What Are the Health Benefits of Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is a health care benefit provided by your employer or the government, or purchased privately through a health care provider. Specifically, vision insurance reduces the costs associated with vision care procedures or accessories. Payments of insurance premiums are on monthly, yearly, or every other year basis. Along with savings, vision insurance also provides many health benefits.

Preventative Care

• Many vision insurance plans allow individuals to receive discounted or free preventative care each year. This lets the insured see his doctor for routine checkups or tests. Regular checkups allow the doctor to catch vision health issues before they become serious, thus helping many patients avoid long-term vision problems.

Procedures

• For vision care recipients who need surgery or other medical care, vision insurance helps to offset these costs. Vision surgery is a costly procedure that many people may not be able to afford. By maintaining this coverage, a recipient may only have to pay a small portion of the cost. Depending on her level of coverage, an individual may only be responsible for a small co-pay, thereby motivating the patient to receive the needed treatment.

Eyewear

• Most vision insurance plans cover eyewear, such as contact lenses or eyeglasses. The frequency of obtaining new or replacement eyewear will vary depending on the level of coverage. An individual will receive a new prescription from his doctor during his eye care visit. He may then use this prescription to obtain new glasses, contacts, or both. Since prescriptions change on a constant basis, this will allow the individual to have new eyewear that meets his changing vision needs.

Discounts

• You may also receive discounts on other products related to your vision care. This may include accessories such as eyeglass or contact cases and cleaning supplies. Read your vision care manual or speak with the insurance provider to receive additional information concerning your plan's discounts.