How to Find Vision Insurance

Protecting your eyesight is important, but the cost of eye exams, glasses and contact lenses can be quite high. Shopping for the best vision insurance can protect you against these high costs and entitle you to significant discounts, even on items not covered by your insurance plan. As with any purchase, you can get more for your money by shopping around and comparing your vision coverage options carefully.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact the human resources department at your company and ask what kind of vision insurance they offer. You should be able to get a lower price on vision insurance through your employer, since large companies can negotiate group rates and individuals cannot.

• 2

  Contact a health insurance broker if you need to purchase vision insurance on your own. Health insurance brokers are familiar with the ins and outs of both health and vision insurance, and they can help you find the best deal. The price you pay through a broker is the same as what you would get on your own, so there is no cost to you.

• 3

  Explain what you are looking for in vision insurance when you speak to the broker. Many vision insurance plans offer a standard range of services, including an annual eye exam and reimbursement for eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are looking for coverage over and above those basics, be sure to let the health insurance broker know.

• 4

  Compare the reimbursement rates for each policy you are considering. Most vision plans pay for an annual eye exam, but not all of them pay for a new set of glasses every year. Some allow you to get glasses only every two years, so be sure to read the fine print carefully.

• 5

  Contact your eye doctor and ask if they accept the vision insurance you are considering. Also check with the provider who normally makes your eyeglasses. The insurance will do you no good if you cannot find a local provider to accept it.

• 6

  Check to see how much each vision insurance plan reimburses for eyeglasses. Some plans pay a percentage of the total cost, while others pay nearly the entire cost up to a certain dollar amount. Compare the retail cost of glasses and contacts to what the insurance company pays to make sure you are really getting a good deal.