Are you thinking about getting LASIK in Singapore but unsure if the price will be worth it?
Let’s be honest: cost is one of the biggest concerns of LASIK patients in Singapore because it’s a generally expensive procedure for most people. It’s a surgery that can easily set you back thousands of dollars, exclusive postoperative medications.
So to help you make a more informed decision, we’ve put together a quick guide to LASIK surgery costs in Singapore, breaking down how much you’d need to spend overall for this type of laser eye surgery.
What is LASIK surgery?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis) is a type of refractive eye surgery used to correct several vision problems, including astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness, myopia, and hyperopia.
LASIK involves using a laser to reshape your cornea (which is the transparent outer layer of the) to allow light to enter your retina better, helping you see more clearly as a result.
It’s one of the most preferred reflective surgeries because it’s safe and effective. In most cases, patients experience improved vision as soon as the procedure is over, empowering them to get back to their everyday routine immediately.
How much does LASIK surgery cost in Singapore?
The cost of LASIK surgery in Singapore depends on the type of hospital or clinic you’ll go with!
The cost of initial consultation at private clinics typically ranges from $100 to $150, which is pretty close to the rate of public clinics. However, the actual procedure itself could cost up to more than 400% in most cases.
Generally, the starting rate of LASIK at public hospitals is $1,500, while it could go as high as $6,000 for private hospitals.
For example, LASIK at Tan Tock Seng Hospital can go as low as $1,300, but you’ll have to shell out at least $5,000 for the same procedure at a private hospital.
One thing we noticed about LASIK surgery costs in Singapore is that there isn’t much of a significant difference between the overall costs of LASIK at public and private clinics.
If you’re after saving as much money as possible, then go with public hospitals because private ones will still be more expensive! However, prepare yourself for the longer waitlist.
When it comes to LASIK promos, don’t expect much from hospitals and clinics because they’re actually discouraged from giving discounts out of concern that people will take up LASIK unnecessarily.
Can I use Medisave to pay for LASIK?
Generally, you can’t use Medisave to pay or offset your LASIK expenses because it’s reserved for surgical and medical procedures, but it will still depend on your circumstances.
Technically, LASIK is a surgical procedure, but it’s as much as a cosmetic treatment.
You may be exempted from this rule if:
● The difference between your two eyes is about 300 degrees
● Your ophthalmologist argues that you aren’t suitable for glasses and contact lenses
● You require LASIK to correct errors from previous procedures
Can I use insurance to pay for LASIK surgery?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans in Singapore don’t cover the cost of LASIK surgery because they consider it an elective surgery, meaning a procedure that you don’t need.
Your insurance company will likely argue that you don’t need LASIK because you can wear glasses or contacts to improve your vision.