Check my price

Paying for it

Health insurance and laser eye surgery

The short answerIrish health insurance plans don't usually pay for laser eye surgery. What the insurers offer is a member discount at a partner clinic: Irish Life Health lists 15% off and Laya healthcare 10% off. Vhi's member offers page lists no laser eye surgery offer.

What will my eyes cost?

Price your eyes in four taps

One eye or both, the treatment, your prescription and the aftercare. You see our range, the tax relief and the price after it. Nothing is sent unless you choose to.

Which eyes need correcting?

What each insurer says

InsurerWhat its own pages say
Irish Life HealthMembers get 15% off laser eye surgery at a partner clinic, with a free consultation. A member discount, not cover.
Laya healthcareA 10% discount on laser eye treatment at participating centres, as an offer between the clinic and the member.
VhiNo laser eye surgery offer on its member offers page. Check your table of benefits or ask Vhi.

Offers change. Ask your insurer in writing what applies to your plan before you book.

Someone opening a contact lens pack at a bathroom sink

Discount or tax relief? Both, in order

Use the discount first, then claim tax relief on what you actually paid. Revenue only gives relief on the part of a health expense your insurer didn't pay for you, so a discount and the relief work together.

Medical card and PRSI benefits

A medical card doesn't cover laser eye surgery to stop wearing glasses. The PRSI Treatment Benefit pays for an eye test and towards glasses or contact lenses every two years; it doesn't list laser eye surgery.

A discount isn't a reason to choose a clinic

A partner discount ties you to one clinic. Compare the written price, the aftercare and the surgeon first. Check the surgeon's name on the Medical Council's register before you pay a deposit: an eye surgeon practising as a specialist should be on its Specialist Division, in ophthalmology.

Questions people ask

Does Vhi cover laser eye surgery?

Vhi's member offers page lists no laser eye surgery offer. Check your own table of benefits, or ring Vhi and ask for the answer in writing.

Does Laya cover laser eye surgery?

Laya healthcare lists a 10% discount on laser eye treatment at participating centres, not cover under the plan.

Does Irish Life Health cover laser eye surgery?

Irish Life Health lists 15% off laser eye surgery at a partner clinic for members, with a free consultation.

Can I claim tax relief as well as an insurer discount?

Yes, on the amount you paid after the discount.

More on prices

Prices by county

See what your eyes would cost

Four taps: one eye or both, the treatment, your prescription and the aftercare. Your range, the tax relief and the price after it. One clinic contacts you, only if you ask.

What will my eyes cost?