Best Vision Insurance Companies

October 14, 2021

Vision insurance is the type of insurance that covers routine eye health expenses. It may also reduce out-of-pocket costs for eye exams. However, even if your eyesight is perfect, regular eye exams are essential to check if everything is fine. 

Vision insurance can help you do that in a cost-effective way. Insurance companies sell different types of vision insurance coverage. Usually, they include standard, basic, enhanced, and advanced levels. Therefore, the premium fee for vision insurance varies from level to level. Finding the best vision insurance company can be difficult, considering the number of companies operating in the US. 

There are two types of vision insurance plans: vision benefit plans and discount vision plans

With vision benefits plans, you pay a monthly premium fee and get coverage for annual eye exams, lenses, eyewear, and other eye care needs. 

On the other hand, discount vision plans are somewhat similar to vision benefit plans as they cover the same types of eye exams, frames, and lenses. However, the only difference between the two is that the fee for the discount vision plan is significantly lower than the monthly premium for the vision benefit plan. With discount vision plans, you can expect to get a discount of 15% to 35%. 

This article will shed light on:

  • The Best Vision Insurance Companies and Their Key Features
  • Whether or Not Vision Insurance Is Necessary
  • How to Choose a Vision Insurance Plan
  • Vision Insurance Coverage
  • The Exclusions of Vision Insurance

Methodology

There are many different vision insurance plans available. However, you should opt for the one that suits your needs best. 

Some of the criteria to have in mind while searching for vision insurance plans include:

Coverage

Coverage includes the plan benefits offered to the customers. So, for example, if you are looking for affordable individual plans, you can check out the VSP coverage. And if you think that the benefits are well suited for your needs, you can ask for a VSP vision insurance quote. 

Additional Discounts

Before settling on an insurance company, it’s essential to bring additional discounts into consideration. For example, many insurers offer discounts on frames (on the remaining balance), LASIK surgeries, and pairs of glasses. 

Customer Support 

The truth is that no matter what vision insurance plans the insurance company offers, customer support also plays a significant role. So, before purchasing the plan, make sure to consider the ease of navigation, claim processing, and level of customer support. 

Product
Rating
Key Features
Website
1
OVERALL RATING
4.8
Expert Review
  • 30 days guarantee
  • Great plans
  • No waiting period
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
2
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review
  • Available in 43 states
  • Individual plans cost $13 to $15 per month
  • A $35 enrolment fee
PRICE: $ 4.8
Get a Deal
3
OVERALL RATING
4.7
Expert Review
  • No waiting period
  • 30 days guarantee
  • Additional discounts on eyewear, non-prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
4
OVERALL RATING
4.9
Expert Review
  • Biggest vision insurance provider in the US
  • A variety of flexible plans
  • Vision insurance individual plans cost $13 per month
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
5
OVERALL RATING
4.6
Expert Review
  • Operates in 44 states
  • 80,000 providers in the US
  • A whopping 35% discount on LASIK surgeries
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
6
OVERALL RATING
4.8
Expert Review
  • Operates all over the US
  • No waiting period
  • Over 4 million customers nationwide
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
7
OVERALL RATING
4.8
Expert Review
  • 15% off on LASIK surgeries
  • Wide network of providers
  • Premiums start at $5 per month
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
8
OVERALL RATING
4.9
Expert Review
  • Rated A+ by Better Business Bureau
  • No waiting period
  • Discounts on LASIK
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
9
OVERALL RATING
4.5
Expert Review
  • Over 60 years of experience
  • Possibility to bundle dental insurance with vision insurance
  • Over 13.1 million customers nationwide
PRICE: $
Get a Deal
10
OVERALL RATING
4.5
Expert Review
  • Easy to navigate
  • A vast network of partnering insurance carriers and brokers
  • Provided its services to over 18 million customers
PRICE: $
Get a Deal

vi

Direct Vision was founded some 20 years ago. And since then, it has helped thousands of customers protect their vision. The company has over 12,000 insurance agents whose job is to provide coverage to over 125,000 Americans. 

Direct Vision is one of the best vision insurance companies in the US, despite operating on a smaller scale than the industry’s big names. The insurer allows you to choose plans from EyeMed and VSP.

The company aims to provide affordable vision insurance to people. The plans that the insurer sells to households, small businesses, and individuals are written by Ameritas Life Insurance. 

