It’s the time of year when many employer-sponsored and individual insurance plans are up for renewal or re-examination. As such, you may be taking a fresh look at your own vision insurance needs. Finding the right coverage for you and your family is important and time is short, so what should you consider?
Most vision plans include the essentials: a comprehensive annual eye exam, a new pair of glasses every one-to-two years and some contribution towards the cost of contact lenses, but don’t take any of that for granted. The allowance for frames can vary quite a bit, for example, so if designer frames are important to you, you may want to select a plan that accommodates that. Just read your plan details carefully, so you’re not caught off guard.
Major eye issues, surgery and disease treatment generally aren’t covered in a vision insurance plan, and may instead be covered by your general medical insurance.
While you’re thinking through the plan options, be sure to also take into consideration your family’s evolving needs. How many people in your family will need an eye exam this year? Anyone with a diagnosed vision challenge will certainly need an annual exam. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends children get their first comprehensive eye exam between ages 3-5, and every 1-2 years thereafter. Healthy adults with no outward symptoms of eye problems should get an exam every 5-10 years in their 20s and 30s, every 2-4 years in their 40s and with increasing frequency as they age.
And if any members of your family have previously been told eyeglasses or contacts are in their future, you’ll want to be sure to factor that in.
If you’re thinking of changing vision plans, be sure to contact your current eye doctor in advance to ensure they accept your potential new insurer. You may also want to talk with them about what costs you might expect without insurance. For some people, direct pay can actually be more economical.
At North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care, we accept most insurances and vision plans, and we’ll be happy to talk through your specific vision needs. Contact us today at 352-373-4300.