Does Insurance Cover Contacts: Everything You Need to Know

Wearing contact lenses is an excellent way to correct vision issues without the need for eyeglasses. However, the cost of contact lenses can add up over time, especially if you need to wear them regularly. If you are wondering whether insurance covers contacts, this article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know.

What is Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the cost of vision-related expenses, such as prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exams. However, not all vision insurance policies cover contact lenses, and the coverage amount varies depending on the policy and the provider.

What Does Vision Insurance Usually Cover?

Most vision insurance policies cover the following expenses:

It’s important to note that the coverage amount for prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses is usually per policy period, which can vary from yearly to every two years.

What Types of Vision Insurance are Available?

There are two types of vision insurance policies available:

• Stand-Alone Vision Insurance: This type of insurance policy is entirely dedicated to vision-related expenses and can be purchased separately from your health insurance.
• Vision Add-On to Health Insurance: This type of insurance policy is an add-on to your existing health insurance coverage that typically includes coverage for prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Does Insurance Cover Contacts?

Whether or not insurance covers contacts depends on the type of policy you have, as well as the type of contact lenses you need. Most vision insurance policies cover the cost of standard contact lenses, which are designed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, but may not cover other types of contact lenses, such as toric or multifocal lenses.

What are Standard Contact Lenses?

Standard contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed type of contact lenses that are designed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness. They are made of soft plastic material and are available in daily, weekly, or monthly disposable options.

What are Toric Contact Lenses?

Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, which is a condition where the cornea of the eye is irregularly shaped. This type of contact lens is more specialized than standard contact lenses and is typically more expensive.

What are Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness, as well as age-related vision changes such as presbyopia. This type of contact lens is also specialized and usually more expensive than standard contact lenses.

How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Contacts?

The best way to check if your insurance covers contacts is to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider directly. You can also ask your eye doctor to determine if your insurance covers contacts and how much coverage you can expect.

What Should You Do if Your Insurance Does Not Cover Contacts?

If your insurance does not cover contacts, there are other options to consider:

• Discount Programs: Many retailers offer discount programs on contact lenses that can significantly reduce the cost of your contacts.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs are a type of savings account that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses, including contact lenses.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): HSAs are similar to FSAs, but they are only available to individuals who have high-deductible health insurance plans.

Conclusion

Whether or not your insurance covers contacts depends on the type of policy you have and the type of contact lenses you need. It’s essential to review your policy documents and contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage. If your insurance does not cover contacts, there are other options available to help you manage the cost of your contact lenses.

FAQs

Q: Will vision insurance cover the cost of colored contact lenses?

A: No, most vision insurance policies do not cover the cost of colored contact lenses as they are considered a cosmetic expense.

Q: How often can I use my vision insurance coverage to purchase contact lenses?

A: The coverage amount for contact lenses is usually per policy period, which can vary from yearly to every two years.

Q: Can I use my health insurance to cover the cost of contact lenses?

A: It depends on your health insurance policy. Some health insurance policies offer vision add-ons that cover the cost of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Q: How much can I expect my vision insurance to cover for contact lenses?

A: The coverage amount for contact lenses varies depending on your policy and insurance provider. In general, most policies cover up to $130 for contact lenses per policy period.

Q: Can I purchase contact lenses without a prescription?

A: No, contact lenses are considered medical devices and require a prescription from an eye doctor.