Does OHIP cover cataract surgery cost? Find out with our free tool
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Good to know
OHIP is Ontario's public health insurance plan. It covers many emergency and preventative medical care costs. The basics, such as doctor visits and emergency health care, are usually covered by OHIP, but not everything is. What about cataract surgery cost? This tool will help you determine what's covered and for how much. The remaining costs can be paid out-of-pocket, or with supplemental private health insurance.
OHIP only covers the basic cataract surgery cost if it’s medically necessary, meaning procedures with standard lenses performed in public hospitals are included. However, if you opt for premium lenses, laser-assisted surgery, or treatment at a private clinic, these costs which can be up to $6,000 are not covered by OHIP. These leave most Canadians with significant out-of-pocket expenses.
In this guide, explore everything about cataract surgery costs, how to reduce them, and which private insurance options can help cover premium lenses, advanced treatments, and follow-ups. Use our free tool to compare health insurance plans online and find the right one to manage these costs effectively.
OHIP Cataract Surgery Cost Coverage: Key Points
- OHIP covers only basic cataract surgery if medically necessary.
- Premium lenses and private clinics aren’t covered by OHIP.
- Without OHIP or insurance, standard cataract surgery costs $3,000–$5,000 per eye.
- Laser-assisted surgery costs $4,000–$6,000 per eye.
- Private health insurance plans offer partial coverage and reduce high out-of-pocket costs.
Is Cataract Surgery cost covered by OHIP?
If you’re wondering whether the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) will cover your cataract surgery, the answer is yes, but only for basic procedures. OHIP covers standard surgeries that use basic lenses and are performed in public hospitals or approved centers. However, if you choose premium lenses (like multifocal lenses that improve both near and far vision) or laser-assisted surgery, these extras are not covered, meaning you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
Also, if you opt for surgery at a private clinic, OHIP won’t cover the costs. For these advanced options, private health insurance can help reduce expenses by covering part of the surgery, lens upgrades, or follow-up care. It's a good idea to explore insurance plans to ease the financial burden if you're considering anything beyond the basics.
You can use our free tool below to explore the best private health insurance plans in Canada. You can get tailor-made quotes and compare them online in seconds.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
How much does cataract surgery cost in Canada?
The cost of cataract surgery in Canada without insurance or OHIP typically ranges between $3,000 to $5,000 per eye for standard surgery. If you opt for laser-assisted cataract surgery or advanced lens implants, the price can increase from $4,000 to $6,000 per eye. When both eyes require surgery, total costs may exceed $6,000 to $12,000. These figures include fees for surgery, lenses, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
Since OHIP generally covers only basic procedures performed in public hospitals, many people choose private clinics for quicker access or advanced treatment options. If you’re considering private surgery, some clinics offer financing plans to help spread the costs over time.
Cataract Surgery Costs Without Insurance in Canada
Here’s a breakdown of the average cataract surgery costs in Canada, based on the type of procedure, whether it's for one eye or both, and whether advanced technology is involved:
| Type of Surgery | Cost per Eye | Total for Both Eyes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cataract Surgery | $3,000 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 | Includes basic lens implants, anesthesia, and follow-ups. |
| Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery | $4,000 – $6,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 | Uses laser technology for precision but is not covered by OHIP. |
| One-Eye Cataract Surgery | $3,000 – $6,000 | N/A | Cost depends on the clinic, lens type, and procedure complexity. |
| Premium Lens Implants (e.g., multifocal) | +$1,500 – $3,000 per lens | Additional $3,000 – $6,000 | Not covered by OHIP, reduces dependency on glasses post-op. |
| LASIK Cataract Surgery (LASIK combined) | $5,000 – $7,000 per eye | $10,000 – $14,000 | For patients with cataracts and refractive issues, combines two procedures. |
Good to know
- OHIP only covers basic cataract surgery with standard mono-focal lenses at public hospitals.
- If you opt for laser-assisted surgery, premium lenses, or surgery in a private clinic, those costs must be paid out of pocket.
- Many private clinics offer financing options to help spread the cost over time.
To reduce these expenses, consider private health insurance plans that offer partial coverage for advanced procedures and premium lenses. Use our free tool below to compare quotes from Canada’s top insurers and find the right plan for your needs.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
How much does cataract surgery cost in Ontario?
In Ontario, cataract surgery costs $3,000 to $5,000 per eye for standard procedures at private clinics. If you opt for laser-assisted surgery or premium lenses, the total can exceed $6,000 per eye, depending on the provider and services included.
How much does cataract surgery cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, expect higher costs due to increased clinic fees and demand. Prices range from $4,000 to $6,000 per eye for standard surgery. Meanwhile, advanced options like laser surgery or multifocal lenses may push the total to $7,000 per eye or more.
