Vision insurance is a way to reduce eye care expenses. In exchange for a monthly premium, the plan picks up some of the costs of vision care. Vision insurance is different 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.
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.
Here’s more about vision insurance, including how to decide if you or your family needs a plan.
Many vision insurance plans have additional options for coverage, such as:
Vision insurance may not pay for eye care related to medical issues. If your optometrist finds medical problems during your vision exam, he or she would refer you to a medical eye doctor such as an ophthalmologist. Although vision insurance may not cover medical services for your eyes, health insurance often does.