Do I Need Vision Insurance?
Answer 5 questions about your vision needs and current expenses. Get a personalized recommendation in under 2 minutes.
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?
Consider your regular daily vision needs
What Does Vision Insurance Cover?
Vision insurance typically provides coverage in three main areas:
Eye Exams
Annual comprehensive eye exams are usually covered in full or with a small copay ($10-25). These exams check vision and screen for eye diseases.
Glasses
Most plans include a frame allowance ($130-200) and discounts on lenses (20-40% off). Some plans cover basic lenses fully after allowance.
Contact Lenses
Contact lens allowances typically range from $100-200/year. Some plans offer an either/or choice between glasses and contacts.
How Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?
Vision insurance is relatively affordable compared to other types of insurance:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Employer plan (individual) | $5 - $15 | Exam + $150-200 allowance |
| Employer plan (family) | $15 - $30 | Exam + allowance per person |
| Individual plan (VSP, EyeMed) | $10 - $25 | Exam + $130-150 allowance |
| Family plan (individual purchase) | $25 - $50 | Exam + allowance per person |
| Vision discount plan | $5 - $15 | 20-40% off all services |
Tip: If an eye exam ($50-100) plus your annual frame/lens purchase exceeds your premium costs, vision insurance is likely worth it.
VSP vs. EyeMed: Comparing Major Providers
VSP and EyeMed are the two largest vision insurance providers in the U.S.:
VSP Vision
Network: 90,000+ providers
- • Largest network of independent eye doctors
- • Good for those who prefer local optometrists
- • Strong lens coverage and upgrades
- • Annual eye exam + $130-200 frame allowance
EyeMed
Network: 85,000+ providers
- • Strong retail partnerships (LensCrafters, Target Optical, Pearle Vision)
- • Good for those who shop at retail optical stores
- • Competitive contact lens benefits
- • Annual eye exam + $130-200 frame allowance
Tip: Before choosing, check which network your preferred eye doctor and optical store participate in.
Vision Insurance vs. Vision Discount Plans
Vision discount plans are an alternative to traditional vision insurance:
Vision Insurance
Pros:
- • Eye exam usually fully covered
- • Frame/lens allowances provide real savings
- • Predictable annual benefits
Cons:
- • Benefits limited to once per year
- • Must use in-network providers for full benefits
- • Higher monthly cost than discount plans
Vision Discount Plans
Pros:
- • Lower monthly cost ($5-15)
- • No limit on how often you can use discounts
- • Often includes LASIK discounts (40-50% off)
- • Immediate use - no waiting period
Cons:
- • Only discounts (20-40%), not coverage
- • You pay the discounted price out of pocket
- • Savings vary by provider and product
What Vision Insurance Doesn't Cover
Typically Not Covered
- • Medical eye conditions (covered by health insurance)
- • LASIK and other refractive surgery (discount only)
- • Non-prescription sunglasses
- • Lens upgrades beyond basic coverage
- • Second pair of glasses in same benefit period
Important Limitations
- • Benefits reset annually (use it or lose it)
- • Out-of-network providers = reduced benefits
- • Frame allowance may not cover designer brands
- • Some plans: glasses OR contacts, not both
- • Specialty lenses may require additional copay
Do You Really Need Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance makes sense if:
- You wear glasses or contacts and need to replace them regularly
- Your employer offers it at low cost ($5-15/month)
- You have children who need annual eye exams
- Multiple family members wear corrective lenses
- You value the convenience of predictable coverage
You might skip it if:
- You have perfect vision and no corrective lens needs
- You buy affordable glasses online ($20-50)
- Your health insurance already covers eye exams
- You only need occasional eye exams (every 2-3 years)
- You prefer to shop around for the best deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vision insurance worth it if I have 20/20 vision?
If you have perfect vision and no family history of eye disease, vision insurance may not be cost-effective. However, annual eye exams can detect health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. If your employer offers vision coverage for $5-10/month, it may still be worth having for preventive care.
Does health insurance cover eye exams?
Health insurance typically covers eye exams related to medical conditions (diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts) but not routine vision exams for glasses or contacts. Vision insurance covers the routine "refractive" eye exams that determine your glasses prescription. Check both policies to understand your coverage.
Can I buy glasses online with vision insurance?
Some vision insurance plans offer reimbursement for online glasses purchases, but many don't. Check your specific plan. Alternatively, you can use your insurance for the eye exam (to get your prescription) and then buy glasses online out of pocket - online retailers like Zenni and EyeBuyDirect offer glasses for $20-100.
Does Medicare cover vision care?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts. It only covers eye exams for medical conditions like diabetes or after cataract surgery. For routine vision coverage, you'll need a separate vision insurance plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes vision benefits.
Does vision insurance cover LASIK?
Most vision insurance plans don't cover LASIK or other refractive surgery, but many offer discounts of 15-50% off the procedure. If you're considering LASIK ($2,000-4,000 per eye), check if your vision plan offers a LASIK discount program - the savings can be significant even without full coverage.
What's the difference between VSP and EyeMed?
VSP has a larger network of independent eye doctors, while EyeMed has strong partnerships with retail chains like LensCrafters and Target Optical. Both offer similar benefits and pricing. Choose based on where you prefer to get your eye care - check provider directories before enrolling.