How much does vision insurance typically cost per month?

Vision insurance premiums typically range from $5 to $35 per month, with employer-sponsored plans usually on the lower end at $5-$10 monthly. Individual plans from major carriers like VSP or EyeMed average $15-$20 per month, while comprehensive family plans can run up to $40 or more. The exact cost depends on your coverage level, network size, and whether you're buying through an employer or directly.

Does vision insurance cover contact lenses?

Yes, most vision insurance plans cover contact lenses, but you typically have to choose between using your benefit for glasses or contacts each year—not both. Plans usually offer a contact lens allowance of around $150 for standard lenses, plus coverage for your fitting and evaluation (often with a copay). If you want both glasses and contacts in the same year, you'll need to pay out of pocket for one, though you may still get a discount.

Is vision insurance worth it if I only need reading glasses?

If you only need basic reading glasses that you can buy over the counter for $20-$30, vision insurance probably isn't worth it. However, if you need a prescription for reading glasses or progressive lenses, the math changes. An exam plus prescription reading glasses could easily cost $200-$300 out of pocket, while vision insurance might cost you $120-$200 annually total. Calculate your specific costs to decide.

How often should I get an eye exam?

The American Optometric Association now recommends annual eye exams for all adults 18 and older, regardless of whether you have vision problems. This is a change from previous guidance that recommended exams every two years for low-risk adults. Children, people over 60, and anyone with existing eye conditions or chronic diseases like diabetes should definitely stick to annual exams.

Can I use vision insurance at any eye doctor?

It depends on your plan's network. Major insurers like VSP and EyeMed are accepted by about 80% of eye care providers, giving you plenty of choices. However, if you go to an out-of-network provider, you'll typically pay more out of pocket and may need to submit claims for reimbursement yourself. Always check if your preferred eye doctor is in-network before purchasing a plan to maximize your savings.

What's the difference between vision insurance and a vision discount plan?

Vision insurance typically covers an annual eye exam (after a small copay) and provides a set allowance toward frames or contacts. Vision discount plans don't cover services—instead, they negotiate reduced rates with providers that you pay out of pocket. Discount plans usually have lower monthly costs but offer less value if you need significant vision correction. True insurance is usually better if you wear glasses or contacts regularly.

Do I Need Vision Insurance? Cost vs. Savings Guide 2025

Here's the thing about vision insurance: whether you need it depends less on how well you can see and more on what you're already spending on eye care. If you wear glasses or contacts, the math usually works out in your favor. If you don't? Well, it gets more complicated.

Let's break down exactly when vision insurance is worth the premium and when you're better off paying out of pocket. We'll look at real costs, actual savings, and help you figure out which camp you fall into.

What Vision Insurance Actually Covers

Vision insurance isn't like medical insurance. It's really more of a discount plan with some extras thrown in. Most plans follow a pretty standard formula: you get one eye exam per year with a small copay (usually $10-$25), plus an allowance toward frames or contact lenses.

That allowance typically ranges from $100 to $150 for frames, or a similar amount for contacts if you choose those instead. Some plans offer higher allowances—up to $230 on premium plans—but you'll pay more in monthly premiums for that privilege. Beyond your allowance, you'll get discounts on lens enhancements like anti-glare coating (usually around 30% off) and additional pairs of glasses (often 20% off a second pair).

Most plans refresh annually, meaning you get a new exam and frame allowance every 12 months. Some budget plans stretch this to every 24 months, which can work fine if your prescription stays stable.

The Real Cost Comparison

Let's talk numbers. Vision insurance premiums run anywhere from $5 to $35 per month. That's $60 to $420 per year. If you're getting coverage through your employer, you're probably on the lower end—often around $5-$10 monthly.

Now compare that to paying out of pocket. An eye exam without insurance averages $100-$200, depending on where you go. Big-box retailers like Walmart or Target charge around $70-$100, while independent optometrists typically charge $150-$200. Add glasses, and you're looking at another $300-$400 for frames and lenses at a typical optical shop. So your total annual cost without insurance? Easily $400-$600, and that's assuming your prescription doesn't change dramatically.

