More than half of American adults need vision correction, but regular eye exams are crucial for overall health, even for those with perfect vision. These exams can identify diseases such as type 2 diabetes and glaucoma.
Prolonged exposure to digital displays and televisions can affect vision, as can neglecting to update your prescription when necessary. Safeguarding your eyesight through regular check-ups, obtaining new glasses, or considering laser surgery becomes more accessible when you have vision insurance.
Vision insurance helps cover eye care expenses, including routine eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Some vision insurance policies may also offer discounts on LASIK corrective surgery. There are two main categories of vision coverage: traditional vision insurance, similar to regular health insurance, and vision discount plans.
The coverage provided by vision insurance plans varies. Many vision insurance companies cover the expense of an annual eye exam conducted by an in-network provider. These plans may also contribute towards the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses, typically up to an annual limit. On the other hand, discount plans provide reductions on eye care expenses, although they may not cover all costs. Nevertheless, these plans can make the purchase of glasses, contacts, and corrective surgery more affordable than without a plan. Explore and compare these excellent deals on vision insurance to achieve clearer vision at a lower cost in 2023.
VSP Vision Care holds the title of being the largest eye care insurance provider in the United States.
Founded in 1955 by a group of optometrists, Vision Service Plan (VSP) has grown to include over 88 million members and 40,000 network physicians worldwide. VSP currently operates thousands of private practices and has over 700 locations in the United States.
VSP offers four distinct plan categories: Standard, EasyOptions, Enhanced, and EyewearOnly120. The Standard plan has monthly premiums starting at around $13, featuring a $15 co-payment for eye exams and a $150 allowance for new frames or contacts. While LASIK is not covered, members can receive a discount coupon averaging $1,000 off the procedure’s cost.
Upgrade your lenses with VSP to include scratch-resistant and anti-glare coatings, progressive lenses, and UV protection. VSP also provides discounts and resources for individuals with diabetes, as they often face the risk of vision loss associated with this condition.
VSP highlights:
• Top vision insurance provider in the United States.
• Monthly premiums commence at $13.
• No waiting period required.
• User-friendly online plan wizard available.
EyeMed Basic Plans begin at only $5 per month and feature a network of over 100,000 providers.
Established in Cincinnati in 1988, EyeMed boasts a membership exceeding 62 million. Its affiliations include well-known providers like Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, and Target Optical. EyeMed offers three insurance categories, each correlating higher premiums with increased discounts on frames and lenses. No waiting period is enforced, and all plans cover eye exams, offering substantial discounts on eyeglasses and contacts.
The most basic plan, EyeMed Healthy, comes at a monthly cost of $5 and provides coupons for eyeglasses and contacts discounts. More comprehensive options, namely EyeMed Bold and EyeMed Bright, with monthly premiums of $17.50 and $30, respectively, offer enhanced benefits. These plans provide a frame and lens allowance instead of a coupon. Lens enhancements, such as UV protection, incur an additional co-payment.
Upon visiting any of EyeMed’s extensive network of over one hundred thousand providers, you are eligible to receive a 15% discount coupon for LASIK, a 20% discount on the remaining balance of frames exceeding $150, and a generous 40% discount on additional pairs of eyeglasses.
EyeMed highlights:
• Extensive provider network
• Monthly premiums begin at $5
• No waiting period
Humana Offers Comprehensive Vision Insurance and Plans at Affordable Discount Prices
Established in 1961 in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana stands as the largest owner and operator of hospitals in the nation. Additionally, Humana extends its commitment through a foundation dedicated to disaster relief and support for health organizations based in Louisville.
Humana presents a trio of vision plan options: the HumanaOne Vision Focus Plan, Humana Vision PLUS, and a materials-only alternative offered in conjunction with other medical coverage. Costs and coverage variations are state-specific, with monthly plans typically starting between $13 and $16. A $35 initiation fee is applicable in the first month of enrollment, but this fee is waived when dental insurance is included.
The Humana plans include an annual vision exam with a co-payment ranging from $10 to $15. Under the HumanaOne Vision Focus Plan, there is a $115 allowance for contact lenses, whereas the Humana Vision PLUS plan offers a $200 allowance. Both plans guarantee that the maximum cost for an annual eye exam will not exceed $40; however, the Vision PLUS plan does not impose an annual deductible.
Humana highlights:
• Contact lens allowance provided
• Vision PLUS has no annual deductibles
• Glasses’ annual vision exam co-pay is only $15
UnitedHealthcare Offers a Massive 40% Discount on LASIK Eye Surgery.
UnitedHealthcare stands as one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, boasting over 75 years of experience in catering to more than 46 million individuals. An extensive network comprising 1,300,000 physicians offers a robust healthcare ecosystem.
UnitedHealthcare presents two comprehensive vision plans: Plan A and Plan B. Plan A caters to individuals who use either eyeglasses or contacts. At the same time, Plan B is designed for those who use both. Plan A starts with premiums at $10.40 per month, and Plan B starts at $14.30 per month. Importantly, neither plan imposes a waiting period. Both plans feature co-payments of $10 for vision exams, $10 for lenses, a $150 allowance for in-network frames, and no co-payment for contact lenses.
UnitedHealthcare highlights:
• Accessible in 44 states and Washington, DC.
• LASIK coupon offering a 40% discount.