1. Take Stock Of The Benefits
Your first question shouldn’t be “How much will it cost?” but “What am I getting?” There’s plenty of time for that second question later, but the essential thing is that everything you are paying for is something you need and that nothing you need is left out of the picture.
Most vision plans include coverage for one or two annual eye exams (with dilation), glasses with frames or contacts, visits to your optometrist for both diagnoses and treatments, and common eye surgeries for conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
You plan will also likely include coverage for LASIK laser surgery when medically necessary. And it may give you discounts on special eyeglass/contact upgrades like progressive lenses, a scratch-resistant coating, or polarized sunglasses.
2. Assess Your Likely Annual Eye Care Needs
Anyone who wears eyeglasses or contact lenses can save money through a good vision insurance policy. If you have a family history of eye problems or have/had an eye condition yourself, then that adds to the risk of not insuring your eyes.
Do a quick assessment of your eye care costs over the last couple of years. Also, realize that as you get older, the chances of developing serious eye disease greatly increases. Those over 40, and especially over 60, are more likely to need a major eye surgery.
Plus, realize that by tracking your eye health through an annual eye exam, which is free or discounted with vision insurance, you help to prevent problems before they ever occur.
3. How Much Will I Pay Out Of Pocket?
Cost-sharing on every policy is a little different, so you have to investigate the details. Compare premiums and deductibles of similar plans. Plug in the copays and/or coinsurance with specific scenarios to see what you would pay and what the insurer would pay in each situation.
If your plan has an out of pocket maximum, be sure to take that into account. And don’t forget about wait periods before high-cost eye surgeries are covered, lifetime or annual caps of what the policy will pay out, preexisting conditions, service networks, and other policy details. Ask an insurance agent if you have trouble navigating all “the fine print.”
4. Ask About Vision Insurance Plan Types
One of the basic facts you need to know about “eye insurance” is that it comes in a variety of very different forms. HMO plans, PPO plans, and group rate discounts all help you save in different ways and may affect where you should get your eye care.
Don’t be surprised by details you may not yet understand. A helpful vision insurance agent at Flagler County (FL) Insurance Agency can explain “insurance talk” to you in “plain English”. Contact us today for a free consultation!