VSP offers flexible vision insurance coverage, built just for you. Learn More
What is VSP Insurance?
VSP Vision Care is a vision insurance company. This service plan offers coverage for a variety of services, like:
- Eye health
- Eyewear
- Contact lenses
- Laser correction procedures
A VSP network doctor can provide these services at a discounted rate. You can use VSP's benefits just like any other type of health insurance.
Pros and Cons of VSP Insurance
The benefits of enrolling in VSP vision care 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
The drawbacks of enrolling in VSP vision care include:
- Expensive compared to other non-company-sponsored vision care plans
- It might not cover the most up-to-date lens technology
- Must use a VSP lab for lenses, which takes longer
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.
Who is Eligible for VSP Vision Insurance?
Millions of Americans have VSP vision insurance. Anyone is eligible to apply for coverage. Most people receive their VSP coverage through their employer’s group health plan.
VSP vision coverage is available nationwide. However, your plan may vary depending on your state.
Need vision Insurance? VSP has plans as low as $13/month. View Plans
What Does VSP Cover?
A VSP vision service plan includes eye exams and corrective eyewear. Plans vary, but in general, VSP customers enjoy coverage for:
Eye Exams
Most VSP customers pay little to nothing for their annual eye exams. In-network VSP providers perform VSIP WellVision Exams so you can enjoy full benefits. 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
Like eyeglasses, VSP offers benefits for contact lenses. The benefits cover a significant portion of the cost of contact lenses. 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 customers who receive screening from vision care doctors within the provider’s network might be eligible for a discount of 15% off the regular price or 5% off the promotional price of a LASIK procedure. However, VSP won't cover LASIK surgery in full
Laser eye surgery procedures that VSP might cover include:
- LASIK
- 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
VSP insurance coverage can help you save on glasses, contacts, eye exams, and more. Learn More
Who Takes VSP Insurance?
More than 36,000 vision care providers in the United States accept VSP insurance. It is the largest independent eye care network in the country.
Some of the most popular vision health providers that accept VSP include:
- Pearle Vision
- Visionworks
- MyEyeDr
- EyeCare Centers
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 status
Tips for Getting the Most Out of VSP Insurance
To ensure you get the most out of your VSP insurance coverage:
Start Early
The sooner you visit a VSP doctor’s office to use your benefits, the better. Coverage benefits don’t roll over year to year, so you’ll want to ensure you spend what you can each year.
Understand Your Benefits
Plans vary, so make sure you 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
Schedule an annual eye exam even if you don’t wear glasses or have other vision health issues. Many eye health issues don’t have early symptoms. A comprehensive exam can identify eye health issues early, making treatment more effective.
Get the Best Possible Eyewear
Your VSP vision plan might not cover premium eyewear in full. However, your provided coverage can make certain features affordable by covering the cost of the basic prescription eyewear.
If your basic prescription is free, you’ll have the budget to pay for:
- Anti-reflective coating
- Progressive lenses
- Other optional features
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.
Protect Your Eyes from Screens
Even people with 20/20 vision benefit from wearing computer glasses. Your VSP vision plan benefits make lenses worn for non-corrective purposes affordable.
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.
How to Sign Up for VSP Vision Insurance
Here are ways to sign up for VSP insurance:
Employers
Employers usually offer their employees the opportunity to enroll in a vision care plan. You can enroll during your open enrollment period or qualifying life events. These events include but are not limited to getting married or having a baby.
Exchange or Marketplace
Eligible individuals who don't have access to VSP through their employer may go directly to the enrollment website and enroll in VSP. You'll be able to choose from various plans. Visit this website to learn more about the enrollment periods.
Individual Plans
Various plans are available for those who don’t have access to a plan through their employers. You can sign up here and visit vspdirect.com to view different plan options.
Summary
VSP insurance provides coverage for eye health and eyewear. Enrolling in VSP insurance can help reduce the cost of many eye care services, saving you more money.
With a VSP insurance 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. VSP also won't cover the cost beyond specific coverage for corrective eyewear.
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