Sep 18, 2025
You may have several options when paying for LASIK surgery, depending on your personal situation, including savings, a personal loan, FSA or HSA funds, credit cards, or LASIK financing through your doctor.
LASIK eye surgery is a popular procedure because it may offer people freedom from having to wear glasses or contact lenses. While it can be life-changing, it can also be expensive. LASIK surgery can cost thousands of dollars per eye. Since it is usually considered an elective surgery, most insurance plans won’t cover it.
The good news? There are a number of ways you might be able to make LASIK more affordable. First, ask your doctor if you are a good candidate for the procedure. There can be risks. If you decide the procedure is right for you, then explore your financial options.
Most insurance plans don’t cover LASIK, but you may qualify for a discount through in-network providers or negotiated rates.
LASIK is typically an elective surgery, meaning the procedure is not considered medically necessary. You’ll want to talk to your insurance provider for your coverage details. Then, see if your doctor’s insurance coordinator has experience helping patients reduce costs.
Some insurance companies, for example, may negotiate with providers for discounted costs for procedures such as LASIK. You may need to use a preferred, in-network provider to qualify for those rates.
Yes, LASIK is often an eligible expense for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). An FSA or HSA is primarily funded by you using pre-tax dollars, which means it can lower your overall cost for the procedure. If your company sponsors a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), it may also cover the procedure.
Check with your plan administrator to confirm if LASIK is an eligible expense. Some programs have additional requirements, and the procedure may need to be performed by a specific type of provider.
Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover LASIK, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer discounts or partial coverage.
As with all insurance programs, it depends on your coverage level. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits, including vision care. You will need to contact your plan provider to see if LASIK is included.
Yes. It’s a good idea to ask your doctor’s office about available LASIK financing options and repayment terms. They may be able to help you find a financing plan and/or maximize your insurance options. If they have their own refinancing plan, be sure to ask about down payments and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs). They may be able to help you compare cost of paying in full up front with the financed cost, paid over time, to help you decide what works for you.
You’ll need to budget wisely to ensure timely payments, but a financing plan could be a good option. Be thoughtful about whether you want to write a check, pay directly from a bank account, or charge it to a credit card. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Yes, a personal loan may be used to pay for LASIK surgery. Because you select a set monthly payment and repayment term, a personal loan might help you create a budget you can manage.
Some doctors offer a discount if you pay partially or fully in cash. Because you can get lump sum loan funding, a personal loan could help you take advantage of that if you don’t have adequate savings.
If your insurance or health accounts don’t cover the full cost of LASIK, a personal loan may also be used to pay for the additional expense.
With a Discover® personal loan, you can choose a repayment term of 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 months so you can make payments over a time frame that best fits your needs. For example, if you get approved for a $15,000 loan at 12.99% APR for a term of 72 months, you’ll pay just $301 per month.
Want to find out if a personal loan is right for you? With the Discover personal loan calculator, you can estimate your monthly payment based on the amount you want to borrow and a repayment term that you choose.
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The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover, a division of Capital One, N.A., (Discover) or its affiliates.
