Is LASIK Covered by Insurance? No, but You Can Get Discounts

If wearing eyeglasses every day feels uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may be considering LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. This eye surgery uses a special laser to reshape the cornea, the clear lens that covers and protects the front part of the eye. By reshaping the cornea, LASIK can help correct vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and some types of astigmatism.

The majority of people who get LASIK — around 99% of people, according to one study — no longer have to rely on glasses or contact lenses after the procedure and are satisfied with their results. But, as with any surgery, there are risks.

And if you’re wondering, most insurers don’t cover LASIK. This means you’ll likely pay for the procedure out of pocket, which can cost well over $1,000 per eye. But there are several ways to get discounts and save money on LASIK. 

Is LASIK covered by health insurance, including Medicare?

Most private insurers, as well as Medicare plans, don’t cover LASIK. That said, it’s worth checking with your health plan for potential discounts on the procedure. Even if you’re not enrolled in your employer’s insurance plan, your workplace benefits coordinator may have information about LASIK discounts available to all employees. 

Why isn’t LASIK covered by health insurance?

LASIK is categorized as elective, cosmetic surgery. Unlike eyeglasses and contact lenses, it’s not considered medically necessary, and most insurers won’t cover the cost.

In rare cases — such as after an injury or surgery that causes significant vision problems, or when someone isn’t able to wear glasses or contact lenses — LASIK may be viewed as medically necessary. Even then, coverage varies widely by plan, and you’d likely need extensive documentation from your eye specialist to prove medical necessity.

How much does LASIK cost?

You may pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per eye for LASIK in the U.S., according to recent industry data. Whether you land on the lower or higher end of that range depends on several factors, including:

• The type of laser technology: Conventional LASIK generally costs less than advanced options like custom LASIK (also known as wavefront) and bladeless LASIK, which use the newest equipment. Custom procedures can add around $1,000 per eye to your final bill.

• The surgeon’s experience: Skilled surgeons with years of experience often charge more for their expertise.

• Where you live: You’ll likely pay more for the procedure in a city with higher costs of living.

• Local competition: Areas with many LASIK clinics may offer lower pricing due to competition.

• What’s included: Some quoted prices may not include costs like the initial exam, follow-up visits, and any needed adjustments. Always ask what’s included in the price. 

• Your vision needs: Your treatment may be more complex if you have a certain prescription or challenging vision issues. That can raise the cost.

• Where the procedure is done: LASIK done in an ophthalmologist’s office usually costs less than procedures at outpatient surgery centers. Hospital-affiliated facilities and stand-alone surgical centers usually charge extra facility fees on top of the surgeon’s fee.

• The quality of the facility: Practices with state-of-the-art equipment and premium facilities typically charge higher fees.

• The type of practice you choose: Large chains and high-volume clinics may offer lower prices than smaller practices.

• Discounts and promotions: Some practices run seasonal discounts for LASIK that can lower the price tag. But always check the details of a promotion so you know exactly what’s covered.

• Employee benefits and vision plan perks: While insurers don’t typically pay for LASIK, some employee-sponsored programs and vision plans have partnerships that can get you discounts with participating ophthalmologists.

• Enhancements or touch-ups: Some people need a touch-up procedure if their vision changes later. Clinics may include this type of re-treatment in their original price or charge extra. Some offer lifetime assurance plans you can buy.

Does vision insurance cover LASIK?

Just like health insurance, vision insurance doesn’t typically cover LASIK surgery. But certain vision insurers offer discounts that can lower your out-of-pocket costs.

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• Considering LASIK eye surgery? Here are some pros and cons to help you determine if LASIK is right for you. 

• Is LASIK tax deductible? LASIK eye surgery may be tax deductible if you meet these requirements. 

• Using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to save: You may be able to use your tax-advantaged dollars to pay for LASIK and other vision expenses if you have an HSA or FSA.

These savings might look like:

• A percentage off the procedure, such as 15% off if you use a participating LASIK center 

• A set allowance, like $600 off per eye, to use toward LASIK

• Access to a prenegotiated, discounted rate at select LASIK centers

These benefits don’t cover the full cost of the surgery, but they can help bring down the price. Check with your vision plan to see what types of savings, if any, apply.

