LASIK Financing: Payment Options & How to Pay for LASIK
Thinking about LASIK but not sure you want to pay for it all at once? You're not alone. The price can feel like a lot when you look at it as one number, but there may be different ways to approach the cost. Here's what to know before deciding how you'll pay for LASIK.
The cost of LASIK is one of the first things many people consider when deciding whether vision correction surgery is right for them. Financing can make the upfront cost more manageable by allowing eligible patients to spread payments over time rather than paying the entire procedure cost at once.
The right payment option depends on your LASIK price, budget, credit and available benefits. Understanding the choices before your consultation can help you compare the total cost and find an approach that works for you.
Looking for general LASIK pricing? Start with our guide to How Much Does LASIK Cost? for a breakdown of current LASIK costs and the factors that can affect your price.
LASIK Financing at a Glance
Payment Option
How It Works
Financing
Spread the cost of LASIK over monthly payments, subject to program terms and eligibility
HSA/FSA
Use eligible pre-tax funds toward qualifying LASIK expenses
Upfront payment
Pay the procedure cost directly
Insurance or vision discounts
Apply eligible discounts to reduce your procedure cost
Promotions
Qualifying patients may be eligible for available offers
Financing is just one way to pay for LASIK. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to combine different options to reduce the amount you need to finance.
Can You Finance LASIK?
Yes. Many LASIK providers offer financing options that allow eligible patients to pay for their procedure over time.
Instead of paying the entire cost upfront, a financing program may allow you to make monthly payments over a set period. Available terms, interest rates, fees, down payment requirements and credit requirements vary by financing program.
LASIK.com Network Providers offer financing options, including third-party financing and, at participating locations, in-house financing. Your available options will depend on the provider, location and financing program.
A consultation is a good time to ask what financing options are available and how they would affect your total cost.
How Does LASIK Financing Work?
LASIK financing generally works much like financing other major healthcare expenses.
1. Determine Your LASIK Cost
Your first step is understanding how much your procedure will cost. LASIK pricing can vary based on your provider, location, technology, prescription and what is included in the quoted price.
Your provider should give you a personalized price after evaluating your vision and determining whether LASIK is appropriate for you.
2. Review Your Payment Options
Once you know your procedure cost, ask about the financing programs available to you.
Depending on the provider, options may include:
Monthly payment plans
Promotional financing
Third-party healthcare financing
In-house financing
Upfront payment
A combination of financing and personal funds
3. Review the Financing Terms
Before choosing a financing option, look at more than the monthly payment.
Pay attention to:
Annual percentage rate (APR)
Promotional period
Length of the financing term
Required down payment
Setup or processing fees
Minimum monthly payment
Total amount you’ll pay
What happens if a promotional balance is not paid in full
A lower monthly payment can mean a longer repayment period or a higher total cost.
4. Choose the Payment Option That Fits Your Budget
Once you understand the total cost and financing terms, you can decide whether financing, upfront payment or a combination of payment methods makes the most sense for you.
How Much Are LASIK Payments Per Month?
There isn’t one standard monthly LASIK payment.
Your monthly payment can depend on:
The total cost of your procedure
Your down payment
The financing term
Your interest rate
Your credit profile
The financing program you choose
For example, LASIK.com currently advertises financing options through CareCredit as well as in-house financing at participating locations. Specific payment examples and terms can change, so use the terms provided at the time you apply rather than relying on an older advertised payment.
The monthly payment is only part of the equation. When comparing financing options, consider the total amount you’ll pay over the life of the financing.
What Are My Options for Paying for LASIK?
Financing isn’t your only option. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use several payment methods.
Pay for LASIK Upfront
Some patients choose to pay the full procedure cost at the time of treatment. Paying upfront may allow you to avoid financing charges, depending on the provider and payment method.
Use HSA or FSA Funds
LASIK may qualify as an eligible medical expense for HSA or FSA funds, depending on your plan and circumstances.
Using eligible pre-tax funds can reduce the amount you need to pay out of pocket or finance. Check with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility and any documentation requirements.
Apply Available Discounts
Some patients may qualify for LASIK discounts through an insurance or vision plan, employer benefit, membership program or promotional offer.
