Does TRICARE Cover LASIK? (2026 Guide) | TRICARE.com

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## Quick answer TRICARE generally **does not cover LASIK** or other elective refractive surgeries for family members, retirees, or most beneficiaries because it is considered a "cosmetic" or "elective" procedure. However, Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) may receive LASIK or PRK at no cost through the military’s own specialized refractive surgery programs at military hospitals.

Details

### The Active Duty Exception While the TRICARE health insurance benefit itself excludes refractive surgery, Active Duty Service Members can access it through the **Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program**. This program is managed by the various branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force) rather than the TRICARE insurance contractors (Humana Military or TriWest).

* **Eligibility:** Typically requires at least 6–12 months remaining on active duty after the procedure. * **Priority:** Service members in combat roles or special duties (pilots, divers, infantry) usually receive priority. * **Cost:** $0 out-of-pocket for the service member if performed at a military Treatment Facility (MTF). * **Approval:** Requires a commander’s authorization and an evaluation by a military optometrist.

### Why TRICARE Says No for Others For family members, retirees, and Reserve/Guard members, TRICARE follows the same logic as most private insurers: LASIK is an elective procedure to reduce dependence on glasses, not a "medical necessity."

The 2026 TRICARE policy continues to exclude: * LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) * PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) * ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses) * Any surgery intended solely to eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

### Rare Medical Exceptions TRICARE may cover corneal surgery if it is required to treat a specific medical condition rather than simple nearsightedness or farsightedness. Examples include: * Treating severe corneal injury or disease. * Correcting astigmatism caused by a previous medically necessary surgery (like a corneal transplant). * Keratoconus treatment.

### Financial Alternatives: 2026 Discounts While TRICARE won't pay the bill, beneficiaries often have access to secondary options: 1. **FEDVIP:** If you are enrolled in a Federal Employees Dental and Vision Investment Program (FEDVIP) vision plan (available to retirees and active duty families), many of those plans offer "contractual discounts" on LASIK performed by in-network providers. 2. **Military Discounts:** Private LASIK centers in military towns frequently offer "Military Specials" to dependents and retirees. These are private transactions and do not involve TRICARE.

## Who this affects * **Active Duty Service Members:** Eligible via the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program (not via TRICARE claims). * **Active Duty Family Members:** Not covered. * **Retirees and their Families:** Not covered. * **National Guard/Reserve:** Only eligible if on active duty orders for a period sufficient to clear the program's waiting list and recovery time.

## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Is LASIK covered?](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/RefractiveSurgery) * **Health.mil (DHA):** [Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program details](https://health.mil) * **TriWest Healthcare Alliance:** [Provider Handbook and Exclusions](https://www.triwest.com) * **Humana Military:** [Benefit Exclusions and Limitations](https://www.humanamilitary.com)