What is the best insurance that covers cataract surgery costs?
Here’s an overview of the top private health insurance providers in Canada that offer coverage for cataract surgery and related expenses:
GMS Health Insurance
- Offers comprehensive health plans with optional add-ons for dental and vision care, which may include partial coverage for cataract surgery.
- Easy claim submission through the My GMS portal, providing seamless access to benefits and claims management.
Read our full GMS health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, and cons, and get free personalized quotes.
Green Shield Canada (GSC) Health Insurance
- Known for flexible and affordable plans, ideal for younger individuals or those with minimal health needs.
- Offers coverage for specialists and surgeries, with options to add dental or vision care to cover procedures like cataract surgery.
Read our full Green Shield Canada health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, and cons, and get free personalized quotes.
Sun Life Health Insurance
- Provides broad coverage that includes vision care under some plans, offering partial reimbursement for cataract surgery.
- Sun Life plans can be tailored to meet individual needs, with online claims submission making it convenient to manage coverage.
Read our full Sun Life health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, and cons, and get free personalized quotes.
Manulife Health Insurance
- Known for comprehensive health and vision coverage, including optional add-ons for cataract surgery.
- Manulife offers a Vitality rewards program, encouraging healthy living while potentially saving on premiums.
Read our full Manulife health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, cons, and get free quotes.
Blue Cross Health Insurance
- Offers comprehensive health and dental packages with coverage for surgeries, including cataract procedures.
- Provides direct billing options, minimizing out-of-pocket payments for insured services like anesthesia and surgery follow-ups.
Read our full Blue Cross health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, and cons, and get free quotes.
Health Plus Insurance
- Designed with flexibility and affordability, Health Plus offers customizable health coverage, including vision care that can cover cataract surgery.
- Plans come with wellness resources and emergency travel health coverage, enhancing overall value for policyholders.
Read our full Health Plus health insurance review to understand all your coverage options, costs, pros, and cons, and get free quotes.
These providers can help reduce the cost burden of cataract surgery, which OHIP doesn’t cover unless medically necessary. Use our free comparison tool below to find the best insurance plan for your needs, ensuring you're prepared for upcoming healthcare expenses including your vision care.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
How to reduce cataract surgery costs?
If you’re planning cataract surgery in Ontario, as you already know OHIP only covers medically necessary and basic cataract procedures. This means private clinics charge out-of-pocket fees and additional fees for more complex procedures or lenses that can add up quickly. However, there are ways to reduce the financial burden and get the care you need.
- Explore Private Health Insurance Plans: A good health insurance plan can help cover some surgery-related costs, such as diagnostics, consultations, and follow-ups.
- Ask About Financing Options: Many clinics offer payment plans or interest-free installments to spread out the cost over time.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Cataract surgery costs vary between Toronto and smaller cities. Comparing quotes ensures you find the best value.
- Look for Tax Credits: Keep receipts—medical expenses may qualify for tax deductions to offset the costs.
Having private health insurance can make a big difference, especially with unexpected medical expenses. Use our free tool below to compare Canada’s top insurance plans and find the one that fits your needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your surgery.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
How much does dog cataract surgery cost in Canada?
The cost of cataract surgery for dogs in Canada ranges from $2,700 to $4,000 per eye, and if both eyes need treatment, it can exceed $6,000. This typically includes anesthesia, diagnostic tests, surgery, and follow-up care, making it a significant expense for many pet owners.
Since cataracts can progress quickly, early intervention is key—but the costs can add up. Pet insurance can help ease this financial burden if purchased before the diagnosis. You can explore pet insurance options that cover surgical procedures, anesthesia, and post-op care, ensuring you're prepared when the need arises.
Use our free comparison tool below to explore the best pet insurance plans available and find the one that suits your needs and budget. You can get instant quotes online in seconds.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
Is cataract surgery necessary?
Cataract surgery becomes necessary when the clouding of the lens impacts your ability to perform daily activities like driving or reading. If untreated, cataracts can progress to severe vision loss. It’s recommended to see an eye doctor if you experience blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night—especially if you’re over 60, as cataracts are more common with age.
In the early stages, glasses or lifestyle adjustments might help manage the condition, but surgery is the only way to permanently restore clear vision once cataracts worsen.
Is cataract surgery 100% successful?
Cataract surgery has a high success rate, with about 90-95% of patients experiencing improved vision after the procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are risks involved, such as infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, or posterior capsule opacification (a secondary cataract). While complications are rare, regular follow-ups and proper post-op care are essential to maintaining the positive outcomes of the surgery.
The decision to undergo surgery should be made with a healthcare provider, considering the severity of the cataract and any underlying health conditions.
