Is LASIK Surgery Covered by HDFC ERGO Health Insurance?

What is LASIK Surgery?

LASIK surgery, or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a laser refractive surgery performed to correct vision problems, including farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. It involves changing the shape of the cornea in the eye through a special type of cutting laser so that the light refracts precisely on the retina. The surgery corrects a person's vision and eliminates the need for wearing glasses or contact lenses.

In India, LASIK eye surgery can easily cost you somewhere between Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, depending on your hospital, city and the type of surgery. For instance, LASIK surgery in a private hospital in a metropolitan city will be costlier than a government hospital in a tier 2 city. Similarly, a bladeless LASIK eye surgery will be more expensive than surgery with a blade.

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Not everyone can afford to get a LASIK surgery, which is why many people wonder if their HDFC ERGO health insurance policy will cover LASIK surgery costs. Let's find out.

Does HDFC ERGO Health Insurance Cover LASIK Surgery?

Yes.

HDFC ERGO health insurance plans cover the cost of LASIK surgery as a day care procedure. They cover the medical expenses incurred on the doctor's fees, operation theatre charges, medical equipments, nursing fees, diagnostic tests, medicines, etc. Moreover, HDFC ERGO health insurance plans cover the cost of diagnostic tests & doctor's consultations availed before and after the surgery.

But there is a condition!

The HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company does not cover all LASIK surgeries. Only LASIK surgeries performed to correct a refractive error of 7.5 dioptres or more are covered by HDFC ERGO health insurance plans. If you have a refractive error of less than 7.5 dioptres, the insurance company will reject the claim raised for the LASIK eye surgery.

However, if you develop vision problems or a refractive error as a consequence of another surgery or due to an accident, then your HDFC ERGO health insurance policy will cover the cost of your LASIK surgery. Moreover, the insurer will pay for the cost of the surgery irrespective of whether you have availed a cashless treatment at one of its network hospitals or raised a reimbursement claim.

The scope of coverage may vary from one health plan to another. Hence, make sure to go through your policy document carefully to know exactly what you are covered for.

Waiting Period for LASIK Surgery under HDFC ERGO Health Insurance

The HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company covers the cost of a LASIK surgery after a pre-specified waiting period. Usually, all HDFC ERGO health insurance plans come with a standard initial waiting period of 30 days. It means that the insurance company will not pay for your LASIK surgery costs unless you serve a waiting period of 30 days.

However, some HDFC ERGO health insurance plans may cover LASIK surgery after a waiting period of 1 or 2 years. Hence, checking your policy document to know the exact waiting period for LASIK surgery is advised.

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Long Story Short

LASIK surgery is an excellent alternative to wearing glasses or contact lenses throughout our lives. However, LASIK surgery costs may be expensive for an average Indian citizen. Buying an HDFC ERGO health insurance policy can help them pay for their laser eye surgery and, eventually, correct their vision problems. Make sure to read the policy terms and conditions carefully to know your scope of coverage and the waiting period.