Does vision insurance cover eye surgery like LASIK?

Most standard vision insurance plans don't cover LASIK or other elective eye surgeries, though some plans offer discounts of 15% to 20% if you get the procedure from an in-network provider. LASIK is considered cosmetic since glasses and contacts can correct your vision. However, if you develop a medical eye condition that requires surgery, your medical health insurance may cover it.

Can I use vision insurance and medical insurance for the same eye appointment?

Yes, but it depends on the purpose of your visit. If you're getting a routine eye exam to check your prescription, that's vision insurance. If your eye doctor discovers or treats a medical condition like glaucoma, cataracts, or eye infections during that same visit, those services may be billed to your medical insurance. Many eye doctors can bill both insurances for different services during the same appointment.

How often can I get new glasses with vision insurance?

Most vision insurance plans provide an eyewear allowance once every 12 months from your last service date. Some plans follow the calendar year, giving you a new allowance each January. You can buy glasses more frequently if you want, but you'll pay full price out of pocket for any additional pairs within that 12-month period.

Is vision insurance worth it if I only need reading glasses?

It depends on how often you get your eyes examined and whether you buy quality reading glasses. If you just pick up $20 readers from the drugstore and never get professional eye exams, vision insurance probably isn't worth it. But if you get annual exams and prefer prescription reading glasses that cost $150 to $300, a vision plan could save you money while ensuring your eye health is monitored.

Do I need to stay in-network with vision insurance?

You don't have to, but going out-of-network significantly reduces your benefits. In-network, you might pay a $10 copay for an exam and get a $150 allowance for glasses. Out-of-network, you'll often pay full price upfront and get reimbursed for a much smaller amount, typically $40 to $50 for an exam and $60 to $80 for glasses. The network restrictions are stricter than most medical insurance.

Does Medicare cover vision insurance?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only covers eye exams and treatment related to medical conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. It doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. However, many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include vision coverage as an added benefit, and you can also purchase standalone vision insurance as a supplement to Medicare.

Vision Insurance in 2026: Coverage, Costs & Benefits

Here's something most people don't realize: your health insurance probably doesn't cover your annual eye exam or those new glasses you need. That's where vision insurance comes in. And unlike many types of insurance, vision coverage is refreshingly straightforward. You pay a small monthly premium, you get your eyes checked once a year, and you get help paying for glasses or contacts. No complicated deductibles, no confusing networks, just simple preventive care for your eyes.

But is it worth the cost? And how do you choose between standalone plans, employer benefits, and those discount vision programs you see advertised? Let's break down everything you need to know about vision insurance in 2026.

What Vision Insurance Actually Covers

Vision insurance is designed for routine eye care, not medical problems with your eyes. Think of it as a benefits plan for your annual checkup and corrective lenses. Most vision plans cover three main things:

First, you get one comprehensive eye exam per year. Without insurance, you're looking at $150 to $250 for this exam at most providers. With vision insurance, you'll typically pay a small copay of $10 to $25, and the plan covers the rest.

Second, you get an allowance for eyeglasses. This usually works as a set dollar amount—anywhere from $100 to $175 depending on your plan—that you can put toward frames and lenses. Since the average pair of glasses costs $200 to $300, this allowance covers a significant chunk of your cost. You can often upgrade to premium lenses, but you'll pay the difference out of pocket.

Third, if you prefer contacts, most plans give you the option to use your allowance for contact lenses instead of glasses. You'll get a contact lens exam and fitting covered (or available for a small copay), plus an allowance of around $150 toward your annual supply of contacts. Since contacts can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,600 per year depending on the type, this benefit can save you serious money if you're a daily disposable wearer.

How Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?

Vision insurance is one of the most affordable insurance products you can buy. Individual plans typically cost between $5 and $15 per month, or roughly $60 to $180 per year. Family plans run higher, usually $20 to $40 per month.

Let's do the math on whether it's worth it. Say you pay $10 per month for vision insurance, which is $120 per year. You get an annual exam (normally $150 to $200) for just a $10 copay, plus a $150 allowance toward glasses. If you need glasses or contacts every year, you're coming out ahead. Even if you just need the annual exam, you're roughly breaking even.

The sweet spot for vision insurance is people who wear glasses or contacts and get them updated regularly. If you haven't needed a new prescription in five years and your glasses are holding up fine, you might not get enough value to justify the premium.

Employer Vision Benefits vs. Buying Your Own Plan

About 28% of private sector workers have access to vision insurance through their employer, according to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The bigger your company, the more likely you are to have this benefit—44% of workers at companies with 500 or more employees have access, compared to just 21% at smaller firms.

Employer plans are usually your best deal. Many employers cover part or all of the premium, which typically runs $5 to $10 per month for employer-sponsored coverage. Even if you pay the full amount through payroll deductions, employer plans often have better allowances and lower copays than individual plans you buy on your own.

If you don't have access to employer coverage, you can buy an individual vision plan directly from insurers like VSP, EyeMed, or through private insurance marketplaces. These plans start as low as $5 per month for basic coverage, though you'll see premiums up to $20 per month for more comprehensive plans with higher eyewear allowances.

Vision Insurance vs. Vision Discount Plans

Here's where people get confused. Vision discount plans are not insurance. They're membership programs that give you a predetermined discount on eye care services, usually in exchange for an annual fee.

With vision insurance, you pay a monthly premium and the plan covers most of your exam cost and contributes a set allowance toward glasses or contacts. With a discount plan, you pay a one-time annual fee and receive a discount card that gets you 10% to 60% off services at participating providers. You still pay the majority of the cost yourself.

Discount plans work best if you rarely need vision services or if you want flexibility to shop around. The annual fees are lower than insurance premiums, but you don't get the same level of coverage. Think of it like a Costco membership for your eyes—you pay for access to better prices, but you're still paying for the products and services yourself.

Special Considerations for Children

If you have kids, here's good news: pediatric vision care is considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. This means that health insurance plans sold on the individual and small group markets must include vision coverage for children under 19.

Most pediatric vision benefits include one annual eye exam and one pair of glasses per year, including frames and lenses. Some plans also cover contact lenses instead of glasses if that's what your child needs. However, keep in mind that "covered" doesn't mean "free"—you may still have copays, coinsurance, or need to meet your deductible first.

Because your kids likely already have this coverage through your family health plan, you may not need to purchase separate vision insurance for them. Check what your health plan covers for pediatric vision before buying additional coverage.

How to Get Started with Vision Insurance

First, check if your employer offers vision insurance during open enrollment. If they do and they're subsidizing any portion of the premium, that's almost always your best option. Even if you pay the full cost, employer plans typically offer better value than individual plans.

If you're buying on your own, compare plans based on three factors: the monthly premium, the annual exam copay, and the eyewear allowance. Also check which providers are in-network. If you love your current eye doctor, make sure they accept the plan you're considering. The best insurance deal in the world doesn't help if you can't see your preferred provider.

Most vision plans don't have waiting periods, which means you can start using your benefits immediately. So if you sign up today and schedule an exam for next week, you're covered. This is different from dental insurance, which often makes you wait months before covering major services.

Vision insurance won't make you rich, but it's one of those small financial decisions that just makes sense for most people who wear glasses or contacts. At $10 to $15 per month, the cost is minimal and the benefit is tangible. You'll get your eyes checked regularly, catch vision problems early, and save money on the glasses or contacts you need anyway. If you've been putting off that eye exam because of cost, vision insurance might be exactly what you need to finally schedule it.

Vision Insurance in 2026

Key Takeaways