Does vision insurance cover contacts?
Find affordable vision insurance coverage in your area
Key takeaways
- Vision insurance typically covers contacts, but coverage may vary by plan. You’ll also want to consider additional costs associated with getting contacts, like lens fittings and your prescription type.
- Most plans may offer an annual allowance or discount on contact lenses typically ranging from $100 to $150. You can stack this with special promotions or offers from retailers to really take advantage of potential savings.
- Additional costs for specialty lenses, out-of-network purchases, or special treatments can quickly add up. It may not be covered by vision insurance.
Does vision insurance cover contacts?
Vision insurance does cover contacts, but there are other services and costs that may not be completely covered by your insurance you should think about. Many insurance plans offer opportunities for savings when you get contacts, but the amount can vary by plan. Some may even cover a contact lens fitting exam, which is required before you can get a prescription.
What vision insurance typically covers
While coverage may vary per provider, here are a few services that most vision insurance plans may help cover.
Frames, lenses, and other benefits
Most coverage plans will cover an annual eye exam, though you may have to come out of pocket for a small co-pay. Even if your prescription remains unchanged over the years, going to these routine checkups can help you stay on top of your eye health and make sure you catch any eye-related issues early on to avoid more costly problems later.
Eye exams and contact lens fittings
Most plans cover annual eye exams, though you may need to pay a co-pay at the time of service. These exams ensure your prescription is accurate and help detect potential eye health issues early on.
For new contact lens wearers, a fitting exam is required to measure your eyes and determine the best lens type. Some vision plans fully cover standard fittings, but specialty fittings (for toric, multifocal, or rigid lenses) may only be partially covered.
Contact lens allowances and discounts
If you wear contact lenses, your vision insurance plan likely offers:
- A set allowance toward lenses (e.g., $100–$150 per year)
- Discounts on additional pairs beyond the allowance
- Savings on extended-wear or disposable lenses
However, most vision plans require you to choose between glasses or contacts each year—you can’t get full coverage for both in the same benefit period.
What vision insurance does not cover
Vision insurance may cover a lot, but it does not cover everything. Here are few things you can expect to pay out-of-pocket for:
- Non-prescription colored or cosmetic lenses.
- Specialty lenses or premium brands that go outside of your plan annual allowance.
- Out-of-network services or items.
Remember, each plan is different and may have different policies, so be sure to know what is and what is not covered when planning.
Comparing costs: contact lenses with and without vision insurance
Let’s do the math when it comes to the potential costs of contact lenses with and without vision insurance.
Average costs of contact lenses with insurance
Vision insurance covers a good portion of the costs tied to getting contact lenses. Your plan can impact what you end up paying, so be sure to get familiar with all the details of it first. If you want to see what the costs can look like without great insurance, keep reading.
Average costs of contact lenses without insurance
These are some of the average costs you can expect to pay out-of-pocket if you don’t have insurance for your contact lenses. Different types of lenses are for different types of prescriptions or needs and may vary in cost greatly.
| Types of Contacts | Average Annual Cost |
| Monthly lenses | $180-$300 |
| Daily disposable lenses | $204-$540 |
| Colored contact lenses | $500-$1000 |
| Cosmetic contact lenses | $100-$400 per pair |
| Toric lenses | $360-$680 |
If you frequently wear contacts, insurance can save you hundreds of dollars annually. However, if you only wear contacts occasionally, you might save more by using retailer discounts or an HSA/FSA instead.
How to maximize your vision insurance benefits
Contact lenses come with their own benefits compared to prescription glasses — you don’t have to worry about them slipping down your nose or fogging up in the shower, and yes — you can finally wear sunglasses without having to switch from your regular prescription glasses or use transitional prescription glasses.
If you want to squeeze every dollar out of your vision insurance plan, just know that it’s all about comparing your options and knowing the fine print of your plan’s details. Stay up to date with your plan coverage to you aren’t blindsided by surprise costs, and make sure to do your research to keep your vision sharp!
FAQs
Are contact lenses included in insurance?
Yes! Most vision insurance plans offer an allowance or discount for contact lenses, but you’ll often have to choose between contacts or glasses for your benefits.
How much do contacts cost with vision insurance?
It depends on your plan, but most annual allowances range from $100 to $150 toward contacts.
Is vision insurance worth it if you wear contacts?
If you wear contacts year-round, vision insurance can help save hundreds of dollars annually. But if you only wear them occasionally, you might be better off using retailer discounts or an HSA/FSA instead.
Does VSP vision insurance cover contacts?
Yes, VSP provides an annual allowance for contact lenses and may cover part or all of the contact lens fitting exam, depending on your plan.