Vision Insurance Explained in Simple Terms

Vision insurance is normally very inexpensive andYou may also want vision insurance if your family
can be attached to your regular insurance plan.has a history of glaucoma, either that associated
You can also get vision insurance as a standalonewith diabetes or non-diabetic glaucoma, as at least
plan. This policy is almost always going to beone eye exam is recommended annually for
optional, so opting for vision coverage is a purelythose at higher risk. Early detection can often
personal choice.mean the difference between retaining your vision
If you have more than one young child, as theywell into your golden years and losing your vision
approach school-age, unless a vision problem isearly in life.
evident from the beginning, it might be a goodThere are many types of plans to choose from,
idea to have a vision plan in place. You willso if you are not automatically covered under
definitely want to consider this if your family hasyour group plan through work, you have options
a history of wearing glasses, as vision problems,to look at. You also might be faced with these
even those of near-sightedness andoptions through your workplace, as new vision
far-sightedness, can be handed down throughcare plans are being introduced to the public
families.regularly.
Most vision plans will cover an annual checkup andBasically, the two types of plans are traditional
frames and lenses once a year or once everycoverage or a defined contribution plant, which
two years, up to a specific amount. The averageare plans used to lower the cost of your eye
cost of an eye exam is $40.00 to $100.00 andcare significantly with you contributing, in advance,
the cost of getting frames and lenses can beto one of these plans, such as Cafeteria Plans,
anywhere between $75.00 to $500.00, dependingFlexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health
upon the type of lenses needed and the cost ofReimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), or Health
the frames, so paying a few bucks a month forSavings Accounts (HSAs).
vision coverage may be a good deal for you,It would benefit you to research all of the options
especially if more than one person in the familyavailable and even to research a different policy
ends up wearing glasses. Contact lenses, even theseparate from the health care coverage supplied
disposables, are often covered to one degree orthrough your employer. Employee plans can be
another in most vision plans. Also research yourlimited and your needs may surpass the benefits
surgery options, say for LASIK or Laser eyeof your employer-sponsored program.
surgery and for surgery for cataracts andIn all actuality, vision plans are one of the most
glaucoma.affordable insurance plans on the market, at least
On the other hand, if you are a single person or afor now. Anyone that wears contacts or
couple and neither of you have ever worn glasseseyeglasses could possibly save money when
and don't feel that you will need to, due to familyhaving such a plan, even if it only means that you
history or other factors, then vision insurancecan now afford those $300.00 frames you want,
may be a waste of money. But, if you haveas your insurance may cover a substantial portion
never had an eye exam and feel that glasses orof it. Even transition lenses, that change from light
contacts might be in your future, then paying forto dark as the ambient light changes, are usually
one year of vision insurance will not break thereduced in price and prescription sun glasses may
bank, just to get a preliminary exam and thenalso be covered. It is well worth checking into
glasses if need be. You can always cancel thebefore rejecting the idea completely.
next year if you don't need it.