- What is Lasik Eye Surgery?
- Lasik/Laser Eye Surgery Cost in India
- Health Insurance Coverage For Lasik Eye Surgery
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Content Manager with heart, mind, and soul dedicated to creating impactful content that exceeds the market standard, delivers and reaches the readers conveniently. Besides producing high-ranking content, my focus lies in creating content that solves user queries and adds value.
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Does Health Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery?
A 23-year-old professional, Priya residing in New Delhi discovers she needs to undergo LASIK surgery in a preventive eye care check-up drive set up by her employers. Prolonged screen hours have degraded her already weak eyesight even further. However, despite having a health insurance plan she hesitates to undergo LASIK surgery as one question runs through her mind 'Does health insurance cover LASIK'?
In this blog, we explore topics surrounding LASIK health insurance
- What Is LASIK Surgery?
- Will Health Insurance Cover LASIK?
- Conditions Under Which Doctors Recommend LASIK Surgery
- LASIK health insurance plans
What Is LASIK Surgery?
LASIK expands to 'laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis' and it is becoming an increasingly popular procedure to treat eyesight problems like:
- Hypermetropia or Hyperopia (Far Sightedness)
- Myopia (Near Sightedness)
- Astigmatism (blurred vision for both near and far-sightedness)
Individuals with any of the conditions mentioned above are often prescribed corrective lenses or spectacles.
Doctors suggest LASIK Surgery if the patient's eyesight has been stable for over a year with no further degradation in their eyesight. LASIK eye surgery involves a precise laser that reshapes your corneal tissue bit by bit leading to improved vision. LASIK eye surgery is a quick procedure lasting about 30 minutes offering you a better quality of life wherein you do not require corrective lenses.
Types Of LASIK Eye Surgery
Different types of LASIK eye surgeries that are performed on patients for corrective measures are:
| Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) | INR 25,000 |
| SBK (Sub-Bowman's Keratomileusis) | INR 35,000 |
| Femtosecond LASIK | INR 80,000 |
| SMILE (Smile Incision Lenticule Extraction) | INR 80,000 |
| Contoura Vision LASIK Surgery | INR 1,00,000 |
Will Your Health Insurance Cover LASIK?
'Does Health Insurance cover LASIK' is a question often overlooked when purchasing a health plan unless you plan on undergoing corrective LASIK surgery. Most health insurance plans cover LASIK eye surgery however, the waiting period and conditions may vary from plan to plan.
It is important to read the terms and conditions before purchasing a health plan to determine if your health plan covers the same.
IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) has issued guidelines stating when a health plan covers you for LASIK surgery.
- The refractive error must be greater than 7.5 dioptres as diagnosed by the consulting doctor
- In case of any accident or injuries leading to refractive errors in the eyesight of the insured individual
- A waiting period must be served as per the policy schedule which can vary from insurer to insurer
- LASIK surgery is not covered under your health plan if done for cosmetic purposes
- In case the insured individual has physical deformity and can not physically wear glasses
Factors Affecting LASIK Eye Surgery Cost In India
Availing of 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 cities that are metropolitans, you are most likely going to pay more than residents of Tier 2 and 3 cities. -
Consultation Fee
Consulting the best ophthalmologist in the city will cost you more than an average doctor's consultation determining the 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 will 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 will be the treatment cost. -
Diagnostic Tests & Follow-Up
A string of diagnostic tests are performed to determine the best type of LASIK eye surgery for the insured individual priced between 200 to 500 per test. Moreover, post-operation care includes follow-ups with the doctor which all contribute to the overall cost.
Best Time To Undergo LASIK Eye Surgery
Doctors prescribe their patients to undergo LASIK eye surgery between the ages of 18 to 40 years. Any individual who requires corrective eyesight surgery must be over the age of 18 and have stable eyesight for almost a year with no further degradation.
Individuals over the age of 40 years are covered for LASIK by their health plan based on their medical history and diagnostics as suggested by their doctor.
Wrapping Up
With the ascending number of people suffering from eyesight-related ailments, the need for LASIK eye surgery has increased. Health insurance companies now are increasingly including LASIK eye surgery after a certain waiting period and up to specified sub-limits as per policy schedule.
PolicyX answers your question 'Does Health Insurance Cover LASIK' through this article along with providing you with a list of LASIK health insurance. For any further clarification speak to our insurance experts.
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Does Health Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery?: FAQs
1. Can health insurance cover LASIK eye surgery?
To determine if your health plan covers LASIK eye surgery, kindly read the policy documents carefully. However, most health insurance providers today cover refractive correction surgery also called LASIK eye surgery.
2. Is there a waiting period associated with LASIK eye surgery?
Yes, LASIK eye surgery is covered by health insurance providers after you have served a waiting period as set by the policymakers. It may vary between 36 and 48 months depending on your health insurance provider.
3. What are the different types of LASIK eye surgery?
The different LASIK eye surgeries you can avail of are: LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) SBK (Sub-Bowman& 039;s Keratomileusis) Femtosecond LASIK SMILE (Smile Incision Lenticule Extraction) Contoura Vision LASIK Surgery
4. What are the terms and conditions of health insurance plans to cover LASIK eye surgery?
As per IRDAI, you are covered by a health insurance plan for LASIK eye surgeries if You have a refractive error higher than 7.5 dioptre You have served a waiting period as specified by the health insurance provider You are involved in an accident or had an injury that requires LASIK eye surgery You suffer from a physical deformity making you unable to wear prescribed glasses
5. Does medical insurance cover LASIK eye surgery with a specified sub-limit?
Yes, health insurance covers LASIK eye surgery with specific sub-limits as specified in the policy schedule of the health plan you purchase.
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Written By: Simran Saxena
Simran has over 3 years of experience in content marketing, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Her motto to make health and term insurance simple for our readers has proven to make insurance lingos simple and easy to understand by our readers.
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