Health insurance cover for laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery is a popular method for correcting visual defects such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism. Many people opt for this procedure in order to be able to permanently do without glasses or contact lenses. But what is the situation regarding cost coverage by health insurance in Switzerland? In this blog post, we clarify the most important questions about the assumption of costs for laser eye treatment in Switzerland.
Laser eye surgery and the Swiss healthcare system
In Switzerland, laser eye surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, as in most cases it is performed to improve quality of life and not to treat a medical condition. For this reason, compulsory basic health insurance (KVG) does not usually cover the costs of this type of treatment.
Basic insurance and laser eye surgery
Basic insurance only covers medically necessary treatments. Laser eye treatments do not usually fall into this category, as visual defects can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, there are exceptions where basic insurance may cover the costs, for example if there is a medical indication such as an intolerance to glasses or contact lenses.
Supplementary insurance and extended benefits
Some private supplementary insurance policies (VVG) offer benefits for laser eye treatment. Depending on the tariff and provider, these insurance policies cover part or even all of the costs. It is worth comparing different offers and checking the insurance conditions carefully. It is important to note whether there is a waiting period and what conditions must be met for the insurance to cover the costs.
Which health insurance companies cover laser eye surgery?
The costs of laser eye treatments in Switzerland are usually covered by special supplementary insurance policies, as basic insurance does not usually cover such procedures. Here are some health insurance companies and their supplementary insurances that partially or fully cover these costs:
Helsana health insurance
Helsana health insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with "Completa Extra" supplementary insurance up to CHF 750 per eye. With "Completa Plus" supplementary insurance, Helsana health insurance also covers up to CHF 500 for laser eye surgery. The waiting period for laser eye surgery with Helsana health insurance is 6 months.
CSS Health Insurance
CSS Health Insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery up to CHF 150 with "myFlex Balance" supplementary insurance, while CSS Health Insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery up to CHF 300 with "myFlex Premium" supplementary insurance.
Swica Health Insurance
Swica health insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with the supplementary insurance "Completa Top" and "Completa Optima" together up to CHF 2,000 per year. The waiting period for laser eye surgery with Swica health insurance is 12 months.
Atupri health insurance
Atupri health insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with the supplementary insurance "Mivita Extensa" up to CHF 1,000 per year. The waiting period for laser eye surgery with Atupri health insurance is 12 months.
ÖKK health insurance
ÖKK health insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with the supplementary insurance "Natur Plus" up to CHF 500 per year.
Groupe Mutuel Health Insurance
Groupe Mutuel health insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with the "Premium" supplementary insurance up to CHF 800.
Concordia Health Insurance
Concordia Health Insurance covers the costs of laser eye surgery with the supplementary insurance "Diversa Care" 50% up to CHF 400 every 5 years. The waiting period for laser eye surgery with Concordia Health Insurance is 12 months.
Compare health insurance for laser eye surgery
If you want to find the best health insurance for laser eye surgery, you can use our comparison tool. Our comparison tool allows you to compare the benefits of various supplementary insurance policies that cover the costs of laser eye treatment. You can compare specific benefits in detail, such as the amount of costs covered per eye and the waiting periods. This gives you a clear overview of which insurance is best suited to your individual needs. Use the
Costs for laser eye treatment
The cost of laser eye treatment can vary depending on the method, clinic and treating doctor. As a rule, the costs range between CHF 3,000 and CHF 6,000 for both eyes. The most common methods include
- LASIK: Laser-in-situ keratomileusis
- PRK: Photorefractive keratectomy
- SMILE: Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
What you should consider before treatment
Before you decide in favour of laser eye treatment, you should clarify the following points:
- Check insurance cover: Find out whether your supplementary insurance covers the costs of laser eye treatment and what conditions must be met.
- Discuss the cost plan: Ask the clinic for a detailed cost estimate and clarify which costs will be covered by the insurance.
- Consultation: Arrange a consultation with a specialist to find out about the various methods, their risks and the expected success.
Conclusion
Laser eye surgery is an effective method for the permanent correction of visual defects, but in Switzerland it is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by basic insurance. Costs are usually only covered by health insurance through private supplementary insurance policies that offer special benefits for this. It is advisable to obtain comprehensive information in advance and to check the insurance conditions carefully to avoid any nasty surprises.
If you are considering laser eye surgery, you should be well informed and take all the necessary steps to make the best possible decision for your eyes and your financial situation.