What is Vision Insurance?

Depending on your plan, you might use vision insurance for routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. These policies are typically separate from your medical insurance. Standalone vision policies are available on their own and as an add on to dental plans. You may have a deductible, copay, and/or co-insurance to pay when you visit the eye doctor. Most plans are structured to give an allowance for glasses or contacts. You'll be responsible for the difference if the cost of the product exceeds your allowance.

Is Vision Insurance Worth It?

Plans can be affordable, so if you have regular vision care costs, vision insurance might be worth it. Calculate your average annual out-of-pocket costs for eye doctor visits, glasses, and contacts, and compare that with quotes for vision insurance. Remember to factor in the potential deductible, copays, and co-insurance along with the monthly premium when you compare plans. If you have good vision and don't need regular eye care, vision insurance may not be worth it right now. There are many reputable online eyewear providers that offer a variety of styles of frames at affordable prices, some even work with insurance plans to bill out of network.

Vision Plans We Love

Ameritas Vision Insurance EyeMed and VSP Network

No waiting periods, enrollment fees, or age limits.

UHC Vision Insurance UnitedHealthCare Vision Network

No waiting periods, enrollment fees, or age limits.

Where to Buy

Almost all of the facilities that offer eye exams now also have some selection of eyewear. This is very convenient for the consumer to have there eye exam and eyewear all taken care of in one place. However, many vision plans give an eyewear allowance for frames that doesn’t fully cover the name brands offered in doctors offices. Luckily, you can take your prescription anywhere you like to make sure you get the glasses of your dreams at a great price!

One of our favorite online retailers for eyewear is DiscountGlasses.com. There is a huge selection of glasses at very affordable rates. (I always like to look in the clearance section to try out a new color/style along with my everyday glasses.) The best part is that they are an out of network provider with several major vision insurance plans. Their website features easy instructions and links to submitting your order for plan reimbursement. They offer free returns, virtual try-on as well as student and military discounts!