Hi everyone. I’m not sure if vision insurance is worth it. How does it even work? Is there a deductible?
Here’s my plan:
Do I have to pay the full $130 for frames or is that what’s covered? Would it be better to go to places like America’s Best that offer cheap exams and glasses? I only need glasses for driving or watching TV from a distance. What do you all think?
I think using a flexible spending account or a health savings account is better than vision insurance. You’re not limited to specific doctors, and you can spend the money on what you need without all the paperwork. Vision exams aren’t that expensive, and there are affordable options for glasses and contacts.
@Luca
I agree. I always end up picking glasses that insurance doesn’t cover anyway. It’s just easier to use a flexible spending account for these things.
Based on your numbers, you’d pay $10 for an eye exam, $25 for lenses, and $24 a year for the plan. It would pay up to $130 for frames every two years. If you can get an exam and glasses cheaper without the plan, it’s probably not worth it.
Does America’s Best offer full eye exams or just prescription checks? It’s important to get checked for glaucoma and other eye issues too.
@Finnian
They do offer full exams, but it’s usually about $20 more.
Check your plan documents for details or call their customer service. This forum isn’t the best place for specifics about your plan.
The $130 is what the plan covers for frames.
Vision insurance isn’t really insurance—it’s more like a discount membership. You pay a fee and get discounts. Everyone’s situation is different, so it depends on your needs. I canceled my vision plan and just pay out of pocket. I also found cheaper options for glasses and exams locally. Fashion frames can be a waste if you’re on a tight budget.
Your $2 monthly deduction comes out pre-tax. When you get your exam, you’ll pay the $10 copay out of pocket. For glasses, you’ll pay $25, and the plan covers up to $130 for frames. If the frames cost more than $130, you’ll pay the difference. This plan might be cheaper or more expensive than paying out of pocket, depending on your situation and whether you can use a flexible spending plan.
@Skyler
Vision insurance often feels like a forced savings plan. I’d rather use a flexible spending account and shop around.
@Kiran
They got their prescription from an optometrist. Some doctors even bill insurance creatively to cover it.
From my experience, vision insurance doesn’t save much. It covers a small part of exams, frames, and lenses. Retailers often try to upsell when you mention insurance. My partner found it cheaper to shop clearance and pay out of pocket. Insurance prices sometimes feel inflated to make you think you’re saving money.
Your general health insurance might cover an annual eye exam. If so, you can ask the doctor for your pupillary distance and buy glasses online.
Xavi said:
Your general health insurance might cover an annual eye exam. If so, you can ask the doctor for your pupillary distance and buy glasses online.
Health insurance doesn’t cover vision where I am.
Xavi said:
I’ve heard of people getting affordable glasses from sites like Firmoo. My partner got a pair for around $25.
Did they already know their prescription, or do those sites offer exams?
Vision insurance is more like a discount program. If you don’t need glasses now, it might not be worth it. If you’re older or have a complex prescription, it could be useful. Look at your plan details. Sometimes the copays are higher than paying out of pocket. Online retailers might also be cheaper.
If an exam is free or very cheap, it might not be thorough. Consider seeing an ophthalmologist for a detailed exam every few years.