Health Insurance for LASIK Surgery

LASIK or Laser Eye Surgery Under Health Insurance

In many cases, surgeries are considered essential and life-saving. Some surgeries are not urgent but can improve the overall quality of your life. Such surgeries may or may not be covered by your base health insurance. LASIK eye surgery is one of the non-essential but important corrective eye surgeries for people with hypermetropia (or hyperopia), myopia, and astigmatism.

Leading health insurers offer multiple health insurance plans covering LASIK eye surgery as comprehensive cover or add-ons, such as Niva Bupa Rise, Ultimate Care, and Star Super Star. Learn more about LASIK eye surgery and its health insurance coverage.

Key Facts About LASIK

LASIK eye surgery stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, which involves sculpting the cornea. Up to 98% of people who wear glasses or contact lenses could be suitable candidates for laser eye surgery. LASIK is a safe procedure, and it can reduce the risk of infections often associated with wearing contact lenses.

What Is LASIK Surgery?

It is a corrective eye surgery used to help many with vision issues such as hypermetropia (or hyperopia), myopia, and astigmatism. Let's understand these terms separately:

• Hypermetropia or Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
• Myopia (Nearsightedness)
• Astigmatism (blurred vision for both near and farsightedness)

Once LASIK eye surgery is performed, it can greatly improve vision without glasses, and the majority of people can see 20/20 the next day after the procedure.

Best Health Insurance Plans for LASIK Eye Surgery

Here are some top health insurance plans that cover LASIK eye surgery:

Factors Affecting LASIK Surgery Cost In India

Undergoing corrective eye surgery like LASIK can be expensive if paid fully out of pocket. The cost of LASIK eye surgery in India may start from as low as INR 25,000 and can go as high as INR 1.5 Lakhs or more.

The cost of LASIK eye surgery also depends on several variables:

• Your Pincode

  If you reside in Tier 1 metropolitan cities, you are most likely going to pay more than residents of Tier 2 and 3 cities.

• Consultation Fee

  Consulting a top ophthalmologist in the city will cost more than an average doctor's consultation, influencing the overall cost of LASIK eye surgery.

• Room Rent/Hospital Admission Fee

  Although LASIK eye care treatment is a short procedure and is covered as a daycare treatment, the cost of room rent may be added to your LASIK eye surgery bill.

• Type Of LASIK Surgery

  The cost of LASIK eye surgery depends on the type of surgery an individual opts for. The more technologically advanced procedures you opt for, the higher the treatment cost.

• Diagnostic Tests & Follow-Up

  A series of diagnostic tests are performed to determine the best type of LASIK eye surgery for the individual, priced between INR 200 to 500 per test. Moreover, post-operation care includes follow-ups with the doctor, all contributing to the overall cost.

Types of LASIK Surgery

Different types of LASIK eye surgeries that are performed on patients for corrective measures are:

Does Your Base Health Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery?

Medical inflation in India is on the rise. India has the highest medical inflation rate, around 14%, among all Southeast Asian countries. Not having medical insurance can drain your life savings. A LASIK eye surgery covered by your health insurance can aid in accessing the treatment. Additionally, a base health insurance plan offers a cashless hospitalisation facility, helping you focus on treatment and recovery.

The good news is that many health insurance plans now offer LASIK eye surgery coverage under certain conditions. Until a few years ago, most health insurance providers considered LASIK surgery a cosmetic procedure. However, IRDAI mandated LASIK eye surgery to be covered by health insurance plans if the patient's refractive error is equal to or more than 7.5 diopters.

Conditions Under Which LASIK Eye Surgery Is Included With Health Insurance

Let's look at the conditions under which LASIK eye surgery is typically covered by health insurance plans:

• LASIK eye surgery is covered when the refractive error is 7.5 diopters or more.
• If LASIK surgery is required as a result of another surgery.
• If eye surgery is required because a patient is unable to wear glasses due to a physical deformity.

It is always best to check the specific terms and conditions of your health insurance plan regarding LASIK eye surgery coverage.

What Is The Best Age To Undergo LASIK Eye Surgery?

The ideal age to undergo LASIK eye surgery is typically between 18 to 40 years. Your doctor will recommend LASIK eye surgery after diagnosing your condition. Additionally, it is often advised to undergo LASIK eye surgery after a full year of stable vision while wearing prescribed glasses.

However, individuals over the age of 40 may also undergo LASIK eye surgery based on their medical conditions.

Conclusion

While LASIK may not be a life-saving surgery, it can significantly improve your eyesight. If your doctor advises you to undergo LASIK eye surgery, do not dismiss it as a non-essential procedure. You can utilize your health insurance plan for cashless LASIK treatment. LASIK eye surgery coverage comes with specific terms and conditions, which vary from insurer to insurer. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing a health plan.

For more information on health insurance, contact our expert insurance advisors.

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