Some of the most common questions we receive about LASIK surgery focus on the cost of the procedure, and the payment options available to cover laser eye surgery. What is the cost of LASIK, and does insurance cover it?
Most insurance companies consider LASIK an elective or cosmetic procedure, which means that it won’t be covered by most policies. There may be some exceptions where insurance companies will cover the cost of LASIK, and there are diverse payment or financing options available if your insurance policy doesn’t cover laser eye surgery.
What Is the Cost of Laser Eye Surgery with Insurance?
While most insurance providers don’t typically cover the cost of LASIK, some major providers do offer discounts for laser eye surgery procedures. These insurance companies work with LASIK providers to offer a “courtesy discount” for members, which can help cover some of the laser eye surgery cost. You won’t know until you ask, so it’s always a good idea to speak with your insurance company about any LASIK discounts that may be available.
Speaking with your insurance provider may also help you find out whether you fit the narrow requirements for LASIK to be considered something other than an elective or cosmetic procedure. Basically, insurance companies may pay for LASIK, but there are very specific requirements.
When Does Insurance Cover Laser Eye Surgery?
While it’s rare, there are some cases where your insurance company may actually cover the cost of LASIK, because circumstances make it a necessary procedure rather than an elective procedure. If you serve in the military and meet pre-determined vision requirements, you may qualify for LASIK to be covered by insurance. Typically, surgery in this case would take place in a military facility. First responders and law enforcement professionals may also qualify to have LASIK covered by insurance, depending on the case.
If you’re not in one of those careers, you may still be able to get LASIK covered by insurance, though it can be an uphill battle. If you act, entertain, or play sports for a living, you may be able to convince your insurance company that LASIK is necessary. If you have certain medical conditions like severe dry eye, allergies, or contact lens intolerance that make wearing vision correction devices difficult, then you may qualify to have LASIK covered by insurance.
What Are My Options if Insurance Doesn’t Cover My LASIK Cost?
If your insurance company won’t cover the cost of LASIK, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and there are a ton of financing options available to help you pay for the procedure in the way that best fits your budget. Tax-friendly tools like Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allow you to save for medical needs on a pre-tax basis. LASIK centers also offer financing options, so that you can pay for your procedure over time. If you have questions about how to fit LASIK into your budget, speaking with your financial adviser and LASIK provider are key steps in developing a plan.
Looking to learn more about the cost of LASIK eye surgery, and the financing options available? Start by scheduling your free LASIK consultation at your local laser eye surgery center. You can schedule your consultation by calling your LASIK center directly, or by filling out the quick contact form on this page. Your free consultation is an opportunity to speak with LASIK professionals, learn more about financing, and get answers to all of your laser eye surgery questions.
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