Is the cost for laser eye surgery ever covered by insurance or is it considered elective cosmetic surgery?

Laser eye surgery, also known as refractive surgery, is generally considered an elective procedure and is typically not covered by most standard health insurance plans. This is because it is usually seen as a way to correct refractive errors and improve vision, rather than being medically necessary.

However, the specific coverage for laser eye surgery may vary depending on the insurance provider, the type of insurance plan, and individual circumstances. Some insurance plans may offer partial coverage or reimbursement for laser eye surgery under certain conditions or circumstances. For example, some plans may consider coverage for laser eye surgery if it is deemed medically necessary to correct certain eye conditions such as severe astigmatism or strabismus.

Furthermore, there are specific vision insurance plans, often referred to as elective vision plans, that may provide coverage for elective surgical procedures including laser eye surgery. These plans typically require separate premiums and may have specific coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles.

It is recommended to check with your specific insurance provider and review your insurance plan documents to determine the exact coverage for laser eye surgery. You may also want to explore the availability of elective vision plans to assess whether such plans offer favorable coverage conditions.