Does Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery Cost?

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. Many individuals considering this procedure inquire about insurance coverage. Standard health insurance plans typically do not cover LASIK, as it is largely considered an elective procedure. However, various avenues and financial tools exist that can help manage the expense of this vision correction surgery.

Standard Health Insurance Coverage

Most standard health insurance policies do not cover LASIK surgery, classifying it as an elective procedure. Insurance companies determine coverage based on medical necessity. This refers to services required to diagnose, treat, or prevent an illness, injury, or disease. Since refractive errors are correctable with glasses or contact lenses, LASIK is not deemed medically necessary for these conditions.

Medical necessity involves treating a diagnosed disease or injury; standard refractive errors do not fall into this category. While insurance plans cover corrective lenses, surgical correction for these errors remains outside their scope. In rare instances, LASIK might be considered medically necessary, such as when severe vision impairment is uncorrectable by other means, or if refractive errors result from an injury or previous surgery. Certain physical limitations, like severe allergies or deformities preventing glasses or contacts, could also prompt an exception. These exceptions are uncommon and require strict documentation and approval from medical professionals and the insurance provider.

Vision Care Plans and Discounts

Vision care plans differ from standard health insurance, focusing on routine eye examinations, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses. While beneficial for general eye care, they do not cover the full cost of LASIK surgery. Instead, many vision plans offer negotiated discounts or a fixed allowance towards the procedure.

These discount programs partner with specific LASIK providers, offering policyholders reduced rates. Discounts range from 10% to 20% off the retail price, though some in-network surgeons may offer higher discounts, up to 50%. Utilizing these discounts can significantly lower the out-of-pocket expense for LASIK, making it more affordable, though it rarely eliminates the entire cost. Individuals should check their specific vision plan’s benefits to understand available discounts or allowances, as these benefits are often add-ons or separate policies.

Using Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer tax-advantaged ways to pay for qualified medical expenses, including LASIK surgery. Both account types allow individuals to use pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare costs, effectively reducing the overall expense of the procedure. LASIK is considered a qualified medical expense by the IRS, making it eligible for reimbursement through these accounts.

HSAs are available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. For 2025, the maximum contribution limit for self-only HSA coverage is $4,300, and for family coverage, it is $8,550. Individuals aged 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over indefinitely.

FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts that allow employees to contribute pre-tax income for qualified medical expenses. For 2025, the health FSA contribution limit is $3,300. A key difference from HSAs is the “use it or lose it” rule, requiring funds to be spent by the end of the plan year. Employers may offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months into the new year or allow a limited rollover of unused funds (up to $660 for 2025). Using an HSA or FSA for LASIK can result in substantial savings, as the money used bypasses federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.

Checking Your Coverage and Payment Approaches

To confirm specific benefits for LASIK, individuals should directly contact their health insurance provider and vision care plan administrator. Ask precise questions regarding any available coverage, discounts, or allowances for refractive surgery. Requesting information in writing can provide clarity and serve as a reference.

Beyond insurance and tax-advantaged accounts, LASIK providers offer various payment approaches. These options include in-house financing plans, allowing patients to spread the cost over several months or years. Third-party financing companies specialize in medical procedures and provide flexible credit options. Some providers may offer package deals that bundle the procedure cost with pre-operative and post-operative care, or accept direct payments via credit cards or checks.