Insurance coverage for LASIK surgery is generally limited, as it’s often considered an elective procedure rather than a medically necessary one. Most health insurance plans in the U.S. don’t cover LASIK because it’s categorized as a cosmetic or vision correction surgery.
However, some vision insurance companies now offer discounts on LASIK, and some larger companies also offer laser vision correction benefits.
These benefits include:
- Discounts on laser vision correction procedures with specific providers
- Frame benefits for non-prescription sunglasses after vision correction surgery
What Insurance Covers LASIK?
Several vision health plans offer insurance coverage for laser vision correction. The average cost of LASIK surgery is $2,000 to $3,000 per eye.
VSP caps the cost of conventional LASIK through its partnered providers at $1,800 per eye. On the other hand, EyeMed offers 15 percent off standard LASIK pricing or 5 percent off promotional pricing.
Participating vision insurance policies include:
- Vision Service Plan (VSP)
- EyeMed
- Davis Vision
- MESVision
- Spectera
Keep in mind that the list we provide is not comprehensive, as benefits and plans vary from state to state. We recommend comparing insurance providers before purchasing a vision plan.
Most of these insurance plans require seeing an in-network surgeon. This is because they have contracts with specific LASIK clinics, or they may offer special offers if you stay in-network.
How to Check Your LASIK Coverage
Insurance policies can be intimidating to go over, so we created a guide to help you determine if your plan covers LASIK:
- Review your policy. Look for mentions of "LASIK," "vision correction," or "refractive surgery," and pay attention to any exclusions or limitations.
- Contact your insurance provider. If your coverage is unclear, ask directly about LASIK coverage and available discounts. Have your policy number and member ID ready.
- Ask about partnerships. Confirm if your insurer partners with LASIK providers to offer pre-negotiated rates.
We recommend that you keep a record of your conversations with your insurance provider. This includes the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with.
Tips for Communicating with Your Insurance Provider
To make communication less tricky and intimidating, here are some tips you can follow:
- Be prepared. Have your policy information and any relevant medical records readily available.
- Be specific. Use clear and concise language when asking about LASIK coverage. To ensure everyone understands, mention the CPT code for LASIK (S0800).
- Be persistent. If you encounter obstacles, don't give up easily. Ask to speak with a supervisor or request a written explanation of the coverage decision.
Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financing Options
Even with partial insurance coverage, LASIK often involves out-of-pocket costs. So, it’s important to understand your plan's deductible, co-pay requirements, and any cost-sharing percentages.
Many LASIK providers offer financing plans, including low or no-interest options, to make the procedure more affordable. You can also utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for LASIK with pre-tax dollars.
- FSAs. These allow you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to cover eligible healthcare expenses, including LASIK.
- HSAs. These accounts offer a triple tax advantage; contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.
- LASIK financing. Many LASIK providers offer financing options through third-party lenders or in-house programs. You might qualify for a 0% interest payment plan, making LASIK more manageable with monthly installments.
Don’t let cost keep you from having better vision. Start by reviewing your insurance policy and asking about discounts or reimbursement options.
You can also pair this with financing or tax-advantaged accounts to make LASIK more affordable. Your journey to a clear vision starts today.
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