Is LASIK Surgery Covered By General Health Insurance?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery is often considered an aesthetic procedure and is therefore not routinely covered by the General Health Insurance (SGK) or similar public insurances in Turkey. SGK only pays for glasses frames and lenses within certain limits. For laser surgery to be covered exceptionally, serious medical necessities must exist, such as the patient’s eye prescription being extremely high. For this reason, the vast majority of patients must finance this surgery privately. However, the cost of the surgery through private clinics in Turkey is much more affordable than Western standards.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover The Cost Of Laser Eye Surgery?
Private Health Insurance (ÖSS) policies generally do not cover laser eye surgery because they view it as an aesthetic procedure. However, depending on the scope of your policy, some special additional coverages or situations like very high eye prescriptions (e.g., -8.00 or higher) may result in your policy covering a portion of the surgery. To find out if your insurance will cover it, you must review your policy terms in detail and obtain pre-approval from your insurance company. Even in Turkey, private insurance companies generally exclude such refractive error corrections from coverage. Patients can obtain this information through Cure Holiday.
Why Are Laser Eye Surgery Prices In Turkey More Affordable Than In Europe?
The main reason why laser eye surgery prices in Turkey are 50% to 70% more affordable than in Europe and the United Kingdom is the low general operational costs and the high value of foreign currencies. Clinic rents, personnel, and laboratory costs are low in Turkey. Additionally, Turkish clinics continue to use the latest laser devices with international standard JCI accreditation while lowering unit costs due to high case volume. This situation makes Turkey unrivaled in price-quality balance.
What Are The Most Important Factors Affecting LASIK Prices?
The most important factors affecting LASIK prices are, respectively, the type of laser technology used (Femto-LASIK, PRK, or i-LASIK), the technological infrastructure of the clinic where the surgery is performed, and the experience level of the specialist physician. Bladeless and safer methods like Femto-LASIK are more expensive than standard LASIK. Furthermore, whether the package includes accommodation, VIP transfers, and medication costs directly affects the final cost. Prices are also usually determined by whether the surgery is performed on two eyes or one eye.
What Is The Cost Difference Between Femto LASIK And Normal LASIK?
Femto-LASIK (bladeless laser) technology has a higher cost compared to traditional LASIK. This difference stems from the necessity of performing the flap creation stage with an expensive and precise Femtosecond laser instead of a mechanical blade. Femto-LASIK allows for safer, more precise flap creation and reduces the risk of dry eyes after surgery. Specialist centers in Turkey prioritize patient safety by preferring this more advanced technology, and the price difference is an important investment for safety.
How Does High Eye Prescription Affect The Price?
High eye prescriptions (e.g., above -8.00 myopia) generally do not directly increase the price of laser surgery. However, correcting high prescriptions requires removing more corneal tissue. If the patient’s corneal thickness is insufficient for this tissue removal, the doctor may recommend a safer but more expensive alternative like ICL (Intraocular Lens) implantation. In this case, ICL treatment, which replaces laser surgery, will significantly increase the total cost. The specialist physician determines the safest treatment path during the pre-examination.
Is The Cost Of Single Eye Surgery Half That Of Two Eyes?
No, the cost of single eye surgery is not half the total cost of two eyes. The costs of preparing the laser device, calibration, operating room use, and consumables are similar for a single eye. For this reason, the cost of single eye surgery is usually only slightly lower than the cost of two eyes. Patients generally prefer to have both eyes operated on at the same time for cost-effectiveness and quickly establishing visual balance. This is an advantage offered by receiving treatment in Turkey.
Are Accommodation And Transfer Services Included In The Package Prices?
Clinics focused on health tourism and professional organizations like Cure Holiday generally offer comprehensive packages for the comfort of international patients. These packages frequently include VIP airport transfers and accommodation in 4 or 5-star hotels during the treatment period. These services eliminate the patient’s logistical stress abroad and allow the entire travel budget to be controlled under a single main cost. These packages make receiving treatment in Turkey more convenient and comfortable for patients.
Are Mandatory Tests Before Surgery Included In The Package Fee?
Yes, the fees for comprehensive pre-operative examinations and tests (corneal thickness, topography, eye pressure, etc.), which are critical for the safety and success of the surgery, are generally included in the laser package price by reliable and institutional clinics. These tests are vital for determining whether the patient’s corneal structure is suitable for laser and whether the surgery can be planned safely. Patients must ensure that these vital tests are included in the package.
Are Post-Operative Medication And Drop Costs Covered?
Yes, the antibiotic and cortisone eye drops and painkillers that patients must use after laser surgery are generally provided free of charge within most comprehensive packages. These medications are critically important for preventing the risk of post-operative infection and accelerating wound healing. This service relieves patients from the trouble of searching for medication in Turkey and ensures that the recovery process is supported by the correct products.
