Health Insurance Cover for your Eyes & Vision


On a basic level, it is sometimes possible to get discounted eyesight tests and additional discounts for glasses, but this varies between insurance providers and the level of cover.

If you have an eye condition or disease such as cataract, your optician may refer you to an ophthalmologist or eye consultant or specialist.  They will examine your eyes and vision problems in more detail and complete relevant tests to diagnose the problem.  You may be initially referred to your GP who may then write to a specialist to discuss and examine you further.  Private medical insurance can cover the cost of consultant appointments, depending on your level of cover.  If you are required to stay in hospital either as a day patient or overnight, again you may be covered for some or all of your private stay.  Some health insurance companies will cover the cost of staying in a private hospital for up to four days, if you opt for their highest level of cover.  Such fully comprehensive policies can cover all consultations and all hospital stay costs. 

Not all eye conditions are covered by private medical insurance but generally illnesses and eye injuries are.  Before undergoing any type of surgery or procedure, contact your insurance company to find out what exactly you will receive support for and what you wont.  A health advisor will talk you through your plan and explain exactly what you are entitled to.  If you have an eye condition prior to taking out private medical insurance, then you most likely wont be covered under any of the available policies (unless you adhere to a moratorium).

Laser Eye Surgery

Health insurance doesn’t usually cover the costs associated with laser eye surgery or other refractive treatments because they are considered cosmetic procedures and are not medically necessary.  Laser eye surgery requires significant investment and if financing the treatment is of concern, you may need to wait until it becomes affordable.  It is advisable to research the treatment as much as possible.  By surfing the Internet, a wealth of information can be gained and many frequently answered questions can be found together with patient testimonials.  This can give you a real insight into the procedure, enabling you to weigh out the benefits of the surgery, with the risks and cost.  By speaking with eye surgeons at various clinics, you can make clear price comparisons.  The cost of laser eye surgery depends on the type of procedure and can vary between clinics and surgeons.

In rare occasions an insurance company may consider laser eye surgery or other refractive treatments.  This may be under the following circumstances:

  • When eye surgery is the result of an injury
  • When eye surgery is the result of errors in previous surgery
  • If you have severe refractive errors
  • If you are unable to wear glasses or contact lenses due to physical limitations.

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Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.