LASIK Financing & Payment Plans Explained

Financing can make LASIK accessible without compromising on surgeon or technology. Understand terms before you sign.

Common ways to pay

• Cash or debit: Simple, sometimes eligible for small prompt‑pay discounts.
• Credit card: Consider rewards and intro APR offers; avoid high variable APR after promos end.
• In‑house financing: Clinic‑administered plans with fixed terms; ask about fees and deferral rules.
• Third‑party lenders (e.g., healthcare financing): May offer promotional APR; read the fine print on deferred interest.
• FSA/HSA funds: Use pre‑tax dollars to lower effective cost; coordinate timing with plan year.

FSA vs HSA quick guide

• FSA: Use‑it‑or‑lose‑it funds tied to an employer plan; some allow limited rollover or grace periods.
• HSA: Available with HSA‑eligible high‑deductible plans; funds roll over yearly and can be invested. Both typically allow LASIK.

Comparing financing offers

Ask lenders and clinics:

• Is the APR 0% promotional, low fixed, or deferred interest?
• What happens if I miss a payment or pay late?
• Are there origination fees or prepayment penalties?
• What is the total cost of financing vs paying cash?

Example payment scenarios (illustrative only)

• Two‑eye procedure at a mid‑range price financed over 24 months at a low promotional APR will often land in a few hundred dollars per month. Extending to 36–48 months lowers the monthly payment but increases total interest if the APR is not 0%.
• Using FSA/HSA: Paying partly or fully from pre‑tax funds can reduce your effective cost depending on your tax bracket.

Pitfalls to avoid

• Deferred interest promotions that charge retroactive interest if any balance remains at promo end
• High APR after a short introductory period
• Financing bundled with mandatory add‑on packages you do not want

Smart steps

1. Get your all‑in procedure quote (what is included; enhancement policy).
2. Prequalify with a soft credit check if available; compare offers.
3. Decide how much to pay from FSA/HSA vs finance; avoid overextending.
4. Set autopay and calendar reminders to protect your promo terms.

Financing is a tool—compare options and align payments with your budget without trading away surgeon quality or aftercare.