What Does Vision Insurance Cover?

When it comes to your eye health, it’s important to have insurance coverage that can help you afford the care you need. Vision insurance plans can vary in what they cover, so it’s important to understand what your plan includes before you schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. In this article, we’ll go over what vision insurance typically covers, what it doesn’t cover, and some frequently asked questions about vision insurance.

What is Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is designed to help you pay for routine eye exams, corrective eyewear (such as glasses and contact lenses), and other vision-related services. While some medical insurance plans may also offer vision coverage, it’s often more affordable to purchase a separate vision insurance plan.

Most vision policies are offered through group plans, such as those from employers or unions. However, individual vision plans can also be purchased directly from insurance providers.

What Does Vision Insurance Cover?

The specifics of what your vision insurance covers will depend on your plan. However, most vision plans offer coverage for the following:

Service
What’s Covered?
Eye Exams
Covered in full or partially
Prescription Eyewear
Glasses or contact lenses, usually up to a certain dollar amount
Frames
Covered in part or up to a certain dollar amount
Lenses
Covered in full or partially, depending on the type of lens
Contact Lenses
Covered in full or partially, up to a certain dollar amount

Some vision plans also cover other services, such as LASIK surgery or certain vision therapy treatments. However, these services are not always covered, and each plan is different.

What Does Vision Insurance NOT Cover?

While vision insurance can help you save money on certain services, it’s important to note that there are some services that are typically not covered by vision insurance. These may include:

  • Medical eye care
  • Non-prescription eyewear
  • Services not related to vision, such as dental or hearing care
  • Services received outside of your network

If you need medical eye care, such as treatment for an eye infection or injury, you may need to rely on your medical insurance plan instead of your vision insurance. Similarly, if you need non-prescription eyewear, such as sunglasses, you may need to pay for those out of pocket.

FAQs about Vision Insurance

1. Can I choose any eye doctor with my vision insurance?

Most vision insurance plans have a network of eye doctors that you can choose from. If you visit an eye doctor outside of your network, you may need to pay more for your visit or your insurance may not cover the visit at all. However, some vision insurance plans may allow you to visit any eye doctor you choose, but you may need to pay more for out-of-network services.

2. Can I get my eye exam and eyewear on the same day?

Many eye doctors offer the ability to get your eye exam and eyewear on the same day. However, this may depend on the type of eyewear you need and whether the eye doctor has the necessary prescription in stock.

3. How often should I get an eye exam?

The recommended frequency for eye exams may vary depending on your age, health status, and risk factors for eye diseases. As a general guideline, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years, or more often if recommended by their eye doctor. Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, and then at regular intervals as recommended by their eye doctor.

4. Can I use my vision insurance to get LASIK surgery?

Some vision insurance plans may offer coverage for LASIK surgery, but this is not always the case. You’ll need to check with your insurance provider to see if this is a covered service under your plan.

5. How much will I pay out of pocket for my eyewear?

The amount you’ll pay out of pocket for your eyewear will depend on your vision insurance plan and the type of eyewear you need. Most plans will cover a certain dollar amount of your eyewear, but you may need to pay for any costs that exceed that amount.

Conclusion

Vision insurance can be a valuable way to save money on routine eye care and corrective eyewear. However, it’s important to understand what your plan covers and what it doesn’t cover before you schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. By doing your research and asking questions, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your vision insurance coverage.