Vision Insurance

Vision insurance can come in very handy when it is time to pay for eye exams, laser eye surgeries, eyewear, and other vision services. However, this form of insurance isn't always included in a basic health insurance plan, and may need to be purchased separately.

Vision insurance is a unique form of health insurance because much of the focus is on wellness benefits. If you have a vision insurance plan, it will help to defray some of the costs of regular eye exams, replacements lenses, and other vision services.

Eye examinations and prescription eyewear can be significant annual expenses, especially for large families. This is why having a vision insurance rider on your regular family health insurance plan or some form of supplemental coverage can be so valuable.

Though coverage can vary depending upon the type of policy that is purchased, vision insurance typically covers some or all of the costs of:

• Annual Eyes Exams
• Contact Lenses
• Eyeglass Lenses
• Eyeglass Frames
• Vision Correction Surgeries (LASIK, PRK, etc)

There are two basic vision plans that are available:

• Discount Benefit Plans
• Benefit Packages

A discount vision benefit plan allows members to take advantaged of discounted vision services. In return, the member pays an annual fee, and possibly, a deductible.

Vision benefit packages, on the other hand, pay for the entire cost of covered eye care, with the exception of predetermined co-pays and deductibles. While enrolled in the program, members are usually required to pay annual or monthly premiums.

Vision insurance coverage can be obtained as part of an employee benefits plan or purchased separately from an insurance agent or company. Often times, group insurance can be purchased through various associations, schools, or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare.

Individual plans can also be purchased separately or as a benefit linked to other indemnity health insurance plans, PPO plans, and HMO plans.

Major vision insurance providers within the U.S. include:

• Always Care
• Davis Vision
• Spectera
• Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• EyeMed

The cost of vision coverage will vary depending on the way the plan is set up and who it is being purchased from. The more services that are covered the more expensive you can expect the insurance premiums to be.

Other factors that will contribute to the annual or monthly cost of coverage include:

• The size of the deductible (if any)
• The amount of the co-pay (if any)

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0 to $25 per month per person being covered. You may also be subject to certain co-pays that can be anywhere from $5 to $25.

Most vision insurance plans offer similar benefits, but have variances that may determine who you do and don't receive eye care from. Certain plans work with a very specific network of providers. If you don't receive your vision care from these providers, you may be subject to paying higher fees for services, or you may not be covered at all.

This makes it extremely important to understand how your chosen plan works, and whether or not you will be covered under certain circumstances. To simplify the process, here are a few general things you can keep in mind when looking for coverage:

• HMO plans typically require you to visit in-network providers.
• PPO plans typically allow you to go out of network, but you are forced to absorb a larger portion of the cost.
• Indemnity plans typically allow you to use any provider you desire.

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