Hi all,
As the title indicates - I am seeking corrective/laser eye surgery.
Uncertain if paying upfront or paying for a premium cover of top Heath insurance to go on a wait list is my best option?
P.S I looked into this about 4 years ago when it was a 12 months waiting list. I have noted that most places now require at least a 2 years
on top cover to be eligible.
Appreciate any information/best avenue to pursue in terms of value for money!
TIA
The only fund I know is BUPA that covers laser eye surgery and that's the top cover.
There are a few laser options and some cheaper than the other, it's prob cheaper for you to go with a company that lets you pay off the bill over time with no interest or fees than pay top dollar for health insurance and you may not even use all the benefits.
theres a long thread on whirlpool about laser eye surgery, going back many years and includes discussions of costs etc
a popular choice was doing PRK at a place in sydney, largely due to the low cost, under $3k total for both eye, or maybe because the practicing doctor also gets a lot of praise.
the downside is that PRK takes longer to heal than lasik, so its not as quick and easy. but then the outcomes may be better?
but then the outcomes may be better
Thanks for your medical advice Dr crentist…
Haha what I meant was, it's a different procedure, and further investigation and medical advice can help advise whether that difference would justify the longer healing time.
I think @crentist is talking about this place - https://eye.net.au/
I had PRK done there a few years ago by Dr Sebban, after 2 other people I know also had laser eye surgery there.
We're all still pleased with the results a few years down the track! Travelling or going to the beach without worrying about losing glasses or contact lenses is an absolute blessing.
It was around $2.6k all up for me but the cost for each eye was lower at the time, maybe $1150 due to a discount?
The Negotiator (coupon mag with online coupons as well) has one for $100 off each eye - https://www.nmags.com/coupons/penrith/100-off-laser-vision-c…
I think the total would come under $3000 if that were the case (as you need to buy a bag of medication).
No harm going in for a free consultation to see if you're suitable for it though. They are pretty busy and only do surgeries on specific days at their locations.
You'll likely need someone to assist you in getting home and helping you out with a few things for the next few days. Make sure you have sunglasses and maybe take a few days off work.
You're welcome to PM me if you want to know more.
I'm another Dr Sebban patient.
It was around $1288 an eye at the time (it's currently $1488). Bupa does it on their top plan - there is currently a 36 month waiting off period though.
PRK does take "longer" to heal but it's not weeks or months - it's just a few days - most of which I was asleep for.
Yea that's the place. I also went to Dr Sebban, and nearly 2 years later things are great. Highly recommend, just wasn't too sure about plugging doctors, and didn't wanna do a big write up.
It's definitely worth looking into, and I'd do it again
Another Dr Sebban patient here. I had it done about 5 years ago. I work on a computer all day and definitely needed a week off work before looking at a screen that much. But general discomfort was only a few days. Highly recommend.
Is this under extras or hospital for Bupa?
Won't people think you're not as smart as you are now if you don't wear glasses?
Corrective/Laser Eye Surgery - Best Value for Money Avenue?
Just do it yourself…
Just do it yourself…
Then you won't be able to read jv's comments
Win-win…
I found a laser place highly rated that had flat discount of 15% if you were with Medibank in Townsville
Best thing I've done
Pre-covid I believe the best value for money corrective/laser eye surgery was to do it overseas (India, Thailand, etc) and tack on a holiday beforehand.
Same with major dental procedures.
Agree. I’ve done all my dental work in BKK and KL for the last 14 years. But I still didn’t want to risk my eyes there so I got lasik done in Canberra for 6k in 2010. A huge rip off but that’s the Canberra tax for you.
Check how much more expensive the extra cover is which includes the eye surgery vs what you currently have. Compare this to the amount that will be covered.
There will likely be some out of pocket on top e.g. $500 claim excess to think about too.