Do Any Insurances Cover LASIK Surgery?

Many individuals wonder if insurance covers LASIK eye surgery. While clearer vision is appealing, direct and full coverage is generally uncommon. However, various financial options and partial benefits can make the procedure more affordable.

Primary Health Insurance and LASIK Coverage

General medical health insurance plans typically do not cover LASIK, as it is largely considered an elective procedure. Insurance providers classify LASIK as a vision correction method not medically necessary, since refractive errors can be managed with eyeglasses or contact lenses. This falls outside standard medical benefits, which focus on treating diseases or health-threatening conditions.

Rare exceptions exist where medical insurance might offer coverage, such as for severe vision impairment not correctable by other means, or if the procedure treats a medical condition glasses or contacts cannot address. In these unusual cases, coverage is limited. It might extend only to pre-operative consultations or post-operative care for complications, not the primary surgical procedure.

Vision Insurance Plans

Vision insurance plans primarily cover routine eye care, like annual eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. While focusing on eye health, most do not provide full LASIK coverage. Instead, vision plans commonly offer discounts or access to preferred provider networks for LASIK.

Discounts can range from a percentage off the total cost (typically 15% to 50%) or a fixed amount up to $1,000. This arrangement differs from direct insurance benefits, reducing out-of-pocket expense rather than paying for a service portion. Individuals should check their vision plan details for available LASIK discounts.

Using Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are tax-advantaged savings accounts, not insurance plans. These allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, including LASIK surgery. Using these accounts effectively reduces the out-of-pocket cost, as contributions are made before taxes.

HSA funds roll over year-to-year, allowing savings for larger medical expenses like LASIK. FSAs are typically employer-sponsored with a “use it or lose it” provision, meaning funds must be spent within the plan year or a short grace period. Both account types allow tax-free withdrawals for eligible medical expenses, offering a significant financial advantage.

Other Financial Considerations for LASIK

Beyond traditional insurance and tax-advantaged accounts, other financial options can help manage LASIK costs. Many LASIK providers offer in-house payment plans or partner with third-party medical financing companies like CareCredit.

These financing options often feature low or no-interest periods, allowing patients to spread payments over months or years, subject to credit approval. Some employers may also offer benefits or discounts for elective procedures like LASIK as part of their wellness programs or benefits packages.

Many LASIK clinics frequently run promotional offers or seasonal discounts that can reduce the overall cost. Patients can inquire about these options during initial consultations.