Vision insurance is a wellness plan that acts as a supplement to standard health insurance. By "wellness plan", we mean that vision insurance helps to pay for those things that maintain good vision; eye examinations, eyeglasses or contact lenses and any potential medicine that may be prescribed. It does not act as a financial safety net should something happen to your eyes (that is where health insurance would apply, subject to your specific guidelines).
Most employers that offer any health care coverage will likely have a provider for vision or eye care insurance. Online insurance brokers, such as WOW Quotes
, also offer plans that may include larger discounts or savings than shopping as an individual. Most insurance plans will cover preventative programs (described above) and provide the member access to a network of approved doctors, including LASIK Surgeons.
What should you consider when finding a Vision Care Insurance Program?
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Determine who should be covered under that specific plan. If you and your spouse are both working, each employer may offer their own plan with discounts and benefits. It may be sensible to keep your plans separate; if you have children, factor them in under multiple scenarios (i.e. All under your plan; then all under your spouse’s plan, etc.).
- The average monthly premium ranges from $0 - $12 (based on 2006 figures)
- The average co-pay is $10 - $15 per service
- Deductibles average as high as $35 (LASIK not included).
- Make sure your plan covers the basics: Eye exams, eyewear (lenses, frames and contact lenses), and discounts on LASIK
- Learn about the company offering the program. You want to work with someone with a quality record and satisfied customers.
Vision Insurance Specialists
Although your employer will likely have their own designated vision care provider, if you are shopping on your own for vision insurance, there are a number of American companies to select from. In addition, we encourage you to utilize online insurance brokers for comparison purposes (the savings may prove worth the time!).
