The lens of the eye can cloud over time, smoking, or from frequent sun exposure. This causes visual discomfort, despite wearing glasses. To regain your visual acuity, you then have no choice but to undergo surgery. But how much does cataract surgery cost? What are the reimbursement terms for this procedure?
What does cataract surgery involve?
A cataract operation lasts an average of thirty minutes and requires hospitalization for half a day. The objective of this intervention is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an implant. This implant can take two different forms:
- collapsible implant, this is the most basic and cheapest option,
- or multifocal implant, it is the most expensive option since it affects distance vision.
Immediately after the operation, the patient notices positive effects on his eyesight.
How much does cataract surgery cost?
The cost of cataract surgery depends on the type of facility in which it takes place and the surgeon’s area of practice.
Depending on the case, cataract surgery may give rise to an overrun of fees. The placement of multifocal implants also involves an additional cost, which varies between €50 and €600 per eye1. Finally, some types of operation require the use of a laser, leading to a higher price.
Cataract operation: what reimbursement from Social Security?
Cataract surgery is part of the coordinated care pathway. This means that to obtain reimbursement from the health insurance, the intervention must be prescribed by the attending physician.
For a classic implant, reimbursement is fully covered by health insurance, on a tariff basis of €397. This tariff base includes surgery, anesthesia, and implant. For a multifocal implant, the cost is €270 per eye. The additional cost of this type of implant, which is more expensive, is not reimbursed.
But my level of patient care then depends on the surgeon’s area of practice. Indeed, a sector 2 doctor is authorized to exceed fees. However, these fee overruns, although frequent, are not covered by Social Security.
Hence the importance of subscribing to a quality health mutual will maximize the amount of reimbursement.
What supports from senior mutual insurance?
As you will have understood, a cataract operation can involve significant fees depending on:
- the type of implant,
- the technology used,
- and the surgeon’s area of practice.
Only the most efficient mutuals will be able to cover the full cost of the intervention, including:
- anesthesia,
- hospitalization costs,
- implants,
- the treatment,
- and any excess fees.
It is therefore recommended to choose a senior health mutual offering good coverage in optics, to benefit from full support.
What does cataract surgery involve?
A cataract operation lasts an average of thirty minutes and requires hospitalization for half a day. The objective of this intervention is to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an implant. This implant can take two different forms:
- collapsible implant, this is the most basic and cheapest option,
- or multifocal implant, it is the most expensive option since it affects distance vision.
Immediately after the operation, the patient notices positive effects on his eyesight.