Does Costco take any insurance for eyeglasses?

Costco Optical accepts most major vision insurance plans for in-store purchases, but coverage varies by location and specific plan.

Accepted Insurance Plans

Costco Optical commonly accepts major providers, including:

• VSP (in-network for most members)
• UnitedHealthcare / Spectera
• Davis Vision
• Avesis
• NVA (National Vision Administrators)
• Superior Vision
• VBA
• UHA Health Insurance
• EyeMed (out-of-network for most plans, though some locations accept select tier plans or provide itemized receipts for out-of-network reimbursement)

Note: This list is not exhaustive, and individual warehouses may not accept every plan. Vision insurance is not accepted for online purchases.

Important Distinctions to Keep in Mind

• Optical Department vs. Optometrist: The eye doctors performing exams inside Costco are independent Doctors of Optometry. They operate separate private practices and may not accept the same insurance plans as the Costco Optical retail counter where you buy glasses or contacts.
• Out-of-Network Claims: If your local Costco or specific plan is out-of-network, you can usually pay out-of-pocket and request an itemized receipt to submit to your insurance company for personal reimbursement.
• Membership Requirements: You do not need a Costco membership to visit the independent optometrist for an eye exam (where state law allows), but you do need an active Costco membership to purchase glasses or contact lenses from the optical department.

How to Verify

Call your local Costco warehouse and speak directly to both the Optical Department (for glasses/contacts coverage) and the Optometrist's Office (for exam coverage) before your visit to confirm they take your exact policy.

Costco Optical accepts several major vision insurance plans at most of their in-store warehouse locations, but coverage varies by specific warehouse and does not apply to online orders.

Accepted Vision Insurance Plans

According to Costco Optical, commonly accepted plans at participating locations include:

• Avesis
• Davis Vision
• EyeMed (Access and Select networks)
• NVA (National Vision Administrators)
• Superior Vision
• UHA Health Insurance
• UnitedHealthcare / Spectera
• VBA (Vision Benefits of America)
• VSP (Vision Service Plan - for most members)

Important Details to Keep in Mind

• Warehouse Variations: Not all warehouse locations accept every listed insurance plan. Always call your local Costco Optical Department ahead of time to confirm they take your specific plan.
• Independent Doctors: The optometrists who perform eye exams inside Costco are independent doctors. They may have different insurance billing agreements than the actual Costco Optical retail counter where you buy your glasses.
• Online Orders: Costco does not accept vision insurance for online purchases of glasses or contact lenses.
• Out-of-Network Submissions: If Costco is out-of-network for your plan, you can often pay out-of-pocket and submit an itemized receipt to your insurance provider for partial out-of-network reimbursement.

The average cost of a complete pair of prescription glasses at Costco Optical is around $184 to $186 without insurance. However, prices vary based on your specific prescription and frame choice.

A complete pair (lenses + frames) generally falls within these ranges:

Base Pricing Breakdown

• The Absolute Minimum: You can get a basic, single-vision pair starting at around $129. This combines a standard frame (starting around $63) with standard single-vision lenses (starting around $66).
• Frames: Mostly range from $50 to $150+. Budget options and Kirkland Signature house brands sit between $50 and $80, while premium designer frames (like Gucci or Prada) typically run between $140 and $200.
• Lenses: Standard single-vision lenses cost roughly $66. If you require high-definition progressive lenses, the lens cost alone scales to $130–$180.

Upgrade Costs

If you choose to customize your lenses, expect these additional out-of-pocket costs:

• High-Index (Thinner Lenses): Add $20–$40
• Transitions / Photochromic: Add $30–$50
• Polarized Lenses: Add $50–$100

Why Costco is Cheaper

Costco caps its markup on retail goods at roughly 14% to 15%. A major advantage is that premium coatings come standard. While boutique retailers often charge an extra $50 to $150 for anti-reflective, UV-protection, and scratch-resistant treatments, Costco bundles these into the base lens price at no extra charge.

Note: You must have an active Costco Membership (starting at $65/year) to purchase frames and lenses, though independent eye exams at their on-site optical departments are usually accessible to non-members.

Getting glasses at Costco Optical offers significant cost savings, bundled lens coatings, and a high level of customer satisfaction compared to traditional retail alternatives.

Key Benefits of Costco Optical

• Lower Overall Pricing: Costco limits its markup to a maximum of 14%, meaning complete pairs—including frames and single-vision lenses—often average around $129 to $186, which is typically half the price of traditional optical chains.
• Included Premium Coatings: Unlike other retailers that charge extra for add-ons, Costco includes anti-reflective treatment, scratch-resistant coating, and a UV filter standard with all prescription lenses.
• Multi-Pair Discounts: Buying additional pairs of prescription glasses in the same transaction usually qualifies for a direct discount (such as $30 to $50 off), making backup pairs more affordable.
• Insurance and Satisfaction: Most major vision insurance plans are accepted, and purchases are backed by a 100% member satisfaction guarantee that allows for hassle-free returns.
• Free Maintenance: Members can visit any warehouse optical center for free frame adjustments and cleaning.
• Independent Eye Exams: On-site or adjacent independent doctors of optometry provide comprehensive eye exams, which non-members can often access as well. You can review additional insights on pricing and options with Why You Should Be Getting Your Eyeglasses at Costco from Reader's Digest.

Glasses are generally much cheaper at Costco Optical than at LensCrafters.

Price Comparison

• Costco Optical: A complete pair of glasses typically costs between $100 and $250. Consumer surveys show a median out-of-pocket price around $87 to $160 after insurance. Costco limits its markup to a maximum of 14%.
• LensCrafters: A complete pair usually ranges from $200 to $400 or more for basic lenses and mid-range frames, with median costs often exceeding $326 after insurance and climbing much higher for designer names and premium progressives.

Specific Cost Differences

• Progressive Lenses: Costco's HD progressives cost about $150 to $200, while LensCrafters progressives generally range from $250 to $500+.
• Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings are frequently included or cost around $30 at Costco, compared to $30 to $100 at LensCrafters. Blue light filtering is $20 to $40 at Costco versus $50 to $80 at LensCrafters.

Membership and Insurance

• Membership: You need a Costco membership to buy glasses, though you usually do not need one to get an eye exam. LensCrafters requires no membership.
• Insurance: LensCrafters accepts a wider range of major vision insurance plans (like VSP and EyeMed), which can sometimes make them competitive if you have specific network benefits. Costco accepts fewer plans.