Health insurance for LASIK eye surgery

Maintaining optimal eye health is paramount, as our ability to see plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Whether appreciating the beauty of our surroundings or accomplishing necessary tasks, our eyes allow us to engage in life's experiences fully. It is not uncommon to come across individuals who wear glasses, as some may have had poor eyesight since childhood, while others may have developed the need for them due to ageing, accidents, or illnesses.    

Insurance companies provide comprehensive and affordable health insurance policies that cover a comprehensive range of medical conditions and treatment expenses. The extent of coverage these insurance plans offer differs depending on the specific provider and plan. Certain medical procedures may only be covered by a limited number of health insurance plans, including the LASIK eye operation.    

What is LASIK eye surgery?    

LASIK, Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely performed and highly sought-after laser refractive surgery to address vision correction problems. Its primary objective is to eliminate the need for contact lenses or glasses. LASIK is a secure method to enhance visual acuity. This procedure does not involve surgical instruments like scissors, blades, or stitches. A highly skilled and specialised ophthalmologist performs the surgery using laser technology and other mechanical tools.    During LASIK eye surgery, a specialised form of laser known as a microkeratome is utilised to enhance by delicately and precisely altering the shape of the dome-shaped transparent tissue (cornea) at the front of the eye. In individuals with normal vision, the cornea effectively refracts light, ensuring it reaches the retina at the back of the eye accurately. However, individuals experiencing vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism have a cornea that fails to perform this function correctly, resulting in distorted or unclear vision. Glasses and contact lenses are effective in addressing this refraction problem. Nevertheless, LASIK eye surgery can reshape the cornea and rectify the fundamental issue, thereby improving vision.   

There are generally four types of LASIK eye surgeries:    

• Wavefront Guided LASIK  
• Wave Optimised LASIK  
• Topography Guided LASIK  
• All-Laser LASIK    

Cost of LASIK eye treatment   

India offers a cost-effective option for LASIK Eye Surgery compared to countries such as the US, UK, and Singapore. As a result, there has been a rise in the number of international patients seeking treatment in India for this procedure. The price of LASIK treatment is primarily determined by the type of laser eye surgery you choose. For example, blade-free LASIK eye surgery is more expensive than LASIK with a blade. The cost  of laser eye surgery is also influenced by the LASIK treatment centre, location, and the experience of the ophthalmologist performing the surgery. The cost of your surgery may also be affected by any complications that arise during the procedure, depending on your case.    

Factors influencing LASIK eye surgery cost    

The cost of vision correction will vary depending on the specific technology or procedure chosen. Opting for conventional methods will generally be more affordable compared to advanced techniques. The experience of the doctor performing the surgery will influence the overall cost of LASIK eye surgery. Highly experienced doctors typically charge higher fees for their services.  The eye clinic's city and location also influence the surgery's cost. Metropolitan areas can have higher costs due to the availability of cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art facilities,  and better infrastructure. The number of diagnostic tests and evaluations conducted to determine the most suitable LASIK technique will also impact the cost of the surgery.     Including aftercare as part of the surgical package will increase the overall cost. However, if you choose not to have aftercare, taking proper care and precautions is essential to avoid any infections or complications after the surgery.    

Health insurance for LASIK eye surgery    

If you're considering getting LASIK eye surgery and feeling unsure about the insurance coverage, contact your health insurance provider. Certain health insurance providers, such as Star Health Insurance, offer coverage for LASIK eye surgery at network hospitals. This coverage includes the cost of the surgery and any necessary diagnostic screenings and post-surgery follow-up consultations. LASIK eye surgery is considered a daycare procedure; hospitalisation for at least 24 hours is unnecessary. At Star Health Insurance, our plans cover LASIK eye surgery( when the eye power is more than -7.5D ), but it is important to note that the coverage does not begin immediately upon purchasing the policy. Instead, a mandatory waiting period must be completed before you can avail coverage for your LASIK treatment. In addition to the initial waiting period, certain plans may have a specific waiting period of 2 to 4 years for laser eye surgery. Reviewing the policy documents or getting in touch with the customer care department to determine the applicable waiting period for your specific plan is recommended.    

It is important to note that the coverage amount for LASIK treatment may differ between different Health Insurance policies. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully review the terms and  conditions of your specific policy to understand the coverage limit for this surgery.    

Are there any requirements for insurance coverage of LASIK eye surgery?  

Insurance coverage for LASIK eye surgery typically comes with certain conditions. These conditions may include:    

Please note that these conditions may vary depending on the specific insurance plan. It is advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand the exact requirements for coverage.    

Things to avoid during LASIK eye surgery  

After undergoing LASIK eye surgery, it is essential to adhere to certain precautions to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications. Here are several guidelines to follow:    

1. Use a protective eye shield on the initial day following the surgery.  

2. Refrain from rubbing your eyes to prevent any potential damage.  

3. Limit your screen time during the first three days to allow your eyes to rest and recover.  

4. Avoid exposing your eyes to water for the first two weeks after the surgery.  

5. Do not utilise tap water to clean your eyes, as it may contain impurities that can cause irritation or  infection.  

6. Steer clear of smoke, dust, pollen, or other particles that may enter your eyes and cause discomfort or complications.  

7. Refrain from washing your hair for a few days after the surgery to prevent water or shampoo from coming into contact with your eyes.  

8. Avoid wearing eye makeup for a minimum of one month after the surgery to prevent any potential irritation or infection.  

9. Do not swim for at least three weeks to avoid exposing your eyes to potentially harmful bacteria or chemicals.    

Following these guidelines can promote a smooth recovery process and ensure the best possible outcome from your LASIK eye surgery. Considering its potential expense, it is advisable to utilise your health insurance policy to cover the cost of LASIK treatment. Fortunately, Star Health Insurance offers coverage for LASIK treatment in all of their plans, as long as you comply with the terms and conditions of the policy.