LASIK in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

LASIK eye surgery (also commonly referred to as laser eye surgery) offers a permanent solution by correcting common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

But the price of better vision doesn’t always come cheap.

In Germany, LASIK can cost anywhere from €1,000 to over €3,500 per eye, depending on the type of procedure, technology used, and the clinic you choose. 

And unfortunately, public health insurance typically doesn’t cover it.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What LASIK is and how it works
• The different types of LASIK and alternative procedures
• What public, private, and expat health insurance plans in Germany cover
• Why prices vary so much—and what’s included in the cost
• Our top tips for saving money on LASIK, from tax deductions to financing options

By the end, you’ll clearly understand whether LASIK is right for you—and how to make it more affordable if you decide to go for it.

What is LASIK?

LASIK is a refractive eye surgery designed to correct common vision problems.

Issues LASIK can treat include:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Astigmatism, which causes blurred or distorted vision

These vision impairments aren’t just a matter of convenience.

Left untreated, they can impact daily activities like reading, driving, or working comfortably on a computer.

That’s why LASIK is often considered a life-changing option, especially for adults in their 20s to 40s.

An estimated 2 million worldwide undergo LASIK yearly to reduce or eliminate their dependency on vision aids.

What LASIK treatments are available in Germany?

LASIK is the most widely performed laser vision correction procedure, but several variations exist. The choice depends on the type and degree of refractive error, the cornea’s thickness, and the patient’s lifestyle needs.

Let’s take a look at the main options:

Standard LASIK

Standard LASIK is a common laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. A thin flap is made in the cornea, then a laser corrects the underlying tissue to help light focus appropriately on the retina.

Several variations include:

• Conventional LASIK
• Wavefront-guided LASIK
• Bladeless (Femto) LASIK
• And topography-guided LASIK.

These differ mainly in how precisely they measure the eye and how the corneal flap is created, with some offering faster healing.

While LASIK is highly effective, it’s not suitable for everyone.

For those with thinner corneas or very high prescriptions, alternative procedures might be recommended, such as:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the cornea’s outer layer is gently removed before the reshaping process. 

Although recovery takes longer, PRK is a solid choice for individuals with thinner corneas or those desiring more affordable treatment.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

This newer technique uses a laser to create a small disc of tissue inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision. 

SMILE offers a minimally invasive solution with a fast recovery time and a lower risk of dry eye.

How much does LASIK surgery cost in Germany?

In Germany, the average cost of LASIK surgery ranges from €1,000 to €3,500 per eye, with most people paying around €2,500 for both eyes.

Prices vary depending on several factors, including:

• The type of LASIK procedure
• Technology and equipment used
• The surgeon’s experience
• The complexity of the vision correction
• Whether enhancements (touch-ups) are needed later

Maintenance costs are generally low. Most patients require only a few follow-up visits, which typically cost around €50 to €150 per visit if they are not already included in the initial package.

Average costs by type of LASIK

Does German health insurance cover LASIK surgery?

Most health insurance plans in Germany do not cover LASIK eye surgery. 

How much you’ll need to pay out of pocket depends on your type of insurance and whether the procedure is medically necessary.

Let’s break it down so you can understand what’s covered (especially if you’re trying to plan for the cost).

What does public health insurance (GKV) cover?

In most cases, you’ll need to cover the full cost of LASIK out of pocket.

LASIK is classified as a refractive surgery, and more importantly, it is an elective surgery. This medical procedure is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency.

This means it’s not considered medically necessary or covered by public health insurance providers like TK, or BARMER.

Even if poor eyesight significantly affects your quality of life, if glasses or contact lenses can correct your vision, public insurance considers that sufficient. 

We know that’s not the news you were hoping for, but don’t worry—we’ll share tips to save on LASIK costs for those determined to move forward.

What does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance (PKV) offers better coverage for elective procedures, including LASIK and its variations like PRK or SMILE.

