LASIK corrective eye surgery is an immensely popular option for those seeking freedom from glasses and contacts. While a great many people have successfully undergone the procedure, a great many are held back by one major factor. And that factor is quite simply cost. Lasik surgery can cost an average $2500 per eye or more. The actual price can vary greatly dependent on the type of lasik required, the type of laser used, and the medical condition of your eyes. As lasik is not a "one size fits all" type of procedure, your initial surgical consultation should be able to provide you with a fairly clear estimate of the specific costs involved with your particular lasik surgery.



Unfortunately for many, most (if not all) major health insurance companies consider Lasik to be an elective procedure and do not provide any reimbursement or coverage. The majority of insurers seem to be of the opinion that if vision correction can be achieved through the use of glasses or contacts, then lasik represents an unnecessary cost. If you have vision insurance your first step should be to contact your insurer and find out exactly what your plan may or may not cover regarding lasik surgery.

For many people, paying for lasik is done through cash or credit cards. Almost all lasik surgical practices will accept major credit cards and debit cards. As with any major credit card purchase, it is important that you understand the repayment terms and in particular the interest rate. The higher interest rates charged to many card holders can add considerably to the actual cost of your procedure.

Quite a few laser surgical practices now offer financing for lasik through third party financial institutions. You will need to complete a standard credit application and will be subject to a credit check. Before signing on the dotted line make certain you understand the repayment terms. Compare the interest rate and terms to those you might be able to get from a personal loan at your bank or credit union.

Another option is to pay for your procedure through a flexible spending account, or FSA. An FSA is an employer sponsored account which allows you to use pre-tax income to pay for medical expenses through paycheck deduction. If your employer offers an FSA, speak with your companys human resources department to learn the exact terms of their plan.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do in terms of financing a lasik procedure is to NOT make the cost a priority. Unlike buying a plasma TV, your health is not an area where you want to go bargain shopping for the best price in town. While it is always possible to do some degree of comparison shopping, it is never in your best interest to make a decision based on cost alone. Your lasik procedure is an investment in your health which will be with you every day of your life. As the saying goes, you quite often get what you pay for.