Apart from offering maximum vision coverage at affordable rates, Direct Vision also provides excellent discounts. Customers can save on eye exams and treatments and shop for good-quality eyewear from both in-network and out-network providers. 

In addition, consumers have 30 days after their plan becomes effective to cancel it if they are not satisfied. 

If you are on the lookout for vision insurance with no waiting period, this should be it. 

PROS:
  • 30-day satisfaction guarantee
  • Flexible plans
  • Online quotes
  • Low deductibles for both individuals and families
  • No waiting period
CONS:
  • A vision insurance enrollment fee of $25
  • Not available in all US states

Humana, founded 60 years ago, is an excellent vision insurance company that operates in 43 states. The insurer offers discounts to customers if they use up all the allowance. For example, you can receive a 20% off your balance for your frames allowance and a 15% discount for contact lenses with some plans. 

Humana offers various insurance plans, including the MyOption vision plan, an add-on to Humana Medicare Advantage plans.

Humana’s plans usually include: 

  • Eye health exams
  • An annual allowance for glasses’ frames
  • A coverage rate for prescription lenses
  • Partial coverage for contact lenses
  • Discounts on services not covered by the plans

Humana customers can choose between two vision insurance plans: HumanaOne Vision Focus Plan and Humana Vision PPO. The cost of coverage varies from state to state, but the general starting costs of vision insurance plans are $13 to $16 per month. 

In addition, Humana charges an enrollment fee of $35, which can be waived if you bundle up a vision insurance plan with a dental plan. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

Humana was founded by David A. Jones Sr. and Wendell Cherry in 1961 as a nursing home company. 

User Satisfaction

The insurance plans score well for customer satisfaction and quality. 

Customer Support

One of the reasons people love Humana is that you can contact its customer support in different ways. 

If you have any inquiries regarding vision insurance, you can call using the contact number provided on the website. The website and mobile application also support live chat. Alternatively, if you want to seek social support, the Humana team is also available on Twitter seven days a week from 6 AM to 8 PM.  

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

Humana offers fair premium prices, and it provides very generous contact coverage.

PROS:
  • Multiple plans for contact lens allowance
  • No annual vision insurance deductible
CONS:
  • Enrolment fee of $35
  • Discounts are limited to in-network providers

Spirit Vision is an add-on to Spirit Dental Care insurance, providing discounts on eyewear and exams. 

Mayer, the founder of Spirit Insurance, aims to provide affordable insurance to every American. What started as a small dental insurance company soon saw immense success. It began offering individuals, groups, families, and seniors vision insurance to help them cover their routine checkups and vision insurance eye exams. 

The insurance company offers an array of extra discounts, including:

  • 15% off on additional purchases of contact lenses
  • 20% off on non-covered items like non-prescription sunglasses
  • 40% off on extra pairs of eyewear 

The best perk and benefit offered by Spirit Insurance is that the company provides access to a broad network of providers and reputable optical retail outlets in America. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

The insurance company was founded in 2001. 

User Satisfaction

Spirit Vision is a relatively small insurance company compared to others mentioned on the list. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not good. On the contrary, the company has excellent reviews and is recommended by many.  

Customer Support

To inquire more about its vision insurance plans, you can give a call to its registered number mentioned on the website. The dedicated and passionate customer support team ensures that all essential details like the plans, coverages, and premium fees are communicated to you. 

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

Spirit Vision offers the best vision insurance for seniors. In addition, it’s perfect for people who suffer from chronic eye conditions. 

PROS:
  • Extensive coverage options with small copays for routine service
  • No waiting period for major procedures
  • Customized plans
CONS:
  • More expensive than other vision insurance providers mentioned on the list
  • It’s necessary to bundle up a vision insurance plan with dental insurance

VSP Vision Care is America’s largest vision insurance provider, operating in all the states. The insurance company currently has over 88 million members and over 40,000 doctors. The Better Business Bureau has rated the company A+.

VSP Vision Care has over 73,000 access points at 23,000 locations in the US. The company offers different vision plans in different states. However, its standard plan is available nationwide. VSP Individual Vision plans start at only $13 per month.

The vision insurance VSP also provides savings on many lens enhancements. In addition, VSP Vision Care allows its customers to choose between an array of plans and receive discounts on well-known eyewear brands. 

