What are frame allowances and copays? What does my vision insurance cover? Vision insurance can seem confusing to some people. Here is a set of the most frequently asked questions and answers about VSP® vision insurance to help you start using your vision insurance as soon as possible.
How do I use my VSP vision insurance?
Using your VSP Individual Vision Plan is simple! In four steps, you’ll learn how to use your vision plan like an expert.
- First, find a VSP network doctor using the online Find a Doctor tool.
- Second, schedule your first comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor and attend your appointment.
- Third, with an updated prescription from your eye doctor, use your vision benefits to purchase new eyeglasses or contact lenses. You can visit Eyeconic™, the VSP online store, which seamlessly connects your eyewear needs, your VSP insurance coverage, and your eye doctor’s expertise. Plus, you’ll enjoy a wide selection of stylish frames and lens enhancements to choose from.
- Finally, make sure to have an eye exam annually to take advantage of your vision plan benefits.
What exactly does my VSP vision insurance cover?
Most VSP Individual Vision Plans provide an annual comprehensive eye exam to help detect eye disease, prevent vision loss, and help maintain your overall health, especially as you get older. Typically, you will only need to pay a $15 copay for the eye exam.
Additionally, each vision insurance plan has a frame allowance that you may apply towards the purchase of new prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or even prescription sunglasses. You’ll even receive an extra $20 if you choose a featured frame brand. You’ll also enjoy savings on lens enhancements such as scratch-resistant coatings, impact-resistant lenses, and progressive lenses to name a few. You can visit Eyeconic to browse the wide selection of stylish frames and lens enhancements to choose from.
Is my VSP vision insurance coverage effective immediately?
You can use your benefits right away. Once you’ve enrolled in your annual vision insurance plan and made your first payment, you can choose to start your benefits as soon as the same day.
What happens if I can’t find my vision insurance card?
Your vision insurance ID card, or member vision card, is not required to receive services offered by your vision insurance plan. Simply give a VSP network doctor your name and they will organize the rest with VSP.
Nevertheless, you may prefer to have a member vision card as it contains a summary of your benefits and the relevant information to help you easily manage your vision benefits. If you want to print a Member ID card you can do so by logging into your VSP account and clicking on the “View Member ID Card” from the dashboard.
What is a copay?
When you visit an eye doctor, your vision copay is a fixed amount you pay for services. When you get an eye exam, you pay a copay and your plan covers the rest. Your vision plan identifies what your copays are for vision services. Oftentimes, it is $15 to see an eye doctor for an eye exam, but your copay may be different depending on where you live. It’s best to check with your eye doctor when you schedule your eye exam.
Can I use VSP vision insurance online?
Yes, you can use your VSP vision insurance online by creating your account through Eyeconic, the VSP online store. Eyeconic is the only online optical retailer that connects your eyewear, VSP insurance and eye doctor’s expertise.
Which lens enhancements does my VSP plan cover?
Lens enhancements vary by plan. But you can expect savings on the following lens enhancements with your VSP vision plan:
- Scratch-resistant coating – a clear coating that protects your lenses from visible scratches that may impact your ability to see.
- Anti-glare coating – increases light transmission, reducing ghost-like images and reducing the amount of light reflected from the lens surface.
- Impact-resistant lenses – lenses made from polycarbonate materials that are 10 times stronger than glass and plastic lenses.
- No-line bifocal (progressive) lenses – line-free lenses where prescription strength gradually changes from distant to near vision.
- Light-to-dark (photochromic adaptive) lenses – light-reactive lenses that darken and lighten based on the amount of sunlight exposure.
- UV protection – a lens treatment that helps absorb the harmful UV light from the sun.
- High-index lenses – thinner, lighter lenses designed to improve comfort and wear ability for those with high prescriptions.
Is VSP vision insurance worth it?
We think VSP vision insurance is worth it, and here’s why. You’ll save an average of $350 annually on vision insurance, depending on where you live and which vision plan you choose. Your plan provides you with an annual comprehensive eye exam, savings on all sorts of things related to the health of your eyes—including LASIK surgery, and a frame allowance to purchase new eyeglasses, contacts, or sunglasses when you need to update your prescription or daily style.
Ultimately, it’s not just about saving money; it’s also about your overall health. Eye care professionals are oftentimes the first to detect signs of various health conditions. Having an eye exam each year is just another way to maintain your health.
Hopefully, you feel much more equipped to get the most out of your vision plan’s benefits and discounts to help keep your vision clear and eyes healthy, but if you still have questions about your VSP vision insurance plan, then you can speak directly with our knowledgeable customer service team at 800.785.0699. Our customer service center is open Monday through Friday from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Central Time. We’re happy to do what we can to help you save money and maximize your benefits from your VSP vision insurance plan!
Disclaimer: Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
*Check your frame benefits to see if this offer applies. Frame brands and promotions are subject to change. Members who participate in a Medicaid/state-funded plan are not eligible.
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