01Most common
Network vision plans
A monthly premium buys a set benefit: a covered annual eye exam plus an allowance toward frames, lenses, or contacts when you use a participating eye doctor or retailer.
Vision coverage
See clearly, save more.
An annual exam catches more than a change in prescription. Vision plans keep that visit routine and put an allowance toward the glasses or contacts you leave with.
Two minutesVision plans are simple to compare: the exam, the eyewear allowance, and where you can use it. Enter your ZIP code and you are most of the way there.
Plan types
Three ways to cover your eyes.
Vision coverage comes as a standalone plan, a discount membership, or an add-on to health coverage. The difference is whether the plan pays or only lowers the price.
02No premium
Vision discount plans
A membership rather than insurance. There is no allowance and no claim to file: you simply pay reduced rates on exams and eyewear at participating locations.
03Add-on
Vision added to a health plan
Some health plans offer vision as a rider or bundle. Pediatric vision is an essential health benefit on marketplace plans, so children are covered even when adults are not.
What is covered
Exams, frames, lenses, and contacts.
Allowances, copays, and how often you can use each benefit vary by plan. These are the items vision plans commonly address.
- Routine eye exam, typically once every 12 months
- Allowance or copay toward frames
- Single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses
- Lens options such as anti-reflective and scratch coatings
- Contact lenses in place of glasses
- Contact lens fitting and evaluation
- Discounts on a second pair or on prescription sunglasses
- Discounts on laser vision correction through participating providers
Good to know
Vision questions people ask first.
What does a vision plan usually cover?
Most vision plans cover a routine eye exam once every 12 months, then apply an allowance or copay toward frames and lenses, or toward contacts instead of glasses. Lens upgrades such as progressive or anti-reflective coatings are often available at a set price rather than covered in full.
Is vision care already included in my health plan?
Health plans cover medical eye care, such as treatment for an injury, infection, or a condition like glaucoma. Routine vision care for adults, meaning the annual exam and eyewear, is generally not included and is bought as separate coverage. Marketplace plans must include pediatric vision as an essential health benefit.
Can I use my benefit for contacts instead of glasses?
On most plans, yes, but usually not both in the same benefit period. Plans typically give you an allowance you can put toward either frames and lenses or a supply of contacts. A contact lens fitting may be billed separately from the routine exam.
Do vision plans help with laser vision correction?
Some plans include a discount on laser vision correction through participating providers. This is a negotiated discount rather than a covered benefit, so the plan does not pay a share of the procedure. Check the plan documents to see whether a discount is offered and where it applies.
Ready when you are
See vision plans available in your area.
Enter your ZIP code to compare exam and eyewear coverage for you or your family.