Vision Insurance

Vision insurance is a type of health insurance that specifically covers routine eye care services and eyewear. This differs from general medical insurance, which typically covers broader health issues, including eye injuries or diseases but not routine vision exams or corrective lenses. Vision insurance plans are often provided by specialized insurers like VSP, EyeMed, or through major health insurance companies as a supplementary plan. You can purchase vision insurance through your employer’s benefits program, directly from a vision insurance provider, or through a health insurance marketplace during open enrollment periods.

Vision insurance benefits can vary significantly depending on the plan. Differences often include the coverage for lens enhancements such as anti-reflective coatings or progressive lenses, the amount of copayments required for services, and the number of frames you can select within a given year. It’s important to review these details to choose a plan that best fits your vision care needs.

Consider enrolling in vision care if you or anyone in your family requires glasses, contact lenses, or an eye exam.

Common mistakes:

• Your eyecare provider may not be aware of your unusually generous benefits coverage and could bill you incorrectly.
• Not considering MedFSA or LPFSA contributions for anticipated vision expenses.
• Failing to use your employee number with VSP.
• Not enrolling newborn children in vision care. Young children who need corrective lenses might require prescription updates every three months.