Best Vision Insurance Companies of 2022
Plans (#)
Coverage Limit
Waiting Period
Providers In-Network (#)
VSP Vision Care
Best Overall
4
Varies
None
40,000+
EyeMed
Best for Plan Options
3
Varies
None
100,000+
Davis Vision
Most Comprehensive Coverage
3
Varies
Contact for details
Nationwide
UnitedHealthcare
Best for Lasik Surgery
2
Varies
None
80,000
Humana
Best for Contact Lens Users
3
Varies
Contact for details
Contact for details
Guide to Choosing the Best Vision Insurance Company
How Much Vision Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
The amount of vision insurance coverage you need varies greatly. When trying to figure it out, assess your vision needs. If you need cataract surgery or want laser surgery you may need more coverage than someone who wants only a yearly eye exam. Think about things like if you need glasses, wear contacts, and if your prescriptions frequently change. Speak to your doctor about your needs and then discuss them with the insurance provider so everyone is on the same page.
Compare Vision Insurance Companies
As is the case with all types of insurance, it’s recommended to shop around and compare providers. Compare savings on plans that offer a percentage discount on services and ones that cap amounts per service or visit. You will want to compare vision insurance companies on several factors including:
- Network providers: Research where the in-network providers are and choose a company with options in your area.
- Type of coverage: Be familiar with what is covered, such as glasses, contacts, and eye exams. Some companies may offer full coverage while others may provide only a discount, and they may only offer the option for the services once per year while others may be more flexible.
- Exclusions: Know what the vision insurance policy doesn’t include. You don’t want to sign up for a plan and not get the services you need. For example, a plan may not include coverage for contact lenses, so if you wear contacts, you’ll want to choose a different provider.
- Price limits: Are there price limits or are certain brands excluded in the plan? Know how much allowance you will have to spend on glasses and contacts versus out-of-pocket costs. You also should know what the maximum coverage amounts are and if they apply yearly or lifetime.
Using Your Vision Insurance Benefits
If you purchase vision insurance, you want to get the most out of it. You want to use your benefits. Stay in touch with the company and see if they offer any discounts or extra perks. Go to your preventive care appointments and follow your doctor’s recommendations. By getting the most out of your vision insurance benefits you will save money in the long run.
What Is Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance is used to help reduce the costs of glasses, contacts, and eye exams. This supplemental insurance also can help offset the costs of LASIK. Some people may opt for a vision discount plan, which can be purchased separately from insurance that provides discounts to providers rather than allowances with co-pays.
Plans vary, which means consumers need to read the coverage items before they purchase. While some plans pay for vision exams fully, others require a copay. Similarly, the coverage for glasses, lenses, and contacts varies among providers and plans.
What Does Vision Insurance Typically Include?
Vision insurance typically includes coverage for annual exams, lenses, frames, and contacts. Providers may offer higher-tier plans that also include appointments for contact fittings, lens protection, and LASIK surgery. Plans may cover certain brands or have price limits for frames and contacts.
What Does Vision Insurance Typically Exclude?
Many companies will not fully cover what they consider elective surgery, such as LASIK. Some insurance plans offer coupons to offset the costs. Other medically necessary eye surgeries and treatments for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts will be covered only by your health insurance.
Often, vision insurance covers only specific brands or price ranges when it comes to glasses or contacts. It’s important to understand what is covered so you aren’t disappointed and forced to change styles or brands. Other exclusions vary, depending on the cost and extensiveness of the plan. For example, some cheaper plans may cover only glasses and not contacts.
What Are the Expected Costs of Vision Insurance?
You should expect to pay between $5 and $15 per person per month for vision insurance. This is in addition to copays or deductibles, which vary based on which services you’re trying to get and the state where you live. Note that some companies charge an enrollment fee as well. If you’re applying for vision insurance through your employer, you may be able to enroll only once a year.
Is Paying for Vision Insurance Worth It?
The value of vision insurance is different for each person. Consider how often you see an eye doctor and whether or not your prescriptions change frequently to help you decide if vision insurance is worth it for you. VSP, our top choice, states that the average eye exam without insurance can cost around $152, with the average pair of glasses with lenses in the $200 to $300 range.
Assume your average annual costs are one exam and a mid-range pair of glasses costing $200; your total annual out-of-pocket cost would be $352. If you paid $12 a month for 12 months, with a paid annual vision exam and $150 credit for glasses, you’d end up paying a total of $194 and would save $158. If your vision is fine and you just want a check-up every few years, vision insurance may not be worth it for you.
Methodology
We researched and reviewed more than a dozen vision insurance companies based on factors including the number of available plans, coverage options, and coverage limits. In addition, we looked at policy costs, deductibles, and network sizes along with industry reputation and years in business.