Vision Insurance: Many Uncovered

Around 50% of people in the United States don't have vision insurance, despite 93% of those people believing that it's important. This means that around half of Americans have to pay out-of-pocket expenses when they want to see an eye doctor. Vision insurance is separate from regular health insurance because oral and vision care are not considered essential health services. However, vision insurance is still important, as it can help detect serious eye problems early on and prevent them from developing into something more serious.

Vision insurance is not mandatory, but it can help people save money on eye care

Vision insurance is not required for adults, and since 2024, individuals in most states are no longer penalised for being uninsured. However, some states like California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., still mandate health insurance coverage and may impose penalties for non-compliance.

Vision insurance typically covers preventative eye care, such as eye exams, and corrective eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses. Some plans may also offer discounts on corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK. The cost of vision insurance varies, but it is generally affordable, with monthly premiums ranging from $5 to $35 per person. Basic vision benefits are included in most plans, and higher-end plans may offer additional coverage or discounts for specialty options like anti-glare coatings or transition lenses.

Vision insurance can be purchased as a group benefit through an employer or as an individual policy. It is worth considering for those who require frequent eye exams or corrective lenses, have a family history of eye diseases, or are over the age of 55. For those with perfect vision who only need occasional check-ups, alternative options like discount plans or paying out of pocket may be more cost-effective.

Vision insurance covers routine eye exams, prescription glasses and contacts

As of March 2020, 50.3% of the US adult population, or approximately 130 million people, have some type of vision insurance or managed vision care coverage. This figure has remained relatively stable over the last five years, but the total number of people covered has increased alongside the overall US adult population.

Vision insurance covers routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contacts. Vision insurance is different from regular health insurance, which protects you from unexpected costs due to eye injury or disease. Vision insurance is an added wellness benefit that covers the cost of healthy eye exams, routine eye care, prescription eyewear, and contact lenses at a reduced price.

Vision insurance plans vary, but they usually cover annual eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses, and contact lenses. Some plans may also offer discounts on elective procedures like LASIK. Vision insurance can be purchased as a group benefit through your employer or as an individual policy. Basic vision care plans range from $5 to $35 a month in premiums for an individual.

Vision insurance is a good idea if you need corrective lenses and regular preventative care. The average eye exam without insurance costs upward of $150, with the average pair of glasses with lenses in the $200 to $300 range. If you need an eye exam and a new pair of glasses every year, you could save money by getting vision insurance.

Vision insurance can also help detect serious illnesses early on. Annual eye exams can identify early signs of glaucoma, cancer, Parkinson's, or multiple sclerosis.

Vision insurance is separate from health insurance because oral and vision care are not considered essential health services

As of March 2020, approximately 130 million people in the US, or 50.3% of the adult population, have some type of vision insurance or managed vision care coverage. Vision insurance is often a separate policy from health insurance because of the specialized care it covers. Oral and vision care are also not considered essential health services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Historically, glasses were crafted and sold by craftsmen, not doctors, creating a distinction between vision and healthcare. Similarly, dental care was provided by barbers, who also performed tasks like haircuts, bloodletting, and wound care. It was only in the 18th century that barbers focused solely on hair, and the creation of dental schools in the 19th century further divided oral care from other medical fields.

Vision insurance is designed to cover routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and contacts. Some plans may also offer discounts for corrective surgery, such as LASIK. These services are not typically covered by major medical plans, which is why separate vision insurance is beneficial.

Vision insurance plans work similarly to health insurance plans, with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. However, vision insurance premiums are usually much lower than health insurance premiums. Vision discount plans are also available, which offer a percentage discount on covered services and products but may provide less coverage.

Vision insurance is not mandatory, and whether it is worth purchasing depends on individual needs. For those with good vision who do not require regular eye care, vision insurance may not be necessary. However, for those with vision problems or a family history of eye diseases, vision insurance can provide valuable savings.

Vision insurance can be purchased as a group benefit through an employer or as an individual policy

Vision insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps individuals manage their eye care expenses. It can be purchased as a group benefit through an employer or as an individual policy.

Vision Insurance as a Group Benefit

Group vision insurance is typically offered by employers to their employees as part of their benefits package. It is a type of insurance that provides coverage for eye care and vision-related services to groups of individuals. These plans usually cover a range of services, such as routine eye exams, prescription eyewear (glasses and contact lenses), and treatment for eye diseases and injuries. They may also offer discounts on advanced eye care services, such as laser eye surgery.

The cost of group vision insurance for employers is typically inexpensive, often costing less than $10 a month per employee. Basic employee vision insurance usually includes eye exams with a low copay and prescription lenses or frames, with an allowance for lenses, frames, or contacts.

Vision Insurance as an Individual Policy

Vision insurance can also be purchased as an individual plan, with costs ranging from $5 to $30 per month. These plans may offer discounts and affordable premiums, allowing individuals to manage their eye care expenses effectively.

When purchasing vision insurance, it is important to understand the associated costs and benefits. Some plans may have waiting periods, and it is essential to review individual policies carefully to know what is covered. Most eye insurance plans cover routine eye care, provide an allowance for prescription eyewear, and offer discounts on vision correction surgeries like LASIK.

It is estimated that around 76% of American adults need vision correction. However, only about a third of employers provide vision insurance as a benefit. This suggests that a significant number of people may not have access to vision insurance through their employer and would need to purchase individual policies or go without coverage.

Vision insurance can also be purchased as a supplement to an existing health plan

As of March 2020, approximately 130 million people in the US, or 50.3% of the adult population, have some type of vision insurance or managed vision care coverage. Vision insurance is often a value-added benefit linked to larger insurance packages, and it can be purchased as a supplement to an existing health plan.

Vision insurance is usually sold as an add-on to health insurance from an employer, or it can be purchased separately as a "stand-alone" vision plan. Vision insurance can also be bundled with a dental plan. Vision insurance is often inexpensive, with basic plans starting at around $5 per month, and it can help offset the cost of corrective lenses and routine eye care.

Vision insurance typically covers routine eye health expenses such as eye exams, contact lens fittings, and eyeglass lenses and frames. Some plans may also provide discounts on LASIK procedures and other corrective surgeries. However, it is important to note that vision insurance may not cover specialized lenses or frames, and it may not be worth the cost for those who only need a routine check-up.

Before purchasing vision insurance, it is essential to understand the costs and benefits of the plan and consider how often eye care services will be needed.

Frequently asked questions