Does Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery? Here’s What You Need To Know!
Prathyusha Itikarlapalli
- Content Writer
Key Takeaways
- Most insurances do not cover LASIK eye surgery since it is an elective procedure, and clear vision can be achieved through non-surgical alternatives.
- Vision insurance covers routine eye examinations. Some ophthalmologists offer price discounts, special deals, and membership benefits on LASIK costs.
- Insurance providers such as Cigna, Aetna, VSP, and Blue Cross offer a 10-30% price reduction on LASIK. This should be paid out-of-pocket and not as an insurance deductible.
A Brief on LASIK Eye Surgery and Its Cost
Unclear eyesight or blurry vision can make it difficult to see objects clearly, ruining the quality of life. Depending on refractive errors or other underlying causes, individuals rely on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is one of the most commonly opted for surgical eye procedures across the world. LASIK is the short form of laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis procedure and is a minimally invasive surgical treatment. The procedure relies on using advanced lasers to reshape the cornea, a thin transparent layer on the front portion of the eye. LASIK reduces the dependency on glasses or contact lenses, making it easier for the candidate to see distant and nearby objects clearly. On average, LASIK eye surgery costs around $2,000 per eye in the US. In countries like the UK or Australia, it costs $2,900 and $2,200 per eye, respectively. LASIK costs significantly vary with the provider, technology, and geographical location. Read our price guide on LASIK eye surgery costs for more detailed information. In case you are worried about the costs and are looking for ways to lighten your wallet, head on to the upcoming section.
Does My Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
Insurance covers LASIK costs only for medically necessary cases. Most health insurance does not cover LASIK eye surgery costs under normal conditions, considering it an elective procedure, especially since vision correction is still achieved with non-surgical alternatives. Further, they aim to control costs and premiums by restricting their policies to procedures that maintain health or prevent illness. While this helps keep premiums affordable, covering elective or cosmetic procedures like LASIK could significantly increase costs and make policies more difficult to manage over time.
When Is LASIK Medically Necessary?
While non-surgical choices like eyeglasses or contact lenses help to attain better vision, LASIK is specifically necessary in the following medical conditions where,
- Refractive errors of the eye occur due to an injury, accident, or surgery
- Candidates suffer from extreme allergic conditions and cannot tolerate contact lenses
- Candidates cannot wear eyeglasses due to physical deformities such as facial or craniofacial injuries, or suffer from neuromuscular problems, making it difficult to handle glasses
- There is a significant prescription difference between both eyes, requiring surgical intervention to attain a balanced vision
Medicare (Part A or B) does not cover LASIK costs since it is performed to make life easier and not to prevent blindness. However, Medicare Part C, also called the Medicare Advantage plan, offers partial coverage when you choose an in-network ophthalmologist.[1]
Non-Medical Circumstances Under Which LASIK Costs May Be Covered by Insurance
Some jobs require perfect vision without glasses or contacts, like working in the military, police, aviation, or as a professional athlete. In these cases, a few insurance plans may help cover LASIK since it's needed to meet job standards.
How To Get LASIK Covered by Insurance?
While most insurances do not cover LASIK eye surgery, you can still opt for special membership plans. These offer discounts or special deals on LASIK prices. While you are limited to choosing an in-network eye doctor, the membership plans can reduce treatment costs to some extent. Note that most membership benefit plans do not apply as part of insurance coverage. You are required to pay them as out-of-pocket expenses while availing special discounts.
Vision Insurance Versus Health Insurance
Vision insurance is different from routine health insurance. While most health insurances cover the eye treatment costs in exceptional medically necessary cases, vision insurance offers added benefits of wellness. It covers the costs of routine vision examinations, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. The frequency of eye examinations that vision insurance covers varies with policy. A few policies cover it for a yearly examination, while some cover it once every two years. However, note that vision insurance does not cover those costs for conditions that are medically necessary.
