Myopia surgery: cost and reimbursement
Published on 20 September 2026
This is one of the first questions patients ask, and it is a fair one. I prefer to answer it transparently: here is why refractive surgery is not reimbursed by French national health insurance, what private insurers may cover, and my indicative fees.
Why it is not reimbursed by social security
In France, refractive surgery (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia) is considered by national health insurance to be an elective (comfort) procedure: it corrects a refractive error that can also be managed with glasses or contact lenses. As such, it is not covered by social security, whatever the technique (LASIK, SMILE, PRK or phakic lenses).
What private health insurers may cover
Good news: many private health insurers (in France, a "mutuelle") offer a "refractive surgery" allowance. The amount varies widely from one policy to another, sometimes per eye, sometimes as a single lump sum. The first thing to do is to ask your insurer the exact amount your policy provides.
- Check for "refractive surgery" or "laser eye surgery" in your table of benefits.
- Ask whether the allowance is annual, per eye or global.
- Keep the detailed quote I give you: insurers usually request it.
My indicative fees
As a guide, here are my fees per eye. The package covers the surgical procedure and the postoperative check-up consultations.
- LASIK: €1,500 per eye.
- SMILE: €1,500 per eye.
- PRK: €1,400 per eye.
- Phakic lenses (ICL / IPCL): €3,000 per eye.
These amounts are indicative: the exact fee is confirmed after the work-up, once the technique suited to your eye has been determined. Payment can be made by card, cash or cheque.
Your questions about cost and reimbursement
No. Refractive surgery is regarded as an elective procedure and is not covered by French national health insurance, whatever the technique used.
Often, yes. Many private health insurers offer a "refractive surgery" allowance, the amount of which varies by policy. It is best to ask them directly about the amount provided and the documents required.
As a guide, per eye: €1,500 for LASIK, €1,500 for SMILE, €1,400 for PRK and €3,000 for phakic lenses. The package covers the procedure and the postoperative check-ups. The exact fee is confirmed after the work-up.
Payment can be made by card, cash or cheque.
The package covers the surgical procedure and the postoperative check-up consultations.
A personalised quote?
The exact fee depends on the technique suited to your eye, determined at the work-up. I see patients at Cabinet OPHTALIFE, in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris, to discuss it.
Related pages
Scientific references
This article draws on recommendations from leading health organisations and on verifiable scientific publications.
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1
Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr). Cover of procedures and so-called comfort surgery. ameli.fr
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2
French National Medical Council. Information and fee transparency (art. R.4127-53 CSP: tact and moderation in setting fees). conseil-national.medecin.fr
The content of this website is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Any treatment decision must be made together with your ophthalmologist.