How much do you actually have to shell out for LASIK surgery and why is it such an expensive procedure? Can your insurance help you defray its high costs?
Cost remains one of the major concerns of patients about LASIK or any other laser eye surgery. Yes, it is indeed a costly procedure that you have to be prepared for financially.
Today, we’ll take you over what you need to know about LASIK eye surgery costs in Singapore to help you make a wiser, more practical decision!
First things first: are you qualified for LASIK?
LASIK remains the most popular type of laser eye surgery in Singapore and around the globe, but not everyone is qualified for it!
Undergoing consultations and diagnostic procedures is necessary to determine your eligibility for LASIK. The test will often involve a detailed analysis of your prescription and an evaluation of the shape and health of your cornea.
You may be qualified for LASIK if you:
- are 18 years old and above
- have a stable prescription for over a year
- are generally in good health
Meanwhile, LASIK may not be the best option for you if you:
- suffer from severe dry eyes
- have unstable prescription
- have thin or steep corneas
- have existing eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma
- are pregnant or nursing
What’s the LASIK eye surgery cost in Singapore?
LASIK in Singapore can easily set you back $1,500 to $6,000, excluding the costs for initial consultations, diagnostic tests, follow-ups, and post-surgery medicines. The final price will depend on the package offered by your clinic.
LASIK and other forms of laser eye surgeries are available in both private and public eye clinics in Singapore. The price gap between the two isn’t significant, but private clinics will always have slightly higher fees.
Opt for public clinics if you’re on a budget and want to save as much money as possible, but prepare yourself to be put on the waitlist. You may need to plan several months ahead if this is the path you’re taking!
Still, the best way to save money and avoid unnecessary fees is to take your time shopping around for options to get a clearer picture of what’s included in each clinic’s LASIK packages.
Why is it so expensive?
To fully understand what makes LASIK so expensive one must look into the factors that affect its cost, such as professional fee, location, and technology and equipment, among others.
As with any medical procedure, the doctor’s fee takes up a massive chunk of what you’ll be paying for. The more experienced the doctor is, the higher their fees go.
Should you choose a clinic located in prime, busy districts for convenience, expect that you’ll likely be paying more for LASIK because they’re also paying for higher rental and operational costs, which are then passed on to customers.
With the traditional LASIK, less equipment is used compared to more advanced laser eye surgeries such as SMILE and bladeless LASIK which require more equipment. The more advanced the equipment, the more expensive the procedure.
Will my MediSave or insurance cover LASIK?
Neither MediSave nor insurance can be used to pay for your LASIK. That’s because only medical and surgical procedures are covered and LASIK is considered a cosmetic one.
You can only use MediSave to pay for LASIK eye surgery costs if:
- there’s a 300-degree difference or more (three diopters) between your two eyes.
- LASIK is needed to correct errors from previous procedures.
- you can’t tolerate contact lenses or spectacles according to your doctor.
If you’d like to learn more about LASIK, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the specialists at Shinagawa Eye Centre. Call now to book a personal consultation today!
SOURCES:
https://www.health365.sg/cost-comparison-lasik-eye-surgery-in-singapore/
https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/lasik-singapore-price-list-much-000042862.html
https://atlaseye.sg/lasik-singapore-suitability-costs-and-risks/
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/lasik-surgery-singapore-2023-where-go-and-how-much-does-it-cost