Does Vision Insurance Cover LASIK?
The situation: I have VSP through work. Does it cover LASIK, or do I pay for it myself?
Quick Answer
It depends on the plan, and often the benefit is a discount rather than full coverage. VSP says that depending on your plan, LASIK may or may not be covered, and some VSP plans include laser surgery benefits through its Laser VisionCare program. Check your plan's details, use in-network centers, and consider paying the rest with an HSA or FSA.
Read to the end to complete this scenario.
On this page
What Happened
Sam has a VSP plan through his employer. Logging in to his member account, he finds his plan includes a laser vision benefit that reduces the price at contracted laser centers, but doesn't pay the full cost. The surgery is still several thousand dollars after the discount, so he pays the rest from his flexible spending account. A coworker on a different vision plan finds no LASIK benefit at all.
Likely Relevant Policies
- Vision insurance (for example, VSP)
- Health savings account or flexible spending account
Potential Coverages
Vision plan laser surgery benefit Possible likelihood
Some vision plans include a LASIK benefit, often a discount at contracted centers rather than full payment.
Health insurance Low likelihood
Health plans generally treat LASIK as elective, so most don't pay for it.
HSA or FSA High likelihood
LASIK is commonly an eligible expense for tax-advantaged accounts, as VSP notes.
Possible Exclusions
- LASIK as an elective procedure under most health plans
- Discounts only at contracted laser centers
- Some procedure types at extra cost
Questions That Determine Coverage
- Does your vision plan include a LASIK or laser surgery benefit?
- Is it a discount or a fixed dollar benefit?
- Which laser centers are in the plan's network?
- Can you combine the benefit with other offers?
Recommended Immediate Actions
- Log in to your vision plan account and check the benefit details.
- Ask in-network laser centers for a quote with your plan benefit applied.
- Check your HSA or FSA balance and rules.
Documents to Collect
- Vision plan benefit summary
- Laser center quote
- FSA or HSA receipts
Common Claim Process
With a discount benefit, the laser center usually applies the plan price directly. You pay the rest, often with an HSA or FSA, and keep the receipt.
Potential Outcomes
- A discount at an in-network center, with the rest paid by you.
- No LASIK benefit, so you pay the full price.
- The remaining cost paid from an HSA or FSA.
Risk Prevention Tips
- Check plan details before booking a consultation.
- Compare the plan discount with other offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VSP cover LASIK?
VSP says LASIK may or may not be covered depending on your plan, and some plans include laser surgery coverage through its Laser VisionCare program. Check your plan details in your VSP account.
Does health insurance cover LASIK?
Usually not, because it's generally treated as an elective procedure.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for LASIK?
VSP notes you can use a health savings account or flexible spending account to pay for laser eye surgery.
Related Terms
Related Scenarios
Related Tools
Explore the rest of the Dental and Vision Insurance scenarios.
Browse Dental and Vision Insurance scenarios →Sources
The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- How to use your vision insurance for LASIKVSP Vision Care
Educational information, not advice: This page describes how vision coverage generally works, not how your plan will decide a claim. Insurpedia doesn't recommend specific insurers or plans. Check your plan's details. This is educational, not medical advice.