Most policies exclude LASIK for low eye power. The exact rule is in a standard exclusion, and it turns on a number: 7.5 dioptres.
Is LASIK eye surgery covered by health insurance?
For most people, no. Indian health policies use a standard exclusion for surgery that corrects eyesight, and it depends on how strong your glasses are.
The rule, in the wording's own words
Current wordings carry the same exclusion, coded Excl15: "Expenses related to the treatment for correction of eye sight due to refractive error less than 7.5 dioptres."
Dioptre is the unit for the power of your glasses. If your power is below 7.5 (for example, -3.0 or -6.0), LASIK to correct it is excluded. That covers most people who wear glasses.
When it can be paid
- Your refractive error is 7.5 dioptres or more, and
- the treatment is medically necessary and done as per the policy terms, after any waiting period that applies.
Even then, check the eye-related limits in your plan. Some plans cap eye procedures, and some list eye surgeries on the waiting-period list.
Why "cosmetic" decides the claim
Insurers treat LASIK done only so you can stop wearing glasses as a choice, not a treatment. The 7.5-dioptre line is where the wording draws that boundary. A doctor's note on medical need helps, but it does not override the exclusion below 7.5.
How to check your policy
Search the wording for "refractive" or "Excl15". If you find the standard text, the 7.5-dioptre rule applies to you. Or upload the policy to the policy checker.
Frequently asked questions
Is LASIK covered by health insurance in India?
Usually not. A standard exclusion (Excl15) removes surgery to correct eyesight when the refractive error is less than 7.5 dioptres, which covers most people who wear glasses.
When is LASIK covered?
When your refractive error is 7.5 dioptres or more and the treatment is medically necessary, subject to the policy's other terms and waiting periods.
What does 7.5 dioptres mean?
It is the power of your glasses or contact lenses. A power of -3 or -6 is below 7.5, so LASIK for it is excluded.