Why Doesn't Insurance Cover LASIK?

The "Elective" Classification

The short answer: health insurance considers LASIK an "elective" or "cosmetic" procedure rather than a medical necessity.

The insurance industry's logic:

• Glasses and contacts already correct vision effectively
• LASIK is a choice, not a necessity for health
• You can function normally with corrective lenses

This classification puts LASIK in the same category as cosmetic surgery — you're paying to improve quality of life, not to treat a life-threatening condition.

Is this fair? Many patients and eye care professionals argue it isn't. Glasses and contacts are ongoing expenses that add up. Contacts carry infection risks. And poor vision without correction is disabling. But for now, the elective classification stands.

What Vision Insurance Offers

Vision insurance (like VSP, EyeMed, or Davis Vision) is different from health insurance. Some plans offer LASIK discounts:

• VSP: 15% off or $100-$300 off at participating providers
• EyeMed: 15-40% off at select locations
• Davis Vision: Similar small discounts

Reality check: These discounts typically save you $200-$500 on a $5,000+ procedure. Helpful, but not transformative.

HSA and FSA: The Tax Advantage

The good news: LASIK is IRS-approved for Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments.

What this means:

• You can pay with pre-tax dollars
• Depending on your tax bracket, this saves 20-35%
• On a $5,000 procedure, that's $1,000-$1,750 in effective savings

HSA strategy: If you have an HSA, you can save up specifically for LASIK. The money rolls over year to year and earns interest.

FSA strategy: FSAs typically must be used within the plan year (with some rollover exceptions). Plan your LASIK around your FSA contribution timing.

Financing Options

Many US LASIK centers offer financing through:

• CareCredit: Medical credit card with promotional periods
• Alphaeon Credit: Similar to CareCredit
• In-house financing: Some clinics offer payment plans

Warning about promotional financing: "0% for 24 months" offers can be traps. CareCredit and similar cards charge retroactive interest (often 25%+) if you don't pay the full balance before the promotional period ends. Read the fine print carefully.

The Medical Tourism Alternative

Here's where the math gets interesting:

Colombia LASIK + flights + hotel costs less than US LASIK alone. And you get a week in one of the most beautiful cities in South America.

If you use HSA/FSA: You can pay for the Colombia procedure with pre-tax dollars too. The IRS doesn't care where the medical service is performed — just that it's a qualified medical expense.

Exceptions: When Insurance Does Cover LASIK

In rare cases, LASIK may be covered:

• Military/government employees: Some federal plans include vision correction
• Specific medical conditions: If glasses/contacts are medically impossible (very rare)
• Occupational requirements: Some employers cover LASIK for specific job needs

Check your specific plan documents or call your insurance company to confirm your situation.

The Bottom Line

Insurance likely won't cover your LASIK. But you have options:

1. Use HSA/FSA to pay with pre-tax dollars (20-35% effective discount)
2. Consider medical tourism to Colombia for 60-70% savings
3. Combine both for maximum value

The lack of insurance coverage is frustrating, but it shouldn't stop you from achieving clear vision. The alternatives are more affordable than ever.