Laser eye surgery can be a very effective way to treat various eye conditions. However, many people automatically assume that they cannot take advantage of the treatment because of the costs involved.

Here is a look at some of the issues surrounding the costs and financing of laser surgery in the UK.

Is Surgery Available on the NHS?

The first option for most people who are researching the possibility of laser eye surgery is the NHS. After all, getting it for free is the best possible option.

However, the NHS only provides laser surgery for conditions that would lead to a loss of vision if they are not treated. This may therefore be an option if your eye condition is more serious, but for conditions such as short-sightedness, the NHS will not cover the costs of surgery because these can be treated using other methods.

The Cost of Laser Surgery

When you first start looking into the costs of laser surgery, you may be surprised by the high prices you are quoted. The truth is, prices for surgery are not set, and they vary quite considerably depending on where you choose to receive the treatment.

For example, you may be able to find treatment that costs from about £700 per eye. However, treatment can be a lot more expensive, sometimes up to over £2,000 per eye or more.

The cost of the treatment will depend upon the type of surgery, such as LASIK, LASEK or PRK (you can read more about these at the NHS website). It also depends on the clinic where you receive the treatment. It is therefore worth looking around and comparing prices before you decide where you want to receive treatment.

Common Financing Options

For many people, simply paying for treatment out of their own money can be quite difficult. Unless you have some savings that you can use, financing the treatment can be a challenge.

Some of the most common ways that people choose to finance treatment involve using a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or simply saving up over a period of months and years.

Although you will have to decide whether one of these is the right option for you, it is worth remembering that the treatment is permanent and can often be life-changing, making it a worthwhile investment for many people.

Financing Is Sometimes Provided By Clinics

Another option you may want to consider is that financing is sometimes provided by the clinics that carry out the treatments. Because treatment is expensive, many clinics decide to provide their patients with payment plans, and some of these are very good (you can find out specific details of some of the plans at this source).

Sometimes these financing plans involve interest-free plans up to 12 months or even 24 months, which can be very helpful. Others may provide longer plans with a fixed rate of interest, and they may even be available for people with poor credit scores.

Look at All Your Options

While laser eye surgery may be expensive, there are ways that you can finance your treatment. Always look into all of the options available so that you can choose the best option for you, and then you can enjoy the benefits of undergoing surgery for yourself.

Nicole Kay works as a nurse and often finds herself discussing insurance options with patients alongside general health inquiries. She writes for blogs on health topics during her free time.

Categories: General