When Should You Plan for Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance is usually inexpensive and can be added alongside your existing health insurance. You may purchase it separately or from your employer. However, note that it's beneficial specifically when you require frequent eye examinations and corrective lens changes. Note that many vision insurance providers offer coverage by limiting you to choosing in-network services. [2]
Does Vision Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
Vision insurance does not cover LASIK costs. However, some eye doctors and clinics partner with the vision insurance providers to offer deals and special discounts. These are either price deductions or special deals with dollar allowances, which considerably reduce the price. While the price deductions are a way to attract more patients, they considerably reduce the burden of surgery costs. Vision providers like Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna are at the top. Below, we answered a few questions that most patients asked.
Is LASIK Covered by Insurance Blue Cross?
LASIK eye surgery cost insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield plan offers a 30% discount on laser eye corrections, including LASIK, for candidates aged 19 and above. The Eyecare First Health plan offers basic eye care benefits for patients with varied discounts for eye examinations and lenses. Further, you do not need to file claims when you approach a Davis Vision Provider. Note that some providers in specific geographical locations, like Maryland or Virginia, no longer provide the discounts.[3]
Is LASIK Covered by Insurance VSP?
Some vision insurance plans offer coverage on LASIK through the VSP Laser Vision Care Program or the preferred programs. While it's simple, you will need to search for in-network providers performing LASIK specifically. The LASIK eye surgery cost with insurance VSP lightens your pocket with special member discounts and financing options. While the benefits vary with the provider, some of them offer savings of up to $1,100 on LASIK. [4]
Does Cigna Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
The traditional Cigna insurance does not cover LASIK eye surgery, considering it cosmetic. However, the Cigna Healthy Rewards program offers a 15% discount and free enhancements for one year. You cannot choose any LASIK eye doctor but choose a Cigna partner. Note that these savings do not apply as an insurance deductible; you pay these reduced prices out of pocket as a separate entity. Further, the program mentions certain restrictions for patients, making the qualification for the procedure difficult.[5][6]
Does Aetna Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
Aetna, as a standard health insurance plan, does not cover the costs of LASIK eye surgery. However, it offers certain member benefits, including a 15% discount on LASIK surgery costs. You must choose an in-network provider to avail of these discounts strictly. While these discounts with Aetna insurance reduce the burden of costs, you need to pay them out-of-pocket, as it does not apply as insurance deductible. A few providers also offer free consultations. The key lies in finding the right one based on your case. You may contact Aetna Member Services using a special LASIK code to find the LASIK doctors near you.[7]
Does Tricare Insurance Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
Tricare covers only medically proven and necessary procedures for military service members and their family members. It does not cover LASIK costs, considering it to be elective.[8]
Other Alternatives To Pay for LASIK Eye Surgery
You can pay for LASIK eye surgery using a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). The FSA is solely a spending account that goes with a use-it-or-lose-it concept that an employer owns. On the other hand, HSA is owned by you and can roll over to the next year. Either of these pre-tax dollar alternatives is a better way to save LASIK costs provided you deal with them wisely. On the other hand, a few eye doctors offer financing options, where the final cost is broken down into small, payable, and manageable amounts. While a few of them work with credit cards, patients need to be cautious about the interest rates and terms of pay.
Final Word!
Most health and vision insurance plans don’t cover LASIK surgery because it’s considered elective. However, many insurers offer discounts through partner networks, helping reduce costs by 10-30%. While these discounts aren’t the same as full coverage, you can still make LASIK more affordable using HSA/FSA funds or financing plans. Always check with your provider for specific benefits and restrictions.
Are you thinking about LASIK but unsure where to start? Let Envoy Health help you understand your options, find trusted clinics, and save more on your treatment. Sign up here to get personalized support. Your clearer vision starts now.
References
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatments.
The minimum cost of LASIK eye surgery begins at $1,500 and can go as high as $3,500 per eye in the US. While most traditional health insurance does not cover LASIK costs, you can expect price reductions and discounts with insurances like Cigna, Aetna, or VSP.
Most insurances in the US consider LASIK as an elective procedure and do not cover its costs.
Insurance typically won’t pay for LASIK because it’s considered an elective procedure, not medically necessary. Most people can still correct their vision with glasses or contact lenses, so insurers don’t view LASIK as essential to maintaining health or preventing illness. Covering such procedures would drive up costs and premiums, making insurance plans harder to manage and more expensive for everyone. By focusing on medically necessary treatments, insurers aim to keep coverage affordable and sustainable.
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