Laser Eye Surgery in Zurich for Expats: Insurance, Taxes, Timing and Aftercare

Medically reviewed by Dr. med. univ. Victor Derhartunian, FEBO, FWCRS · Ophthalmologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026

Does Swiss health insurance pay for laser eye surgery?

Usually not. Basic insurance (KVG/OKP) covers refractive surgery only when it is medically necessary – for example very high prescriptions above 10 dioptres, proven intolerance of glasses and contact lenses, keratoconus or injuries. In those cases the insurer decides after a medical report from us, submitted in advance.

Supplementary insurance (VVG) is different: many plans contribute CHF 500 to 1,000 towards laser or lens surgery. Check your policy for «refractive surgery» or «Augenlasern», or send us the policy and we will tell you what to expect. We nevertheless recommend obtaining a cost approval (Kostengutsprache) from your insurer before the procedure – we will support you with this. Cataract surgery, by contrast, is a compulsory benefit of basic insurance – you only pay for a premium lens or laser precision if you choose it.

If you are on an international or employer health plan, ask the insurer directly. We issue invoices and medical letters in English, and we prepare the cost-approval request for you.

Tax deduction from the 2027 tax year

Since Circular No. 11a of the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (26 May 2026), laser eye surgery is explicitly listed as a medical expense, alongside glasses and contact lenses. It applies from the 2027 tax period. Deductible is the part of the cost you paid yourself that exceeds the threshold: 5 % of net income for federal tax and in the canton of Zurich, 2 % in St. Gallen.

If you are taxed at source (Quellensteuer) and do not file a Swiss tax return, ask your tax adviser whether a subsequent ordinary assessment is open to you. We provide the documents either way: fixed price per procedure, invoice, proof of payment and, on request, a medical confirmation.

Timing around travel and home visits

A laser procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes; the treatment takes three months. Eight appointments belong to it: the free initial consultation, the pre-examination, the procedure, and check-ups on day 1, in week 1, at month 1 and month 3, plus the yearly check. The day-1 check has to be in Zurich; the later ones we schedule around your travel, and if you are abroad for a while, we can coordinate a check with an ophthalmologist there.

What the fixed price includes – and what it does not

Included per eye: the procedure with the method chosen for you, performed by Dr. Derhartunian; all check-ups in the first three months; enhancement for up to ten years if ever needed (condition: the yearly check with us). Not included: the pre-examination (CHF 300, credited), the yearly check (CHF 180), and medication and eye drops after surgery, which you collect at a pharmacy on prescription.

Prices are in Swiss francs and do not change after the pre-examination. Six months interest-free instalments are available; longer terms run through our financing partner HeyLight with interest. Current prices: laser eye surgery costs in Zurich.

Aftercare, also from abroad

During the first 24 hours after surgery your surgeon can be reached around the clock. After that, your surgeon is your contact during the day, including at weekends; at night, please contact the emergency department of the hospital on duty. If something worries you while you are travelling, you call or send a photo – most questions are settled that way. For a check-up abroad we can send your file and measurements to an ophthalmologist near you.

Languages

Dr. Derhartunian consults in five languages, including English. The website, the booking calendar and all documents are available in English.