Does TRICARE Cover LASIK? 2026 Coverage Rules | TRICARE.com

## Quick answer In most cases, **TRICARE does not cover LASIK** or other elective refractive surgeries for family members, retirees, or reservists. While the procedure is considered elective and not "medically necessary" under standard TRICARE rules, Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) may receive the surgery for free through specialized military treatment facility (MTF) programs, provided they meet specific readiness requirements.

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Details

### The General Rule for Most Beneficiaries Under TRICARE regulations, refractive surgery (including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE) is classified as elective and cosmetic. This means that for the following groups, **TRICARE will not pay for the surgery or the follow-up care**: * TRICARE Prime and Select family members. * Retirees and their families. * TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) and TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) members.

If you are in one of these categories, you must pay 100% of the cost out-of-pocket at a civilian provider.

### The Active Duty Exception For Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and certain National Guard/Reserve members on active duty orders, LASIK/PRK is offered through the **Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program**.

This is not a "TRICARE benefit" in the traditional sense; rather, it is a surgical capability provided by Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) to improve combat effectiveness and mission readiness. To qualify, you must: * Be on active duty. * Have at least 6 to 12 months remaining on your service contract (varies by branch). * Have no disqualifying medical conditions. * Receive commander approval.

Priority is typically given to "combat arms" specialties or those whose duties are hindered by glasses or contact lenses. There are roughly 25 military refractive surgery centers across the U.S. managed by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

### Medically Necessary Exceptions TRICARE may cover corneal surgery or specialized contact lenses in very rare cases where the surgery is required to treat a medical condition other than simple nearsightedness or farsightedness. Examples include: * Treating a corneal injury. * Severe keratoconus where other treatments have failed. * Specific types of cataracts.

### Costs and 2026 Rates Because it is not a covered benefit for most, there are no "2026 TRICARE copays" for LASIK. Beneficiaries using civilian providers can expect to pay between **$2,000 and $4,500 per eye** depending on the technology and the region.

If you are a retiree or family member, you may use a **Flexible Spending Account (FSA)** if you are a federal employee, or look for discounts offered through vision providers like **FEDVIP** (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program), which many TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to enroll in separately.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Eligible via the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program at MTFs (not civilian providers). * **Active Duty Family Members:** Not covered. * **Retirees and Families:** Not covered. * **Guard/Reserve:** Not covered (unless on qualifying active duty orders for a specific duration).

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Eye Surgery and Treatment](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/EyeSurgeryTreatment) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program](https://health.mil) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [West Region Benefits](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [East Region Covered Services](https://www.humanamilitary.com)