In short: For most people, LASIK is not paid for by health insurance in India. Many policies exclude correction of refractive error below roughly 7.5 dioptres, which covers the majority of patients who consider laser vision correction. Cover is sometimes possible above that threshold or in specific medical situations — but it depends on your insurer and policy wording, so always verify before you plan.
What is the 7.5-dioptre rule?
Under the standard exclusions used by Indian health insurers, expenses for correcting refractive error (short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism) are generally excluded when the error is below about 7.5 dioptres, because it is treated as elective vision correction rather than treatment of disease. Some policies pay for surgery when the error is at or above that level, subject to the terms of the plan.
Why many patients fall below the threshold
A prescription of −3.00 or −5.00 sounds strong when you wear thick glasses every day, but it is well under 7.5 dioptres. Most LASIK patients fall into this range, so an insurer will usually treat their surgery as self-paid.
Situations where cover may still be possible
- High refractive error at or above the policy threshold.
- Medical necessity, for example when glasses or contact lenses cannot be used for a documented medical reason.
- Error caused by an injury or as a complication of earlier eye surgery.
These are examples only. Each insurer words its exclusions differently, so none of them is guaranteed.
Sub-limits, waiting periods and technology
Even when a claim qualifies, many policies pay only up to a fixed rupee sub-limit for the eye procedure. Some also apply a waiting period, and some plans are understood to reimburse only standard approaches rather than newer technology. This is why a quoted “covered” status needs to be confirmed against your policy document, not assumed.
What to check in your policy
- Find the section on exclusions and search for “refractive error”.
- Note the dioptre threshold and any listed exceptions.
- Check for a sub-limit on eye procedures and any waiting period.
- Ask whether day-care procedures are covered, as LASIK is typically done without an overnight stay.
- Ask whether cashless is available at the hospital or only reimbursement.
Cataract surgery is different
Unlike LASIK, cataract surgery treats a disease and is commonly covered by health insurance, subject to your policy. Trivision offers a Mediclaim/cashless facility for eligible cataract patients — see our step-by-step cashless guide and the cataract surgery page.
Choosing the right option first, then the funding
Insurance should not decide which procedure is right for your eyes. Start with a proper evaluation to understand whether LASIK, SmartSight, Trans-PRK or ICL suits you — our ICL vs LASIK guide is useful if your prescription is high. Then ask our desk what documents your insurer would need.
This article is general information, not insurance or legal advice, and policy terms change. Contact Trivision Eye Hospital in Bandra West to talk through your situation.