Basic
Vision Coverage Overview
Investing in vision insurance is a smart decision that
can save you a lot of money in the long run. Many products and procedures
relating to eye wellness can be expensive if insurance doesn’t cover at least
part of the cost, so make sure this important benefit is part of your insurance
package.
Remember that vision insurance is usually supplemental
to your regular health insurance, so you may need to enroll in a separate
program and pay additional fees in order to receive coverage. Health benefits
can cover you in the event of an unexpected eye injury, but general vision
coverage will allow you to receive preventative wellness treatments before
specific incidents occur, at a reduced cost.
What
Does Vision Insurance Cover?
General vision coverage helps to pay for the cost of eye
examinations, contact lenses, and prescription eyeglasses. Plans
commonly cover a single pair of glasses or contacts for one year, and generally
do not cover specialty lenses – however, you can purchase additional
coverage if to suit your needs. If you opt for a more comprehensive vision
plan, you can receive financial assistance for advanced procedures such as laser
eye surgery.
Before purchasing vision insurance, it is important to note
that your basic medical insurance plan may cover the cost of an annual eye exam
as well as offer discounts on eyeglasses. If this is all you need, it may not
be necessary to purchase additional vision coverage. The same goes for
individuals who do not wear glasses or contacts.
Instead of opting for a full vision benefits package,
you may want to purchase a vision discount plan. Network providers within a
discount plan offer members fixed discount rates on a variety of products and
services. The monthly fees and membership premiums involved with discount plans
are generally less expensive than full insurance benefit packages.
How
Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?
The cost of eye insurance is affordable for most
patients. Monthly premiums tend to range from $0-12 per month depending on the
size of your deductible, which typically costs between $0 and $35. Depending
upon your plan, there may be a co-pay fee involved for network services. Out of
network services that go beyond your basic plan will cost money out of your
pocket as well.
If you are interested in purchasing supplemental vision
coverage, talk to your employer to see if this benefit is offered. Companies
that offer vision insurance may give you the option to pay for the additional
expense with convenient payroll deductions or a pre-tax flexible spending
account. If your employer does not offer this benefit, you can purchase an
individual plan, but it is worth discussing the benefits of group vision
coverage with your employer to see if they are willing to make the investment.
Vision
Coverage Information
If you have any additional questions regarding basic
vision coverage, you can contact a reputable insurance company or speak with a
certified eye care specialists. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are familiar
with the many types of insurance offered and may be able to give you helpful
pointers to make the selection process easier. Understand what your needs are
before beginning your search, then find a plan that will offer adequate
coverage, taking into account any unforeseen emergencies or conditions that may
develop.