Is LASIK Treatment Covered by Star Health Insurance?

What is Lasik Eye Surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a laser refractive surgery done to correct vision problems, such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. It is short for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis that involves reshaping the cornea in your eye to allow light to focus on the retina. Also known as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, LASIK is an alternative to wearing spectacles or contact lenses.

LASIK eye surgery is an extremely common type of refractive surgery. Besides, it is absolutely painless and can be done within 15-20 minutes. While the effect of the surgery on the vision can be seen within 24 hours, the eyesight fully stabilizes in 2-3 months.

Who Should Not Have Lasik Eye Surgery?

Not everyone should undergo LASIK treatment. Take a look at the people who should not have LASIK eye surgery:

• Those below 18 years
• Pregnant or nursing women
• Those with uneven or thin corneas
• Those with eye conditions like very dry eyes or glaucoma
• People on certain medications
• Those with frequent changes to vision prescription
• People suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Cost of LASIK Treatment

The cost of a LASIK treatment majorly depends on the type of laser eye surgery you opt for. For instance, the cost of a blade-free LASIK eye surgery is more than LASIK with a blade. Moreover, the LASIK treatment centre, the city and the experience of the ophthalmologist conducting the surgery also impact the cost of laser eye surgery. Even the complications involved in the surgery depending on your case will affect the cost of your surgery.

In India, the cost of LASIK eye treatment roughly varies from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh. In the case of LASIK eye surgery with a blade, the average cost may vary from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000.

On the other hand, a blade-free LASIK surgery on average may cost you somewhere between Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,00,000. Similarly, the cost of LASIK treatment in Mumbai will range from Rs 44,000 to Rs 1,21,000 whereas the surgery may cost between Rs 10,000 to Rs 80,000 in Chennai.

Thus, LASIK eye surgery is an expensive treatment and is difficult to afford by everyone. In case you have a Star Health Insurance policy, let’s find out if the cost of LASIK eye surgery is covered by the insurance company or not.

Does Star Health Insurance Cover LASIK Treatment?

Yes. All Star Health Insurance plans cover the treatment cost of LASIK eye surgery. They cover the cost of the surgery along with the cost of any diagnostic screening and post-surgery follow-up consultations. Since LASIK eye surgery does not require hospitalization of at least 24 hours, the procedure is considered as a day care procedure.

The Star Health & Allied Insurance Company will pay the treatment cost after you have undergone the surgery. You can also avail cashless treatment by getting your LASIK eye surgery done by a network provider of the insurance company.

However, the coverage amount for LASIK treatment under a Star Health Insurance policy may vary from another plan. Thus, you are advised to read the terms and conditions of your Star Health Insurance policy carefully to know the coverage limit for the surgery.

What is Covered by Star Health Insurance Under LASIK Treatment?

All Star Health Insurance plans cover LASIK eye surgery for the correction of eyesight due to a refractive error of equal to or more than 7.5 dioptres. The limit was set by the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in its September 2019 guideline.

Prior to this guideline, the cost of LASIK eye surgery was not covered by Star Health Insurance plans unless the surgery was required due to one of the following reasons:

• Refractive error caused by an accident or an injury
• Severe refractive error
• Refractive error caused by another surgery

Waiting Period to Cover LASIK Treatment Under Star Health Insurance

Although Star Health Insurance plans cover the cost of a LASIK eye surgery, the coverage is not available from the first day of the policy. You have to spend a mandatory waiting period before you can avail coverage for your LASIK treatment.

An initial waiting period of 30 days is applicable on all Star Health Insurance plans. Once you have finished the 30-day waiting period, you can raise a claim for LASIK treatment under your Star Health Insurance policy.

Moreover, a specific waiting period of 2 to 3 years on laser eye surgery may also be applied under some Star health insurance plans. Therefore, you are advised to check the policy documents or contact customer care to know the applicable waiting period.

Things to Avoid After a LASIK Eye Surgery

Here are a few things that you should avoid after a LASIK eye surgery:

• Wear a protective eye shield on the first day after the surgery
• Do not rub your eyes
• Limit screen time for the first 3 days
• Avoid water from entering your eyes for the first 2 weeks
• Do not use tap water to clean your eyes
• Avoid smoke, dust, pollen, or other particles from entering your eyes
• Avoid washing your hair for a few days after the surgery
• Do not wear eye make-up for at least a month after the surgery
• Do not go swimming for at least 3 weeks

In a Nutshell

LASIK eye surgery is opted by most people who do not want to wear spectacles or contact lenses throughout their lives. As LASIK treatment can get expensive, it is wiser to claim the surgery cost under your health insurance policy.

Luckily, all Star Health Insurance plans provide coverage for LASIK treatment, provided you meet with the policy terms and conditions. Moreover, do not forget to follow the tips mentioned above for your post LASIK surgery care.