A vision care coverage or insurance policy is different from your regular health coverage. Medical insurance protects you from unexpected costs of eye diseases and injuries. However, vision care coverage provides an additional layer of protection and wellness benefits for healthy eye exams.
These include routine eye care, prescription glasses and contact lenses, and other services at affordable costs. David Vision, March Vision, Spectera, Vision Benefits of America, and Eye-Med are some examples of vision insurance policies. Most vision coverage policies include benefits like eyeglass frames, lenses, contact lenses, and annual vision exams.
What is Vision Insurance Coverage?
Vision coverage usually covers the cost of annual eye exams, prescription eyewear, and contact lenses. It encompasses the traditional health policies and discount plans, offering benefits that cover most but not all of your expenses.
The coverage policy depends on the type of insurance policy you choose. Some insurance policies are available through employers, government programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, and professional associations.
However, you can purchase an individual vision insurance policy if you don’t qualify for the options above. An individual vision care policy is available through insurance providers. Choosing the most suitable policy that fits your individual needs is crucial.
Why Do You Need Vision Coverage?
Everyone knows the importance of health insurance policies. It is one something you can’t and must not live without, but the question is: why do you need vision insurance and is it worth it? There are various ways to purchase vision insurance and what coverage you should get varies on your individual needs. These ways include buying it as a group benefit through your company or as an individual insurance policy. Anyway, here are a few reasons why vision coverage is worth it. Read on!
Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
The primary reason why getting vision insurance is worth it is because it reduces the overall out-of-pocket costs associated with eye health and vision correction. Choosing the right insurance can help reduce the costs significantly, especially if you suffer from chronic eye conditions.
Not only can you save more money, but you can also leverage the annual or bi-annual comprehensive eye exam to detect issues and seek treatment on time. The annual eye exam is an essential part of eye problems and vision changes. Make sure you purchase vision coverage that covers at least yearly eye exams.
Frame and Contact Lens Allowance
Eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, can cost more than $1,000, depending on the brand, make, and features. So, this is pretty expensive without having an insurance policy. You may need glasses with specialized features to stay comfortable and manage your day-to-day activities.
These features include anti-reflective costing that reduces lens glare and reflections leading to distractions. Transition lenses darken when you are outdoors. These lenses allow you to enhance your prescription glasses’ efficacy as sunglasses.
Some people need glasses with a hydrophobic coating to remain clear when encountering a humid or wet environment. Similarly, polarized lenses are suitable for people who spend most of their time outdoors.
These lenses are an excellent option for daytime driving. Not only do these lenses reduce glare, but they also provide additional protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Moreover, some people need new glasses, which can add up the costs.
However, purchasing a vision coverage is directly proportional to reducing the overall costs. Depending on the vision insurance plan you choose, you can use your allowance for new glasses or contact lenses.
Another reason vision care insurance is worth it for people who wear glasses is that it may also cover expenses related to multifocal lenses, anti-glare coating, impact resistance, and scratch resistance. These are an essential part of the lens enhancement, meaning you may require new glasses. So, with the right insurance option, you can reduce out-of-pocket costs and achieve your goals.
Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is the most significant advantage of opting for a vision care insurance policy. Remember, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration are diseases covered by the standard health insurance coverages.
However, diagnosing these conditions at an earlier stage can take a toll on your finances because eye exams are expensive. So, if you want to achieve peace of mind, we recommend purchasing an individual vision care policy.
Early diagnosis is critical because it allows you to detect eye problems before they become complications. At the same time, early diagnosis improves your chances of getting adequate and quality treatment on time.
The standard health insurance policy does not cover annual or bi-annual eye exams. However, the vision insurance policy covers the yearly eye exams, allowing you to get the most out of your policy and reduce the risk of potential vision problems.
In addition, many people think that their eyes are fit and their vision works appropriately. However, the minor problems can turn into complications if you fail to perform an eye exam and implement preventive measures.
Remember, your vision undergoes changes over time, and it is not easy to detect minor problems without undergoing a comprehensive eye exam. Because the standard health insurance policy does not cover the annual exam, it is wise to purchase vision care coverage to stay on the safe side.
How to Purchase a Vision Coverage?
There are numerous vision care insurance policies. Choosing what vision coverage you should get that fits your specific needs and comes within your budget is a daunting and time-consuming task because many options exist. Therefore, discuss with your primary care doctor, seek help from your family members, and search online to narrow down your results.
That way, you can choose a suitable vision care policy that does not break the bank. The traditional Medicare and Medicaid do not cover vision care except for a few eye conditions. Therefore, purchasing a supplementary vision policy is wise, allowing you to address your specific needs.
The basic vision care policy usually ranges between $5 and $35 per month in premiums, whether you purchase an individual plan or get it through your company. You will pay more in premiums if you add coverage for your wife, husband, child, parents, etc. However, you can reduce the premium rates by purchasing a group policy. Consider the following factors when choosing what vision coverage you should get.
- Typical annual savings
- Secure and fast coverage
- What does the policy cover?
- Coverage when you need an out-of-network doctor
- Does the insurance policy cover surgical procedures?
- Does the plan align with your current life stage?
Final Words
The eyes are the most important organ in your body because 80% of what you perceive from the environment comes through your sense of sight. When you protect your eyes by performing an eye exam, you can reduce the risk of vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration that can otherwise lead to permanent blindness.
Dealing with eye problems is expensive and can break the bank if you don’t have an eye care insurance policy or coverage. Therefore, it is crucial to do your research, analyze your insurance options, and make an informed decision to choose a policy that best fits your needs. Until Next Time!