Laser eye surgery can be life-changing for those who wear glasses or contact lenses. The surgery is quick and relatively painless and comes with a limited potential for side effects, but it's not cheap. Many people ask whether their medical aid will cover the cost of vision-correcting laser surgery, and the answer is largely, "Yes, but it depends..."
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Yes, some medical aids in South Africa will cover a portion of the costs of refractive-correcting laser eye surgery in certain cases. So, who covers what, and how can you make that work for you?
Laser eye surgery is used to treat refractive errors in the eye that cause myopia (short-sightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision), and hyperopia (far-sightedness).
South African positivity ambassador Brent Lindeque underwent laser eye surgery in 2020 and shared, “As each day passes, all I keep thinking is, ‘Why did I not do this sooner?’” He’s one of over 30 million people worldwide who’ve had vision-correction laser procedures to date.
Laser eye surgery can correct a range of vision problems. The three main techniques are LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.
LASIK is the most well-known and commonly performed form of laser eye surgery. Each eye is digitally mapped to guide precision lasers. The surgeon creates a thin corneal flap using a femtosecond laser, then reshapes the cornea with an excimer laser to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Cost: ±R18,000–R30,000 (both eyes, depending on clinic and technology).
Best for: Healthy corneas, moderate refractive errors, good tear production.
Recovery time: 24–48 hours for most people.
PRK is ideal for patients with thinner corneas. It doesn’t involve creating a flap — instead, the top corneal layer is removed, and the surface is reshaped with a laser. The epithelium then regenerates naturally over a few days.
As Brent Lindeque recalls: “It took around five minutes to line up the computer with my eye. Once the machine lined up, it took just seven seconds per eye. No pain. No weird smell. And then it was done.”
Cost: ±R15,000–R25,000 (both eyes).
Best for: Thin corneas, mild to moderate refractive errors, or those in high-risk environments (athletes, military).
Recovery time: 1–2 weeks; temporary discomfort possible.
ICL involves placing a permanent, flexible lens inside the eye (between the iris and natural lens). It corrects vision without altering corneal tissue — the implant is invisible, low-maintenance, and reversible if necessary.
Cost: ±R35,000–R55,000 (both eyes, due to implant cost).
Best for: High prescriptions, dry eyes, or thin corneas not suitable for laser correction.
Recovery time: 2–3 days, with quick visual stabilisation.
| Feature | LASIK | PRK | ICL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | Laser under corneal flap | Surface laser, no flap | Lens implant inside eye |
| Corneal impact | Moderate (flap created) | Minimal | None |
| Ideal for | Normal corneas | Thin corneas | High prescriptions / dry eyes |
| Recovery time | 1–2 days | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 days |
| Typical cost (both eyes) | R18,000–R30,000 | R15,000–R25,000 | R35,000–R55,000 |
Most medical aids don’t cover the cost of elective laser surgery because it’s seen as a lifestyle procedure, much like cosmetic surgery. However, some plans may refund the pre-surgery planning tests from your day-to-day benefits if you have available funds in your Medical Savings Account
Certain medical aid options include a refractive surgery benefit, but typically only pay up to 100% of the scheme rate. Because most laser clinics are not part of medical aid networks, you’ll likely have to pay upfront and submit a claim afterwards.
Laser eye surgery costs can range from R15,000 to R45,000 depending on the type of procedure, clinic, and surgeon’s expertise. It’s always worth asking your medical aid about specific limits or exclusions for your plan.
Typical Costs: Most South African clinics quote per eye. Current pricing ranges from approximately R11,560 to R27,530 per eye, depending on whether it’s LASIK, PRK, or ICL surgery. Always request a written quote before booking your procedure.
Heads-up: Medical aid benefits change annually and vary across plan types. Always confirm pre-authorisation, network rules, and sub-limits with your provider before scheduling your surgery.
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Most medical aids don’t cover elective laser surgery because it’s considered a lifestyle procedure—similar to elective cosmetic surgery. Some may refund pre-operative tests from day-to-day benefits if you have funds in your Medical Savings Account (MSA).
