Does Vision Insurance Cover Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses can be a great way to correct your vision. They're invisible, unlike glasses, potentially offering aesthetic benefits. Plus, there could be a lower risk of damage than with glasses.

Contact lenses can be costly, depending on your specific eye needs. Luckily, vision insurance typically offers coverage to help with this expense. This article explains how vision insurance works and how much contacts usually cost to help you determine if getting this type of policy is right for you.

How vision insurance works

Vision insurance is a supplemental insurance policy that helps cover the cost of maintaining the health of your eyes in exchange for monthly premiums. They operate on a benefit schedule, meaning they offer a specific allowance for different vision-related costs. Some items are covered fully, whereas others only receive partial coverage. Furthermore, you may be able to get the maximum coverage by visiting providers within your insurer's provider network. Going out of the network may result in reduced or no coverage.

How much do contact lenses cost without vision insurance?

Contact lenses can cost an average of $185 to $335 per year.¹ However, everyone has different needs when it comes to contact lenses. This can cause the actual cost to vary wildly. Several factors impact the cost you pay:

• Replacement schedule: This collects incoming sound from the environment.


• Frequency of wear: Daily contact lenses cost the most at $600 to $900 per year, on average. This is followed by extended-wear contacts, then biweekly, then monthly. Monthly contacts can cost as low as $180 to $300 per year.²


• Brand: If you wear your contacts less, you may not need to order them as often. This could save you money.


• Specialty contacts: Special contacts, such as toric contacts for astigmatism, may cost more.²


• Additional features: Contacts with UV protection, moisture retention, or other features can cost more.


• Other items: You may need to purchase contact lens fluid and a carrying case. These are not expensive but do add to your costs.

Does a vision insurance plan cover contacts?

Most vision insurance plans, such as Aflac, help cover the cost prescription contact lenses since they are generally considered medically necessary. Insurance covers two aspects of getting contacts:

Does vision insurance cover contact lens exams and fittings?

Contact lens exams differ from regular eye exams since the eye doctor must measure your eye and test your current visual acuity. However, they are often performed at the same appointment since the contact lens exam is quick. That said, the contact lens exam and fitting are separate expenses. Fortunately, many vision plans, such as Aflac vision insurance, can help pay for part of the exam cost and fitting to make getting contacts more affordable.

Does vision insurance cover contact lenses?

Aflac vision insurance also can help cover the cost of ordering contact lenses through your eye doctor or online. In most cases, if ordering online, you'll provide your insurance and prescription information to order. The retailer will contact your insurance company and you'll be reimbursed. Keep in mind that some insurers may have special deals with certain contact lens retailers to get better prices.