Best Vision Insurance for Seniors in 2024
Our experts researched and reviewed 10 vision insurance plans and narrowed the list to their top 5 recommendations.
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- Plenty of affordable plans to choose from
- Major services are covered from the start (no waiting periods)
- Includes coverage for routine vision care, glasses, and contact lenses
- Combines comprehensive dental and vision insurance
- Customizable plans and add-ons
- Affordable copays
- The largest network of independent providers
- Significant discounts on contact lenses and eyeglass enhancement
- Full coverage for standard eye needs (after deductible)
- Marketplace that connects users with the best vision insurance carriers
- Easily compare companies and plans
- Excellent customer service
- No enrollment fees
- Easy claims process
- Excellent customer service
Contents
Best Ranked Vision Insurance Plans for Seniors
As the body ages, it is not unusual for vision to become weaker. In fact, many seniors require corrective lenses and regular therapies for an array of eye conditions and diseases. Common conditions beyond vision loss that older adults may face include glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, presbyopia, and temporal arteritis. While preventive annual checkups are essential to maintaining good eye health and vision for a lifetime, that might only be possible with a solid vision insurance plan in place.
Here are the Best Vision Insurance Plans for Seniors for 2024
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Direct Vision Insurance - This provider allows members to utilize a network of eye doctors to enjoy discounts and savings on standard services and vision correction aids like glasses and contacts. -
Spirit Vision - A smaller insurance company with generous payout limitations, Spirit Vision also offers dental insurance policies. -
VSP - VSP plans are designed to complement Medicare benefits, making getting the vision care seniors need even more affordable and within reach through a large provider network. -
eHealth - eHealth is not a provider of policies, but rather a hub that helps seniors find the vision insurance coverage they need by offering quotes and information from many top companies. -
UnitedHealthcare - This provider offers good benefits at reasonable rates, and is widely accepted by thousands of providers, including large retailers like Costco and Target.
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1. Direct Vision Insurance - Best Provider Comparison
What we like most
- Plenty of affordable plans to choose from
- Major services are covered from the start (no waiting periods)
- Includes coverage for routine vision care, glasses, and contact lenses
Direct Vision InsuranceThere is one thing that many seniors desire concerning insurance coverage, and that’s having plenty of options. Direct Vision Insurance is a company designed to give those needing a vision plan multiple choices of plans and providers both in and out of network at great rates. However, choosing a provider from VSP or EyeMed network plans will reap customers greater savings on routine exams, eyewear, and other services.
Pros About Direct Vision Insurance
- Flexible, affordable plans to fit your needs at reasonable rates
- No waiting periods for major services to be covered
- No claims forms to fill out
- Covers routine vision care, glasses, and contact lenses
- Discount offers for LASIK procedures
Cons About Direct Vision Insurance
- With so many flexible options, guaranteed issue, and competitive rates, Direct Vision Insurance customers don’t report cons to the company’s services.
Pricing
Pricing and quotes will vary wildly across the board, as it will depend on the plan one chooses, their age, and most importantly, the provider they choose and whether they are considered in the policyholder’s network. Direct Vision Insurance has a convenient online search form that allows you to get more specific about policy prices. The system even permits users to narrow down results to refine them even further to meet their vision insurance needs.
The Bottom Line
This is a great route for seniors simply wanting to cover the cost of exams, eyewear, contacts, and other vision services without the hassle of dealing with claim forms or ID cards. Seniors also appreciate the option to use out-of-network providers, especially those who frequently travel or live a nomadic lifestyle.
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2. Spirit Vision - Best Insurance Bundles
What we like most
- Combines comprehensive dental and vision insurance
- Customizable plans and add-ons
- Affordable copays
Spirit VisionOverview
Spirit Vision is a smaller company that offers an array of dental plans to which customers can add a vision plan. In combination, these policies are ideal for most senior’s vision and dental needs. In particular, Spirit Vision plans are excellent for those who need serious dental work or suffer from chronic eye conditions. The company offers vision policies through the EyeMed Care Network and has some nice add-ons for both families and seniors.
Pros About Spirit Vision
- Comprehensive coverage w/ small co-pays for routine services
- Customized plans for individual's needs
- No waiting period for major procedures
- Security of having dental and vision policies bundled
Cons About Spirit Vision
- Must bundle vision plan w/ a dental plan
- Prices are much higher than the average for the dental plans, hence higher cost overall for vision coverage
Pricing
Because Spirit Vision plans are only available as a supplemental bundled policy with dental coverage, the additional charge for vision insurance is currently $7 per month. That being said, the cost of their dental policies for individuals and families varies. On average, the cost for a premier plan is $84 monthly for an individual, which is among the highest rates in the industry. Budget-minded seniors may want to pursue other options. The exception being those who need extensive dental work, in which case Spirit Vision and Dental plans are a good deal.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the company’s combination dental and vision insurance packages are comprehensive, yet more expensive than competitors. However, they do offer immediate coverage and have generous allowances for even costly procedures. If major dental work or intensive vision care is shortly needed, Spirit Dental may be the ideal company to meet your needs.
