Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) is a procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. However, since Lasik is often considered an elective procedure, it is not generally covered by most insurance plans.1
On average, Lasik eye surgery in the U.S. costs around $2,200 per eye or $4,400 for both eyes.2 Some Humana vision plans offer reduced fees* for Lasik surgery with select network providers:3
Most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of Lasik eye surgery. But there are a few rare exceptions where some insurance plans might consider a Lasik procedure to be medically necessary, not elective. These situations could include having vision problems because of surgery or an injury, or if patients aren’t able to wear glasses or lenses.4 Standards for Lasik coverage may vary between insurance plans, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider.
Lasik is a popular procedure for correcting vision problems. But like most surgeries, it can carry risks for some people. LASIK may not be a good idea for people with thin or irregular corneas, for people with glaucoma or autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or for people who take corticosteroids.5 Talk to an eye care specialist to find out if you’re a good candidate for laser eye surgery.
If you can’t get a Lasik eye surgery covered through your insurance plan, there might be other ways to find savings. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, you could use it to pay for part of the cost of the procedure.
An FSA is an untaxed account that allows you to contribute money for health-related expenses within 1 calendar year. As of 2021, the yearly limit for contributions into an FSA is $2,750. It’s likely that this amount will not be enough to cover the full cost of Lasik eye surgery, which generally costs between $4,000 to $5,000 for both eyes.6
However, there are 2 ways you could possibly contribute more than the $2,750 annual limit from your FSA towards the procedure:7
Employers can offer one of these FSA options, but not both. They may offer neither one. Be sure to check with your employer about available FSA options before you plan your Lasik procedure.
Another possible way to save money on a Lasik procedure is a Health Savings Account (HSA). Like an FSA, an HSA is like a tax-free savings account you can use toward some health expenses. But there are some differences. To open an HSA, you must enroll in a high-deductible health insurance plan. However, unlike an FSA, the funds in an HSA roll over from year to year. The contribution limit for an HSA is also higher: $3,600 per year for individual accounts, and $7,200 for family accounts. Contributions made into this tax-free fund could be used towards a Lasik procedure.8
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