Does Insurance Cover LASIK?

The honest answer

Why standard health insurance almost never covers LASIK

LASIK is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure by most insurance carriers. The argument: glasses and contact lenses provide adequate vision correction, therefore surgery to eliminate that need is not medically necessary. This logic doesn’t hold up for everyone (poor tolerance for contacts, active military, certain professions) but it’s the standard carrier position.

Exceptions exist: a small number of plans cover LASIK when medically necessary — for example, inability to wear contacts due to severe dry eye, keratoconus, or post-cataract anisometropia. If you have a legitimate medical reason, ask your ophthalmologist to submit a prior authorization request with clinical documentation.

Best option for most people

HSA and FSA: the real savings opportunity

LASIK, PRK, SMILE, and ICL are all qualified medical expenses under IRS Publication 502. That means you can pay with HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) pre-tax dollars.

How the math works

Add in state income tax (2–9% in most states) and the real savings are often $1,200–$2,200 on a typical $5,000 LASIK procedure.

HSA vs. FSA — key differences

Strategy: save in HSA, then use for LASIK

If you have access to an HSA-eligible health plan, you can contribute up to $4,300/year (individual, 2026) or $8,550 (family), invest the funds, and let them grow tax-free. Use this to pay for LASIK when you’re ready — with no deadline. This is the most cost-efficient LASIK payment strategy available.

Employer benefits

Employer vision plans and LASIK discounts

VSP (Vision Service Plan), EyeMed, and Cigna Vision are the most common employer-sponsored vision plans. Most do not cover LASIK in full, but many offer a discount benefit:

• VSP: Affiliate discount of 15% off standard pricing, or 5% off promotional pricing, at participating providers. Some employers buy upgraded plans with more coverage.
• EyeMed: Discounts through in-network LASIK providers, typically 15–25% off.
• Cigna Vision: Similar discount structure through USLaser or US Laser Network.

These discounts are real but modest. On a $5,000 procedure, 15% saves $750 — meaningful, but not transformative. Check your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or call your vision carrier directly.

Military

Military and TRICARE coverage

Active duty service members can receive PRK and LASIK at military treatment facilities (MTFs) at no cost. The DoD performs tens of thousands of procedures annually and specifically trains military surgeons in vision correction. This is the single best coverage available anywhere — if you qualify.

TRICARE (the civilian-side military health program) does not cover standard LASIK for dependents or retirees. However, TRICARE participants often qualify for VSP discounts through NEX/AAFES optometrist networks. TRICARE will cover LASIK in rare cases where it is medically necessary (post-injury, post-cataract).

What to ask

What to ask HR before your procedure

• Does my vision plan include a LASIK discount or benefit? (Not coverage — a discount)
• What are my HSA contribution limits and does the company contribute?
• Is my health plan HSA-eligible? (High-deductible health plans only)
• Do I have an FSA with remaining balance this year? (Use it or lose it)
• Does the company offer any reimbursement for elective medical procedures? (Some large employers have wellness accounts that cover LASIK)