Discount availability and eligibility vary, so ask your provider what savings may apply to your procedure.
Combine Payment Methods
Depending on the provider and program, you may be able to combine available discounts or eligible HSA/FSA funds with another payment method.
For example, you might use available HSA funds toward part of your procedure and finance the remaining balance.
Ask your provider which combinations are permitted before making a payment.
Does LASIK Financing Increase the Cost of LASIK?
It can.
Whether financing increases your total cost depends on the terms of the financing program.
Some promotional financing programs may offer reduced or no interest during a specific promotional period if certain conditions are met. Other financing options may charge interest from the beginning of the loan.
Fees may also apply.
For example, current LASIK.com financing information for Premier Pay states that available terms, down payment requirements and interest rates can vary based on the program and credit profile, and certain fees may apply.
Before accepting financing, compare:
Total LASIK price + financing costs = total amount you’ll pay
This can help you determine whether a financing option fits your budget.
How Can I Make LASIK More Affordable?
If the upfront cost of LASIK seems higher than you expected, consider the full range of available payment options before deciding that the procedure is out of reach.
Compare Your Total LASIK Cost
Start by understanding exactly what’s included in your quoted price. Providers may structure their pricing differently, so two advertised prices aren’t necessarily comparable.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is generally considered elective vision correction. However, some vision plans may offer LASIK discounts through participating providers.
Check with your insurance or vision plan to see whether you have an available benefit.
Consider HSA or FSA Funds
If your plan allows LASIK as an eligible expense, HSA or FSA funds may help reduce the amount you need to pay out of pocket.
Look for Current Promotions
LASIK providers may offer promotional pricing or discounts for qualifying patients. Because offers can change, confirm the current terms, expiration date and eligibility requirements before relying on a promotion.
Compare Financing Terms
Don’t choose a financing plan based solely on the lowest monthly payment. A longer repayment period may result in a higher total cost.
Is Financing LASIK Worth It?
Financing may make sense if spreading the cost over time fits your budget and you understand the total cost of the financing.
Before choosing a payment plan, consider:
Can you comfortably make the monthly payment?
How much will you pay in total?
What interest rate applies?
Is there a promotional interest period?
Are there fees?
When does the promotional period end?
Could you pay the balance before the promotional period expires?
Are there other payment options that would cost less?
LASIK is an elective procedure, so there’s no need to choose a financing option you aren’t comfortable with. Take the time to understand your options and choose the payment method that fits your financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Financing
Can you finance LASIK?
Yes. Many LASIK providers offer financing options for eligible patients. Available programs, terms and eligibility requirements vary by provider and location.
How much does LASIK financing cost per month?
There is no standard monthly payment. Your payment depends on the total procedure cost, down payment, financing term, interest rate and other program terms.
Can I finance LASIK with bad credit?
Financing eligibility depends on the specific financing program and its approval requirements. If one financing option isn’t available to you, ask your provider whether other payment options are available.
Is LASIK financing interest-free?
Some financing programs may offer promotional periods with no interest if specific conditions are met. Other programs charge interest. Always review the current financing terms before accepting an offer.
Can I use an HSA or FSA with LASIK financing?
You may be able to use eligible HSA or FSA funds toward LASIK and finance a remaining balance, depending on your plan and the financing program. Confirm the details with your plan administrator and provider.
Can I combine a LASIK discount with financing?
It may be possible, but it depends on the specific discount and financing program. Some promotions cannot be combined with other offers, so ask your provider which options can be used together.
Does insurance cover LASIK?
Most health insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is generally considered elective vision correction. Some vision plans may offer LASIK discounts through participating providers.
It can be, depending on your LASIK cost and how much you spend on contact lenses and related expenses each year. For a detailed comparison, see LASIK vs. Contact Lenses Cost.
Find a LASIK Payment Option That Works for You
Understanding the cost of LASIK is the first step. Once you know your personalized procedure price, you can compare financing, available discounts, HSA/FSA funds and other payment options.
The right choice isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest monthly payment. Look at the total cost, terms and your own budget before deciding how you want to pay.
If you’re still researching the price of LASIK, start with How Much Does LASIK Cost? to learn what can affect the cost and what to consider when comparing LASIK prices.
