Vision insurance

Vision insurance is a type of health coverage that pays for routine eye care, such as annual eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. Vision insurance policies typically cover basic exams and give fixed dollar allowances for frames and lenses; examples include VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision.

Most plans cost $10 to $20 per month in premiums and cover one exam plus a pair of glasses or contacts yearly. Vision insurance rarely covers medical eye procedures like cataract surgery or glaucoma treatment; those fall under general health insurance, per YourInsurance.info (Your Insurance Info).

Providers set copays for exams (usually $10–$20) and materials (often $25–$50), with out-of-pocket costs for upgrades like progressive lenses or anti-reflective coatings. Enrollment periods for vision insurance usually coincide with open enrollment for health benefits, but some providers allow year-round signup.

Employers often offer vision insurance as an optional benefit alongside dental and health plans. Major retailers accepting vision plans include Walmart Vision Center, LensCrafters, Costco Optical, and Pearle Vision.

Family vision insurance policies can reduce the total premium per person compared to individual policies; typical discounts range from 10% to 30%. Most plans have waiting periods of zero to 30 days before benefits begin.

You can buy standalone vision insurance directly through carriers if your employer does not offer it; examples include Humana Vision and Direct Vision Insurance.