Research shows that 75% of Americans require some level of vision correction. Yet more than three million Americans do not have vision insurance. Many people are not sure that purchasing vision insurance is worth it. They may not believe their eyes are in danger, or may think that they don’t need glasses so there is no reason to have routine eye exams. This is not true.
Our vision is one of our most important senses. Proper eye care and routine eye exams do far more than assess whether you need reading glasses. These exams also check for diseases and eye damage, such as glaucoma or cataracts. So if you are asking yourself if vision insurance is worth the cost, our answer is yes!
But! It is important to make sure that you have the right vision coverage and that you are getting the most out of your benefits. Paying for coverage you don’t need or won’t use may not be worth it. But paying for coverage that helps you stay as healthy as possible certainly is.
Put together by a Waco health insurance agency, here are a few tips for making sure you get the most out of your vision insurance so that it is worth the cost.
1. Know What Your Plan Covers
Make sure you know what your plan covers. Do you get free eye exams? Are glasses or contacts covered? What about tests? Make sure you know what your plan covers and what the out-of-pocket costs are when you make these appointments. Some routine tests and exams may be covered, but additional tests or more intensive tests may not be. Find out before you make an appointment what type of tests you need, and then find out if they are covered by your plan.
2. Find an In-Network Doctor
Look at your insurance network and find an eye doctor that is in-network. This means that the eye doctor partners with the insurance company to offer you a good price and they accept your insurance. This is the best way to save money and utilize your insurance.
3. Get Yearly Eye Exams
A yearly eye exam does more than just make sure you don’t need an updated glasses prescription. A yearly exam checks the overall health of your eyes. This is important for your entire family.
For children, eye problems can cause difficulties at school and can impact learning. So making sure your children’s eyes are healthy is important. For adults, a yearly eye exam helps identify possible problems or risk factors for certain diseases. It can also help make sure that any other conditions you have are not affecting your eyes.
4. Get the Most out of Coverage When Shopping for Glasses or Contacts
Your insurance likely has a limit on the amount they will cover for lenses, frames, or contacts. Make sure you know what this limit is before you start shopping for glasses or contacts. Next, keep an eye out for discounts or special offers that may help you get more out of your coverage. Glasses, in particular, are expensive, so make sure you aren’t surprised with a hefty bill after ordering your new glasses.
5. Take Advantage of In Store or Online Extras
Many in store and online eye retailers offer extras, like an extra 30% off a second pair of glasses, or buy one pair and get a second pair free. These are extra benefits that you can use alongside your vision insurance. In-network providers who offer these extras can help you save even more money when purchasing glasses or contacts. If you need extra glasses or prescription sunglasses, these extras can really be beneficial.
