If you are thinking about getting LASIK, then you are probably already deciding how you plan to pay for your surgery. There are a few different ways to pay for LASIK surgery, and unfortunately, health insurance doesn’t usually pay for LASIK. But the good news is that some insurance does, and there are other cost-effective payment options available.
Which Insurance Covers LASIK?
Most health insurance companies don’t pay for LASIK because it is elective surgery. There are a few insurance companies that do cover part of the cost, though. VSP, for example, is a vision insurance company with Laser Vision Benefits that offer a percentage discount off LASIK surgery. They are one of only a few that offer LASIK insurance, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
If you work at a large company then they might offer a plan that subsidizes part of your LASIK cost. Sometimes those subsidized plans are through vision insurance companies like VSP. Talk to your HR department and ask them if that is a benefit available for you.
Paying for LASIK with Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
You can also pay for LASIK through your FSA (Flexible Savings Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account). If you plan to pay for your LASIK surgery out of pocket instead of financing it then an FSA or HSA is among the most economical options.
These types of accounts are tax-advantaged, which means they have a tax benefit. The money that goes into the account is taken out of your paycheck before taxes, so you end up paying less in taxes. This makes it a good option for treatment that insurance might not cover, like LASIK. (You can read more about LASIK pricing and how much our LASIK surgery costs, if you are interested.)
Make sure you know the details of your account. Some allow funds to roll over from year to year, and with other accounts, you lose your money at the end of the year. This makes the end of the year a good time to plan your LASIK surgery if you have FSA or HSA
Financing LASIK Surgery
Most LASIK clinics and ophthalmologist offices offer some kind of financing, and if they don’t, then you can find a third-party financing company. At our office, we have the Wells Fargo Health Advantage credit card program that makes it much easier to pay for LASIK and other surgeries over time. You can combine third-party financing with health insurance coverage (if you have it).
You can get LASIK without paying for it out of pocket! When you come to Brimhall Eye, your doctor will examine your eyes and make their recommendation for laser eye surgery. You can then meet with a counselor who will help you decide how to pay for your surgery.
If you are in Las Vegas and you want to come in for a LASIK consultation, then contact us. We would love to help you perfect your vision.