Whether you’re looking for an individual plan or a trusted vision insurance company for families, VSP Vision Care is an excellent option to consider.

When Did It Appear on the Market?

The vision insurance company was founded in 1955 and, after years of hard work, became the number one vision insurance provider in the US.

User Satisfaction

With over 65 years of experience in the vision insurance industry, VSP Vision Care is one of the highly rated and most recommended vision insurance companies in the US.

Customer Support

Whether you have questions about vision coverage limits or consider buying vision insurance from VSP Vision Care, you can call using the number mentioned on the company’s official website. 

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

Whether you are looking for vision insurance for the self-employed or families, VSP Vision Care is one of the most reliable vision insurance companies to consider.

PROS:
  • Various plans to choose from
  • Flexible plans
  • Available in all states
  • Discounts on eyewear brands
  • The biggest vision insurance provider in the US
  • Individual vision insurance starts at $13
CONS:
  • Limited options for out-of-network care
  • Not combinable with Medicaid plans

UnitedHealthcare is available in 44 states and is the only company that offers a whopping 35% discount on LASIK surgeries. The insurance company has over 80,000 network providers and holds an A rating from AM Best. 

If you want to reduce your monthly premium fee, you can bundle vision insurance with other coverages provided by the insurance company. 

The vision insurance plans are not available in Alaska, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New York, New Mexico, and Virginia. 

The company offers two vision insurance plans:

Plan Premium Fee
Plan A is great for people who either use contact lenses or glasses.  Starting at $10.40 per month
Plan B provides allowances for both eyeglasses and contact lenses.  Starting at $14.30 per month

For both plans, a copay of $10 will apply to annual eye exams and lenses. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

The insurance company was founded in 1977, and in 2003, it acquired Golden Rule Insurance. 

User Satisfaction

UnitedHealthcare is ranked the highest in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. The insurance company is a primary choice for millions of Americans. Due to the discounts, customer support, and vision benefits, UnitedHealthcare is rated high by its customers. 

Customer Support

Whether you want to know how to make use of your vision benefits or inquire about the premium fees, the customer representatives of UnitedHealthcare are available at all times to provide support.

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

People who want to get LASIK surgery should consider buying coverage from UnitedHealthcare because the company offers 35% off on LASIK surgeries. 

PROS:
  • A 35% discount on LASIK
  • Available in 44 states
  • One of the biggest vision insurance companies in the US
  • Plan A and Plan B available, with premiums starting at $10.40 and $14.30 per month, respectively
CONS:
  • You will have to pay more for out-of-network care.

Ameritas is one of the largest healthcare providers in the US. It’s known for providing comprehensive vision insurance coverage for families. Ameritas operates in all 50 US states and offers affordable vision insurance plans.

Previously, the insurance company was known as The Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska. Currently, Ameritas has over 4 million customers nationwide. One of the perks the insurer offers its customers is that its vision insurance plans contain no waiting period. 

Ameritas provides two plans that offer different coverage levels:

Plan Benefits
Lower Tier Plan
  • EyeMed network coverage
  • Allowance for new glasses every two years
  • A $25 eye exam deductible
  • Allowance of $130 for frames and contact lenses
Higher Tier Plan
  • Access to VSP’s network of independent doctors
  • A low copay for eye exams at $10
  • A $150 allowance for frames or contacts every year

Ameritas vision insurance plans start at a monthly premium of $23.47, offering customers free eye exams every year. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

Owned by Ameritas Mutual Holding Company, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. is an insurance company established in 1887. 

User Satisfaction

The insurance company has received high ratings from AM Best and Standard & Poor. 

Customer Support

The insurance company offers round-the-clock customer support to help customers with claims, policy information, and queries related to the provided services. 

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

If you want to buy vision insurance coverage from a reliable insurance company, Ameritas should be top of your list. It offers affordable yet comprehensive coverage for families. 

PROS:
  • No waiting period
  • Vision insurance plans available for families
  • One of the biggest healthcare providers in America
CONS:
  • Lower allowance with the basic plan

EyeMed is no doubt one of the best vision insurance providers in the US. The insurance company offers multiple plans with allowances for frames and contact lenses. EyeMed is a top pick for contact lens coverage as it provides a whopping $200 allowance for contact lens.

