If you’re considering LASIK surgery, the first question on your mind is probably whether or not health insurance will cover it. The good news is that in most cases, it does.
According to the American Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery, there is a 98% satisfaction rate among LASIK patients. That is a very impressive number.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about health insurance and LASIK surgery. We’ll discuss does health insurance cover lasik, and how to go about getting reimbursement for your surgery.
So if you’re wondering whether or not health insurance covers LASIK, read on!
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is a type of refractive surgery that is used to correct vision problems. It is performed by an ophthalmologist, and usually takes less than 30 minutes per eye.
During the procedure, the surgeon will make a flap in the cornea, and then use a laser to reshape the tissue underneath. Finally, the flap is replaced and allowed to heal.
LASIK surgery can be used to treat a variety of different vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
It can also be used to treat presbyopia, which is a condition that typically affects older adults and makes it difficult to focus on close objects.
How Is LASIK Surgery Performed?
LASIK surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery. The procedure itself is relatively quick, and most people only require local anesthesia.
The procedure is performed by an ophthalmologist, who will first create a flap in the cornea. Then, they will use a laser to reshape the tissue underneath. Finally, the flap is replaced and allowed to heal.
Moreover, LASIK surgery is usually very effective. In fact, most people who have the surgery will have significantly improved vision. In some cases, it may even be possible to achieve a 20/20 vision.
LASIK surgery is usually very quick, taking less than 30 minutes per eye. However, the total time required for the surgery will depend on the number of eyes that are being treated. In most cases, both eyes will be treated at the same time.
What Is the Recovery Time for LASIK Surgery?
The recovery time for LASIK surgery is typically very short. Most people are able to see well enough to drive within a day or two of their surgery. However, it may take several weeks or months for your vision to fully stabilize.
Furthermore, recovery time will depend on a few different factors. These include the type of vision problem you are having, your age, and your overall health. In general, however, most people have a very short recovery time after LASIK surgery.
You can speed up recovery by following your ophthalmologist’s post-operative instructions. This usually includes avoiding rubbing your eyes, using eye drops as directed, and attending all of your follow-up appointments.
What Kind of Issues Does LASIK Surgery Address?
As we mentioned, LASIK surgery can be used to treat a variety of different vision problems. These include:
Nearsightedness: This is a condition in which distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are clear.
Farsightedness: This is the opposite of nearsightedness, and refers to a condition in which close objects appear blurry, while distant objects are clear.
Astigmatism: This is a condition in which the cornea is not evenly curved, which can cause vision to be blurred at both near and far distances.
Presbyopia: This is a condition that typically affects older adults, and refers to a decreased ability to focus on close objects.
What Causes Eye Problems?
There are a variety of different factors that can cause eye problems. These include:
Certain vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, tend to run in families.
Age can also play a role in vision problems. For example, presbyopia typically affects older adults.
Some health conditions, such as diabetes, can also lead to vision problems.
An injury to the eye can also cause vision problems.
The Benefits of LASIK Surgery
There are many benefits of LASIK surgery, including the fact that it is:
- Relatively painless
- Quick (the procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes per eye)
- Effective (most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery
- Safe (complications from LASIK surgery are rare)
- Permanent (in most cases, the results of LASIK surgery are long-lasting)
This is not meant to be an exhaustive list by any means. There are fewer or more benefits depending on the specific case.
What Are the Risks Associated With LASIK?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with LASIK surgery. These include:
During the surgery, a flap is created in the cornea. In rare cases, this flap can become dislodged or displaced.
There is a small risk of infection after LASIK surgery. This is usually treated with antibiotics.
Some patients may experience dry eyes after LASIK surgery. This is usually temporary and can be treated with eye drops.
Some patients may experience these symptoms after LASIK surgery. In most cases, they are temporary and will resolve on their own.
In some cases, the surgery may not correct the vision problem as much as desired, or it may result in a slight worsening of vision. This can usually be corrected with a second surgery.
Who Should Avoid LASIK Surgery?
LASIK surgery is not right for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for the surgery if you:
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have diabetes
- Have an autoimmune disease
- Take certain medications (such as steroids)
- Have had previous eye surgery
- Have dry eyes
- Are younger than 18 years old
- Have a history of mental illness
These are just some examples. Regardless, it’s best to communicate with your doctor to determine if you’re a good candidate for LASIK surgery.
What Are Private Medical Insurance Plans & Are They Worth It?
