Is my vision insurance the same as my health insurance?
Asked by: Jalyn Stokes | Last update: January 18, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (17 votes)
Is vision insurance considered health insurance?
Vision insurance is actually a vision benefit. It is designed to pay toward “routine” comprehensive eye examinations. A “routine” eye examination checks for, but finds no medical problems.
How do I know if my insurance covers vision?
Checking your employer's or individual plan vision insurance benefits usually can be done easily by visiting the website address listed on your insurance card. For example, with VSP Vision Care, the largest vision insurance provider in the United States, just click on the View My Benefits link on the VSP website.
What insurance is used for vision?
In contrast, Vision insurance provides an added wellness benefit for healthy eye exams, which includes routine eye care, prescription eyewear and contact lenses, and other vision services at a reduced cost. Some examples of Vision insurance include VSP, EyeMed, EyeQuest, Superior Vision Network and Davis Med.
Can you use medical and vision insurance at the same time?
Unfortunately, due to policies of the insurance companies, you cannot use your vision and medical insurance for a joint exam on the same day.
Vision Insurance VS Medical Insurance | Do you need vision insurance |
Why is vision not covered by insurance?
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) vision insurance has been phased into the health care marketplace, but because oral and vision care aren't considered essential health services, these policies are offered separately from a person's health care plan.
How much is vision insurance?
Vision insurance is often quite affordable, costing an average of $5 to $30 per month.
Can I purchase vision insurance on my own?
VSP Individual Vision Plans provide those who are self-employed, retired, or not covered through an employer, access to quality, full-service vision coverage you can buy on your own.
How much does an eye exam cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of an eye exam can vary based on where you live and which provider you choose. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $200, or possibly more if specialized tests are needed.
How to get vision therapy covered by insurance?
Prescriptions: Insurance providers may only cover vision therapy if it is deemed medically necessary. Take this opportunity to speak with your family doctor and your eye doctor about providing documentation and evidence that vision therapy is essential for treating your particular visual condition.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover vision?
All members enjoy fully-covered, comprehensive vision care exams. Starting in 2025, all members have a lower copay of $29 for retinal imaging, aiding in the detection of eye conditions and prevention of vision loss.
How much is an eye exam at Walmart without insurance?
A. A comprehensive eye health and vision exam starts at $75.00. A basic contact lens exam starts at $110.00. If you have astigmatism or need bifocal correction and want to wear contact lenses, there is a modest additional cost.
What is the best eye insurance?
VSP Insurance
One of the most well-known vision insurance companies is VSP. Plan options include those with low premiums, same-day enrollment, and discounts on LASIK. But it doesn't end there, as this insurer also helps you save on glasses and contact lenses. You might be able to save on lens enhancements as well.
Can I add vision insurance after open enrollment?
You can enroll in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) every year during open season. You can also enroll outside of open season if you are newly eligible or experience a qualifying life event (QLE).
What is the vision care insurance?
Vision insurance is a type of insurance that can help you manage the costs of eye care and eyewear. It provides coverage for various vision-related services and treatments, such as routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses — helping to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Can you see an eye doctor without vision insurance?
If you are looking to get an eye exam without insurance, you have plenty of options. Don't let a lack of insurance deter you from seeing an eye doctor who can help monitor your eye health and overall wellness. The EyeDoctors Optometrists offers affordable comprehensive eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.
What insurance do you need for eyes?
With vision insurance, you'll typically have benefits that cover some of the routine costs for vision care, like routine eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. You can buy vision plans to add to your health insurance or choose to buy vision coverage along with other supplemental plans, like a dental plan.
Can you get glasses without eye insurance?
With a little legwork you can get affordable, stylish glasses even if you don't have vision insurance. Here's how: Get a low-cost eye exam (because you will need a prescription, and be sure to ask for your pupillary distance). Then shop for discount glasses online or at an optical store.
How much does an eye exam cost without insurance at LensCrafters?
Without vision insurance, a routine eye exam at LensCrafters matches that of most other retail locations, beginning at about $77 to $80.
Does vision insurance count as health insurance?
A Vision insurance policy is different from your health insurance policy. Regular medical health insurance protects you from unexpected costs for eye injury or disease.
How much is vision monthly?
The rates range from $5.50 to $31 a month, per person for a basic plan, or $16-$92.50 per month for a family of three or more on the richest plan. Rates are the same regardless of the person's age or where in California they live. You can apply for a VSP plan or apply for an EyeMed plan.
Is it illegal to not have vision insurance?
That includes vision insurance. However, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. still require health insurance coverage. There could be penalties if you are uninsured and living in one of those states.
What are the disadvantages of vision insurance?
Some plans may not cover specialty glasses or may only offer discounts on the retail markup, requiring you to pay the wholesale price. Additionally, there may be limitations on the type of products covered, such as having to choose between glasses and contacts.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover eye surgery?
Lasik Surgery Coverage
With Blue Cross Blue Shield-managed vision plans you can receive up to 25% off laser vision correction procedures. In addition, LASIK and other laser vision procedures can be paid for using tax-free money from an employer's flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).