exams?
Yes — $0, every 24 months (12 if high risk)
Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov
Medicare Part B covers Pap tests and pelvic exams to screen for cervical and vaginal cancer, and as part of the pelvic exam it covers a clinical breast exam to check for breast cancer. The schedule is once every 24 months in most cases. You get these once every 12 months instead if you're at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or if you're of child-bearing age and had an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months. Part B also covers an HPV test (done as part of a Pap test) once every 5 years if you're 30–65 and don't have HPV symptoms. You pay nothing for the Pap test, and nothing for the pelvic and clinical breast exam, when your doctor accepts assignment.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same screening at $0 in-network — it's a required preventive benefit, not an extra. What varies is the network: going to an out-of-network OB-GYN is what turns a free screening into a bill, so confirm the provider is in the plan before the visit.

Who this matters to

Women on Medicare — and the agents who field the "is my well-woman visit covered?" call every January. The distinction that trips people up: the screening Pap and pelvic exam are $0 on Medicare's schedule, but a visit ordered to investigate a symptom or follow up an abnormal result is diagnostic and follows normal Part B cost-sharing.

What does Medicare cost you in 2026?

See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.

See 2026 Medicare Costs →

Frequently asked questions

How often will Medicare pay for a Pap smear?

Once every 24 months for most people. Once every 12 months if you're at high risk for cervical or vaginal cancer, or if you're of child-bearing age and had an abnormal Pap test in the past 36 months. You pay $0 when your provider accepts assignment.

Does Medicare cover the HPV test?

Yes. Part B covers an HPV test done as part of a Pap test once every 5 years if you're between 30 and 65 and don't have HPV symptoms. Like the Pap test itself, it's $0 when your provider accepts assignment.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover a suction pump?
Yes — when prescribed for use at home.
Does Medicare cover an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening?
Yes — $0, once in your lifetime if at risk.
Does Medicare cover dental?
Dental, vision & hearing under Original Medicare vs Advantage.
Medigap Plans Explained
How supplement plans cover the 20% Original Medicare leaves you.

Comparing plans this year?

Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like Pap tests and pelvic exams — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.

Open the Enrollment Finder →

Official sources

This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules: