How to get laser eye surgery on private health insurance 

If you find wearing glasses or contact lenses annoying or impractical, laser eye surgery might seem like the right decision for you. According to Optometry Australia, around two-thirds of Australians wear prescription glasses and 13% wear contact lenses. If you’re among that number and your optometrist has suggested laser surgery, there’s lots to weigh up before you go ahead – including costs. While laser eye surgery isn’t covered by Medicare, it may be partially covered on your health insurance.  

Here’s everything you need to know about getting laser eye surgery on private health insurance.   

What is laser eye surgery? 

Laser eye surgery is a procedure where a laser is used to reshape your cornea and correct your vision. It takes around 5 minutes per eye. The different types of laser eye surgery include: 

• LASIK 

• SMILE 

• PRK  

• LASEK 

• ASLA  

The type of laser eye surgery used for you will depend on your health needs. Keep in mind there can be side-effects and complications, so do your research before you go ahead. 

How much is laser eye surgery? 

The cost of laser eye surgery in Australia depends on the type of procedure, but is estimated to be between $2,000 and $6,000 per eye. An ophthalmologist will give you a quote for your specific needs.  

The surgery isn’t covered by Medicare but there might be a rebate for part of your consultation with the specialist. 

Getting laser eye surgery on private health insurance 

Laser eye surgery is covered on some Extras Cover policies – but only on top-level cover. If it’s on your policy, it will be listed as ‘refractive laser eye surgery’ and might come under Optical, Major Eye Surgery or ‘other features’. The easiest way to find out if you’re covered is to contact your insurer and ask.  

Limits will apply, so don’t expect to claim back the full amount of the procedure. And because it’s an expensive claim, there are long waiting periods – as long as 3 years.  

A handful of Hospital Cover policies, however, do cover laser eye surgery as an extra benefit, so it’s worth checking your Hospital policy details and contacting your insurer to find out if that’s an option.  

How to look for eye surgery cover 

Looking for policies that cover laser eye surgery specifically can be tricky, since it isn’t commonly included and might not be listed where you expect. Based on our research, we recommend you look in Extras Cover under Optical, Major Eye Surgery or ‘other features’.  

If you want policies that cover eye surgery, you can use the healthslips.com.au calculator to search every policy in Australia and find the best cover for your needs at the best premium for your budget. It’s fast, free and you don’t need to supply your contact details. Use the healthslips.com.au calculator to search for a new policy or compare your current policy to others. Once you’ve found your chosen policy, contact the insurer to find out whether laser eye surgery is included. 

healthslips.com.au does not provide general or personalised advice. Your particular circumstances are likely to impact the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information or results. Take this into account before making a decision and talk to an expert for financial advice.  

Trudie McConnochie

Writer and Researcher

Knowledge is power – that’s the guiding principle behind everything Trudie writes, and it’s a philosophy she brings to her work at healthslips.com.au. By breaking down complex information into easy-to-understand blogs and stories, she aims to empower Australians to make the best choices and an informed decision around private health insurance.

Trudie understands firsthand some of the complexity of private health insurance having moved to Australia from New Zealand and having to navigate a vastly different public healthcare system and health insurance structure.

Trudie holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies (journalism major) from the Auckland University of Technology.

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