The insurance company has over 44,000 access points. Some of its partner companies include the big names of Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, and Target Optical. However, what makes EyeMed customers’ primary choice is that its plans start with a premium of only $5 per month. 

EyeMed vision plans are based on one primary rule: the more the premium fee, the more discount you will receive on eyewear, frames, and contact lenses. 

Plan Price Benefits
EyeMed Healthy $5 per month Discounts only on glasses and contacts
EyeMed Bold $17.50 per month Allowance for frames, contact lenses, and other vision benefits
EyeMed Bright $30 per month

In addition, customers can also avail 15% off coupons on LASIK surgeries, 20% off on frames, and 40% off on additional pairs of glasses by visiting its in-network providers. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

EyeMed was founded in Cincinnati in 1988. Currently, the company has over 60 million funded benefit members, while its client family consists of 20,000 people.

User Satisfaction

The insurance company received an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau. 

Customer Support

EyeMed has been receiving top customer service marks for the last 12 years. It’s 1 of 10 call centers in the United States with the highest customer service marks for 12 consecutive years.

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

If you want to buy vision insurance coverage from a trusted provider, you should consider giving EyeMed a shot. The company offers three vision insurance plans that people can choose from. 

PROS:
  • Premium fee starting at $5 per month
  • 15% off coupon on LASIK
  • A network of 44,000 locations
  • No waiting period
CONS:
  • Lower contact lens allowance in comparison to other companies

Another reliable insurance company known for providing excellent vision insurance plans at great prices is Davis Vision. 

The insurance company offers three plans:

  • Essential
  • Classic
  • Premiere

Let’s look at their prices and benefits:

Plan Price Benefits
Essential Starting at $12.50 a month
  • $15 eye exams
  • Allowance on frames up to $125
  • Lenses covered in full
Classic Starting at $20.62 a month
  • $150 allowance on frames
Premiere Starting at $22.50 a month
  • $200 allowance on frames

A great benefit of buying vision coverage from Davis Vision is that the insurance company offers discounts on LASIK surgeries. 

With vision insurance offered by Davis Vision, customers get a one-year breakage warranty on plan-covered glasses. The company also has over 107,000 access points across the US. In fact, if we get specific, four out of five eye care retailers are part of its network. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

From 1917 till 1963, Davis Vision operated as a retail optical business. However, in 1964, an ophthalmic laboratory was opened. 

User Satisfaction

Davis Vision received a B from Better Business Bureau. In addition, the vision insurance company offers discounts, which makes it attractive on the market.

Customer Support

Want to receive a Davis Vision insurance quote? Call the customer support team using the registered number. To have your queries answered, make sure to call them during:

Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 11 PM (ET)
Saturday: 9AM to 4PM (ET)
Sunday: 12 PM to 4 PM (ET)

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

If you want to buy comprehensive coverage, Davis Vision should be your top choice. The insurance company offers multiple plans and additional discounts. Plus, it’s one of the oldest vision insurance providers in the US. 

PROS:
  • Plan cancelation within 30 days
  • Comparatively low premium fees
  • Low deductibles
  • Discounts on LASIK surgeries
  • Four out of five eyecare retailers are part of its network
CONS:
  • Not great out-of-network coverage

Denali Dental & Vision is an insurance company that allows customers to bundle dental insurance with vision insurance plans to ensure they receive coverage at one place, at a great price. 

The plans are underwritten by Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of America, Indianapolis, IN, and in New York by Renaissance Life & Health Insurance Company of New York, Binghamton, NY. 

When Did It Appear on the Market?

Denali Dental & Vision has 60 years of experience in dental claims processing. The insurance company currently provides coverage to over 13.1 million people in the United States. 

User Satisfaction

Denali Dental & Vision is not necessarily a vision insurance company. But, it’s still highly rated by the customers. 

Customer Support 

To inquire about the plans, users can call the company on the provided number or send an email.

PROS:
  • No waiting periods
CONS:
  • No info regarding vision insurance plans on the website

HealthNetwork is an independent marketplace that has helped over 18 million customers research their health insurance options. Apart from vision insurance, the company offers access to short-term health insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and dental insurance.

The independent insurance marketplace allows customers to connect with major insurance companies to benefit from vision discounts on eyewear and routine eye checkups. 

