Does Insurance Cover Lasik Eye Surgery?

Question

I went to the eye doctor today and was told that in a few years (I'm 15 now) I'd make a perfect candidate for laser eye surgery.

I'm wondering if there's anyway to get full or partial coverage by my insurance? Does it depend on the insurance (I'm on Connecticut Blue Cross Blue Shield)?

Answer 1

Well it depends on what insurance you have and how much they will cover if they do cover it.

Answer 2

Yeah, Lasik  surgery is considered cosmetic. However, there are discount programs out there that can help you save a percentage on your sugery.  I am actually going to have the LASIK surgery also this year and with my vision discount benefit the sugery will cost me $1700 per eye versus $2200 per eye.  The website to find out about the program is www.SaveonMedicalandDental.com.  Have your parents check it out to see if there are providers in your area that accept the plan.  You might be able to save like I am!

Answer 3

Into,

LASIK is considered cosmetic surgery/ elective surgery/ optional surgery and is therefore not curing a disease process and thus not covered by insurance.

Several insurance companies offer a discount for LASIK, 10 to 15%, at specific surgery centers. Check to see if you qualify for the discount known as TruVision.

Answer 4

Older medical contracts used to have a provision that would cover Lasik if you were considered legally blind.  I assume that you will not qualify, even if it was offered in your parent's current plan.

Lasik is an eligible expense for an FSA, use it or lose it plan, so you can put aside the cost, typically $1,000 to $2,000, into the pretax plan and save a significant amount of money.