The short answer (so you don’t have to scroll)

• Medicare: No rebate for elective refractive surgery (LASIK/PRK/SMILE/SILK) – and no Medicare for the routine pre- or post-op consults attached to it.
• Private health insurance: Some Extras or packaged policies contribute (often with long waiting periods and lifetime limits). Not every fund covers it.
• Tax (ATO): There’s no general medical expenses tax offset anymore, and medical/optical costs are private – so you generally can’t claim laser eye surgery as a work deduction.

What Medicare actually covers (and what it doesn’t)

Laser refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK, PRK/ASLA, SMILE, SILK) is considered elective and not Medicare-rebatable. That includes routine pre-assessment and post-operative checks that relate to the elective procedure.

Translation: if your goal is to reduce dependence on glasses/contacts, don’t expect a Medicare item number or rebate for the procedure or its routine pre-/post-op appointments.

(Note: Medicare does cover many other ophthalmic laser procedures – when clinically indicated. That’s separate from refractive laser.)

Private health insurance: can it help?

Sometimes – but check the fine print. In Australia, benefits for laser eye surgery usually sit under Extras (or special packaged tiers), not standard Hospital cover. Common settings include:

• Waiting periods: Often 12–36 months.
• Benefit caps: Per eye or lifetime limits usually apply
• Eligibility: Only certain tiers or bundled products include it.

Reality: Some funds offer contributions and/or provider discounts, but they rarely cover 100%. Always confirm your policy, limits, and reset dates before booking.

The information in the table below, was accurate at the time of publication. Health fund benefits, waiting periods, limits and eligibility differ by product and may change without notice. Please confirm details directly with your health fund before proceeding.

Can you claim it on tax if it helps you do your job?

Generally, No. Most medical expenses (including vision correction) are private and not deductible – even if better unaided vision helps at work.

• The Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset has ended (with only past transitional categories).
• ATO guidance treats optical aids and similar medical costs as private, so they aren’t work deductions.

If an employer pays for a medical procedure that primarily benefits you personally, it can raise FBT considerations – seek advice from a tax professional.

Sydney/Parramatta patients: how to check your eligibility fast

1. Call your fund and ask: “Do I have laser eye surgery benefits on my current policy? What’s the waiting period, per-eye/lifetime limit, and next reset date?”
2. Book a suitability assessment in Parramatta at Hunter Street Eye Specialists to confirm candidacy and get a precise quote.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can I claim LASIK on Medicare?
A: No. Medicare does not rebate elective refractive surgery (or its routine pre-/post-op appointments).

Q: Do any Australian health funds cover laser eye surgery?
A: Some do – usually at higher Extras/packaged tiers – with waiting periods and lifetime limits. Always confirm your specific policy.

Q: Can I claim laser eye surgery as a work-related tax deduction?
A: Generally No. The ATO treats medical and optical costs as private; the former medical expenses offset has ended.

Q: Does Hospital cover help?
A: Hospital cover is for inpatient procedures; refractive laser benefits (if any) sit under Extras/packaged products.

Book a suitability assessment in Parramatta

We’re based in Parramatta (Greater Sydney), at your assessment, we’ll confirm candidacy, outline your total fee, and give you the exact quote for total transparency.

General information for NSW/Sydney only – please confirm current rules with Medicare, your insurer and tax adviser.