4 things to consider when choosing the right vision insurance for you

Choosing the right vision insurance plan for you and your family depends on your needs and budget. You may want a plan that covers annual vision exams, glasses, frames, lenses, and contact lenses, as well as laser vision correction with low out-of-pocket costs. A plan with a large network of providers and locations can help you find one convenient to your work or home. A wide selection of frames and lenses may also be important so you can find the style that looks best on you. You’ll also want a plan that’s easy to use, quick to enroll in and secure.

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Here are four things to consider when choosing the right vision insurance for you:

1. What vision insurance plan will be easy for me to use?

With Guardian Direct Focused Vision plans, powered by VSP, you’ll see savings on frames, lenses, contacts, eye exams, and more. Typical annual savings are over $200.¹ You’ll find convenient locations with the largest network of independent doctors in the country. Whether you’re looking for classic styles or trendy frames, you can choose from hundreds of options for your style and budget. Getting started is easy, fast, and secure. You can enroll in minutes and start using your benefits the next business day. 

2. What’s included in my vision insurance coverage?

Vision insurance typically covers annual vision exams, glasses, frames, lenses and contact lenses, as well as laser vision correction. Most plans don’t have deductibles or require waiting periods. Vision plans typically offer an allowance on eyeglasses or contacts. If you choose to see an out-of-network doctor, you may receive less coverage. 

Does vision insurance cover contacts?

Yes, in most cases, there may be savings on contact lenses.

Does vision insurance cover Lasik surgery?

Yes, in most cases, there may be savings on laser vision correction.

Does vision insurance cover bifocals?

Yes, in most cases, there may be savings on bifocal lenses.

Does vision insurance cover blue light lenses?

Some plans may help cover the cost of blue light protective lenses.

Does vision insurance cover sunglasses?

Some plans help cover the cost of prescription sunglasses. Consult your insurance provider to fully understand your plan’s benefits.

Does vision insurance cover cataract surgery?

In most cases, cataract surgery is not covered by vision insurance but it’s likely covered by your medical insurance plan.

Does vision insurance cover glaucoma?

In most cases, glaucoma is not covered by vision insurance, but it’s likely covered by your medical insurance plan.

3. Is vision insurance worth it for me?

Clear vision is needed for many everyday activities and vision insurance can help you cover the costs associated with maintaining your vision. Regular eye exams can help detect conditions such as diabetes² and high blood pressure³ before they become more serious. Caring for your vision can lead to a better quality of life, including fewer headaches, better performance at school, less computer eye strain, more effectiveness at work, and better performance in sports.

As many as 16 million people in the United States have undiagnosed or uncorrected refractive errors in their vision that could be fixed with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery.⁴ In many cases, vision insurance can help cover the costs associated with those issues.

4. What kind of vision insurance will align with my current life stage?

Vision insurance can help you avoid using savings to pay for vision expenses. For what is usually a few dollars a week, you can get your eye exams covered and pay less for your eyeglasses and contact lenses. 

Vision insurance for seniors

Medicare vision benefits vary depending on the type of plan you have. In many cases, vision and dental care is not covered.⁵ Individual vision insurance plans from insurance providers, such as Guardian Direct, supplement Medicare and can provide vision benefits for as low as $14 per month.

Vision insurance for veterans

It’s important for everyone to see an eye doctor annually but especially for veterans who are more likely to have heart disease and diabetes —two conditions eye doctors often detect first. Guardian Direct Focused Vision plans can help you pay for preventive eye care, such as annual exams.

Vision insurance for the self-employed or entrepreneurs

With individual and family vision plan offerings, such as Guardian Direct Focused Vision plans, people who work for themselves can have similar benefits and savings as they would if they were covered under an employer’s plan. 

Vision insurance for college students

In certain cases, students under the age of 26 can remain on their parents’ health insurance. If that’s not an option, many colleges offer their own health plans to students.

Vision insurance for newborns and children

Vision problems can start at any age. Since 80% of what children learn is visual⁶, poor vision can affect your child’s schoolwork, sports performance and more. Getting an early exam for your child can play an important role in their healthy growth and development, as well as supporting their academic advancement. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can help children better see the board in the front of the classroom and the books on their desks. Guardian Direct Focused Vision plans can help you cover the costs of glasses and contacts.