LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a laser eye surgery first used in the mid-1990s. It is a life-changing procedure that can help you see the world more clearly. However, the cost of LASIK can be prohibitive for some people. If you’re looking to get LASIK but don’t have the money upfront, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to finance your LASIK procedure.
In this blog post, we’ll give you 10 ways to pay for LASIK when you can’t afford it:
LASIK on a Budget: What to Do When You Can’t Afford A LASIK Procedure
LASIK isn’t cheap. The surgery can cost thousands of dollars, and not everyone has the means to pay for it.
The good news is there are plenty of options available to help you finance your LASIK procedure.
Here are some of them.
Use a Flex Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA lets you set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck for qualified medical expenses, including LASIK. Check with your employer to see if they offer an FSA and how much you’re eligible to contribute.
Get a Healthcare Credit Card
Many healthcare credit cards offer 0% interest for a certain period, which can help you finance your LASIK procedure without accruing any interest. Just be sure to make your payments on time and in full to avoid being charged interest retroactively.
Look Into State or Federal Assistance Programs
If you have a low income, you may be eligible for state or federal assistance programs to help you pay for your LASIK procedure. Contact your state’s Medicaid office or the Department of Health and Human Services to learn more about what programs are available in your area.
Health Insurance Plans
If you have health insurance, check to see if it includes insurance coverage for LASIK. Many plans do offer this benefit, so don’t assume that your plan won’t cover the costs of a LASIK procedure just because you’ve never heard of it being covered before.
Work with a Doctor Who Offers Payment Plans
Some doctors offer patient financing and payment plans to help their patients pay for the cost of LASIK. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your financing options to find a plan that works for you.
Ask About Discounts
Many eye care providers offer discounts for cash payments or patients belonging to certain groups, such as seniors, military personnel, or teachers. Ask your eye doctor if they offer any discounts that could help reduce the cost of your LASIK procedure.
Third-Party Financing
If you still can’t afford LASIK, consider applying for third-party financing. These financing options typically have lower interest rates and longer repayment periods than other types of loans, making them an affordable option for those who need more time to pay for their procedure.
Personal Loan
If you have good credit, you may be able to qualify for a personal loan with a low-interest rate that can be used to finance your LASIK procedure. Once again, compare rates from multiple lenders before choosing one so you end up with the best deal possible.
Credit Card Rewards
If you have a rewards credit card, you may be able to redeem your points or miles for statement credits that can be applied towards the cost of your LASIK procedure. Check with your credit card issuer to see the options available and how many points or miles you’ll need to redeem them.
Crowdfunding
If all else fails, you can always try crowdfunding! Platforms like GoFundMe make it easy to set up a campaign and solicit donations from friends and family members who want to help support your goal of getting LASIK surgery.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to finance your LASIK procedure if you don’t have the money upfront. Talk to your eye doctor about discounts or financing options that may be available, or look into state or federal assistance programs if you have a low income.
You can also try using a flex spending account, getting a health care credit card, taking out a personal loan, redeeming credit card rewards, or crowdfunding through platforms like GoFundMe.
With a bit of creativity and effort, you should be able to find a way to pay for LASIK, even if you’re on a tight budget!