A few options include a refractive surgery benefit, but typically only pay 100% of the scheme rate. Because most laser clinics are non-network, you’ll usually need to pay upfront and claim afterward.
Laser eye surgery in South Africa can cost between R15,000 and R45,000, depending on procedure type (LASIK, PRK, or ICL). Clinics often quote per eye, typically ranging from R11,560–R27,530 per eye. Always confirm a written quote and pre-authorisation, as benefits differ by plan.
Tip: Benefit limits and network rules change annually. Always confirm with your medical aid before booking surgery.
Compare how leading South African medical aid schemes handle refractive or optical surgery coverage.
Laser Eye Surgery Cover (2025 Estimates)
| Medical Aid Scheme | Plan Name / Series | Optical / Refractive Surgery Benefit | Notes / Conditions | Compare Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Health | Executive Plan | Optical limit ±R10,550 pp | Draws from MSA/ATB; includes excimer laser for corneal correction. | Compare Discovery |
| Discovery Health | Comprehensive Series | ±R7,250 pp | Covered from optical benefit; subject to MSA/ATB limits. | Compare Discovery |
| Discovery Health | Priority Series | ±R6,600 pp | From optical limit; verify available savings balance. | Compare Discovery |
| Bestmed | Beat 1 & 2 | PMB only (if applicable) | Pre-authorisation required; must meet PMB criteria. | Compare Bestmed |
| Bestmed | Beat 3 | ±R10,055 per eye | Scheme tariff; clinical protocols and pre-authorisation apply. | Compare Bestmed |
| Bestmed | Beat 4 | ±R11,349 per eye | Same as Beat 3 — clinical rules and pre-authorisation required. | Compare Bestmed |
| Fedhealth | All options | Subject to day-surgery rules | Pre-authorisation required; R2,630 co-pay if using non-network facility. | Compare Fedhealth |
*Figures based on 2025 scheme brochures. Always confirm current benefit rules before booking.*
Get pre-authorisation before booking.
Submit full ophthalmologist report, topography results, ICD-10 and procedure codes, and facility details.
Ask your scheme in writing about benefit limits, co-pays, and which benefit (optical vs savings) applies.
If your plan doesn’t cover it, compare medical aids before renewal to find one that does.
Laser eye surgery can dramatically improve your quality of life—but it’s vital to understand what your medical aid will and won’t cover. Compare benefit options to ensure your chosen plan offers the right balance of affordability and vision coverage.
Use our free online medical aid comparison tool to compare plans side by side and find coverage that includes laser eye surgery or optical benefits that suit your needs.
Get clear answers about laser eye surgery and medical aid coverage.
Laser eye surgery can cost R15,000–R45,000 depending on the type and complexity. Even with medical aid, you’ll likely pay most of this upfront. Discovery’s top plans cover up to R9,550 per person, Bestmed Beat 4 covers R10,333 per eye, and Fedhealth applies a R2,100 co-payment at non-network facilities. Most medical aids treat this as elective surgery, so coverage is limited.
Medical aids that include a refractive benefit usually apply the same limits to LASIK, PRK, and ICL. Because ICL is typically pricier, members often face larger shortfalls even where a benefit exists.
Yes. Most schemes require pre-authorisation. For example, Bestmed requires pre-authorisation and adherence to protocols on Beat 3/Beat 4, and Fedhealth requires pre-authorisation for in-hospital benefits. Without pre-auth you risk a rejected claim—always obtain approval before booking.
It depends on your option. Discovery allows claims from your MSA and Above Threshold Benefit (ATB), but amounts count toward your annual eye-care limit (frames, lenses, contacts). Some schemes may also refund planning tests from day-to-day benefits if funds are available.
Refractive procedures are classified as lifestyle surgery because spectacles or contact lenses provide functional alternatives. Since the surgery isn’t medically necessary for basic function, many schemes exclude it or offer limited benefits—hence the out-of-pocket costs.
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