Vision Insurance can either be purchased as a group benefit through your employer or as an individual policy. How can you determine whether vision insurance is right for you? Chances are if you wear eye glasses or contact lens, and get regular eye exams, a vision insurance policy can save you money. Or if you have several family members needing eye care, vision insurance is definitely the cheaper way to go. But if you’re single and in your 20s, without any eye problems, vision insurance probably isn’t necessary.
There are way too many types of vision plans to mention them all, but they tend to have several areas in common.
Generally, vision plans cover these things:
- A routine eye exam every 12 to 24 months.
- Coverage for a basic pair of glasses or an allowance for contacts every 12 to 24 months.
- Polycarbonate lenses for children under 18. These are the more impact resistant type.
- Discounts on non-covered products like anti-glare coatings or no line bifocals. Some really good plans might cover options like this, but most charge a separate fee.
- Many vision plans offer a percentage discount on LASIK surgery with specified surgeons.–Eyes on the Dollar
When choosing a vision plan, you want to ask these important questions:
- What services are available in the plan?
- How will these services benefit me and/or my family?
- Which plan will save me the most money?
- How much would my premiums cost?
- Do my anticipated annual vision care expenses exceed the policy’s total annual cost?
- Which plan has the level of quality I desire?
- Is there an eye care provider I like who accepts this particular plan?
According to a study that reviewed eye exam usage of nearly 85 million Americans who had vision care benefits in 2008 and 2009, those who have full-service, standalone vision insurance plans are twice as likely to get an annual comprehensive eye exam than those whose eye coverage is combined with their major medical insurance plan. And children of such people are more than twice as likely to get an annual exam.—All About Vision
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of having vision insurance to help you decide whether it would benefit you in the long run.