You’ll need to provide your email and some basic information to access the offers from HealthNetwork partnering insurance carriers and brokers. Supplemental vision plans may offer savings and discounts on prescription lenses, frames, contacts, and sunglasses. 

In addition, you can access policy quotes from different carriers on the website.

When Did It Appear on the Market?

The company was founded in 2015, and since then, has helped millions of consumers to connect with benefit carriers. 

User Satisfaction

HealthNetwork receives excellent customer ratings and is one of the highly recommended vision insurance marketplaces

Customer Support

You can contact HealthNetwork customer support by filling in the form on the website or emailing them.

Why Should You Give It a Shot?

The company offers discounted plans and extensive coverage.

PROS:
  • Helps consumer connect with benefit carriers
  • Company’s reliability
CONS:
  • No information regarding plans and prices on the website

Availability 

Since the coverage may vary from state to state, check the insurance plan details in your state. 

Is Vision Insurance Necessary?

Vision insurance definition is simple. It’s a plan designed to reduce your costs for routine eye checkups and other expenses. 

Even though vision insurance isn’t necessary, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase it. Some people think they don’t require vision insurance because they don’t wear glasses or contact lenses. However, people don’t buy this insurance just to cover the cost of contact lenses and eyewear.

Generally, health insurance plans only cover unexpected costs of eye injury or disease. On the other hand, vision insurance offers coverage for annual eye exams, treatments, discounts for LASIK, and more. In other words, it’s much more than checking whether or not your current eye prescription is correct. 

However, if you consider buying vision insurance just to cover your routine eye exams, it might not be a good idea. 

To know whether or not you should purchase vision coverage, take a look at the cost of one-year vision insurance and compare it with how much you pay for eye exams, contact lenses, treatments, etc., per year. 

What Does Vision Insurance Usually Cover?

Vision insurance benefits typically include:

  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Routine checkups 
  • Contact lenses 
  • Eyeglass frames 

Some plans may even provide discounts on LASIK and PRK. 

 

What Does Vision Insurance Not Cover?

Vision insurance doesn’t cover elective eye surgeries. It also doesn’t cover floaters, allergies, eye infections, and other severe diseases. Furthermore, some vision insurance plans don’t cover contact lens fittings or yearly contact lens evaluations. 

You might be wondering, why get vision insurance then? Because regardless of it not covering elective eye surgeries and other conditions considered “medical,” it helps you save a lot of money on regular checkups, prescription glasses, frames, lenses, and more. 

How Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?

The two primary questions people have regarding the cost of vision insurance are:

  • When is vision insurance worth it? 
  • How much is vision insurance? 

Final Verdict: Do I Need Vision Insurance?

The most significant benefit of vision insurance is that it reduces the cost of eye care. Whether you have to get a routine exam or buy prescription glasses, it will cover the costs.
Each vision insurance company is known for offering different sets of perks. To choose the best vision insurance, all you have to do is understand your needs and research a few vision insurance options.

As we discussed earlier, by comparing your yearly medical expenses with vision insurance premiums and benefits, you’ll know how much you’ll be able to save and whether or not vision insurance is a good idea for you.

Vision insurance average cost for an individual is anywhere between $5 to $15 per month, and for families, it’s between $30 to $40 per month. 

FAQs

Is Vision Insurance Covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare, which is Parts A and B, offers limited vision coverage. In addition, it usually doesn’t cover routine eye care. However, some Medicare Advantage plans provide extensive vision coverage, including regular vision care. 

Can I Get Vision Insurance if I Don’t Have Regular Health Insurance?

Yes, you can. Since vision insurance is considered supplemental insurance, you’re not required to have a regular health insurance plan to purchase vision insurance. 

Does Vision Insurance Cover Lasik or PRK?

Most insurers don’t cover LASIK and PRK because they’re considered elective cosmetic surgeries. However, some insurance companies offer discounts on LASIK. 

Will Vision Insurance Pay For Any Frames I Want?

If you purchase a lower-cost limit vision plan, the chances are that you will receive a lower frame allowance. Generally, vision insurance pays for frames up to a set amount. Therefore, you will have to pay the difference.  

Does Vision Insurance Replace My Glasses if I Break or Lose Them?

Replacement coverage is usually not included in vision insurance. To know for sure, contact your insurance provider.