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3. VSP - Best for Uninsured Seniors
What we like most
- The largest network of independent providers
- Significant discounts on contact lenses and eyeglass enhancement
- Full coverage for standard eye needs (after deductible)
VSPOverview
VSP Vision Plans are one of the most affordable and versatile options on the market today. However, they are basically designed to supplement Medicare plans, with policies covering things that Medicare typically does not. This helps seniors keep vision costs under control and predictable. By choosing upgraded options, seniors can save even more on enhancements such as trifocals, bifocals, colored contact lenses, progressive eyeglass lenses, and certain types of laser correction surgery.
Pros About VSP
- VSP boasts the country’s largest network of independent providers
- Members can save up to 60% on hearing aids
- Policy upgrades available
- Generous full coverage for standard eye needs after meeting deductible
- Open enrollment periods
Cons About VSP
- Must have an upgraded policy for discounts on enhancements like transition lenses, anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings, etc.
- Without Medicare in place, the policy isn’t really useful
- Higher co-pay for contact lenses than average
Pricing
According to their website, VSP insurance individual plans start at $13 per month for a standard policy. On average, individuals can save up to $200 annually on their eye exams and glasses while enjoying additional discounts on hearing aids through provider TruHearing. Many of these savings cannot be enjoyed under original Medicare policies on their own.
The Bottom Line
Seniors in the market for a great way to supplement their current vision coverage under original Medicare will find VSP to be an affordable policy to boost their annual savings. They are one of the few companies that will provide significant discounts for contact lenses and eyeglass enhancements. Seniors will also appreciate the great hearing aid discounts available should they find themselves in need of one.
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4. eHealth
What we like most
- Marketplace that connects users with the best vision insurance carriers
- Easily compare companies and plans
- Excellent customer service
eHealthOverview
As the largest online marketplace for insurance today, eHealth is not a provider of coverage, but it is a service that connects individuals and families with companies that can meet their vision insurance needs. eHealth works with the nation’s largest providers, such as AARP, Humana, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente, and seniors may be able to add vision coverage to a current health policy. The company makes it easy to compare plans, and eHealth has a solid reputation for having friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives.
Pros About eHealth
- One of the nation’s largest networks of providers
- Side-by-side comparisons are easy to view online
- Website is easy to use
- Ability to search by doctor, allowing consumers to possibly use their current provider
- Helpful terminology explanation section on site discussing coverage types
Cons About eHealth
- If current doctor isn’t on the network, you’ll need a new provider
- Numerous choices may be overwhelming for seniors
Pricing
Because eHealth is an online marketplace for thousands of insurance providers, the prices for vision coverage will vary. Age, where one lives, the maximum coverage they desire, and the company chosen will ultimately determine how much premiums are for customers.
The Bottom Line
Seniors looking to have an easy way to shop for vision insurance with the ability to do side-by-side comparisons of features, costs, and deductibles should give eHealth a try. They have an extensive network, so it’s likely your current eye doctor is within one of the partnership’s network of providers. eHealth offers those on a budget and with time constraints a viable option for quickly finding vision insurance.
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5. UnitedHealthcare
What we like most
- No enrollment fees
- Easy claims process
- Excellent customer service
UnitedHealthcareOverview
UnitedHealthcare is one of the industry’s largest players, and overall the company gets positive reviews from customers. They offer a solid level of benefits with numerous policy options for vision insurance. Typically, customers will have both health and vision insurance bundled with UnitedHealthcare policies. Seniors will benefit from the company’s large list of in-network providers in addition to having access to out-of-network providers.
They offer standard and premium vision plans and are one of the few companies that doesn’t require an enrollment fee. One thing to note is that UnitedHealthcare has become a bit harder to obtain on an individual or family level, as the company has shifted more towards catering to corporate-held policy.