Private medical insurance plans are health insurance plans that are provided by employers or through the marketplace. These plans can vary widely in terms of cost and coverage.
Some private medical insurance plans may have high monthly premiums, while others may have low monthly premiums but high deductibles. It’s important to understand the differences between these plans before enrolling in one.
Private medical insurance plans typically cover a wide range of medical care, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. However, they usually do not cover things like cosmetic surgery or elective procedures.
Furthermore, private medical insurance plans are not always worth the cost. This is because they often have high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. For this reason, it’s important to carefully consider whether or not a private medical insurance plan is right for you.
However, our private medical insurance plans are worth the cost because we offer low monthly premiums and high deductibles.
Our plans cover a wide range of medical care, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care. We also offer coverage for cosmetic surgery and elective procedures.
Is LASIK Surgery Covered by Health Insurance?
Most health insurance plans will cover LASIK surgery, as it is considered a medically necessary procedure. However, there are some exceptions.
For example, if you have a vision plan that is separate from your health insurance, it may not cover LASIK surgery.
Additionally, some health insurance plans have a waiting period before they will cover the surgery. In most cases, this waiting period is 12 months.
If your health insurance plan does not cover LASIK surgery, you may still be able to get reimbursement for part of the cost. Many employers offer vision benefits that can be used to help pay for the surgery.
Additionally, some credit cards offer medical expense rewards that can be used towards the cost of LASIK surgery.
What Insurance Companies Will Guarantee LASIK Payment?
There are a few insurance companies that will guarantee payment for LASIK surgery. These companies include:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
However, it’s important to note that not all insurance companies will guarantee payment for LASIK surgery. For this reason, it’s important to check with your specific insurance company to see if they cover the procedure.
Does Insurance Pay for Complications or Retreatment?
In terms of coverage for complications and retreatment, most health insurance plans will cover some or all of the costs associated with these procedures. However, there are some exceptions.
For example, if you have a vision plan separate from your health insurance, it may not cover the cost of complications or retreatment. If your health insurance plan does not cover the cost of complications or retreatment, you may still be able to get reimbursement for part of the cost.
Many employers offer vision benefits that can be used to help pay for these procedures. Additionally, some credit cards offer medical expense rewards that can be used towards the cost of complications or retreatment.
Does Health Insurance Cover LASIK Out of Country?
If you are considering having LASIK surgery outside of the country, it is important to check with your health insurance provider first.
In most cases, health insurance plans will only cover LASIK surgery if it is performed in the country. Additionally, you may not be able to get reimbursement for the cost of travel if you have the surgery performed outside of the country.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when asking does health insurance covers LASIK.
It’s best to speak with your doctor and your health insurance provider to get a full understanding of your coverage. Doing so can help ensure that you are able to afford the surgery and that you have the best possible outcome.
LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. If you are considering the surgery, be sure to speak with your doctor and your health insurance provider to determine if it is right for you.
How to Increase the Likelihood of Insurance Covering LASIK Surgery?
There are a few things you can do to increase the likelihood of insurance covering your LASIK surgery.
First, be sure to get multiple opinions from different surgeons. This will help show that you are making an informed decision about the surgery.
Second, be sure to get pre-authorization from your insurance company. This will mean that they are more likely to cover the surgery.
Third, be sure to ask about any discounts or promotions that your surgeon may be offering.
Many times, surgeons will offer discounts for those who pay cash upfront or for those who have their surgery performed during certain times of the year.
How Much Does LASIK Surgery Cost?
The cost of LASIK surgery can vary depending on a number of factors. These include the type of vision problem you have, the severity of your condition, and the specific surgeon you choose. In general, LASIK surgery costs between $1000 and $2000 per eye.
However, many insurance plans will cover a portion of this cost. For example, if your plan has a 20% coinsurance, you would be responsible for paying 20% of the total cost out-of-pocket.
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, it’s important to check with your health insurance provider to see what coverage is available. By doing so, you can get an estimate of how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.
You can also check with your employer to see if they offer any vision benefits that could help cover the cost of the surgery.
LASIK surgery is a safe and effective way to correct vision problems. It is typically covered by health insurance, and many employers offer vision benefits that can help cover the cost.
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, be sure to check with your health insurance provider and employer to see what coverage is available.
How to Pay for LASIK If Insurance Won’t Cover It?
If your health insurance plan does not cover LASIK surgery, you may still be able to get reimbursement for part of the cost.
