Fast Facts: LASIK and Insurance Coverage
- Most medical and vision insurance plans classify LASIK as elective and do not cover the cost
- Some vision plans (VSP, EyeMed, Humana Vision) offer a member discount of $100-$500 off LASIK
- LASIK is fully eligible for FSA and HSA payment — one of the best ways to reduce your out-of-pocket cost
- Berkeley Eye Center accepts CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit — 0% interest financing available
- Your free LASIK consultation includes a benefits check — our team will verify any vision plan discounts for you
Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover LASIK?
LASIK is classified as an elective procedure by most insurers because an alternative treatment — prescription glasses or contact lenses — already exists to correct the same vision problems. Since the patient can achieve functional vision without surgery, insurers categorize the procedure as a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity.
This is true even if you’ve worn glasses or contacts for decades, have a very high prescription, or experience significant quality-of-life limitations from your vision. As far as most carriers are concerned, if corrective lenses can address the problem, LASIK doesn’t qualify for medical coverage.
Does Vision Insurance Cover LASIK?
Vision insurance is separate from medical insurance and specifically covers eye-related expenses — but most vision plans still don’t fully cover LASIK. However, several major vision plans offer a member discount rather than full coverage:
VSP (Vision Service Plan): VSP members may receive a discount of up to $200 off LASIK or 15% off the retail price at participating providers. Berkeley Eye Center is a VSP network provider.
EyeMed: EyeMed members may receive a 15% discount off the regular price, or 5% off a promotional price.
Humana Vision: Some Humana vision plans include a LASIK discount program with savings of $150-$200 per eye.
Aetna and UnitedHealthcare: Some plans include laser vision correction discount programs — check your specific plan details.
The best way to find out if your vision plan offers a LASIK discount is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card, or simply ask during your free LASIK consultation at Berkeley Eye Center — our refractive counselors check this for every patient.
Can I Use FSA or HSA Funds for LASIK?
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): FSA funds are pre-tax dollars set aside through your employer. LASIK is a fully eligible FSA expense. The key consideration is timing — most FSA plans have a December 31st deadline, after which unused funds are forfeited. Some plans offer a grace period of up to 2.5 months after year-end, or allow a rollover of up to $680 in unused funds into the following year (updated from $640 — the 2026 IRS limit per Revenue Procedure 2025-32 is $680, up from $660 in 2025). Employers are not required to offer either option — check your specific plan. If you have unspent FSA dollars, using them for LASIK is an excellent option.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA): HSA funds also cover LASIK and have no expiration date — they roll over year after year. For 2026, the HSA contribution limit is $4,400 for individual coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution. If you have a high-deductible health plan, you likely have access to an HSA. Unlike FSAs, there’s no urgency around year-end deadlines. Both accounts can be combined with financing and other discounts — meaning you can put your FSA/HSA toward part of the cost and finance the remainder at 0% interest. Our LASIK financing page covers all the payment options in detail.
What Other Ways Can I Pay for LASIK?
Even without insurance coverage, Berkeley Eye Center offers several options to make LASIK accessible:
Current promotion: Berkeley Eye Center offers monthly LASIK promotions including savings on the procedure cost and financing options. View this month’s current LASIK offer →
CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit: Low monthly payment plans with promotional 0% interest periods. Apply at your free consultation.Hero Plan: Year-round discounts for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, nurses, medical professionals, and teachers. Learn more about the Hero Plan.
Is LASIK worth it without insurance coverage?
For most patients, yes — and here’s why. The average person spends $300-$500 per year on glasses, contact lenses, lens solution, and replacement costs. Over 10 years that’s $3,000-$5,000. A single LASIK procedure at Berkeley Eye Center typically costs a fraction of that long-term spend, and the correction is permanent. When you factor in FSA/HSA savings, a current promotion, and financing at 0% interest, the actual out-of-pocket cost in the first year is often lower than patients expect.
The best way to understand the full cost is to schedule your free consultation — we’ll confirm your candidacy, explain the exact pricing for your prescription, check any vision plan discounts, and walk you through every payment option available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Free LASIK Consultation
Ready to find out exactly what LASIK would cost you — and what discounts or payment options you qualify for? Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation at Berkeley Eye Center. Our refractive counselors will verify any vision plan discounts, confirm your candidacy, and walk you through every payment option available.