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Which insurance companies offer discounts to help cover LASIK costs?

Among the insurance companies that offer specific discounts are:

• Aetna

• Cigna

• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Bear in mind that vision insurance is not the same as a vision discount plan. Vision insurance works much like health insurance, where you pay a monthly premium and the plan helps pay for routine eye care like exams and glasses. Vision discount plans are generally membership programs that offer savings similar to coupons. There’s no “coverage,” but you pay an annual or monthly fee to get reduced rates on certain eye care services. Some discount plans are available as a perk of membership in AAA, AARP, and other organizations.

Neither vision insurance nor vision discount plans covers LASIK. But going through insurance or a discount plan could help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Below are some examples of programs that could help you save:

• Aetna Vision Preferred Direct: Benefits include up to 15% off the retail price of LASIK when you choose an in-network specialist. 

• Cigna Healthy Rewards: This discount program offers up to 25% off many services, including LASIK.

• Anthem Blue View Vision: Having one of these vision insurance plans offers savings of up to $1,100 on custom Wavelight treatment with a lifetime advantage plan.

• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: You could save as much as 30% on LASIK through one of these vision insurance plans.

• EyeMed vision benefits: Members get access to a wide network of LASIK centers, plus discounts of up to $1,200 on custom Wavelight treatment with a lifetime advantage plan.

• UnitedHealthcare Vision: Discounts include 35% off laser eye surgery through the QualSight LASIK network.

• DavisVision: LASIK deals include a free exam and a discount of up to 35% on the procedure when you use the QualSight LASIK network.

• VSP Vision Care: These plans offer average savings of $1,100 on LASIK, with financing options available from various clinics.

Can you use your HSA or FSA to pay for LASIK?

Yes, you can pay for LASIK with pretax dollars from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The IRS considers LASIK a qualified medical expense, even though insurance typically doesn’t cover it. 

Both HSAs and FSAs can be used to help fund qualified medical expenses such as LASIK. But there are some key differences between the two types of tax-advantaged accounts. 

9 ways to save on LASIK

Insurance may not cover LASIK, but there are ways to save on the procedure. Here are 9 options to look into — some of which we covered above: 

1. Tap into your FSA. If your employer offers an FSA, you can use those pretax dollars to help pay for LASIK. Keep in mind that FSA funds may expire at the end of the plan year, so it’s a good idea to schedule your procedure before the money in your account is forfeited.

2. Use your HSA benefits. HSAs offer a triple tax advantage with pretax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying expenses. Since unspent funds roll over each year and never expire, you can build your balance over time and use it for LASIK whenever you’re ready. 

3. Take advantage of vision plan discounts. As mentioned above, many vision insurance plans and discount programs offer savings on LASIK. If you’re considering signing up for one, make sure the discounts you’d get are worth more than what you’d pay in premiums or membership fees.

4. Claim the procedure as a tax deduction. Since LASIK counts as a qualified medical expense per the IRS, you can deduct it on your taxes if you itemize your deductions and your total medical costs exceed 7.5% of your income. This can put money back in your pocket come tax season.

5. Look for seasonal promotions. Many clinics offer special deals at certain times of the year. But be sure to ask questions and read the fine print so you understand what’s included in a promotion.

6. Ask about military or student discounts. If you’re in the military, a veteran, or a student, you might qualify for lower LASIK pricing at some clinics.

7. Consider financing options. Most LASIK centers offer payment plans with low or zero interest rates. Look closely at the terms of financing options, and watch out for high-interest deals that could end up costing you more in the long run.

8. Check employer benefits. Your employer might offer discounts through a wellness program or negotiated rates with some LASIK clinics. Ask your human resources department or check your benefits portal.

9. Shop around and compare prices. Call several clinics to ask about prices and what’s included in their quotes. This can help you find genuine deals and avoid marketing tricks.

It may be tempting to choose the clinic with the lowest advertised price, but be careful. Sometimes, a “deal” only covers the surgery itself, not the exam, follow-up visits, or other services you’ll likely need. And that means you’ll end up spending much more than the advertised price. Always ask what’s included in a quote before you commit.

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

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