Breaking down the cost of LASIK in Singapore: Does it include follow-up visits?

How much is the actual cost of LASIK in Singapore? We might have the answer you’re looking for if you’re asking yourself the same question!

The first thing you have to know about LASIK is that it’s indeed expensive. LASIK in Singapore starts at around $2,000 per eye, and most packages include pre- and post-operative care.

In this article, we’ll take you through the cost of LASIK in Singapore and what’s usually included in the estimates of most eye clinics. Read on!

What is the real cost of LASIK in Singapore?

The cost in Singapore typically ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 for both eyes. Pricing depends on the clinic, technology used (e.g., bladeless LASIK vs. SMILE), and package inclusions.

LASIK is usually offered by eye clinics as a package with pre- and post-operative services, so the difference in rates will boil down to each clinic’s package inclusions. Some may include all consultations and take-home medications, while others may cover only the initial consultation.

Consultations are a critical part of the LASIK process. The initial consultation is where the doctor assesses your eligibility for the procedure, while follow-ups are essential to determine if adjustments are needed.

The first follow-up consultation happens at least a day after surgery, while succeeding consultations may be scheduled 4 to 5 weeks post-surgery.

You might not have to spend money on every consultation with your doctor if you have a comprehensive LASIK package. Otherwise, eye clinics usually charge a minimum of $150 for initial consultations and a minimum of $110 for follow-up consultations.

At the end of the day, the best way to save money on LASIK is to look around for options to have a full understanding of what’s included in each clinic’s package. This will help you avoid paying for hidden and unnecessary fees!

Are public clinics really cheaper than private clinics?

Just like any medical procedure, LASIK is available at both private and public eye clinics.

Generally, public clinics should have cheaper LASIK rates but this hasn’t always been the case. Public institutions like SNEC generally still offer lower-cost LASIK than private clinics, although the gap is smaller than before.

The price difference between public and private clinics isn’t significant. However, if you want to save as much money as possible, then public clinics are still your best option.

For your reference, public medical institutions like Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital offer different types of laser eye surgery.

Can I use MediSave to pay for my LASIK expenses?

One of the most asked questions about LASIK cost is whether MediSave can subsidise it.

In most cases, individuals pay for LASIK out of pocket because MediSave is reserved only for medical and surgical procedures. LASIK is a medical procedure, but it is considered elective since it is not medically necessary. This is why MediSave does not typically cover it.

There are certain exceptions to this rule, though, such as:

Your surgeon certifies that you can’t tolerate glasses or contact lenses.
There’s a difference of 300 degrees between your two eyes.
Laser eye surgery is required to correct errors from past procedures.

Does insurance cover LASIK costs?

Unfortunately, the answer is also no. The majority of private medical insurance in Singapore don’t cover LASIK because it’s considered an elective procedure, which means that it’s a non-urgent procedure.

If you want to know if LASIK is the right procedure for you, reach out to the specialists at Shinagawa Eye Centre for a comprehensive consultation. Call to enquire or book an appointment today!