Health Insurance vs. Vision Insurance
Written by Damaris Villalva
Marketing Manager
Some of our most frequently asked questions from patients are related to insurance. Most physicians do accept major insurances but at the end of the day, it comes down to what procedure a patient needs. It usually comes down to the type of insurance a patient has and whether they need a medical procedure or elective procedure.
It can be difficult to understand the benefits of insurance. The language isn't always clear and plans are different based on your specific needs. It is ideal to talk to a benefits specialist or health care provider in order to truly understand all the little details that may be important. So let's start with some basic information to understand the difference between primary health insurance and vision insurance.
What is it?
Vision insurance is different from your primary health insurance. Primary health insurance would cover an eye injury due to an accident or eye care concerning a medical condition. Primary health insurance will usually cover eye exams because of cataracts, complications because of diabetes, injuries or developed eye disease. Vision health insurance is used for visiting an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. An optometrist's main job function is to provide specialized vision care, which includes examining, diagnosing, and treating your eyes by prescribing corrective lenses. Ophthalmologists are trained to perform eye surgeries, such as, LASIK, PRK, and refractive eye surgery.
When can you use vision insurance?
Routine preventative eye care (annual eye exam)
Prescription eye care (contacts and glasses)
Some plans also cover LASIK and PRK
Not all places and providers accept the same plans. So make sure to contact the physician to get accurate information.
What plan is right for me?
Just like anything else you do, shop around in order to find the best plan that fits your needs. Some things to consider are premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and if someone else in your family needs some type of corrective eyewear. Always ask questions and make sure to obtain as much information as possible.
Having vision insurance helps save money on vision corrections or corrective eyewear, but most importantly, it helps reduce the cost of regular eye exams. Regular eye exams can help you maintain a healthy vision and identify early stages of eye disease. Without a healthy vision, our ability to work, drive, or even recognize a face can be affected. It is important to see an ophthalmologist for an eye exam to prevent any vision complications.
Click below to schedule a free vision consultation with one of our specialists near you.