Best vision insurance for contacts and glasses

If you wear contacts and glasses, you know that they can be (forgive us for this) eye-wateringly expensive. That's where insurance comes in — it helps you cover the cost, so you can save a bit of cash.

The trick to finding a great insurance policy? Make sure it has the coverage you need. Not all vision plans cover contacts and glasses, so it's important to check the terms carefully. Knowing exactly what you're getting can also make it easier to decide between vision insurance vs. FSA vs. HSA.

Here's the good news: You can get contacts and glasses with vision insurance, as long as you pick the right plan. We've even done some of the research for you. Our team has explored plans from all the major providers on the market to find the best vision insurance for glasses and contact lenses. All you need to do is compare the options and choose a plan that fits your vision needs, budget, and location.

What to look for in a vision insurance plan

As you're exploring vision plans, look at these factors:

• Coverage: Most plans cover annual eye exams and part of the cost of lenses, glasses, contacts, and other eye-health products and services.

• Copays: Check how much you'll need to pay for office visits and eye products. Look at coverage limits; they can be very different from plan to plan, and you'll need to pay the difference.

• Waiting period: How long do you need to wait until you can use your benefits?

• Availability: Not all plans and benefits are available everywhere. You'll need to provide your ZIP code to see the options for your area.

How much does vision insurance cover for contacts and glasses? Usually, you'll get an annual allowance that could range anywhere from $100 to $250, depending on the provider and plan. You can use that amount to reduce the cost of your contacts or frames. After you use up the allowance, you'll need to cover additional costs out of pocket. Some plans give you a discount on the balance, which can be a good way to reduce the price. (Keep some of that money, honey!)

Pay attention to the in-network providers in your area. If you use vision insurance at an out-of-network provider, you may get a smaller allowance for contacts and glasses. Staying in-network is a good way to maximize your coverage and get other discounts that make vision care more affordable.

Anthem Blue View Vision

What's covered: Anthem Blue View Vision insurance is one of the best types of vision insurance for contacts and glasses. Your wallet will rejoice at the low copays — you'll pay just $10 or $20 (depending on the plan) for annual eye exams and standard lenses.

If you wear contacts, don't worry about shelling out for the full price; Anthem gives you an allowance to help foot the bill. The amount ranges from $80 to $200 per year. You'll also get $130 to $200 to cover new frames every 12 to 24 months.

Pros of Anthem Blue View Vision:

• Family and individual plans available

• Low premium costs

• Covers regular exams and check-ups

• Large network of providers, including 1-800 Contacts (That's us!)

Cons of Anthem Blue View Vision:

• Coverage amounts can vary by plan

Availability: Live in one of these states? Get ready to start shopping. Anthem vision plans are available in:

• California

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Georgia

• Indiana

• Kentucky

• Maine

• Missouri

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New York

• Ohio

• Virginia

• Wisconsin

Vision Service Plan (VSP)

What's covered: VSP offers several different individual vision insurance plans, so you can find exactly the right amount of coverage. For example, the Standard plan covers exams, frames, contacts, and lens enhancements. Plus, you'll get an annual allowance to help pay for contacts and glasses.

If you need additional coverage for special needs — progressives, dark-to-light tinting, or a larger allowance for contacts and frames — VSP has your back. Just add on the EasyOptions plan to get another benefit of your choice. Or if your eyes need lots of professional attention, check out the premium Enhanced plan for maximum coverage. Already have a vision prescription? Consider the VSP EyewearOnly plan, which covers just contacts and frames.

Pros of VSP:

• Multiple plan options

• Benefits can be used immediately

Cons of VSP:

• Low allowances for contacts and frames

• Smaller network than other providers

Availability: VSP is available in every state.

EyeMed

What's covered: When you're on a budget (and who isn't in this economy), EyeMed is the best vision insurance for glasses and contact lenses. The EyeMed Healthy plan starts at an impressive $5 per month. That gets you eye exams and discounts on frames, lenses, and contacts.

Want more coverage? Check out the EyeMed Bold or Bright plans. They cover your lenses (after a copay, of course), and provide an allowance for frames and contacts.

