Here's something that surprises most people: vision insurance is actually one of the cheapest types of insurance you can buy. We're talking $5 to $30 per month for coverage that can save you hundreds on eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. If you've been squinting at price tags wondering whether vision insurance is worth it, let's break down exactly what you'll pay and what you'll get in return.
What Does Vision Insurance Actually Cost?
The monthly premium for vision insurance depends on whether you're getting coverage through your employer or buying it yourself. If your employer offers vision insurance, you're looking at the best deal—typically $5 to $10 per month. That's about the cost of two fancy coffees. For individual plans you purchase on your own, expect to pay $13 to $30 monthly. Family plans run a bit higher, usually $20 to $40 per month depending on how many people you're covering.
Let's put that in perspective. On an annual basis, you're spending anywhere from $60 to $360 per year for vision insurance. Compare that to the national average cost of an eye exam, frames, and lenses without insurance—about $531—and you can see why so many people opt in. Even at the higher end of premium costs, you're likely coming out ahead if you need glasses or contacts.
What Your Premium Actually Covers
Vision insurance isn't like health insurance where you're protected against catastrophic costs. Think of it more like a discount club that also covers routine care. Most plans follow a similar structure: they'll cover your annual eye exam with a small copay (usually $10 to $25, or sometimes no copay at all), give you an allowance for frames, and provide discounts on lenses and lens enhancements.
Here's where it gets interesting: frame allowances. Depending on your plan, you'll get anywhere from $100 to $250 toward new frames every year or two. Standard plans might offer $130 to $150, while premium plans can go up to $200 or $250. If you choose frames that cost less than your allowance, you pay nothing. If you fall in love with $300 designer frames and your allowance is $150, you'll pay the $150 difference out of pocket.
Lenses typically come with a small copay—around $10 to $25 for basic lenses. That covers standard single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Want scratch-resistant coating or anti-reflective treatment? You'll usually get a discount on those upgrades rather than full coverage. Contact lens wearers get similar benefits, with allowances typically ranging from $80 to $150 for contacts, plus coverage for contact lens fittings and follow-up visits.
Comparing Major Vision Insurance Providers
The three biggest players in vision insurance are VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision, and their costs vary slightly. VSP individual plans start around $15 per month, with family plans running just under $40. They're known for having the largest network of eye care providers and generous frame allowances. EyeMed tends to be the budget-friendly option, with plans starting as low as $5 per month for basic coverage and topping out around $17.50 for more comprehensive plans. Davis Vision falls somewhere in the middle, offering balanced coverage that's particularly good for families.
Each provider has its sweet spots. VSP shines if you want the most flexibility in choosing an eye doctor and the best coverage for lens enhancements. EyeMed is tough to beat if you're a contact lens wearer on a budget. Davis Vision offers strong value for families who want everyone covered without breaking the bank. The right choice depends on what matters most to you—network size, monthly cost, or specific benefits like contact lens coverage.
Is Vision Insurance Worth the Cost?
The math is pretty straightforward. Without insurance, a comprehensive eye exam costs $95 to $250 depending on where you live. Basic glasses frames run about $100 and up, and lenses add another $100 or more—especially if you need progressives or bifocals. Add it all up and you're looking at $300 to $500 or more for a single pair of glasses with an exam. With insurance, those insured patients typically pay about $25 for an eye exam compared to the $136 average that uninsured patients face.
So when does vision insurance make sense? If you need glasses or contacts and get them updated annually, vision insurance almost always saves you money. Even if you only need new glasses every two years, the coverage for annual eye exams alone can justify the premium—especially if you have eye conditions that require regular monitoring. The people who might skip vision insurance are those with perfect vision who only need an exam every couple of years and never need corrective lenses.
Here's something else to consider: eye exams aren't just about getting a new prescription for glasses. They can catch serious health issues like glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure before you have symptoms. Regular eye care is preventive health care, and vision insurance makes it affordable to stay on top of it.
How to Get the Most Value from Your Vision Insurance
First, actually use your benefits every year. Many people pay for vision insurance and then forget to schedule their annual exam. That's like throwing money away. Most plans reset annually, so if you don't use your frame allowance this year, you can't roll it over to next year. Mark your calendar and book that exam.
Second, stay in-network. Vision insurance works best when you visit participating providers. Out-of-network care usually means you pay upfront and then submit for partial reimbursement—and the reimbursement is typically much less than what you'd save by going to an in-network provider. Check your insurer's provider directory before booking an appointment.
Third, understand your plan's frame benefit cycle. Some plans let you get new frames every year, while others work on a 24-month cycle. If you're on a two-year cycle and really want new frames sooner, you can always buy them out-of-pocket—but you'll usually get a discount as a plan member even if you're not using your frame allowance yet.
Getting Started with Vision Insurance
If you're ready to get vision insurance, start by checking whether your employer offers it. Employer plans are almost always the best deal because your company often subsidizes part of the premium. If you're self-employed or your employer doesn't offer vision coverage, compare individual plans from VSP, EyeMed, and Davis Vision. Look at the total cost—premium plus typical copays—and match it against the benefits you'll actually use.
Pay attention to the provider network, especially if you have an eye doctor you already love. Nothing's more frustrating than signing up for insurance only to find out your preferred provider isn't in-network. Most insurers let you search their network online before you enroll. And remember, vision insurance is typically affordable enough that even if you're not sure you'll use all the benefits, the peace of mind of having coverage for annual eye exams is worth the modest monthly premium. Your eyes are too important to skip regular care just because of cost.
