What does vision insurance cover?

Insurance companies that sell vision insurance typically have different levels of coverage, usually with names such as standard, basic, enhanced, and advanced. They will differ in the premium amount that will reflect the type or amount of coverage available with the plan. As a rule, vision insurance has some level of coverage for the following:

• Eye exam: The insured is entitled to one vision exam per year. You will pay a co-pay of $10-$20 for most insurers
• Eyeglass frames: This benefit usually comes as an allowance. Depending on the coverage level, you can receive a $130 allowance up to $150. This benefit is also once per year.
• Eyeglass lenses: Lenses will be benefited as a copay. Most are around the $20-$30 amount, also per year.
• Contact lenses: For contacts, you could see either a copay or as an allowance.
• LASIK surgery: Most insurers offer a discount on a type of vision corrective surgery. The discount amount varies from company to company but is generally about $500.

Other enhancements are offered at a discounted rate. These can include:

• Scratch-resistant coating
• Anti-glare coating
• Polycarbonate lenses for stronger, thinner lenses
• Transition lenses, which turn into sunglasses when exposed to daylight
• Progressive lenses, which are no line bifocals

What does vision insurance cover?

Just like any insurance policy, there are certain things that vision insurance will not cover. This also varies by company. Be sure to ask about limitations and exclusions when you purchase a policy. Some of the common exclusions are:

• Additional exams beyond the one per year.
• Replacement of damaged or lost glasses unless appropriate warranty insurance is purchased.
• Missed appointment charges, application fees, or other miscellaneous charges.
• Non-prescription glasses, like magnification reading glasses.
• Any treatment to the eye that is medical in nature. These injuries, surgeries, and treatments should be covered under the insured’s health insurance policy.
• Experimental or investigative procedures.
• Treatment where the doctor is a member of the insured’s family.

Can you Recommend Some Plans?

Get Vision Quotes

Yes, we’re happy to help. Check their websites for rates and availability. To assist you, we have chosen two highly rated companies that provide vision insurance for you and your family. These choices will be from the open market.

Note: If you have children under the age of 19 and you currently have health insurance through the marketplace, they will already have coverage for vision. This a mandate under the Affordable Care Act.

The VSP Choice Network offers more than 70,000 access points at nearly 23,000 independent locations, and 16,000 retail chain access points at nearly 8,000 retail locations.

When you utilize an in-network provider, you will receive additional discounts such as:

● 20% off remaining frame balance

● 20% off non-covered complete prescription glasses

● 20-25% off non-covered lens options such as UV coating & polycarbonate lenses

● 15% average off retail for LASIK or PRK laser eye correction, or 5% off promotional price, through a VSP provider

Based on applicable laws, reduced costs may vary by doctor location.

EyeMed

EyeMed received a four-circle per rating from J.D. Power based on overall customer satisfaction. Vision insurance through EyeMed is accepted at over 44,000 independent and retail providers. Most insurers offer a 20% discount on a second pair of glasses within the policy year; EyeMed offers a 40% discount. Committed to the community, EyeMed is also a proud supporter of OneSight, a nonprofit organization that provides vision care in underserved communities across the world.

EyeMed’s individual vision discount plan begins at $5 per month, and the family plan is more extensive, with allowances and copays. It starts around $30.