Vision insurance will almost always cover prescription sunglasses, but it’s unlikely to cover sunglasses without prescription lenses. Some plans do offer a percentage discount on non-prescription sunglasses when you buy them from an in-network provider.
When I was writing we ran into the query “Will vision insurance cover sunglasses?”.
Vision insurance may partially cover prescription sunglasses. As the days get longer and the temperature gets warmer, you are probably spending a lot more time outside. But overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause eye and vision problems. To protect yourself from these harmful rays, you will need a quality pair of sunglasses.
Vision insurance eligibility is usually limited to vision products and eye doctor exams that help correct your vision. Since prescription sunglasses offer UV protection and correct your eyesight, you could be covered. But make sure to double check with your vision insurance provider or employer.
A common question we ran across in our research was “Do vision insurance plans cover glasses?”.
Some traditional vision insurance plans only cover the eye exam and not glasses. Others may charge only a co-pay for glasses. Some will cover eyeglasses but not prescription sunglasses.
To protect yourself from these harmful rays, you will need a quality pair of sunglasses. If you already wear prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses might be your best option to block out UV rays and correct your vision, but the costs can add up quickly. However, vision insurance may be able to help you cover some of the costs.
This of course begs the question “How often does health insurance cover eyeglasses?”
How much you need to pay and how often new eyeglasses are covered depends on your health insurance plan. Some plans may limit you to a pair every two years, while some may have a maximum amount they are will cover for a new pair of prescription glasses.
Do you need a prescription for sunglasses?
A prescription for sunglasses must be provided by an eye doctor, and the sunglasses must be used to correct vision problems and/or be designed to treat a specific medical condition to be eligible for reimbursement. Over-the-counter sunglasses that do not require a prescription are not covered under FSA and HSA plans.
What if my health insurance doesn’t cover vision?
If your health plan doesn’t include vision coverage — on or off-exchange — you can buy a standalone plan from a private health insurance carrier. There are 2 common types of vision insurance: Vision benefits plans differ in coverage between in- and out-of-network eye doctors.
Another frequent query is “What does vision insurance cover and how does it work?”.
It typically covers eye exams, as well as products to correct vision, such as prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Some vision insurance plans also offer discounts on LASIK and other elective vision correction surgery. Not having vision insurance can cost you hundreds of dollars each year in eye care expenses.
What is vision insurance and vision benefits?
Vision insurance and vision benefits plans typically cover the cost of an annual eye exam and prescription eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. Vision insurance encompasses both traditional health/medical policies and wellness/discount plans that offer vision benefits that cover most, but usually not all, of the insured’s expenses.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for glasses?
If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), those funds usually can be used to pay costs (such as higher-end eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses) not covered by your vision insurance or benefits plan. SEE RELATED: Does vision insurance cover virtual visits?