Does Health Insurance Provide Coverage for LASIK Eye Surgery?

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

LASIK is short for Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis. LASIK eye surgery targets the treatment of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. With LASIK, these complex medical conditions can be treated, and the person can achieve clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

The treatment procedure is complex, so the expenses can also be high. The overall expense primarily depends on where you get it treated, the surgeon's expertise, and the cost of the lenses.

Cost of LASIK Surgery in India

The cost of LASIK eye surgery in India can vary widely depending on multiple factors, and understanding these can help you make a well-informed decision. Given below is a city-wise breakdown of the average cost of LASIK surgery in the metros.

Eye Surgery Cost Range by City

(Estimated cost per eye)

• Mumbai: ₹35,000 – ₹1,60,000
• Delhi: ₹30,000 – ₹1,50,000
• Bangalore: ₹32,000 – ₹1,40,000
• Hyderabad: ₹30,000 – ₹1,35,000
• Chennai: ₹28,000 – ₹1,30,000

Source: envisionlasikcentre

Generally, LASIK surgery may cost anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹1,10,000 per eye, depending on the technology used, the city, and, of course, the surgeon’s expertise. While traditional treatments are comparatively more affordable, advanced procedures are priced higher due to precision and improved visual outcomes.

Because of the costs involved, many people hesitate. This makes health insurance coverage a useful safety net. If your policy covers LASIK under medical necessity or meets the refractive error criteria, it may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

However, if LASIK is considered elective in your case, these costs must be borne personally. Understanding the cost structure beforehand allows you to plan better and choose the best available treatment option. So, we come to the big question: “Is LASIK Eye Surgery covered in Health Insurance?”

Is LASIK Eye Surgery covered in Health Insurance?

LASIK surgery can be an expensive affair, and so many people often hesitate. However, when you know your health insurance can cover the cost, making the decision becomes easier. A health insurance policy may or may not cover LASIK eye surgery.

It depends on the type of policy you have and the norms of a health insurance provider:

• Some insurers may cover the treatment expenses if the refractive error of the eyes is over a specified limit (say ±7.5)
• Insurers may also cover LASIK if it is medically necessary
• Some people may have difficulty wearing glasses or contact lenses due to physical deformities or medical conditions. In such cases, LASIK becomes medically necessary, and so, the insurer may cover the treatment expenses.

It is best to communicate clearly with your insurer to determine whether LASIK eye surgery is covered under the policy.

LASIK Eye Surgery Insurance Coverage

Several health insurance policies cover LASIK eye surgery. The sum insured limit and related coverages may vary depending on the policy. Generally, the following expenses may be covered:

• Cost of lenses
• Hospitalisation expenses
• Surgery cost
• Pre and post-hospitalisation, etc.

Why is LASIK Eye Surgery not Commonly Covered in Health Insurance?

Though LASIK eye surgery is covered by several health insurance policies, it is not as commonly included as other medical conditions. There are several reasons behind it. Some of these are:

Cosmetic Treatments

LASIK surgery is not always a medical necessity. People often voluntarily choose treatment to correct refractive errors and get rid of glasses and contact lenses. So, if the survey is elective, it is considered a cosmetic treatment and is usually not covered by regular health insurance plans unless specified.

Increased Premium

As discussed so far, LASIK can be either a medical requirement or an elective procedure. Including it in the base coverage of health insurance means higher premiums for everyone, including those who may never need LASIK eye surgery. So, insurers may either offer a separate policy or add-ons for such medical treatments.

Available Alternatives

For conditions where LASIK eye surgery is not medically required, an otherwise healthy person may have alternatives. Common ones are lenses and specs. People have been using specs and lenses for ages. So, it is not included in the general health insurance plans.

Conclusion

Are you tired of wearing specs or buying a new pair of lenses? LASIK eye surgery can be a one-stop solution for many people with eyesight issues. While it can be expensive, several health insurance plans may cover LASIK surgery costs. Most health insurance providers have specific conditions under which the surgery expenses are covered, like refractive error above ± 7.5. At Jio Insurance Broking, you may simply explore health plans and choose the one that best suits your medical needs.