10 Best Vision Insurance Companies
– Vision Insurance Companies –
Vision Insurance Companies differ from a vision discount plan, which offers discounts on vision care. Typically, vision discount plans cost less per year than vision insurance, but you pay more for visits and eyewear than you would with insurance.
Vision insurance may or may not be included in an employer’s health insurance plan or even in individual health insurance plans.
For health packages that include vision plans, the vision insurance provided may not be sufficient coverage for you and your dependents.
If that is the case, you have the option of purchasing a supplemental vision insurance policy.
Vision insurance can keep your out-of-pocket expenses down for things such as routine eye care and other expenses including eyewear or LASIK procedures.
Most adults need vision correction: 66% of Americans 18 and over report using glasses, contacts, or both, according to the National Eye Institute.
Depending on how often you need new lenses or eye exams, getting vision insurance may be a smart financial choice.
Checkout Brief Introduction of Vision Insurance
Your primary health insurance plan would cover you if you were to have an injury to your eye because of an accident. Vision insurance is different.
It is used for visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist for routine eye care.
Vision insurance also covers vision repair surgery, (such as LASIK that would not be covered under a traditional health insurance policy.
Without vision insurance, you can expect a routine eye exam to cost you anywhere from $50 to $250.
Your cost would depend on: If you visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- If you visit a chain vision center or an independent doctor.
- Other tests are needed besides a routine exam.
- If you choose contacts, the exam and cost differ from a routine exam.
Keep in mind that the rate is only for the exam. Frames and lenses can run into hundreds of dollars. The national average is around $150 for frames and $90 for single vision lenses.
That does not include extras like progressive lenses, anti-reflective coating, or polycarbonate lenses to make the lenses lighter. Not having vision insurance can be costly.
Even if only two members of your family need glasses, that could easily cost you what would amount to your mortgage payment.
Therefore, having vision insurance coverage is crucial to help mitigate the expense when multiple family members need vision correction.
Common Vision Insurance Exclusions
All insurance policies have listed exclusions so you should read your policy carefully to know what your vision insurance does not cover.
Exclusions will vary based on the insurance company but some of the more common policy exclusions include:
- They gave eye exams during a hospital stay
- Contact lens examination
- Prescriptions
- LASIK and similar corrective vision procedures
- Light sensitive lenses
- Vision therapy
- Eyeglass tinting
- Replacement of lost or stolen prescription lenses or frames
Best Insurance Companies Offering Vision Insurance
1. VSP Direct:
Over 36,000 vision care providers accept VSP Direct which is available through employer benefit packages or by purchasing an individual vision insurance policy.
Standard coverage includes a comprehensive plan for more eye care needs, such as an annual eye exam and the choice of new contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses every 12 months.
VSP Direct also offers an allowance for LASIK procedures.
2. EyeBenefits:
EyeBenefits is a different type of vision insurance coverage with a yearly fee rather than a monthly premium you must pay.
There are no limits on the number of times you can use the coverage during the year.
The company will pay a percentage of costs for routine eye care and procedures.
You can purchase coverage from one to three years.
Membership allows you to receive a discount of up to 20 percent on eyeglass examinations and up to 30 percent off contact lens examinations.
The discount available will depend on the provider you use. The LASIK discount can be as much as 50 percent depending on the provider.
The EyeBenefit’s network comprises over 12,000 locations, including popular locations such as LensCrafters, VisionWorks, and more.
One con is that no discount is available for out-of-network providers.
3. Vision Plan of America:
Vision Plan of America offers flat rate coverage rather than paying by the percentage of the number of charges for vision care. The company is based in California and has been in business since 1986.
It offers additional lens options when purchasing eyeglasses and $190 toward the purchase of progressive lenses. Rates are reasonable; however, you can only choose one eye care provided with this plan.
4. Humana:
Humana offers benefits at a flat rate. Premium rates are comparable with other top vision insurance providers and are charged as a monthly premium to policyholders.
Discounted eyewear is available to Humana policyholders through FramesDirect.com.
Low rates for eye exams, yearly eye frame replacements, low premiums, and copay amounts make Humana a great option to consider when choosing a vision insurance policy.
Humana’s Vision Focus plan charges a one-time enrollment fee.
5. Aflac:
Aflac is a well-known provider of supplemental insurance plans and offers vision insurance through your employer’s plan or by purchasing an individual insurance policy.
Aflac will pay a cash benefit annually for eye exams. Benefits are paid directly to the policyholder.
Benefits, limitations, and exclusions vary by state, but on average Aflac will pay $45 for eye exams and $175 for new eyeglasses.
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6. UnitedHealthcare:
They underwrite vision Insurance from UnitedHealthcare through Golden Rule Insurance Company.
There are no waiting periods, and coverage is available for all ages.
You can save if you use one of the preferred providers but coverage is also available when using an out-of-network vision care provider. Eye exam co-pay amount is $10 and discounts are available for laser eye surgery.
Vision insurance is available as a rider to a dental plan but standalone vision insurance is available in certain states.
7. Aetna:
Aetna offers vision insurance nationwide through its network of thousands of independent agents.
It is a preferred provider of vision insurance for federal employees.
Plan features and availability vary by state.
Aetna vision policyholders receive added savings when staying in-network on vision care services including retinal imaging discount, LASIK eye surgery discount, 40 percent off on your second pair of glasses, and other exclusive discounts and coupons available only to Aetna members.
8. Blue Cross:
Blue Cross offers a vision plan through EyeMed Vision Care. Members have access to over 18,000 providers at 10,000 locations, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians.
Discounts through EyeMed Vision Care are attractive and can be as much as 50 percent on eyewear and eye care services.
Laser surgery is also available at a discounted rate. Members can get a replacement contact lens by mail service.
9. Davis Vision:
Davis Vision specializes in vision care and has several vision plan options to fit your own lifestyle and vision care needs.
Transitions Signature lenses are available only to Davis Vision members with a co-pay of $65.
Through one of the vision plans available, you have coverage for annual eye examinations, eyewear, eye health & wellness management, and occupational safety eyewear programs.
The Affinity Discount Program offers significant discounts and examinations and eyewear.
10. Ameritas:
Ameritas offers vision insurance through employer plans or as an individual vision insurance policy and offers network access to two of the largest vision providers; VSP and EyeMed.
The 20/20 Plus plan for individuals and families allows you to choose your own provider but offers savings for frames and lenses purchase from Walmart Vision Centers nationwide.
There are no deductibles and no waiting periods, and pay $40 for the annual examination.
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