TRICARE LASIK Coverage: Costs, Rules, and 2026 Updates
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## Quick answer TRICARE does not cover LASIK or other laser vision correction surgeries for most beneficiaries because they are considered elective procedures. However, Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) may be eligible for these surgeries at no cost through the military’s specialized **Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program** at military hospitals.
Details
### Why TRICARE excludes LASIK Standard TRICARE plans (Prime, Select, For Life) exclude "refractive corneal surgery" because it is classified as cosmetic/elective. Since glasses and contact lenses can correct vision for a much lower cost, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) does not fund LASIK for family members, retirees, or reservists.
### The Military’s Internal Program (Active Duty Only) While TRICARE insurance doesn't pay for LASIK at civilian providers, the military runs its own program called the **Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program (WRSP)**.
* **Eligibility:** Limited to Active Duty and selected National Guard/Reserve on active orders. * **Priority:** Combat arms and special operations personnel usually receive top priority to eliminate the risk of glasses breaking or falling off in combat environments. * **Locations:** Only performed at specific Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) with refractive surgery centers. * **Cost:** $0 for those qualifying via the WRSP.
### Rare Medical Exceptions TRICARE may cover corneal surgery only when it is medically necessary to treat a disease or injury, rather than just to eliminate the need for glasses. Examples include: * Treating complications from a previous covered surgery. * Severe cases of keratoconus (though this typically involves cross-linking, not LASIK). * Correcting astigmatism caused by a previous medically necessary surgery (e.g., cataract surgery).
### 2026 Costs and Discounts * **TRICARE Coverage:** $0 (not a covered benefit). * **FEDVIP Savings:** Modern TRICARE retirees and active duty families often have vision insurance through the **Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)**. While FEDVIP plans do not "cover" LASIK, many offer negotiated discounts (typically 15%–20% off) at specific civilian provider networks like QualSight or EyeMed.
## Who this affects * **Active Duty:** Eligible through the Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program (not via TRICARE civilian claims). * **Active Duty Families:** Not covered. May use FEDVIP discounts if enrolled. * **Retirees & Families:** Not covered. May use FEDVIP discounts if enrolled. * **Guard/Reserve:** Only covered if on active duty orders for a specific duration and approved by their command.
## Sources * **TRICARE.mil:** [Is LASIK covered?](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/LaserVisionCorrection) * **Defense Health Agency (DHA):** [Refractive Surgery Program](https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Conditions-and-Treatments/Vision/Refractive-Surgery) * **BENEFEDS (FEDVIP):** [Vision Plan Comparison](https://www.benefeds.com/)