VSP Vision Insurance Coverage

VSP insurance can provide financial assistance for various eye conditions. Unlike regular health insurance, VSP vision insurance provides wellness benefits, which include:

• Access to eye care from more than 36,000 providers
• Significant savings on exams, glasses, contacts, elective services, and more
• Customer support
• Full coverage for premium progressive with premium anti-glare

Millions of Americans have VSP vision insurance. However, keep in mind that VSP vision care insurance isn’t for everyone since it:

• May be more expensive in comparison to other non-company-sponsored vision care plans, like EyeMed
• Might not cover the most up-to-date lens technology
• Must use a VSP lab for lenses, which takes longer

In this article, we cover the benefits covered under VSP vision insurance so you can determine if it’s a good investment for your health.

What is VSP Insurance?

VSP Vision Care is a vision insurance company. It offers coverage for a variety of services, which include:

• Eye health
• Eyewear
• Contact lenses
• Laser correction procedures

A VSP network doctor can provide these services at a discount, as insurance will cover the rest of the cost. You can use VSPs benefits just like any other type of health insurance.

Contact VSP to learn more about in-network vision care providers in your area. If you already have an eye doctor, you can ask if they accept VSP vision insurance.

What Does VSP Cover?

A standard VSP vision service plan includes eye exams and corrective eyewear. Although plans vary, VSP customers generally receive coverage for the following:

Eye Exams

Most VSP customers pay little to nothing for their annual eye exams. In-network VSP providers perform VSP WellVision Exams so you can enjoy the full benefits of your policy. These exams are more comprehensive than traditional eye exams.

They include screenings for a variety of issues that impact eye health, including:

• Glaucoma
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

Frames and Lenses

VSP frame benefit offers an allowance for prescription or non-prescription glasses. This means you’ll be able to buy glasses at a significant discount.

Some plans also offer an additional allowance for certain brands.

Contact Lenses

Besides eyeglasses, VSP offers benefits for contact lenses. The benefits cover a significant portion of the cost of contact lenses. Keep in mind that most lens fittings require a copay.

Does VSP Cover LASIK?

Most insurance providers consider laser vision correction surgery elective. However, VSP vision insurance offers a discount on LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) surgery.

VSP won't cover LASIK surgery in full and must follow certain criteria. VSP customers must receive screening from vision care doctors within the provider’s network. Then, they might be eligible for a discount of 15 percent off the regular price or 5 percent off the promotional price of a LASIK procedure.

Other laser eye surgery procedures that VSP might cover include:

• Custom LASIK
• IntraLase (blade-free LASIK)
• PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
• Custom PRK

What Does VSP Not Cover?

VSP vision insurance providers won't cover costs beyond the specific coverage for corrective eyewear. If you spend more than what’s provided, you must pay out-of-pocket.

For instance, if you choose eyeglasses that cost $300 and VSP offers $175 in coverage, you’ll pay $125 out-of-pocket for your glasses.

Here are some examples of additional expenses for corrective eyewear:

• UV protection
• Anti-reflective coating
• Progressive lenses
• Blended bifocal lenses
• Scratch-resistant coating
• Frames beyond the basic style

Who is Eligible for VSP Vision Insurance?

VSP offers access to more than 36,000 vision care in-network providers in the U.S. It’s the largest independent eye care network in the country.

Anyone is eligible to apply for coverage. Most people receive their VSP coverage through their employer’s group health plan.

Some of the most popular vision health providers that accept VSP include:

• Pearle Vision
• Visionworks
• MyEyeDr
• EyeCare Centers

Although VSP vision coverage is available nationwide, your plan may vary depending on your state.

How to Find a VSP Network Doctor

To find a VSP network doctor in your area, visit the VSP Eye Doctor Locator. The website lets you search by:

• Doctor
• Location
• Office name
• Languages
• Type of VSP doctor
• Frame brands the provider sells
• Gender
• Premier edge location

How to Sign Up for VSP Vision Insurance

Here are a few ways to sign up for VSP:

Through Employers

Employers usually offer their employees the opportunity to enroll in a vision care plan. 

You can also enroll during your open enrollment period or qualifying life events. These events include but are not limited to getting married or having a baby.

From Exchange or Marketplace

Eligible people who don't have access to VSP through their employer may go to the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Visit this website to learn more about the enrollment periods.

Individual Plans

VSP plans are still available for people who don’t have access to a plan from their employers. If you’re eligible, you can directly visit VSP to enroll.

You can sign up here and visit vspdirect.com to view different plan options.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of VSP

To ensure you get the most out of your VSP coverage, here are some things you can do to maximize its benefits:

Start Early

The sooner you visit a VSP doctor’s office to use your benefits, the better. Coverage benefits for VSP members don’t roll over from year to year, so you’ll want to ensure you spend what you can each year.

Understand Your Benefits

Plans vary, so it’s best to know what’s available under your VSP plan. Most plans cover eye exams in full and offer significant discounts on eyewear.

Ensure you’re fully informed before scheduling an exam or shopping for glasses or contacts. You can learn more about your vision plan by contacting VSP.

Schedule an Eye Exam

Many eye health issues don’t have early symptoms, so you need to stay alert. Schedule an annual eye exam even if you don’t wear glasses or have other vision health issues. 

A comprehensive eye exam can identify vision health issues early, making treatment more effective.

Get the Best Possible Eyewear

Your VSP vision coverage might not include premium eyewear in full. However, your coverage can make certain features affordable by covering the cost of the basic prescription eyewear with a worry-free eyewear guarantee.

If your basic prescription is free, you’ll have the budget to pay for:

• Anti-reflective coating
• Progressive lenses
• Other optional features

Additionally, your VSP vision plan benefits make lenses worn for non-corrective purposes affordable.

Invest in Backup Glasses

VSP provides a set allowance each year for eyewear. This means you can get backups for an emergency even if you don’t need glasses or contacts.

Remember, even if you wear contacts every day, it’s important to have backup glasses.

Allergies, infections, dry eyes, and other out-of-the-ordinary circumstances can make contacts uncomfortable. It’s important to have options, just in case.

Pair VSP Benefits with Your HSA

If you have a health savings account (HSA), you can use that money to cover any additional out-of-pocket costs that VSP doesn’t cover.

Summary

VSP provides coverage for vision health and eyewear services. Unlike standard health insurance, enrolling in VSP can help reduce the cost of many eye care services, saving you more money.

With a VSP plan, you'll pay little to no money for glasses and eye exams. Laser surgery centers will also offer a discounted price for surgeries like LASIK to VSP customers.

Remember to check with your doctor first to know whether they accept VSP. Insurance also won't cover the cost beyond specific coverage for corrective eyewear.