Does Insurance Cover LASIK & What Are Your Options?

LASIK eye surgery has become a popular procedure for vision correction, offering many individuals an alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. A common question is whether existing insurance will help cover the cost. Understanding coverage involves differentiating between various types of plans and their specific benefits.

Medical Insurance Coverage

Standard medical health insurance policies generally do not cover LASIK eye surgery. This is because LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure for correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These conditions are usually manageable with prescription glasses or contact lenses. Medical insurance primarily focuses on treating illnesses, injuries, or conditions deemed medically necessary.

Most medical insurance plans exclude procedures classified as cosmetic or elective, which LASIK commonly is. While LASIK can improve quality of life, it does not treat a disease or prevent vision deterioration like cataract surgery. Rare exceptions exist, such as when LASIK corrects severe vision impairment not amenable to conventional correction, or as part of a reconstructive procedure following injury or disease. Such instances are uncommon and require specific medical documentation.

Vision Plan Coverage

Vision insurance plans, distinct from general medical health insurance, typically handle LASIK differently. While these plans often provide benefits for routine eye examinations, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses, they usually do not offer full LASIK coverage. Instead, vision plans commonly provide members with pre-negotiated discounts or a fixed allowance towards the procedure’s cost.

These discounts are often available through a network of affiliated LASIK providers. The allowance offered by a vision plan might be a few hundred dollars, significantly reducing the overall cost but not covering the entire expense. Individuals considering LASIK should review their specific vision plan documents or contact their provider to understand the exact nature of any available discounts or allowances.

Alternative Payment Options and Savings

Given the typical limitations of insurance coverage, various alternative payment options and savings strategies are available to help manage the cost of LASIK. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can offer significant tax advantages for covering these expenses. Both accounts allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical costs, including LASIK.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

For 2025, individuals with self-only high-deductible health plans can contribute up to $4,300 to an HSA. Those with family coverage can contribute up to $8,550. Individuals aged 55 and older may contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. HSA contributions are tax-deductible, funds grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for eligible medical expenses. Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year-to-year and are portable.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Flexible spending accounts also allow pre-tax contributions, reducing an individual’s taxable income. For 2025, the FSA contribution limit is $3,300. If both spouses have access to an FSA, they can each contribute up to this limit. A key difference from HSAs is the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, where unspent funds are generally forfeited at year-end. Some plans offer a grace period or allow a limited carryover, which is $660 for 2025.

Provider Payment Plans

Many LASIK providers offer payment plans and financing options directly or through third-party medical financing companies. These options can include interest-free periods, often ranging from 12 to 18 months, allowing patients to pay for the procedure in manageable monthly installments. For those needing longer repayment terms, extended payment plans, sometimes spanning three to five years, are also available, though these typically involve interest. Patients should also inquire about seasonal promotions, package deals, or special discounts.