Does Vision Insurance Cover Contact Lenses?

How does vision insurance work?

Vision insurance is a supplemental insurance policy that helps cover routine eye care and vision correction costs in exchange for regular premium payments. Many plans use a benefit schedule, which means they provide set allowances or coverage amounts for specific services.

Depending on your plan, vision insurance may help cover:

• Annual eye exams
• Prescription glasses
• Contact lenses
• Lens enhancements
• Contact lens exams and fittings

You’ll typically receive the highest level of coverage when you visit in-network providers. In contrast, going out of network may reduce your benefits or require you to submit a claim for reimbursement.

Does vision insurance cover contacts?

Yes, many vision insurance plans help cover contact lenses. Coverage varies by plan, but it’s often based on a contact lens allowance. This means your plan may pay a set amount toward contacts each year.

Some plans may also offer discounts through specific eye care providers or online retailers. If your contacts cost more than your plan’s allowance, you’ll typically need to pay the remaining balance out of pocket.

For example, let’s say your plan offers a $150 annual contact lens allowance, and your yearly supply costs $250. In this case, your plan would cover the first $150, and you would pay the remaining $100 out of pocket.

Does insurance cover contact lens exams and fittings?

Many vision insurance plans help cover contact lens exams and fittings, but these services are often billed separately from a routine eye exam.

During your contact lens fitting, your eye doctor will measure your eyes, check your prescription and make sure the lenses fit comfortably. You may also receive trial lenses to test before ordering a full supply.²

Depending on your plan, your insurance may cover part of this cost or require a copay.

How much are contacts without insurance?

While contact lenses cost an average of $20 to $200 per box, your actual cost depends on your prescription, lens type and replacement schedule.³

• Prescription: More complex prescriptions may require specialty contact lenses or custom lens designs, which can increase costs compared to standard contacts.
• Lens type: Specialty lenses, such as toric contacts for astigmatism or multifocal contacts, may cost more.⁴
• Replacement schedule: Daily contacts often cost more because you use a fresh pair each day, while weekly, biweekly or monthly lenses may cost less over time.
• Frequency of wear: If you only wear contacts occasionally, you may not need to order them as often.
• Brand and features: Some brands or lenses with added features, such as moisture retention or UV protection, may be more expensive.⁵
• Supplies: Contact lens solution and storage cases can add to your yearly cost.

How much are contacts with insurance?

The cost of contacts with insurance depends on your plan’s allowance, provider network and the type of lenses you choose. Coverage details vary, so it’s important to check your plan before buying contact lenses with insurance.

Before ordering contacts, you can review your plan details to understand:

• Your annual contact lens allowance
• Whether your plan covers glasses, contacts or both
• Which retailers or providers are in network
• Whether specialty lenses have different coverage rules