You’ve probably got car insurance, health insurance, and maybe even pet insurance. So why not consider vision insurance, too? While it’s optional, it can be helpful if you wear contacts or glasses, or if you have recurring vision-related expenses.
The good news is that vision insurance is often affordable, sometimes costing less than a monthly streaming subscription or weekly coffee habit. Still, the best way to save depends on your plan, your prescription, and where you buy your lenses, so comparing best price contacts can help you understand whether insurance benefits or online pricing gives you the better deal.
Let’s dive in to learn more about what vision insurance covers, its costs, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth it for your needs.
What Is Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance is a type of health coverage focused on routine eye care. Most plans cover:
- Eye exams
- Contact lenses
- Glasses
- Lens fittings
Some premium plans may even partially cover elective procedures like LASIK.
Vision insurance can often be added to your existing health plan or purchased separately.
It usually doesn’t cover medical eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. Those are typically covered under general health insurance instead.
Vision Insurance Advantages
Here are some reasons why vision insurance might be worth considering:
- Saves Money – If you regularly buy contacts or glasses, insurance can help reduce your overall costs.
- LASIK Coverage – Planning LASIK soon? Some insurance plans offer partial coverage for this procedure.
- Affordable – Most vision insurance plans are budget-friendly and easy to add to your existing coverage.
- Easy Add-on – Vision insurance can be easily added to your existing medical insurance plan.
Vision Insurance Disadvantages
For all its benefits, vision insurance isn’t for everyone. Here’s why it might not be the best choice for some:
- Limited Benefits – If you don’t wear contacts or glasses and only need a yearly eye exam, you might spend less without insurance.
- Provider Restrictions – Some plans don’t work with your favorite retailers. (P.S. Lens.com works with many insurance providers!)
- Coverage Limitations – Some plans restrict the types of contact lenses or glasses brands they’ll cover.
How Much Is Vision Insurance?
The cost of vision insurance typically ranges between $5 and $30 per month. That’s $60 to $360 annually, less than many people spend on coffee in a year.
Factors that affect pricing include:
- Coverage Level – More comprehensive plans tend to cost more.
- Location – Rates vary by state and city.
- Age – Older individuals may have higher premiums.
- Deductible – Lower deductibles usually mean higher monthly costs.
- Enrollment Fee – Some providers may charge a one-time enrollment fee.
How Much Can Vision Insurance Save You?
Vision insurance can offset the cost of contacts and glasses, which averages $130 per year.
If you wear daily disposables or have frequent prescription changes, it can save you even more.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Insurance
1. Is vision insurance worth it?
Vision insurance is worth it if you have regular vision expenses like contacts, glasses, or eye exams. If your annual costs are low, you might save more by paying out of pocket instead.
2. Does eye surgery require vision insurance?
Most eye surgeries, like LASIK, are considered elective and aren’t fully covered by vision insurance. However, premium vision plans may offer partial coverage or discounts for certain procedures.
3. What insurance does Walmart Vision take?
Walmart Vision accepts a range of insurance plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and others. Check with your local Walmart Vision Center to confirm your plan is accepted.
4. Does cataract surgery require vision insurance?
Cataract surgery is generally covered by medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Check with your health insurance provider for coverage details.
5. What does vision insurance cover?
Vision insurance typically covers eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Some plans also provide discounts or partial coverage for corrective surgeries like LASIK.
6. Does vision insurance cover LASIK?
Most vision insurance plans don’t fully cover LASIK since it’s elective, but some may offer partial coverage or discounts. Verify with your provider for specific details.
7. Does Costco take vision insurance?
Yes, Costco Optical accepts several major vision insurance plans, including VSP and EyeMed. It’s best to check with your local Costco for specific insurance policies.
8. Can you use HSA/FSA funds with vision insurance?
Yes, you can! Use your HSA or FSA card for vision-related purchases at Lens.com.
9. Does Medicaid cover contact lenses?
It depends on where you live and whether the contacts are deemed medically necessary. Some states offer Medicaid coverage for contact lenses if glasses aren’t enough to correct your vision.
10. Can I use vision insurance with rebates/promos?
In most cases, rebates and discounts can’t be combined with insurance benefits. The system will automatically apply the eligible benefits when you check out.
So, Do You Need Vision Insurance?
It really depends on your needs. If your annual vision expenses are minimal, you might skip it. But if you have high prescription costs, wear daily contacts, or plan to get LASIK, vision insurance could save you money.
If you’re not sure, try it for a year, then compare your savings to the cost of coverage. You can always cancel if vision insurance doesn’t make sense for you.
Order Contacts Online at Lens.com
Ready to make eye care easier? Lens.com makes it easy to order your contact lenses online. With competitive pricing, a wide selection of brands, and 24/7 customer service, we’re here to help you save.
Lens.com is considered an “out-of-network” provider by most major vision insurance companies. If your plan includes an out-of-network contact lens benefit, you can purchase your lenses from Lens.com and submit your order invoice with the appropriate claim form to your insurance company for reimbursement. Benefits vary depending on your insurance plan, so check with your provider regarding coverage and eligibility before making your purchase.
Shop now and see the Lens.com difference!