Is A Second Laser Intervention Touch-Up Subject To A Fee?
If a small prescription rarely remains after a successful laser surgery, institutional clinics generally guarantee a second laser intervention (Touch-Up) free of charge if deemed necessary within one year. This guarantee shows the clinic’s confidence in its result quality and is aimed at ensuring the patient’s long-term satisfaction. However, the duration and scope of this guarantee (which usually covers small regressions) must be clearly stated in the contract. This is a significant assurance provided by receiving treatment in Turkey.
How Does The Currency Exchange Advantage In Turkey Reflect On Prices?
The currency exchange advantage in Turkey provides great financial relief for foreign patients. The high value of strong currencies like the Sterling, Euro, or Dollar against the Turkish Lira allows patients to receive surgical and technological services, which are expensive in their own countries due to high labour costs, at a much lower budget. This is the fundamental reason why Turkey maintains competitive prices in global health tourism and significantly contributes to the patient’s budget.
What Is The Most Suitable Budget Range For Laser Surgery?
The most suitable budget range for laser surgery is the one that guarantees the highest quality, not just the cheapest price. In Turkey, this range generally covers packages that include advanced technologies like Femto-LASIK, expert physician experience, transfer, and accommodation. Aiming for the lowest prices may increase the risk of working with low-quality equipment or inexperienced teams. Working with Cure Holiday is the most sensible way to access the most reliable clinics within your budget.
How Does The Technology Of The Device Used In Laser Surgery Affect The Price?
The technology of the laser device used directly affects the price. Femto-LASIK (bladeless) and Wavefront (personalized) like the most current technologies are higher priced than traditional LASIK methods. These devices promise higher precision, less corneal trauma, and better night vision quality. Clinics reflect this high technology investment in their prices; however, even this difference remains below the prices in Western countries.
What Conditions Are Required For Insurance Coverage In LASIK Treatment?
The conditions required for insurance coverage in LASIK treatment (private insurance or exceptional SGK cases) generally are: 1) The eye prescription must be above a certain limit (e.g., -6.00 or -8.00), 2) It must be documented by the patient as a medical necessity (such as occupational necessity or advanced squint), and 3) Glasses or contact lens use must be medically impossible. These conditions are exceptional, and surgery should not be started without the insurance company’s pre-approval.
In Which Cases Does SGK Pay For Eye Surgery?
In Turkey, the SGK (Social Security Institution) generally does not pay for laser eye surgeries. Exceptional cases where it pays include medically necessary situations where the eye prescription is very high and lens use is impossible, or cataract surgery. For SGK to pay, the surgery must be accepted as a mandatory treatment for eye health, not for aesthetic purposes. Patients should obtain information directly from the SGK regarding these conditions.
How Important Is Doctor Experience In Affecting Prices?
Doctor experience and expertise are among the most important factors affecting the price of the surgery. The service fee of eye physicians who have high case experience, attend international congresses, and specialize in Corneal and Refractive Surgery is naturally higher. However, this difference is the guarantee of the cost paid, as the doctor’s experience minimizes the success rate and possible complication risks. Patients should prioritize this criterion over price.
Is There A Price Difference Between High Myopia And Hypermetropia Treatment?
In laser (Femto-LASIK) treatment, correcting high myopia and hypermetropia generally does not directly change the standard price. However, for high-prescription patients, doctors may recommend Wavefront (i-LASIK) like more advanced and costly personalized treatment methods. If the cornea is thin, the transition to ICL lens, which is safer, significantly increases the cost.
What Are Potential Hidden Costs Before Starting Treatment?
In transparent institutional clinics, there are no hidden costs. However, unexpected costs that the patient may encounter are generally: 1) The cost of switching to ICL lens due to thin cornea, 2) Extra doctor consultation fees for uncontrolled chronic diseases before surgery, or 3) The extra cost of long-term dry eye treatment drops. To prevent these risks, a written contract detailing all services must be made with Cure Holiday after a detailed pre-examination.
Which Laser Technologies Are Most Preferred In Turkey?
The most preferred and internationally accepted laser technologies in Turkey are Femto-LASIK (bladeless laser), Wavefront (personalized treatment), and PRK/LASEK (surface treatment). Femto-LASIK is the most popular due to fast recovery and high safety. Turkey’s clinics apply all these up-to-date technologies according to the patient’s eye structure.
Is The Price Of ICL Lens Treatment Higher Than LASIK?
