Is LASIK Covered by Insurance? How to Finance the Cost

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a surgical procedure designed to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure reshapes the cornea to improve how light focuses on the retina, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. As many individuals consider this procedure, a common question arises regarding whether their insurance will cover the cost.

Standard Health Insurance and LASIK

Most standard health insurance policies do not cover LASIK surgery, as it is categorized as an elective procedure. Insurance companies define “medically necessary” as treatments that address existing health conditions or prevent serious illness. For vision correction, glasses or contact lenses are considered adequate and less invasive alternatives, meaning LASIK is not deemed a medical necessity by these plans.

Standard health insurance covers medical conditions and diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or injuries. Cataract surgery is commonly covered when it significantly impacts vision. However, refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness are managed with corrective eyewear, which standard plans may cover for routine exams, glasses, or contact lenses, but not surgical correction.

In rare circumstances, LASIK might be considered for coverage under a standard health insurance plan. Exceptions could include severe vision impairment that cannot be corrected by other means, or if the procedure is part of recovery from a covered eye surgery or injury. The criteria for such coverage are stringent and vary significantly between providers. Patients should review their specific policy details or contact their insurance provider to understand any potential exceptions.

Vision Plans and LASIK Coverage

Specialized vision insurance plans focus on eye care benefits, differing from standard health insurance. While these plans rarely cover the full cost of LASIK, many offer discounts or negotiated rates through their network of providers. These discounts can make the procedure more financially accessible.

Vision plans provide benefits for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. For LASIK, instead of direct coverage, many plans offer a percentage off the procedure, ranging from 15% to 20%. Some plans may provide higher discounts, up to 50%, if the procedure is performed by an in-network surgeon.

Individuals should check their specific vision plan’s benefits, as details vary widely among providers and plans. Many vision plan providers have established networks of LASIK surgeons who agree to these discounted rates. Understanding these benefits before a consultation helps plan for out-of-pocket expenses.

Using Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer tax-advantaged ways to pay for qualified medical expenses like LASIK. Both allow pre-tax contributions, significantly reducing the procedure’s cost. LASIK is considered an eligible medical expense by the IRS for both FSAs and HSAs, provided it corrects vision problems.

An FSA is employer-sponsored, allowing employees to set aside money from their paycheck before taxes are calculated. FSAs have a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, meaning funds must be spent by the end of the plan year or within a short grace period (usually 2.5 months) to avoid forfeiture. For 2025, the IRS limits pre-tax contributions to an FSA to $3,300.

An HSA, in contrast, is a personally owned savings account that must be paired with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over year to year and can be invested, offering long-term savings. For 2025, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 to an HSA, while families can contribute up to $8,550. Both accounts reduce taxable income, making LASIK more affordable.

Other Financial Considerations and Options

When insurance coverage is limited or unavailable, several other financial avenues exist to manage LASIK costs. Many LASIK providers offer internal payment plans, including interest-free financing for 12 to 24 months, or extended payment options. These plans often require credit approval and spread the expense over time.

Specialized medical credit cards, such as CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit, are available, designed for healthcare expenses not covered by insurance. These cards may offer promotional financing, including deferred interest periods, allowing patients to pay for the procedure without incurring interest if the balance is paid in full within the promotional timeframe. Personal loans from banks or online lenders can provide another option, offering fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments.

Some employers, though less common, may offer benefits or discounts for LASIK as part of employee wellness programs. Additionally, LASIK costs can be a tax-deductible medical expense by the IRS. However, to qualify for this deduction, unreimbursed medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), and you must itemize deductions on your tax return. This threshold means achieving a tax deduction for LASIK can be challenging unless you have substantial other medical costs.