Vision Insurance: Everything You Need To Know

Without vision insurance, the average cost of an eye exam can range from $75 to $200 according to Vision Center. This average does not include additional costs that may arise such as the need for corrective lenses or eye surgery. You may be wondering:

How do I acquire vision insurance? Does The ACA provide vision coverage? How do I know which plan is right for me?

We have all the answers to your questions and more. If you are wondering which vision insurance plan is best for you and your family, Call us Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (855) 968-5736.

One of our expert agents is available to review your healthcare options. Check out our free online quoting tool for health coverage estimates for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Can I Get Vision Insurance Through The ACA Marketplace?

Under the ACA, all plans must include the option for parents to opt in for vision coverage for their children. The ACA does not require insurers to provide vision coverage for adults. However, some plans provide adult vision coverage for an additional charge. If your employer offers health insurance, vision coverage could be included in your employee benefits. If not, you can purchase a stand-alone vision plan.

Stand-alone plans are not offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace, but if you are looking for a plan you can contact one of our agents Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (855) 968-5736

What is Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is a supplemental health insurance product similar to dental insurance . Purchasing a supplemental health insurance plan will give you access to additional services not covered in a standard plan.

A typical vision insurance plan covers:

Annual eye exams (Without insurance, an eye exam can range anywhere from $75 to $200)
Corrective lenses or prescription glasses (Without insurance eyeglasses can cost $200 or more and contact lenses can cost anywhere between $200-$1,600 annually)
Some plans provide discounts for corrective surgery

During an eye exam, a doctor will test you for:

Sharpness of vision
Color blindness
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Peripheral vision
How your eyes work together
Vision impairments
Any Other Eye Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction and 40% of adults did not receive an eye exam in 2023. When left unchecked, vision problems can lead to:

Cataracts
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Vision loss or blindness caused by diabetes

Does Eye Surgery Require Vision Insurance?

Medically necessary eye surgery, such as cataract surgery, is typically covered by health insurance. In comparison, elective surgery, such as LASIK, generally is not covered and you will most likely have to pay out-of-pocket. LASIK may be covered if corrective lenses are insufficient or vision is impaired due to injury.

Does Cataract Surgery Require Vision Insurance?

You are not required to have insurance to undergo cataract surgery, however, having insurance will significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost. Depending on the type of cataract surgery, the price can range from $4,000 to $5,000 per eye . While Medicare does not cover annual visits, it does cover surgery and treating eye conditions, such as cataracts and cataract surgery. Finding a vision insurance plan can help you avoid high and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. If you need help finding a plan, one of our agents can help you find one that works best for you and your loved ones. Call us Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (855) 968-5736 and we can answer any questions you may have before choosing a plan.

Types of Vision Insurance Coverage

Various insurance plans are available as an add-on to your primary health insurance plan or through an add-on plan that provides benefits unavailable through major health plans. Your options will vary depending on the state in which you reside, so we highly recommend checking your state insurance website. Several states use VSP Vision Care, a stand-alone vision care company, so that may be the company that your state insurance will recommend for you. Typically, you can add coverage for one person, two people, or a family. If you have questions about which plan is best for you and your loved ones call one of our talented agents Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (855) 968-5736. Want to get an estimate before calling? Check out our free online quoting tool for ACA health coverage estimates.

How Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?

According to Forbes, the average cost of vision insurance is $19 per month . Costs typically range between $5 and $25 monthly. For example, Aflac vision insurance can help save hundreds or thousands of dollars as eyeglasses can cost $200 or more without insurance and contact lenses can cost anywhere between $200-$1,600 annually.

Individual Dental Insurance Plan With Vision Add On

Age	Basic Plan	Core Plan	Elite Plan
50	$28/mo	$41.71/mo	$51.19/mo
55	$28/mo	$41.71/mo	$51.19/mo
60	$30.05/mo	$46.30/mo	$57.59/mo
65	$30.05/mo	$46.30/mo	$57.59/mo
70	$30.05/mo	$46.30/mo	$57.59/mo
75	$30.05/mo	$46.30/mo	$57.59/mo
80	$30.05/mo	$46.30/mo	$57.59/mo

Family Dental Insurance Plan With Vision Add On (Covers Individual, Spouse & Children)

Age	Basic Plan	Core Plan	Elite Plan
50	$107.30/mo	$138.39/mo	$162.63/mo
55	$107.30/mo	$138.29/mo	$162.63/mo
60	$105.60/mo	$141.58/mo	$168.92/mo
65	$105.60/mo	$141.58/mo	$168.92/mo
70	$105.60/mo	$141.58/mo	$168.92/mo
75	$105.60/mo	$141.58/mo	$168.92/mo
80	$105.60/mo	$141.58/mo	$168.92/mo

Vision Insurance For Kids

The ACA requires pediatric vision care as an essential health benefit. The benchmark pediatric vision coverage provided by most states gives children access to one eye exam and one pair of glasses yearly.

Vision screening for children is considered preventive care, which is covered until age 19. While your pediatric vision exam is covered, you may be required to pay copays, deductibles, or coinsurance depending on the plan.

Best Dental and Vision Plans

Bundling your vision and dental plans is a great way to save money and oftentimes you may be able to use your benefits immediately. Additionally, these bundles may not have maximum age limits, waiting periods, or deductibles. This will differ depending on the provider you choose. Aflac offers dental insurance and you can bundle vision with your plan. It is important to note that you can only obtain vision insurance from Aflac if you purchase a dental plan. There is no waiting period for vision coverage with Aflac and you will receive an allowance for corrective lenses. Bundling your vision and dental insurance is a great way to save money and ensure you and your loved ones have the coverage needed. Are you interested in finding a plan? Call us at (855) 968-5736, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. One of our agents will be happy to help you find a perfect policy for you and your family.

Aflac Vision Benefits

Choose Your Plan:	Dental, Vision, Hearing Elite Plan	Dental, Vision, Hearing Core Plan
Vision: Frames, Lenses & Contact Lenses	$250 allowance every 24 mo. after copay with no waiting period	$150 allowance every 24 mo. after copay with no waiting period
Annual Vision Exam	100% coverage after copay	100% coverage after copay

Conclusion

Purchasing a vision plan may be worth the cost if you have a basic health insurance plan and are looking for supplemental coverage. A vision plan can also be helpful if you have poor eyesight and expect to need new contacts or corrective lenses every year.

A vision insurance plan may be beneficial if you have Medicare, which doesn’t typically cover annual eye exams, glasses, or contacts. To avoid a large out-of-pocket cost associated with the need for surgery or corrective lenses, choosing a vision plan may help you save money in the long run.

At Health Care Plan Quotes, we can determine if you should choose a vision insurance plan based on your needs. Call us at (855) 968-5736, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. One of our agents will be happy to help you find a perfect policy for you and your family.

Looking for more health insurance coverage? Check out our free quoting tool which shows you which plans are available on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vision Insurance Cover Lasik?

More than likely your insurance will not cover LASIK. However, insurance may cover the procedure in more extreme cases.

Does Eye Surgery Require Vision Insurance?

No, eye surgery does not require vision insurance. It is important to note that without insurance the out-of-pocket cost will be high.

Does Cataract Surgery Require Vision Insurance

Yes, as long as you had dental coverage (or any other supplemental coverage including prescription and vision coverage) on your previous employer-sponsored group health plan.

Is Vision Insurance Worth It?

Vision insurance can help one avoid high out-of-pocket expenses if there is a need for surgery or corrective lenses.