The costs associated with LASIK aren’t an arbitrary number decided on by the surgeons. They are actually calculated according to many factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographic location, and expenses. So how much does LASIK eye laser surgery cost, and how much of this cost is typically covered by insurance?
Typically, patients can expect to pay $500 to $2,500 per eye. Why does LASIK eye laser surgery cost so much? Because it costs money to perform surgery. At eye surgery centers, the final LASIK eye laser surgery cost depends on how much the surgeon has had to spend on surgical team fees, anesthesia, disposable surgical equipment, laser maintenance, malpractice insurance, and much more. Surgeons have to advertise to draw in business, so marketing costs are factored in as well. Also, patients should expect pre surgical screenings and post surgical check ups for twelve months following their procedure. Their LASIK eye laser surgery cost will include these exams.
There are other factors that can increase the LASIK eye laser surgery cost. For example, patients with severe vision problems might need custom LASIK. This procedure makes a 3D map of the surface of the cornea, allowing the LASIK surgeon to provide customized reshaping for maximum effect. IntraLase, or bladeless LASIK, is also slightly more expensive than the traditional procedure.
Patients often wonder if the LASIK eye laser surgery cost varies by region. It does tend to be more expensive around large cities because of the higher cost of living associated with such areas. The surgeon’s level of skill and experience also affect the price of surgery. Doctors who are highly sought after will charge more than their lesser known counterparts. On the other hand, very low prices might indicate a new surgeon or an assembly line approach to LASIK. Go with a reasonably priced center, but avoid bargain basement LASIK at all costs. You don’t want to sacrifice your vision in the name of frugality.
How much of the LASIK eye laser surgery cost will be covered by insurance? Unfortunately, most American insurance companies consider LASIK to be “not medically necessary”. Therefore, the surgery isn’t usually covered by insurance. Some student plans, such as Aetna, have been known to cover the cost of LASIK for college students.
Even if your plan doesn’t cover the procedure, there are still some steps you can take to offset your LASIK eye laser surgery cost. For example, see if your employer will partner with a vision center to get discounted rates for their employees. If your job offers a health spending or flexible spending account, put money into it each month so that you can use it to fund your LASIK procedure. Finally, if you qualify, most LASIK clinics offer their own financing. You could get your surgery with no down payment and deferred interest, making it more affordable.
Though most Americans have to pay for their own LASIK surgery, they feel that the results are worth the expense. Should you decide to go forward with LASIK, budget $1,000 to $5,000 for both eyes and don’t depend on insurance coverage.
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