Pros About UnitedHealthcare
- No enrollment fees
- Solid industry reputation for prompt service and easy claims processes
- Out-of-network benefits are above average
- Generous eyeglass frame allowances
Cons About UnitedHealthcare
- Premium plan doesn’t offer much more than standard plan
- Premiums tend to be high for individuals
- Co-pays higher than average
- Retail access to policies may be limited
Pricing
Pricing will depend on personal factors to some extent, but for vision policies, UnitedHealthcare offers standard plans for individuals starting at $12 per month and $19 for families. While they aren’t the cheapest company, the benefits they offer are arguably worth a few extra bucks. There is no enrollment fee, and there may be discounts when paying annually or bundling with other insurance services through UnitedHealthcare.
The Bottom Line
While the premium plans have greater contact lens allowances, the standard plan is the most popular program UnitedHealthcare offers for vision insurance. Seniors like that there is both in and out-of-network compensation available and that there are 88,000 providers to choose from on their vast listings. This makes it easy to find an eye doctor nearby that accepts UnitedHealthcare.
What is Vision Insurance?
Vision insurance generally refers to wellness plans established to help policyholders lower their out-of-pocket costs for preventive and routine eye care, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other eye-related treatments. Some policies may even cover corrective surgeries and procedures such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK. However, vision insurance doesn’t work the same way as traditional medical insurance, which offers unlimited benefits after meeting deductibles and copays.
Rather, most vision plans work as discount plans with set limits and benefits in exchange for an annual premium. Vision insurance covers much of the cost of comprehensive eye examinations, eyewear, and contact lenses, with policyholders paying a small co-pay and or meeting a deductible before benefits kick in. Most policies require add-ons to cover enhancements such as scratch-resistant coatings, photochromic lenses, progressive lenses, and anti-reflective coatings.
What Does Vision Insurance Cover?
Every vision insurance provider will offer different levels of coverage amid their range of policies and add-on options. However, the primary services and enhancement options are typically the same across the board. Traditionally, one can expect a good vision insurance policy to offer the following benefits.
- Eye Examinations: Policyholders will qualify for one annual vision exam, with co-pays ranging between $10-$20.
- Eyeglass Frames: Often offered in the form of an ‘allowance,’ which is how much the insurer will pay, eyeglass frame discounts range between $125-$150 depending on the provider.
- Lenses for Eyewear: Typically, out-of-pocket costs for standard lenses are a co-pay ranging between $20-$30, with benefits available once annually.
- Contact Lenses: Payouts for contacts average between $100 and $150, depending on the level of coverage and policy limitations.
- LASIK and Surgical Procedures: Many providers will offer some type of discount or coverage for vision correction surgeries. The amounts will vary, but they average around $500 max payout.
Common enhancements or add-ons to vision policies allow benefits for transition lenses, progressive lenses, polycarbonate lenses, scratch-resistant coatings, etc.
What Does Vision Insurance NOT Cover
As with any type of insurance policy, there will be exclusions concerning what the company will and will not cover. Vision insurance is no different, and exclusions will vary from provider to provider. However, vision insurance coverage typically excludes:
- Exams beyond one per year.
- Eyeglass replacements w/o warranty insurance.
- Charges for missed appointments.
- Provider application fees or miscellaneous charges.
- Reading glasses or magnification devices.
- Experimental procedures.
- Medically related eye problems that should be covered under a health policy.
How Much Does Vision Insurance Cost?
How much vision insurance costs will depend on several factors, including whether the coverage is employer-provided and whether it is bundled with a larger policy such as health and dental. Other factors, such as where the applicant lives, their age, the level of coverage requested, etc., will also play a role in determining the final cost of a vision insurance premium.
Seniors who are still covered under an employer-sponsored plan may have the option to participate in a flexible spending account for vision care. Another affordable option for seniors is to purchase a Vision Service Plan (VSP). The best advice here is to shop around or use a search company that will ease the process of getting matched up with the best carrier within your budget.
Why is Vision Insurance a Good Investment for Seniors?
Vision insurance is a wise investment for most seniors, as age tends to bring about weaker vision and can foster a number of age-related eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eyes, to name a few. It is recommended that seniors over the age of 64 receive a comprehensive eye examination once a year, according to the American Optometric Organization. However, those with an eye-related condition or really poor vision will want to come in twice per year.
The nonprofit organization FAIR Health states that an eye exam’s cost ranges between $128-$200, and the average co-pay for examinations is around $20 per visit. With a fairly priced policy, the cost of one eye exam can easily recompense expenses on policy premiums. Seniors who require corrective lenses or who manage an eye-related condition with an optometrist will benefit most financially from having vision insurance. Vision policies have a set allowance for such needs, so customers will spend less out of pocket when getting new contact lenses or eyeglasses.
Whether or not vision insurance is worth the expense is a personal choice, but if you have vision problems, you’ll likely get your money’s worth with coverage.