Yes, Intraocular Lens (ICL) treatments are significantly higher in cost than LASIK. This difference stems from the high production cost of the lens itself, the necessity of performing the surgery in a hospital environment (operating room), and the longer specialization required. However, ICL is the safest and most permanent solution for high-prescription and thin-cornea patients, justifying this cost difference.
How Many Days Of Accommodation Is Required In Turkey For Laser Surgery?
Patients are recommended to plan for an average of 3 to 4 days of accommodation in Turkey for laser eye surgery. This duration is sufficient for detailed pre-examination, the surgery itself, and the mandatory next-day check-up. The first 24 hours under doctor supervision are critical for the surgery’s success. Cure Holiday packages ensure this short stay is comfortable.
When Is The Eye Prescription Considered Stable?
The eye prescription is generally considered stable at 18 years of age and older, and the degrees should not have changed for at least one year. Prescription stability is the most basic condition for the permanence of the laser surgery. Expert physicians are strict about this age limit to ensure the long-term success of the treatment.
Does Monovision Technique Cause An Extra Cost For Presbyopia?
No, the Monovision LASIK technique is not charged extra as long as the same laser technology (Femto-LASIK) is used. Monovision is a method applied to solve near vision difficulty (presbyopia) in patients over 40 by setting one eye for distance and the other slightly for near. This difference in planning does not change the operation cost; it provides an affordable solution for reading glasses.
Are Post-Operative Check-Up Appointments Charged?
Post-operative check-up appointments (first day, first week, first month, etc.) are generally included in the package price and are free of charge. Furthermore, the one-year touch-up and control appointments under warranty are also free. The patient is only obligated to cover the travel expenses (airfare) for long-term check-ups. This free control assurance is part of the long-term safety provided by receiving treatment in Turkey.
Does JCI Accreditation In Turkish Hospitals Increase The Price?
JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation is a high assurance of quality and safety. Operating in JCI-accredited hospitals may slightly increase the price; however, this increase is significant for the high security and quality guarantee it provides. Since Turkish clinics offer this quality below Western prices, it remains advantageous for patients.
Why Is Coming Through Corporate Firms More Economical?
Coming through corporate health tourism firms like Cure Holiday is generally more economical because these firms make special collective price agreements with clinics and hotels due to high patient volume. This allows patients to access packages that include all logistics and accommodation at a lower price than they would get alone, and they also provide transparent pricing and warranty tracking.
Why Must Contact Lens Use Be Stopped Before Surgery?
Contact lens use must be stopped before surgery because the lenses change the natural shape of the cornea. Patients using soft lenses must stop using them at least 1 week prior, and hard lenses 2 to 4 weeks prior. This period is vital for the cornea to return to its original shape, allowing for accurate and correct pre-operative measurements.
Is VAT Exemption Applied To Laser Surgery Prices?
Yes, Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption can be applied to foreign patients in Turkey for laser eye surgery within the scope of health tourism. This tax advantage further reduces the total amount the patient will pay, making the economic benefit of receiving treatment in Turkey even greater.
Which Cities Are Most Ideal For Laser Surgery In Turkey?
The most ideal cities for laser eye surgery in Turkey are Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Istanbul stands out with its wide range of expert physicians and highest technological infrastructure. All three cities are advantageous in terms of JCI-accredited hospitals and high health tourism standards.
Is Dry Eye Treatment Included In The LASIK Price?
The artificial tear drops used for the temporary dry eye expected after LASIK are generally included in the package price. However, if the patient has chronic or severe dry eye before surgery, the cost of specialized treatment for this condition may be calculated separately from the LASIK package.
Does The Patient’s Age And General Health Affect The Price?
The patient’s age and general health status do not directly affect the standard laser surgery price. However, if the patient is over 40 and needs a different treatment due to presbyopia, or if uncontrolled chronic diseases require extra consultation, this may increase the total cost.
Are Installment Payment Options Available In Turkish Clinics?
Some large clinics may offer installment payment options via international credit cards. However, the most common payment method is cash payment or bank transfer. Patients should clarify these payment options and potential commissions in advance with Cure Holiday.
Is There A Guarantee For Refund If The Surgery Fails?
A direct refund guarantee is not common in LASIK surgery. Instead, reliable clinics offer a free correction or revision surgery guarantee (Touch-Up) if the surgery fails due to a clinic error. This guarantee provides the patient with financial security against surgical risks.
If Glasses Are Needed Again After Surgery, What Does The Guarantee Cover?
If a small prescription rarely recurs (regression) after LASIK, the guarantee covers a free Touch-Up within one year. However, near vision needs after the age of 40 (presbyopia) are a natural aging process and are excluded from the guarantee. The guarantee covers the recurrence of the refractive error that was corrected.