With vision insurance, you're paying your monthly premium plus a $10-$25 exam copay, then usually just $25-$50 for lenses after your frame allowance. Most people end up spending around $200-$250 total annually with insurance. That's a savings of $150-$350 per year if you actually need glasses or contacts.

When Vision Insurance Makes Sense

You already wear glasses or contacts. This one's pretty straightforward. If you're among the 60% of Americans who need vision correction, insurance almost always pays for itself. You're getting your exam and new glasses or contacts anyway, so why not save a few hundred bucks?

You have kids. Children's vision changes rapidly, and the American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams for kids. If you've got two or three children who all need yearly exams and new glasses, family vision insurance becomes a no-brainer. The savings multiply quickly.

You're over 40 or have existing eye conditions. Age brings vision changes—it's just a fact. If you're dealing with presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma risk, or other age-related issues, you'll need regular monitoring. Vision insurance makes those necessary checkups more affordable.

Your employer offers it cheaply. If vision insurance through work costs you less than $10 per month, grab it. Even if you only use it for annual exams, you're coming out ahead. And you'll have it if your vision changes unexpectedly.

When You Can Skip It

Not everyone needs vision insurance. If you have perfect vision and no family history of eye disease, you might be fine with an exam every couple years at a discount retailer. Pay the $70-$100 out of pocket and you're done. That's cheaper than paying monthly premiums for coverage you rarely use.

Similarly, if you're young, healthy, and only need a new prescription every few years, the math might not work out. Run the numbers: if you're paying $180 annually in premiums but only using $100-$150 in services, you're losing money. In that case, consider setting aside what you'd pay in premiums into a savings account earmarked for eye care. When you need glasses, the money's there.

That said, there's one important caveat: annual eye exams aren't just about updating your prescription. They can detect serious health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even brain tumors before you have symptoms. In a 2016 study, 58% of people getting routine eye exams needed some kind of intervention—new prescriptions, treatment for detected diseases, or monitoring for developing conditions. So even if you think your vision is fine, regular checkups have value beyond just seeing clearly.

How to Maximize Your Vision Insurance

If you decide vision insurance makes sense for you, use it strategically. Schedule your annual exam right after your plan renews so you're getting the most time between checkups. If you need both glasses and contacts, use your frame allowance for glasses first, then apply the contact lens discount to get fitted for contacts—you'll save more that way.

Don't ignore the extras. Many plans offer discounts on LASIK (often 15-50% off), additional pairs of glasses, and premium lens upgrades. If you've been considering laser eye surgery, that discount alone could justify your premium for a year. And if you like having backup glasses or want prescription sunglasses, the 20% discount on a second pair adds up.

Pay attention to your network. The biggest vision insurers—VSP and EyeMed—are accepted by about 80% of providers. But if your favorite optometrist isn't in-network, your out-of-pocket costs could be significantly higher. Check provider networks before you buy, especially if you have an eye doctor you trust and want to keep seeing.

Making Your Decision

Here's the bottom line: vision insurance is worth it if you already spend $200+ annually on eye care. For most glasses and contact lens wearers, that threshold is easy to hit. For everyone else, it depends on your age, your eye health, and how much the insurance actually costs.

Do the math for your specific situation. Add up what you spent on eye care last year—exams, glasses, contacts, solution, everything. Compare that to the annual cost of insurance premiums plus expected copays. If insurance saves you money, get it. If not, you can always reassess next year if your vision needs change.

And remember: the American Optometric Association now recommends annual eye exams for all adults. Whether or not you get insurance, don't skip those checkups. Your eyes are one of the few windows into your overall health, and catching problems early—whether it's changing vision or something more serious—is always worth it.

Do I Need Vision Insurance?

Key Takeaways