Insurance For Glasses

Question

I have insurance, but it doesn't cover eyeglasses. I really don't want to end up spending $400 on new glasses. What insurance company will pay for half the cost or more for my glasses?

Answer 1

Insurance is usually only worthwhile if someone else is paying for it, like your employer or the government.  Otherwise, it's wildly unlikely that you'll get any net benefit for an expense as inevitable as glasses.  

It's more useful to shop around for the best price; prices can vary widely from one store to another.  Sears Optical's $99 sale is a good deall; usually the price works out much lower than for the same frame and lenses on-line.  Costco optical stores have a good reputation for everyday fair prices and good service.

If your prescription isn't too extreme, you may be able to buy decent glasses on-line for as little as $20 (including shipping).  

Answer 2

Vision insurance is rarely expensive when packaged with your major medical insurance.  Ask your employer to add it.  It's usually about 7 dollars a month. Some plans are available for private purchase.  VSP is a great plan - and recently became available for private purchase.  You don't say what kind of prescription you have but most private offices have low cost glasses packages that are at least as inexpensive as Sears or Costco.  If you're a fashionista and want to keep the cost down try frames in the Vogue, Guess or Candies line.  Cute frames that are inspired by the big names but much cheaper.