Many employers offer vision benefits that can be used to help pay for the surgery. Additionally, some credit cards offer medical expense rewards that can be used towards the cost of LASIK surgery.
Your other financing options for LASIK are:
- Payment plans offered by the surgeon or surgery center
- CareCredit, a healthcare financing credit card
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Personal loan
How to Find the Right Specialist for LASIK Surgery?
When it comes to finding the right specialist for LASIK surgery, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, be sure to choose a surgeon who is experienced and certified.
You can ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or look for surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
You’ll also want to make sure that the surgeon you choose uses the latest technology. This will help ensure that you have the best possible outcome from your surgery.
Finally, be sure to ask about the surgeon’s success rate and satisfaction rates. By doing your research, you can find a qualified surgeon who can provide you with high-quality care.
Furthermore, it’s important to ask your surgeon about the risks and potential side effects of the surgery. Be sure to ask about things like dry eye, night vision problems, and glare.
You’ll also want to ask about the recovery time and how long it will take before you see results. By asking these questions, you can be sure that you’re getting all the information you need to make an informed decision.
How to Make Sure They Are Covered By Your Insurance Provider?
In order to find out if the specialist or surgeon is covered by your insurance provider, you will need to contact your insurance company.
You will want to ask if the specialist or surgeon is a participating provider in your network. If they are not, you may still be able to get coverage for the surgery, but you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost.
You can also ask the specialist or surgeon’s office if they have any special arrangements with insurance companies.
For example, some surgeons may offer a discount if you pay cash up front. Be sure to ask about these options so that you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
How to Prepare for LASIK Surgery?
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. First, you’ll need to get a comprehensive eye exam. This will help your doctor determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery.
Additionally, you’ll need to stop wearing contact lenses and glasses for at least two weeks before the surgery. This is because they can change the shape of your cornea, which can impact the results of the surgery.
Additionally, you’ll need to avoid drinking alcohol and taking certain medications before the surgery.
These can increase your risk of complications. Be sure to speak with your doctor about any medications you’re taking and whether or not you should stop taking them before the surgery.
Preparing for LASIK surgery is important. Be sure to get a comprehensive eye exam and stop wearing contact lenses and glasses for at least two weeks before the surgery.
Additionally, avoid drinking alcohol and taking certain medications before the surgery. By doing so, you can help ensure that you have a successful outcome.
How to Maintain Eyesight After LASIK Surgery?
Once you’ve had LASIK surgery, there are a few things you need to do to maintain your new eyesight. First, you’ll need to avoid rubbing your eyes.
This can cause the flap on your cornea to become dislodged. Additionally, you’ll need to wear sunglasses when outdoors and avoid swimming for at least two weeks after the surgery.
It’s also important to see your doctor for follow-up appointments. During these appointments, your doctor will check your vision and make sure that your eyes are healing properly.
Additionally, they may give you eye drops to help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
You can also perform eye strengthening exercises after surgery to help maintain your vision. These exercises can help improve your eyesight and prevent vision problems in the future.
Are There Any Alternatives to LASIK Surgery?
If you’re not a good candidate for LASIK surgery or if you’re not interested in having the surgery, there are a few alternatives. One option is to wear contact lenses or glasses.
This is the most common way to improve vision. However, it does require regular maintenance and care. Additionally, contact lenses can be uncomfortable and can cause eye infections.
Another option is to have PRK surgery. This is similar to LASIK surgery, but it does not involve cutting a flap in the cornea. PRK surgery typically has a longer recovery time than LASIK surgery, but it may be a better option for certain individuals.
If you’re considering vision correction surgery, be sure to speak with your doctor about all of your options. They will be able to help you determine which option is best for you.
Are They Covered By Insurance?
These alternative procedures may be covered by insurance. PRK surgery is oftentimes considered a medically necessary procedure and may be covered by insurance. Check with your individual insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of PRK surgery.
Lenses and glasses can also be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover the cost of lenses and glasses.
LASIK Surgery Done Right
If you’re considering LASIK surgery, you would wonder does health insurance cover LASIK. Hopefully, now you know that the answer is usually “yes”, but not without certain limitations. This guide can help you understand the basics of the surgery and what you need to do to prepare for it.
Additionally, be sure to speak with your doctor about all of your options before making a decision. By doing so, you can ensure that you have a successful outcome.
If you’re interested in private medical insurance plans that cover LASIK, get in touch with us now.