If you spend a lot of money on glasses and contacts each year, EyeMed could be a great option. Plans always give you 40% off your second pair of glasses and 20% off of your contacts. That way, you can still save money, even when you've used all your benefits for the year. Some plans also come with a discount on LASIK surgery from providers in EyeMed's network.

Pros of EyeMed:

• Low-cost plans available

• Affordable copays (typically $10)

• Family and individual plan options

• Additional discounts available

Cons of EyeMed:

• Out-of-pocket payment required for amounts over the plan allowance

Availability: EyeMed is available in all states except Massachusetts, Montana, and North Carolina. Some plans are unavailable to residents of New Mexico.

UnitedHealthcare

What's covered: UnitedHealthcare provides vision insurance through Spectera, Inc. Plan availability and benefits vary based on where you live. However, in most states, vision pans cover both contacts and prescription glasses.

Some UnitedHealthcare plans offer fully covered eye exams, which means you won't need to worry about a copay. The copay for lenses is typically $10, and you'll get an allowance to help with the cost of frames and contacts. The VisionWise plan usually includes $150 per year for each.

Pros of United Healthcare:

• No waiting period for benefits

• Large network that includes 1-800 Contacts

• Both standalone and combined plans available 

Cons of UnitedHealthcare:

• Not all plans are available in every state

Availability: UnitedHealthcare offers vision insurance in every state, but the types of plans and benefits may vary based on your location.

Humana

What's covered: Humana vision insurance offers relatively standard coverage. Plans usually cover annual eye exams; your copay will depend on the provider. If you go to a Plus network provider, you won't have a copay. Other in-network providers have copays of $10 — so, it's pretty affordable either way. And who doesn't love a bargain? (We certainly do.)

The most important thing to know about Humana vision plans is that they cover either glasses or contacts. The Humana Vision Plus plan gives you $250 (Plus network) or $200 (in-network) for frames or $200 for contacts (either Plus or in-network). Single vision, bifocal, and trifocal lenses have a $10 copay.

So, if you're willing to pay for frames on your own, this is one way to get insurance for contacts and eyeglass lenses. However, because other providers cover both contacts and glasses for a similar (or even cheaper) premium, it's a good idea to shop around.

Pros of Humana:

• No waiting period

• Low copays between $0 and $10

Cons of Humana:

• Must choose an allowance for frames or contacts

Availability: Humana vision plans are not available in every state. Benefits and allowances are often different depending on your city and state.

Aetna

What's covered: As with Humana, Aetna vision insurance covers either prescription glasses or contacts, but not both. The Value plan has slightly higher costs than many other vision plans. For example, the copay is usually $20 for an eye exam and $25 for lenses. Progressive lenses have a copay starting at $90, though higher-tier plans offer copays as low as $10. Plans range from about $10 to $18 per month.

The Value plan offers a $130 annual allowance for both frames and contacts. If you opt for the higher-priced Select and Elite plans, you'll get an allowance of $160 or $200 for contacts and frames, plus cheaper copays. That's just the start — if the price is more than your allowance, you'll get 20% off the remaining cost of frames and 15% off the balance of contacts.

Pros of Aetna:

• Higher allowance ($210) for medically necessary contacts or glasses

• Multiple plan options

• Discounts for LASIK and additional pairs of glasses

Cons of Aetna:

• Does not cover both contacts and glasses

• Higher copays than other providers

Availability: Aetna's vision plan and benefits availability is different in each state.

Choosing vision insurance for contacts and glasses

As you look for the best vision insurance for glasses and contact lenses, it's important to shop around. Benefits and coverage limits can be different from plan to plan — some plans offer coverage for both glasses and contacts, while others only cover one. By reading the fine print and comparing costs, you can find a plan that will actually save you money.

Planning to shop online with us at 1-800 Contacts? (Yay! We can't wait to help.) We can work with a wide range of vision insurance plans. To get the biggest bang for your buck, check our vision insurance page to see which companies have designated us as an in-network provider.

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts!

**While we strive for accuracy, please verify your plan’s specifics with your insurance provider to ensure complete clarity.