Since LASIK is often seen as a lifestyle or convenience surgery, not all private plans cover it by default, but many do, especially higher-tier plans. 

So while we can’t promise your insurer will reimburse the full amount, it’s more common than you might think.

We recommend checking your policy or contacting your provider to confirm whether refractive surgery is included.

Here’s how Feather handles it:

• Standard plan: LASIK isn’t covered.
• Plus and Premium plans: We cover between €3,000 and €5,000, typically allowing you to choose from top-tier clinics or advanced technologies.

Simply submit a cost estimate before the procedure so we can confirm that the costs are appropriate and within our scope.

What does expat (incoming) insurance cover?

Like public coverage, LASIK surgery is categorized as elective, meaning it is not urgently required for health or survival.

That puts it outside the coverage scope of our expat insurance plans, which are designed primarily for essential or emergency care.

We understand this might be disappointing, especially if you’re new to Germany and hope to get LASIK soon. 

That said, we’ll include some tips below to help make LASIK more affordable if you still want to proceed with the surgery.

This exclusion generally applies to most short-term health insurance providers, not just Feather. 

Still, if you have a different insurer, it’s worth confirming.

How to save money on LASIK

LASIK can be expensive. We know. 

However, there are ways to reduce costs, even if your insurance doesn’t cover it:

1. Explore surgery abroad, but weigh the risks

Getting LASIK in countries like Turkey, Poland, or the Czech Republic can cost significantly less, sometimes up to half the price you’d pay in Germany.

That said, be cautious before booking, because:

• You have limited legal protection: German patient rights don’t apply abroad. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to deal with foreign legal systems, often in the local language and at your own expense.
• Post-op care is more complex: LASIK usually requires follow-ups for several weeks or months. If your surgeon is in another country, managing complications or check-ups can become costly or logistically difficult.

If you’re still interested, consider getting legal insurance that includes international coverage, as the above is just one of the few reasons why someone might need legal coverage.

2. Do not forget about tax deductions

Many people don’t realize this: LASIK costs can potentially be deducted on your German tax return under “extraordinary medical expenses.”

The amount you can claim depends on your income threshold and whether you can prove that the procedure significantly improved your quality of life. 

Not everyone will qualify, so it’s best to speak with a Steuerberater (tax advisor) for advice.

3. Rethink the timing or necessity.

While LASIK can offer life-changing results, it’s worth asking yourself: Do I need this now?

It’s natural to want better vision now, but with LASIK, timing can work in your favor—both medically and financially.

The procedure isn’t always urgent. Waiting may be the safer option if your prescription is still changing or your corneas aren’t ideal.

But there’s another reason to hold off: your insurance status could change. 

If you’re currently on public insurance and below the income threshold (€73,800 in 2025), you might not qualify for private coverage yet. But if your salary increases or you become self-employed, you could switch to private health insurance, which often includes thousands in LASIK coverage.

A little patience might lead to better eligibility and better benefits.

4. Consider alternative procedures

If you’re flexible, consider other vision correction methods, like PRK. It’s generally less expensive than LASIK and can be a better option for certain eye types.

Ask your doctor what treatments would work well and which are the most affordable.

5. Flexible payment options

Not everyone can (or wants to) pay thousands of euros upfront—and luckily, you often don’t have to.

• Many clinics offer interest-free installment plans, breaking the total cost into monthly payments over a year or two.
• If your clinic doesn’t provide one, external financing services like Klarna or MediPay might be an option. But, please, read the fine print to understand fees and interest rates and how they may impact your finances.

6. Consider better coverage

If you’re considering LASIK and want help covering the cost, private health insurance (PKV) is typically the most reliable option. Many high-tier private plans include benefits for elective surgeries like LASIK.

However, not everyone qualifies for private health insurance. 

If your gross annual income is below €73,800 (as of 2025), or if you’re not self-employed or a freelancer, you might be required to stay on statutory public insurance (GKV). 

In that case, supplemental vision insurance could be a viable alternative.