Quick Cost Comparison
When you start researching LASIK medical tourism, you'll quickly discover that dozens of countries offer the procedure at a fraction of US prices. The challenge isn't finding a cheaper option — it's finding the best overall value when you factor in quality, travel costs, convenience, and safety.
This guide compares the four destinations Americans most commonly consider: staying in the USA, traveling to Colombia, crossing the border to Mexico, or flying to Turkey (the world's largest medical tourism destination). We'll break down not just surgery costs, but total trip expenses to give you a complete picture.
LASIK in the USA: The Baseline
Let's start with home-country pricing as our baseline for comparison.
Current US LASIK Prices (2025)
According to Market Scope's 2024 Refractive Surgery Report, the US national average for LASIK is $2,632 per eye, making the total cost for both eyes approximately $5,264. However, this average masks significant variation:
The Bait-and-Switch Problem
Those "$299 per eye" ads you see? They're marketing bait. The FTC took action against LasikPlus in 2023 for deceptive advertising, finding that only 6.5% of patients actually qualified for the advertised prices. The rest were upsold to more expensive procedures.
Budget LASIK centers often advertise base prices that exclude essential elements like wavefront mapping, bladeless femtosecond laser flap creation, or post-operative care packages. By the time you add these "upgrades" (which are standard at most clinics), you're back at $4,000-$5,000.
Insurance Coverage: Essentially None
The vast majority of US health insurance plans classify LASIK as an elective cosmetic procedure and provide zero coverage. Some employers offer vision discount programs that provide 10-15% off at participating providers, but this still leaves you paying $4,500+ out of pocket.
HSA and FSA accounts can be used for LASIK (it's an IRS-approved medical expense), which provides tax savings of 20-30% depending on your bracket. But you're still paying thousands.
The Financing Trap
Many US LASIK centers partner with CareCredit or similar medical financing companies offering "0% interest for 24 months." The catch: if you don't pay the full balance before the promotional period ends, you're hit with 25-29% retroactive interest on the entire original balance. This has trapped many patients in high-interest debt.
LASIK in Colombia: The Best Value Proposition
Surgery Costs
Colombian LASIK pricing is refreshingly transparent. The quoted price typically includes the comprehensive pre-operative exam, all diagnostic testing, surgeon and facility fees, post-operative medications, and follow-up appointments during your stay. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons.
Travel Costs from the US
Flights: Round-trip airfare from major US cities to Medellín or Bogotá ranges from $300-$600 depending on the season and how far in advance you book. Miami to Medellín frequently drops below $300 on Spirit or Avianca sales.
Accommodation: A nice hotel in El Poblado (Medellín's safest, most tourist-friendly neighborhood) runs $50-$100/night. Budget travelers can find clean, comfortable options for $30-40/night. For a 7-night stay, budget $280-$700.
Food and transport: Colombia is remarkably affordable. A great restaurant meal costs $8-15. Uber rides across the city are $3-5. Budget $200-$350 for a week.
Total Trip Cost: Colombia
Sample Budget (7-day trip from Miami)
Colombia Advantages
- Shortest travel time: 3-5 hours from most US cities vs 10-15+ hours to Turkey or India
- Zero jet lag: Same timezone as Eastern US (EST/EDT)
- Ideal climate: Medellín's year-round 72°F weather is perfect for recovery
- JCI accreditation: Multiple hospitals meet the same standards as top US facilities
- Strong medical tradition: Home of Dr. José Barraquer, the "Father of Modern Refractive Surgery"
- Easy visa: 90-day visa-free entry for US citizens
Colombia Considerations
- Language barrier if you don't speak Spanish (though medical tourism clinics have English-speaking staff)
- Smaller selection of clinics compared to Turkey's massive medical tourism industry
- Still developing international reputation compared to more established destinations
LASIK in Mexico: The Border Convenience
Surgery Costs
Mexico offers LASIK at 50-70% less than US prices, though typically slightly higher than Colombia. The most popular destinations are Tijuana (for Californians), Mexicali, Monterrey, and Mexico City.
Travel Costs
For border cities like Tijuana, travel costs can be minimal — many patients simply drive across, making this a day-trip option (though we don't recommend rushing LASIK recovery). For interior cities like Mexico City or Monterrey:
Flights: $200-$400 round-trip from most US cities. Often cheaper than Colombia flights from West Coast departure points.
Accommodation: $40-$80/night for comfortable hotels in medical tourism zones.
Food and transport: Similar to Colombia, $200-$300 for a week.
