LASIK eye surgery may be an option for those with trouble seeing well without eyeglasses or contact lenses. For many people, the Refractive Surgery Council (RSC) estimates that more than 40 million successful LASIK eye procedures have been carried out globally since the procedure's FDA clearance 20 years ago.

Despite the encouraging statistics, there are several uncertainties when contemplating LASIK eye surgery. The cost of LASIK and whether or not surgery is ever reimbursed by insurance are two particularly significant.

If you are planning to undergo a LASIK surgery and want to know if LASIK is covered by insurance, this blog will provide you with valuable insights into the factors that can influence insurance coverage for LASIK

What is LASIK surgery?

A refractive eye procedure called LASIK employs lasers to treat vision issues in patients. Being an outpatient treatment, this surgery allows you to return home the same day. You can also treat Refractive defects with LASIK when the eye cannot bend light properly. A refractive defect causes visual blur. You can have better vision and a higher quality of life with LASIK.

People who prefer not to depend on glasses or contacts to enhance their vision may benefit from LASIK as a therapy option. You might not even need to wear contacts or glasses after LASIK. You might only require LASIK when reading or driving at night.

It's crucial to understand how LASIK functions and its advantages and disadvantages if you're considering getting it to make a good choice. For example, only some are considered for LASIK. Additionally, insurance usually does not pay for LASIK.

Also, Read Everything You Should Know About Health Insurance Plans Before Choosing One

What are the Types of LASIK Surgery that Insurance Covers?

Insurance often pays for all forms of refractive surgery; the amount that may be claimed will vary depending on the procedure. The most prevalent LASIK procedures are listed below:

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) costs between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 60,000.
Sub Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK LASIK) costs between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 40,000.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) costs Rs. 25,000 to 60,000
Femto LASIK: Rs. 30,000 to 1,20,000.
SMILE LASIK: Rs 40,000 to 1,20,000.
Contoura Vision: Rs 95,000 to 1,000,000.

Some think the health insurance provider will only accept their claim if they choose the most recent method. The patient's individual medical needs lead to the technique's selection. If a patient is more likely to develop dry eye syndrome or another kind of corneal illness, PRK is the recommended course of action.

Thus, when choosing the best procedure for fixing refractive defects, medical considerations of the treatment are considered. The patient can, therefore, receive coverage for all procedures.

How much does the surgery cost?

In India, more than 1 lakh people get laser eye surgery, making LASIK a popular option for those seeking better eyesight. Additionally, it aids in the permanent removal of lenses or spectacles. However, in some circumstances, the expense of the procedure could be high.

LASIK eye surgery typically ranges in price from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh, depending on several variables. LASIK eye surgery typically costs roughly Rs. 60,000 for both eyes. Additional expenses, such as screening tests, prescriptions, follow-up visits, etc., can cost between Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 10,000 in addition to the treatment fees.

Which Insurance Providers in India Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?

Here is a list of companies offering comprehensive coverage for LASIK procedures in India.

Star Health Insurance- Covered if power is 7.5 D or more.
Manipal Cigna Health Insurance-Covered if power is 7.5 D or more.
Aditya Birla Health Insurance-Covered if power is 7.5 D or more.
Care Health Insurance- Covered if power is 7.5 D or more.
Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance- Covered if power is 7.5 D or more.

Also, Read Lifestyle Factors That Impact Your Health Insurance Coverage

How Can LASIK Surgery Benefit from a Basic Health Insurance Plan?

A standard health insurance plan may cover LASIK eye surgery but relies on its terms and conditions. LASIK surgery may be made possible by a basic health insurance plan in the following ways:

Coverage for health problems.

Basic health insurance policies often pay for operations required to treat illnesses or their consequences. Your health insurance plan could cover the cost of LASIK surgery if you experience any medical issues with your vision that call for treatment.

Pre-authorization and consultation coverage.

Some health insurance policies could cover LASIK surgery pre-authorization and consultation fees. The initial screening and assessment by an ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon to evaluate the necessity for LASIK and to secure the required insurance company authorization might be aided by this coverage.

Partial coverage for the procedure.

A basic health insurance plan may partially cover the cost of LASIK surgery. This implies that the insurance policy may cover just a fraction of the procedure's cost, leaving the insured person responsible for the balance.

Coverage for connected prescription drugs and visits to follow.

The cost of recommended drugs, such as eye drops or post-operative medications, as well as follow-up appointments with the surgeon or ophthalmologist following LASIK eye surgery, may be covered by basic health insurance coverage.

What are the Costs Covered by Health Insurance for LASIK?

The several LASIK surgery components that are protected by health insurance are broken down as follows:

Hospital-related costs, including those for the ICU, medical supplies, nursing services, etc.
Hospitalization costs before and after surgery, including the initial visit and follow-up appointments.
The operating and consulting fees are paid to the surgeon.
Cost of anesthesia.
Both before and after the procedure, diagnostic testing and assessments are performed.
Health insurance plans were designed to ease their financial concerns and enhance their surgery experience. However, all plans have specific exclusions, so patients may have to pay on their own.

Also, Read 6 Common Lasik Surgery Complications

Conclusion

Does insurance cover LASIK?" is a common question individuals ask when considering refractive eye surgery. Most top insurers only recently began offering eye laser treatment insurance coverage since LASIK eye surgery was seen as a cosmetic operation.

However, many insurance companies now provide health insurance for eye surgery due to the increased number of people choosing therapy in recent years.

Check your insurance coverage's contents, exclusions, and policy documentation before scheduling LASIK eye surgery to see if your plan covers it. If you're searching for a medical insurance program, be sure to compare insurance policies, check for the essential inclusions and coverage, and then purchase your health coverage needs.