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Does Insurance Cover LASIK?
If you’ve spent years hunting for your glasses on the nightstand or dealing with dry, scratchy contacts, LASIK starts to sound pretty good. Then you see the price, and the first question that pops into your head is: will my insurance pay for this?
The short answer is usually no. But that’s not the end of the story. Between vision plan discounts, tax-free health accounts and a few special cases, many people pay a lot less than the sticker price. Here’s everything you need to know before you book a consultation.
The quick answer
Most health insurance plans in the U.S. don’t cover LASIK. Insurers treat it as elective, meaning it’s something you choose to do, not something you need to stay healthy. Glasses and contacts already correct your vision, so from the insurer’s point of view, surgery is optional.
Vision insurance plans like VSP and EyeMed generally don’t cover LASIK as a benefit either. What many of them do offer is a discount at partner surgeons, which can knock hundreds of dollars off the price (Vision Center).
How much does LASIK cost?
The typical price of LASIK in the U.S. falls between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye, so most people pay somewhere around $4,000 to $6,000 for both eyes (Vision Center).
What you’ll actually pay depends on a few things:
- The technology. Custom wavefront and all-laser (“bladeless”) LASIK cost more than older methods.
- Your prescription. Strong prescriptions or astigmatism can push the price up.
- Where you live. Big-city surgeons often charge more.
- What’s included. Some quotes include follow-up visits and touch-up procedures for a year or more; others charge for them separately.
Be careful with ads promising LASIK for a few hundred dollars per eye. Those prices usually apply only to people with very mild prescriptions and the most basic technology. Always ask for an itemized quote.
Does VSP or EyeMed cover LASIK?
Not as a regular benefit, but both offer savings through their networks:
| Vision plan | What it typically offers |
|---|---|
| VSP | Caps the price of conventional LASIK at partner surgeons (about $1,800 per eye, per Vision Center) |
| EyeMed | 15% off standard pricing or 5% off promotional pricing at network providers |
| Davis Vision, Humana and others | Network discounts that vary by plan |
Discount details change from year to year, so log in to your vision plan’s member portal or call customer service before you choose a surgeon. You’ll usually need to book through an in-network LASIK center to get the deal.
Some health insurers, including large employer plans, also offer member discount programs for LASIK. These are usually listed under “extras” or “wellness discounts” in your benefits portal.
When insurance might actually pay
There are a few situations where some or all of the cost may be covered:
- Your employer offers a LASIK benefit. Some large employers add laser vision correction as a perk. Check your benefits guide.
- You can’t wear glasses or contacts. In rare cases, such as a contact lens intolerance after an injury, or a big difference in prescription between your eyes after surgery, an insurer may consider refractive surgery medically necessary. Expect paperwork and a prior authorization.
- You’re in the military. Some active-duty service members can get refractive surgery through military programs. TRICARE doesn’t generally cover it for others.
If you think you might qualify as medically necessary, ask your eye doctor to write a letter explaining why glasses and contacts won’t work for you, then submit it to your insurer before surgery.
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover LASIK?
No. Original Medicare doesn’t cover LASIK or routine eyeglasses and contacts (Medicare.gov). Some Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits that offer a LASIK discount, so it’s worth checking if you have one. Medicaid generally doesn’t cover LASIK either.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for LASIK?
Yes, and this is one of the best ways to save. The IRS lists laser eye surgery as a qualified medical expense (IRS Publication 502). That means you can pay for LASIK with:
- A health savings account (HSA). In 2027 you can contribute up to $4,500 for yourself or $9,000 for a family, before taxes. Since 2026, bronze and catastrophic marketplace plans also qualify for HSAs (IRS).
- A flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer.
Because you’re using pre-tax money, you effectively save your tax rate on the cost. For someone in the 22% federal bracket, a $5,000 procedure paid from an HSA saves about $1,100 in federal income tax alone.
Timing tip: if your employer offers an FSA, schedule LASIK for early in the plan year. Your full yearly FSA election is usually available on day one, even before you’ve paid it all in.
Other ways to make LASIK more affordable
- Stack savings. Use a vision plan discount and pay with HSA or FSA money.
- Ask about financing. Many LASIK centers offer interest-free plans for 12 to 24 months. Read the terms closely; some charge high interest if you don’t pay it off in time.
- Compare at least three surgeons. Prices vary widely, even in the same city.
- Check what’s included. A cheaper quote that doesn’t include follow-up care or touch-ups may end up costing more.
- Do the long-term math. If you spend a few hundred dollars a year on contacts and solution, LASIK may pay for itself over time.
Is LASIK right for you?
Cost isn’t the only thing to think about. Good candidates are usually at least 18, have had a stable prescription for a year or more, and have healthy corneas. People with very dry eyes, thin corneas or certain health conditions may be steered toward other procedures, such as PRK.
A thorough consultation with an ophthalmologist is the only way to know for sure, and many centers offer it for free.
FAQ
Does health insurance cover LASIK? Usually not. Most plans consider LASIK elective. A few employer plans offer it as a perk, and rare cases may be approved as medically necessary.
Does vision insurance cover LASIK? Generally not as a benefit, but many plans like VSP and EyeMed offer network discounts.
How much is LASIK with insurance? With a vision plan discount, many people pay a few hundred dollars less per eye than the typical $2,000 to $3,000 price.
Can I use my HSA for LASIK? Yes. LASIK is a qualified medical expense, so HSA and FSA money can pay for it tax-free.
Does Medicare cover LASIK? No. Original Medicare doesn’t cover LASIK, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer discounts.
This article is general information, not medical or insurance advice. Check your plan documents and talk with an eye doctor before making a decision.
Sources: Vision Center: insurance and LASIK · IRS Publication 502: medical and dental expenses · IRS: HSA changes · Medicare.gov: eyeglasses and contact lenses · NVISION: does VSP cover LASIK
