Can laser vision correction or cataract removal be covered by insurance?

Unfortunately, nothing has changed for years: laser vision correction is not reimbursed by the Polish National Health Fund, nor is it possible to buy private health insurance that would cover this type of surgical intervention in the eye. Not only that – even private insurance that covers recovery from surgery does not have laser vision correction on the lists of surgical procedures covered.

The National Health Fund reimburses for cataract surgery, but by opting for the surgery under insurance, we can only receive a monofocal lens (also known as an “enhancement lens”), which ensures that we can only see clearly at one distance. Implantation of a monofocal lens always results in the eye losing its ability to accommodate, which for people undergoing cataract surgery entails the need to wear close-up or distance glasses – the choice is up to the patient.

Importantly, patients can also count cataract removal with the implantation of a toric lens, i.e. one that allows simultaneous cataract removal and correction of astigmatism. However, the National Health Service has introduced some restrictions: only toric monofocal lenses are reimbursed, and only people with cataracts and astigmatism equal to or exceeding two diopters can get them.

You can find the answers to all your questions about the current state of the law regarding eligibility standards for cataract surgery at the National Health Service here and here.