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Is Vision Insurance Worth It?

While some employers provide health insurance for their employees, vision care may be excluded. You may still have eye care needs, however, so you might wonder if vision insurance is worth it. Avoiding routine care or neglecting to renew a prescription because of the cost may negatively affect your vision health. A vision insurance policy from Aflac can help you prioritize your eye care while reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Read on to learn how vision insurance works so you can decide if getting a plan is worth it for you.

3 min. read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Vision insurance can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for eye care services, such as routine eye exams and surgeries.
  • Vision insurance policies can be worth the cost, since they can help support and maintain your eye health.
  • Aflac offers primary and supplemental vision insurance policies to help you cover routine and unexpected eye care costs.

What is vision insurance?

Vision insurance is a type of medical insurance policy that covers eye care costs. A vision plan can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for routine eye exams, corrective lenses, and covered eye surgeries.

Some vision insurance plans require you to see an in-network provider, while others allow you to choose your preferred, accredited optometrist or ophthalmologist. Aflac vision insurance offers benefits for exams, glasses, contacts and more for both in-network and out-of-network providers.

How vision insurance works

Vision insurance policies work differently depending on the provider and plan. Generally, they help cover the cost of routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, contacts, and eyeglasses. A plan may also help cover the cost of elective procedures like LASIK, since health insurance typically will not apply.1

Some plans, such as Aflac supplemental vision insurance, offer cash benefits to help cover expenses for certain eye surgeries, diseases, and disorders. Understanding how vision insurance works can help you determine if coverage is right for you.

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What is supplemental vision insurance?

Supplemental vision insurance is a plan that works with your primary vision plan to help cover out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to standalone vision insurance, Aflac offers supplemental vision insurance through employee payroll. Our supplemental vision insurance plan pays cash benefits to help with exam fees and other eye care expenses.

If you're an employer, Aflac supplemental vision insurance can help give your employees the support they need to take care of their eyes. If you're an employee, starting this conversation with your employer can make all the difference.

How much does vision insurance cost?

Vision insurance is generally cost-effective, with an average national cost of $20 per month.1 Factors that impact the cost of vision insurance include:2

  • Age: Older adults tend to pay more due to the higher likelihood of eye issues.
  • Location: People in states with higher costs of living and healthcare tend to pay more.
  • Coverage options: If you want to cover your partner and children, the premium may decrease for each individual covered but increase overall.

Vision insurance premiums are often affordable, and the benefits can make caring for your eyes less financially stressful in the long run.

Is vision insurance worth it?

Standard health insurance typically only provides coverage for emergency eye surgeries and doesn't cover regular eye exams. Having a vision insurance plan in place can help you save money on routine preventive care and elective procedures like LASIK. Consider factors such as your eye care needs and budget when deciding whether this supplemental plan is worth the cost.

Vision insurance FAQs

Do I need vision insurance if I have 20/20 vision?

Yes, even people with 20/20 vision can benefit from vision insurance. Many serious eye conditions, such as cataracts, can be treated or mitigated in their early stages.3 Routine eye exams covered by vision insurance can help catch these issues before they affect your vision.

Can I buy vision insurance on my own?

Yes, you can buy an individual vision insurance plan directly from an insurance provider rather than through an employer. These plans may help cover routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and other eligible services. You can also check whether your employer offers supplemental vision insurance, which may provide additional benefits to help with out-of-pocket eye care costs.

Is it cheaper to get vision insurance?

Yes, for most people who need routine exams or corrective lenses, vision insurance can be cheaper than paying out of pocket. Monthly premiums are generally more affordable than the cost of exams and eyewear without coverage. Your savings depend on your plan and how often you use your benefits.

Get preventive eye care with Aflac vision insurance

Regular eye exams can help you detect early signs of potentially serious problems and provide the preventive care you need. If you've decided that getting a vision insurance plan is worth it, it's time to choose the right plan for your needs. Aflac vision insurance can help you take care of your eyes at an affordable rate. Chat with an agent today to learn more about why our vision insurance plans may be worth it.

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