Is cataract surgery covered by private health insurance?

If you have private health insurance, you might wonder: Will it cover cataract surgery? The answer is usually yes—but there are some important details to understand.

Let’s take a closer look.

Does private health insurance cover cataract surgery?

In most cases, yes. Cataracts are considered a medical condition, not just a vision problem. Treating them restores vision and prevents further eye health issues, so insurers usually recognise it as necessary medical care.

What does insurance typically cover?

Depending on your policy, private health insurance may cover:

• The consultation with a specialist
• Pre-operative tests and scans
• The surgery itself
• A standard monofocal lens implant
• Post-operative care and follow-ups

Premium lens options (like multifocal or toric lenses) may cost extra and are sometimes not fully covered.

What should you check in your policy?

Before booking your surgery, check:

• Whether cataract surgery is listed as a covered procedure
• What your excess (out-of-pocket amount) is
• If your preferred surgeon or clinic is recognised by your insurer
• Whether premium lenses are included or an upgrade cost

It’s also smart to get pre-authorisation from your insurer before going ahead.

What if you want a premium lens?

Premium lenses correct both distance and near vision or astigmatism. Many insurance plans only cover a basic monofocal lens.

If you want to upgrade, you may need to pay the difference privately—but many people feel it’s worth it to achieve greater freedom from glasses.

Want to know your options? Take our quick self-test to find out if private cataract surgery could be right for you.