Chris O'Shea
You might not have vision insurance, but there’s a good chance one day you’ll need it. According to one report, about 76 percent of adults need vision correction at some point in their life. Let’s take a look at vision insurance and see if it’s worth it.
What Does Vision Insurance Cover?
Vision insurance is just what it sounds like medical coverage for your eyes. Vision insurance typically covers the cost of:
- Annual eye exams
- Prescription glasses
- Contacts lenses
Vision insurance typically does not cover more than one eye exam per year. Vision insurance may not cover major eye surgeries, because surgery is typically covered by a general health insurance plan.
Cost of Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is relatively affordable. Depending on the plan, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 per person, per month. The biggest vision insurance provider — Vision Service Plan — charges $13 per month. Rates and terms may vary depending on the plan.
The Decision
Deciding if you need vision insurance or not depends on a few factors.:
- Do you have a history of vision issues in your family?
- How often have you needed corrective care for your vision?
- Have you had eye exams often?
If you don’t have issues with your vision and rarely have eye exams, you are probably better off not paying for vision insurance. If you do decide to get vision insurance, first check your employer’s offerings. Many times those plans will include vision and dental coverage at a less expensive price than you’ll typically pay on the open market.
Do One Thing: If you decide to purchase vision insurance, shop around for the best value and fit for you.
