How to Get Vision Insurance

Being able to see is something most of us take for granted. We simply go about our daily lives watching the world go by. Unfortunately, some people's eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, and some have always had vision problems. Buying glasses or merely going for an eye exam can be expensive, sometimes prohibitively so. That's where having vision insurance helps. It can be a lifesaver, or at least a vision saver. Following are a few tips on how to get vision insurance.

What Is Vision Insurance?

Protecting your eyesight is important. Good vision provides a quality of life that would be sorely missed if your eyesight deteriorates. Having adequate vision insurance will ensure you can maintain that quality of life without interruption. Vision insurance is a type of health coverage that allows you to have proper eye care and take advantage of any benefits and discounts you may be entitled to. Usually a routine vision policy covers eye exams, and provides discounts on glasses, both the frames and lenses. It may also cover contact lenses. You may also be able to get coverage for LASIK or other forms of eye surgery. As you can see, there are a lot of options. It is important to choose your policy carefully.

Getting Coverage

Getting vision insurance through an employer is probably the best way to go. A lot of employers offer special vision insurance options for their employees. Because these employers have access to special group rate plans through their insurance company, they are able to offer their employees a good plan at reasonable rates.

Other Options

If your employer doesn't offer a vision insurance plan, you have other options. Ask your doctor about other types of vision insurance plans. They may be able to recommend a company or plan to you. If your regular doctor can't help you, a specialist, such as an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, may be able to. Because they are specialists in their field they more than likely deal with insurance companies that provide vision insurance on a regular basis. Make sure you ask them what plans they routinely accept in their practice.

Research Providers

Once you have the names of a few insurance companies that may be able to provide you with the vision insurance plan you need, it would be a good idea to do some research and evaluate their service and pricing. The Internet is a good place to start. Go online and get some insurance quotes for comparison. Searching online from the comfort of your home is convenient, and you will be able to complete an application immediately if you come across a plan that will fill your requirements at a price you can afford. You can also take the insurance quotes you got online and begin calling traditional insurance companies to compare prices.

Take a Close Look at the Plans

After you've researched a few companies both online and by telephone, it's time to sit down and take a closer look at what each plan has to offer. When you compare the plans, pay attention to the details because they will have an impact not only on your wallet, but on the quality of your eyesight. Take note of such things as deductibles, co-pays, discounts, and the choice of eye care providers.

Make Your Choice

The next step is to submit your application for the vision insurance plan of your choice. This is a big step and you want to make sure you'll be able to afford the plan you choose. You can apply online or through an insurance company. You will be asked to provide your basic information, such as name, address, date of birth, and so on. Then you wait and see if you've been accepted. Give the insurance provider at least two weeks to respond.