Total Trip Cost: Mexico
Sample Budget (5-day trip to Monterrey from Dallas)
Mexico Advantages
- Closest option: Border cities accessible by car; short flights elsewhere
- Established medical tourism industry: Decades of experience serving American patients
- Easy follow-up: Return visits more feasible due to proximity
- Familiar territory: Many Americans already comfortable traveling to Mexico
Mexico Considerations
- Variable quality: Wider range in clinic quality; more due diligence required
- Border city reputation: Tijuana has safety concerns (though medical zones are generally safe)
- Slightly higher prices: Average costs above Colombia
- Hot climate: Summer heat in border cities isn't ideal for recovery
LASIK in Turkey: The Volume Leader
Turkey has positioned itself as the world's medical tourism capital, performing more procedures annually than any other destination. Istanbul alone hosts hundreds of eye clinics competing for international patients.
Surgery Costs
Turkish pricing is competitive with Colombia on surgery costs alone. Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages including airport transfers, hotel, and translator services.
Travel Costs
Here's where Turkey loses its competitive edge for Americans:
Flights: Round-trip from the US to Istanbul runs $800-$1,500 depending on season and booking time. Budget airlines don't service this route, and the 10-12 hour flight time means premium economy or better is strongly recommended.
Accommodation: Istanbul hotels in tourist/medical districts run $50-$100/night.
Food and transport: Affordable once there — $150-$250 for a week.
Total Trip Cost: Turkey
Sample Budget (10-day trip to Istanbul from NYC)
Turkey Advantages
- Massive selection: Hundreds of clinics competing means options at every price point
- Volume experience: Turkish surgeons see enormous patient volumes
- Tourism opportunity: Combines medical procedure with visit to historic Istanbul
- All-inclusive packages: Many clinics offer complete travel arrangements
Turkey Considerations
- Flight cost and time: 10-12 hours each way; $800-$1,500 airfare erases much of the savings
- Jet lag: 7-8 hour time difference disrupts sleep during recovery
- Longer trip required: Need 10-14 days minimum given travel time
- Quality variation: Volume-focused "mills" may prioritize throughput over patient care
- Distance from home: Follow-up complications more difficult to manage
- Geopolitical concerns: Regional instability concerns some travelers
Complete Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | USA | Colombia | Mexico | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery Cost | $5,264 | $1,275 | $1,800 | $1,600 |
| Flight Cost | $0 | $350 | $250 | $1,100 |
| Flight Time | 0 hrs | 3-5 hrs | 2-4 hrs | 10-12 hrs |
| Hotel (7 nights) | $0 | $490 | $420 | $490 |
| Food & Transport | $0 | $250 | $200 | $250 |
| Total Cost | $5,264 | $2,365 | $2,670 | $3,440 |
| Savings vs USA | — | $2,899 (55%) | $2,594 (49%) | $1,824 (35%) |
| Jet Lag | None | None | None/Minimal | Severe (7-8 hrs) |
| JCI Hospitals | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Recovery Climate | Varies | Excellent | Hot (border) | Variable |
Which Destination Wins?
Colombia Wins for Most Americans
When you factor in total trip costs (not just surgery prices), Colombia offers the best overall value for American patients:
- Highest savings: $2,899 (55%) vs US prices after all expenses
- Shortest travel: 3-5 hour flights, zero jet lag
- Best recovery conditions: Medellín's year-round perfect weather
- Quality assurance: JCI-accredited hospitals, FDA-approved technology
- Historical expertise: Modern refractive surgery was pioneered in Colombia
Consider Mexico If...
- You live near the border and want minimal travel
- You're already comfortable traveling to Mexico
- You want easy return access for follow-up
- West Coast departure points make Mexico cheaper to reach than Colombia
Consider Turkey If...
- You're planning an extended vacation and want to combine with tourism
- You have flexibility for a 2-week trip
- You find a significantly cheaper flight deal
- You have family or connections in Turkey/Europe
Stay in the USA If...
- You have exceptional insurance coverage (rare but exists)
- You're unable to travel for medical or personal reasons
- You prefer maximum convenience despite higher cost
- You have a pre-existing relationship with a US surgeon you trust
Ready to Save on LASIK?
Get a personalized quote from vetted surgeons in Colombia. We'll help you understand your options and plan your trip for maximum savings.
Get Your Free QuoteThe Bottom Line
LASIK medical tourism can save you thousands of dollars without sacrificing quality — but destination matters enormously for Americans. Turkey's low surgery prices are offset by expensive flights and brutal jet lag. Mexico offers convenience but slightly higher prices. Colombia hits the sweet spot: lowest total costs, shortest travel, best recovery climate, and world-class medical infrastructure.
Regardless of where you go, the key is choosing an accredited facility with an experienced surgeon. Price should be one factor in your decision, not the only factor. A few hundred dollars saved isn't worth it if you're compromising on safety or outcomes.
Do your research, verify credentials, and make sure you're comfortable with your choice before booking. Your eyes deserve the best care — they just don't need to come with a $5,000 price tag.