Your vision health is important. One of the best investments you can make in your long-term vision health is adding vision insurance to your health coverage. From needing glasses to detecting potential vision issues like glaucoma, there are many reasons to consider vision insurance, especially if you value ongoing vision benefits that help you work closely with an eye care professional year after year.
Today we’re going to explore everything you need to know about vision insurance and how to find the perfect plan for you.
What is vision insurance and how does it work?
Vision insurance is a specialized insurance plan that focuses on eye health and vision needs, complementing your existing health insurance. Most plans will cover routine eye exams and assist with the purchase of corrective vision products such as glasses and contacts, often including anti-glare lens options and generous contact lens allowance amounts.
Vision insurance works much like other types of insurance coverage. Your plan will help cover vision care costs in exchange for a monthly premium. Your plan may be offered through a workplace group plan, or you may choose to purchase an individual policy that’s ideal for freelancers or anyone whose employer does not offer coverage. VSP® offers a variety of plans that provide great coverage at affordable prices, and the right individual vision coverage can travel with you even if you change jobs or move to a new state. This flexibility helps ensure that your vision insurance and vision care needs are met more easily.
What is the difference between vision insurance and medical insurance?
Vision insurance and medical insurance cover different aspects of your health. Much like how a dental plan provides specialized coverage for oral health, a vision plan focuses on providing dedicated care for your eyes. Meanwhile, medical plans offer broad coverage for the rest of your body, but they rarely include full service vision benefits.
Most medical plans don’t cover vision concerns unless there is a medical reason to see a doctor or if it’s an emergency. Some examples of medical eye concerns are eye infections, floaters, eyelid styes, chronic dry eyes, glaucoma treatments, and loss of vision caused by a medical condition of the eye. Standard medical insurance typically does not cover routine eye care or corrective lenses, but make sure to review your vision plan to see what eye care is covered. Likewise, your vision plan will defer to your medical insurance for coverage in those medical situations. Looking for a VSP provider in your area? Find an eye doctor near you .
Is vision insurance worth it?
When determining whether enrolling in a vision plan is a necessary expense, remember to look at exactly what coverage you would receive. Vision plans do much more than just pay for glasses; they are necessary for preserving overall eye health. Even those with perfect sight should invest in a vision plan because it is wise to pursue preventive care and exams that could uncover vision or health changes early. A routine eye exam looks at total eye health and includes a plan to help your eyes stay healthy.
Regular eye exams can also help address other medical concerns. If you have diabetes, eye exams can detect symptoms of hypertension, which can damage blood vessels and cause a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can cause vision issues or blindness if left untreated. Those with hypertension should go in for annual eye exams to monitor blood vessel health. Vision insurance is an important investment for overall health, especially for those with medical conditions that can affect eye health.
What does vision insurance cover?
A vision insurance plan will cover most eye health and vision needs; most importantly, routine eye exams are covered under insurance. The average eye exam without insurance can cost over $200, but with VSP insurance, copayments could be as low as $15, saving you an average of $350 annually. Your vision plan can also assist you in saving on the purchase of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses, often including additional savings for lens enhancements like anti-glare coatings. Want to know more about VSP plan benefits? Check out our exciting vision plan benefits and savings.
What does vision insurance cost?
One of the things that might hinder you from enrolling in vision insurance is the cost. Luckily, there are many affordable vision insurance plans to choose from. VSP Individual Vision Plans can cost as little as $17 a month. This low monthly premium is a wise investment to help protect your eye health in the long term.
At VSP, your vision plan costs are straightforward. We provide cost information up front to help you make an informed decision. The VSP Vision Savings Calculator can help you estimate your coverage costs with ease. With the savings on eye exams, the average contact lens allowance, and reduced progressive lens copay requirements, you’ll see how quickly a plan can pay for itself.
How can I purchase a vision insurance plan?
Purchasing a VSP Vision Insurance Plan is simple. The VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector tool provides customized plan options based on your answers to a few short questions. Basic vision and health questions will help us to suggest the plan that will suit your needs, whether you’re looking for individual vision plans, family coverage, or dental vision bundles.
You can also speak with a representative directly by calling 800.785.0699 or chat with us using our instant chat feature. We look forward to helping you find a vision plan that is perfect for your needs. VSP’s knowledgeable care professionals can also answer any questions vision insurance shoppers may have about network coverage, exclusions limitations, or how to coordinate benefits with an existing insurance company.
Vision Insurance FAQs
When it comes to vision insurance, a few common questions tend to arise. Read on to clear up any confusion you may still have about vision coverage, network providers, or how to maximize your vision benefits.
Will major retailers, like Costco or Walmart, accept my VSP vision plan?
Major retail optical centers—such as Costco, Walmart, and other large chain vision kiosks—are not considered in-network for VSP Individual Vision Plans. This doesn’t mean we do not have independent providers in your area; VSP has a large doctor network so customers will have plenty of local provider options to choose from.
If you do choose to visit a location or provider who isn’t in network, you may still receive partial coverage for your visit if out of network coverage is available under your plan. However, you will need to submit the claim yourself and you will likely not receive as much coverage as you would have if you had gone to an in-network provider. Understanding how in-network coverage impacts reimbursement will help you manage expenses and fully leverage the insurance vision benefits available to you.
Does vision insurance cover LASIK?
VSP Individual Vision Plans offers plans that include the VSP Laser VisionCareSM Program benefit, which provides competitive offers from top LASIK providers. If you are considering LASIK, discuss it first with your eye doctor to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. Your doctor can then refer you to a VSP-contracted center or surgeon in your area. Have more questions about VSP coverage? Check out our vision insurance FAQ page for more details. If you still have questions, vision insurance specialists are always available to help you understand how your individual vision benefits apply to elective procedures and what discounts may be offered.
All About VSP Individual Vision Plans
Our large selection of providers and plan options provides plenty of flexibility to help you find a plan that works for you. From vision correction allowances to preventive health screenings and eye exams, VSP has everything you need for full-service vision coverage. With thousands of in-network eye care locations nationwide, you’re sure to find quality vision care from trusted eye care professionals.
Explore plan options in your area today and find vision coverage that you and your family will love. Whether you’re comparing a competing vision plan or simply looking to learn more about how vision insurance can support your vision throughout every stage of life, VSP Individual Vision Plans makes it easy to choose a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Explore plan options in your area today and find the VSP Individual Vision Plan that you and your family will love.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Your vision. Your way.
Not covered for vision? Get an individual plan, customized for you – including where you want to use it: at the doctor, in a retail location, or even online.
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