Is LASIK Covered by Insurance?

If you’re considering LASIK eye surgery, you may be wondering if the cost is covered by insurance. LASIK is an elective procedure, which means it’s not typically covered by insurance. However, there are some situations where insurance may cover a portion of the cost, and there are financing options available to make LASIK more affordable.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a type of eye surgery that uses lasers to reshape the cornea and correct vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 minutes per eye. Patients typically experience improved vision immediately after surgery and can return to normal activities within a few days.

Is LASIK Covered by Insurance?

As mentioned earlier, LASIK is an elective procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Most insurance plans consider LASIK to be a cosmetic procedure, which means patients are responsible for paying for the surgery out of pocket.

However, there are some situations where insurance may cover a portion of the cost of LASIK. For example, if you have a medical condition that affects your vision, such as cataracts or glaucoma, your insurance may cover the cost of LASIK as part of your treatment plan.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for LASIK. You may also want to speak with your surgeon about financing options that can help make LASIK more affordable.

How Much Does LASIK Cost?

The cost of LASIK can vary depending on a number of factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the type of laser used, and the location of the surgery.

On average, LASIK can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per eye. However, some surgeons may charge more or less than this depending on their individual fees and the specifics of your surgery.

Keep in mind that this cost typically includes pre-surgery consultations, the surgery itself, and post-surgery checkups. However, it may not include the cost of any prescription eye drops or medications you may need after surgery.

Financing Options for LASIK

Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of LASIK, there are still financing options available to make the procedure more affordable.

Many LASIK surgeons offer financing plans that allow you to pay for the procedure in monthly installments. Depending on the surgeon, these plans may come with little or no interest, which can help you save money over time.

You may also want to consider using a healthcare credit card, such as CareCredit, to pay for your LASIK surgery. These cards offer low-interest financing options and can be used to pay for a variety of medical procedures, including LASIK.

FAQ

Conclusion

LASIK is an elective procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, there are some situations where insurance may cover a portion of the cost, and there are financing options available to make LASIK more affordable.

If you’re considering LASIK, it’s important to do your research and speak with your surgeon about the specifics of your surgery. With the right information and financing options, you can make an informed decision about whether LASIK is right for you.