Vision Insurance: Is It Right For You

Vision insurance helps cover the cost of routine eye care — including exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Here's what you need to know about whether it makes sense to add vision coverage.

What Vision Insurance Covers

• Annual or biennial comprehensive eye exams
• Eyeglass frames (allowance typically $100–$200)
• Prescription lenses
• Contact lenses (in lieu of glasses)
• Discounts on LASIK surgery (many plans)

Is Vision Insurance Worth It?

It depends on your situation. If you wear glasses or contacts, vision insurance often pays for itself. If you have excellent vision and rarely need eye exams, the math may not work out — especially for lower-cost standalone plans.

A single eye exam typically costs $80–$150 without insurance. Frames and lenses can easily run $200–$500+ out of pocket. If you need new glasses every 1–2 years, vision insurance is usually worth the investment.

Vision & Medicare

Original Medicare does not cover routine vision care. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include vision benefits — annual eye exams, an allowance for glasses or contacts, and sometimes discounts on LASIK.