Understanding What Does Vision Insurance Not Cover and Why

Vision insurance can be a lifesaver for people who need regular eye exams and corrective lenses. However, it's essential to understand what it doesn't cover, so you're not left with surprise medical bills.

Many vision insurance plans don't cover cosmetic procedures, such as LASIK surgery or vision correction for cosmetic reasons. This means if you're looking to improve your vision for aesthetic purposes, you'll need to pay out of pocket.

Contact lenses for cosmetic purposes are also typically not covered by most vision insurance plans. This includes colored contacts or specialty lenses designed for fashion purposes.

Vision insurance is designed to make eyecare more accessible, but it doesn't cover every aspect of optometry.

Treatment for eye infections, emergency surgeries, and emergency eye care are typically not covered by vision insurance, unless you have a separate medical insurance plan that covers these services.

Your medical insurance plan may cover these services, so be sure to speak with your optometrist to determine what's covered.

Most vision insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of frames and lenses, but there may be limitations on how often you can purchase a new pair of eyeglasses with coverage.

Designer frames may only be partially or not covered by your vision insurance plan.

Cosmetic enhancements like colored contacts are usually outside of the scope of what vision insurance will pay for, so you'll likely need to pay out-of-pocket.

You should always thoroughly read your vision insurance plan's fine print or speak with a representative to learn what is and isn't covered.

Here are some examples of what isn't covered by vision insurance:

Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, which can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

Most vision insurance plans also cover corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, for people with prescription errors.

However, the specifics of what's covered can vary greatly depending on the insurance provider and the type of plan you have.

Understanding vision insurance can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. Vision insurance doesn't cover every aspect of optometry, especially medical services related to eye diseases or serious eye conditions.

Treatment for eye infections, emergency surgeries, and emergency eye care may not be covered by vision insurance, so it's essential to check with your optometrist or insurance provider.

Most vision insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of frames and lenses, but there may be limitations on how often you can purchase a new pair of eyeglasses with coverage.

Designer frames may only be partially or not covered, so it's crucial to read your vision insurance plan's fine print or speak with a representative to learn what is and isn't covered.

Vision insurance is separate from health insurance, and health insurance doesn't cover vision issues, except for issues related to eye disease and eye injuries.

Here's a quick rundown of what vision insurance typically covers:

Vision insurance plans often offer copays or discounted rates for eye exams and eyewear, while vision discount plans offer discounted prices on services and products at participating providers.

The average cost of vision insurance can vary depending on the plan you choose and the rates in your state. Typically, you can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per month for a basic plan.

Some plans may cost upwards of $40 per month if you want a larger network of doctors to choose from. However, this may be worth the extra cost if you need to see a specialist or prefer a certain type of care.

A comprehensive eye exam, contacts or frames, and lens enhancements should be covered by your vision plan at the bare minimum. Be sure to read the fine print to ensure you're getting a good deal that matches your needs.

To give you a better idea of the costs involved, here's a breakdown of the estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for vision insurance in various states:

As you can see, the estimated annual out-of-pocket costs vary significantly depending on the state you live in. In some cases, having vision insurance can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

If you already have health insurance, you might wonder if vision insurance is still necessary. Some health insurance plans may cover certain vision expenses, but vision insurance provides more comprehensive coverage specifically for eye care needs.

Vision insurance can cover a wide range of services, including eye exams, glasses, contacts, and even surgery, which may not be fully covered by your health insurance plan.

While health insurance may cover some vision-related expenses, it's essential to review your policy to see what's included and what's not.

Vision therapy is not typically covered by vision insurance, but it's covered by health insurance, according to the Vision Therapy Institute.

Insurance companies may cover some of the costs for vision therapy, but it's essential to check your policy to see what's covered.

Vision therapy is a type of treatment that can help improve visual skills, and it's not always included in standard vision insurance plans.

If you're not convinced that vision insurance is right for you, there are alternatives to consider. You can skip it altogether without worrying about serious financial consequences.

Big-box retailers like Costco and Walmart have optical centers that offer exams by licensed optometrists and sell reasonably priced glasses and contacts. Exam costs vary by location.

You can also order glasses online at a surprisingly affordable price, with some retailers offering complete sets for as low as $6.95 including shipping.

If you're on Medicare, you might be wondering if vision insurance is worth it. The truth is, Medicare typically doesn't cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts.

You may need to consider vision insurance if you're on Medicare, as it can help cover these expenses. This is especially true if you're not prepared to pay out of pocket.

If you have a family, vision insurance can be a good investment. This is because most health insurance plans, including those under the ACA, don't cover vision and dental benefits for adults.

If you don't have much money saved, vision insurance can provide peace of mind and help you budget for eye care expenses.

If you're not set on purchasing vision insurance, there are alternatives to get discounted vision care.

You can visit big-box retailers like Costco and Walmart, which have optical centers in some of their stores.

These centers offer exams by licensed optometrists and sell reasonably priced glasses and contacts.

Exam costs vary by location because the optometrists who staff them are independent of the retailers.

Walmart lets you browse frames and their prices on its website.

Online retailers can also offer a complete set of glasses at a low cost, like $6.95 for both lenses and frames with $5.95 shipping.

Some online stores will even let you send them a pair of frames and they'll add the prescription lenses.

Discounted contact lenses are also available online, but you'll still need a prescription from an eye doctor when using these services.