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Types of Vision Insurance

If you have impaired vision and wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, the cost of routine quality eye care can be quite expensive. Even with 20/20 vision, the possibility of eye injuries or diseases is reason enough to consider acquiring vision insurance, especially if you have a family that requires eye care. Whether you are an employee of a major corporation, self-employed, single or a head of household, you can obtain a customized eye care package with two types of basic vision insurance.

  1. Vision Benefits Packages

    • To enroll in a vision benefits package, you pay an annual premium--custom-designed to your specific needs--and you are generally charged a deductible for each household member included in your plan. You may be charged a co-pay by your eye care provider each time a plan member undergoes any eye exams or treatments. Typically covered services may include annual eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses. Additional treatments such as Lasik surgery and PRK vision correction may be offered at a discounted rate with vision benefits packages.

    Discount Vision Plans

    • With a discount vision plan, you pay annual premiums and/or membership fees at a fixed rate. With inclusion to the plan, you receive most eye care services and products at a discounted rate. In most instances, you are required to receive care and purchase eyeglasses and contacts only through participating eye care centers. Your yearly rate is adjusted according to the services you choose to include in your plan and the amount of discount applied to said services. Discount vision plans typically cover less services than benefits packages, and excluded services must be paid in full by the patient.

    Employee Group And Individual Plans

    • Many businesses and corporations offer vision insurance as part of their employee benefits packages. Oftentimes, your employer will have already chosen between a vision insurance benefit package or discount plan, but in some instances you may be able to choose or upgrade your plan. Check with your human resources department or plan provider to adapt the best plan for you. If you are self-employed, unemployed, retired or your employer does not provide vision benefits, you can still obtain vision insurance or eye care discount plans designed for individuals and families.

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