There will be millions of patients who use glasses or contact lenses in India, a nation of 1.4 billion people. Many of them envision having unobstructed vision. That goal becomes a reality with LASIK surgery, but the treatment is costly. Each eye typically costs between 20,000 and 150,000 rupees.
So here is the big question. Does health insurance pay for LASIK surgery in India? Let us find out from this blog.
What Exactly is LASIK Surgery?
- LASIK is short for a long, fancy medical name. Doctors just call it LASIK for short. The surgery itself is quick and simple.
- A surgeon uses a laser to reshape the front of the eye. This fixes blurry vision, whether you see poorly up close or far away. Each eye takes about 15 minutes. Most people recover within one or two days.
- People choose LASIK for many reasons. It removes the daily hassle of glasses and contacts. It is also the long-term confidence you regain after the surgery. Athletes, swimmers, drivers, and travellers do opt for this surgery for the convenience.
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Is LASIK Covered by Health Insurance in India?
Does Health Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery in India?
The answer is a plain no. The standard health insurance plans do not cover LASIK surgery. But, insurers usually classify LASIK insurance coverage in the category of cosmetic or other elective procedures. They put it as a lifestyle choice. It is not put as a medical requirement. Due to this reason, insurers place it on the list of excluded treatments in most insurance policies.
Yet, you will find some other insurers providing LASIK insurance coverage. However, there are set conditions, and they are listed below.
You Have a High Eye Power
- Insurers may cover LASIK if your eyesight problem is severe. This usually means your eye power is above -7.5 D. In these sensitive cases, LASIK is seen as a health need, not a beauty choice. Check your policy document carefully. Look for the exact eye power range they accept.
- Ask your insurance agent if anything is unclear. The range in which you get LASIK insurance coverage is between -7.5 and +7.5 diopters.
Your Employer’s Group Health Plan
- Corporate health insurance sometimes covers LASIK. Companies want happy employees. Some add LASIK as a bonus benefit in their group plans.
- Communicate your queries to your company's HR. Group policies often include benefits that individual plans skip. You might get lucky here.
Special Add-Ons
- A few insurance companies offer LASIK coverage as an add-on rider. You pay a bit more each year. In return, you get partial or full coverage for the surgery.
- This kind of add-on is common. Do your research. Compare a few insurers before you invest in a policy.
Post-Accident or Medical Necessity
- If an accident damages your eye, LASIK may become a medical need. Your policy should cover this right away. This differs from elective LASIK, which is to choose the surgery for convenience. It only applies to injury-related treatment.
- Medical necessity also applies to rare eye conditions. A doctor’s recommendation carries weight in such cases. Your insurer will likely ask for full medical records, too.
Read the fine print:
- Look into the exclusions section of your policy. Search for the terms “cosmetic procedures” or “refractive surgery”. LASIK often shows up there.
Call your insurer’s helpline:
- Speak to a representative directly. Ask specific questions about LASIK covered by insurance. Get their answers in writing if possible.
Consult your insurance agent:
- Insurance agents know policy details well. They will help you understand each complex term in simple language.
Check for add-on riders:
- Some policies allow you to add LASIK coverage separately. It costs extra but saves you money later.
Look at your insured sum:
- Even if LASIK is not excluded, your policy might cap your insurance coverage at a low amount. This will not cover the full surgery cost.
- EMI Plans: Many eye hospitals in India offer EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) options. You can pay in small monthly parts. This beats paying one big amount at once.
- Health Savings: Set aside money just for LASIK. Treat it like a small savings goal.
- Discounts and Offers: Eye care chains often run seasonal discounts. Watch out for those. You could save a lot. Smart Vision Eye Hospitals often run such offers.
- Corporate Wellness Programs: Some firms partner with eye hospitals. They offer discounted amounts to employees. Ask your HR team if this exists at your workplace.
What Conditions Can Make LASIK Eligible for Insurance Coverage?
How to Check if Your Policy Covers LASIK
Tax Benefits: A Silver Lining
Here is the good news. You can claim tax deductions on LASIK costs under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act. This section covers medical expenses, including certain surgeries.
Keep all your bills and receipts secured and in a safe area. They are important records. You can later submit them during the tax filing season. Consult a tax advisor to understand the exact tax deductions. This will not cover your full expenses, but it will decrease your tax burden a lot.
Other Ways to Pay for LASIK
If your insurance does not cover LASIK, you still have 4 options:
Choosing the Right Health Insurance Policy
If LASIK matters to you, keep this in mind when making your insurance decision. Compare policies before you buy one. Look specifically for riders or add-ons related to eye surgery.
Be direct with your insurance agent. Do not go for easy assumptions. Push for everything on paper or print as a record. Consider a policy with a higher sum insured for longer benefits. Even without direct LASIK coverage, a larger sum insured will leave space for extra medical costs.
Conclusion
Health insurance in India usually skips LASIK surgery. But you may get coverage if you have poor eyesight, a good work plan, or an injury because of accident-related emergencies.
You need to read your policy carefully and in detail. Ask your agent direct questions. Explore EMI plans and other tax deductions if your policy excludes LASIK surgery. Clear sight matters. So does knowing the full facts. This way, you will avoid stressful surprises when you file a claim.
Do your own homework and research before you commit to LASIK insurance. Good Luck!
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