EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose? | NVISION Eye Centers (2024)

Table of Contents

  • Similarities
  • Differences
  • Comparison
  • How to Choose
  • Company Reviews
  • How to Sign Up

EyeMed and VSP are competing vision insurance providers, two of the biggest to choose from in the United States.

Both VSP (Vision Service Plan) and EyeMed have a wide range of providers and plans to choose from, offering many savings and discounts on vision services and treatments.

VSP and EyeMed are competitors. As such, they have different provider networks. Both VSP and EyeMed have a variety of vision insurance plans to choose from, with good ranges in price and coverage.

To choose between the two, look at the different plans and provider networks. Then, decide which one is going to offer you the best deal with the most convenience.

EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose? | NVISION Eye Centers (1)

Similarities Between EyeMed & VSP

VSP and EyeMed are two of the largest providers of vision benefits in the country. Both offer savings on prescription glasses and contacts as well as coverage for routine eye exams and discounts on corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK.

EyeMed and VSP have large networks of eye doctor providers. Both partner with retailers to offer services. Both offer many different plans and levels of coverage to choose from.

Many private doctors will take both VSP and EyeMed to offset the cost of services. Certain doctors will cost less through your plan if they are considered in-network. Out-of-network providers are either not covered or will result in more out-of-pocket expenses. Using a provider that is within your provider network saves you money.

How VSP & EyeMed Differ

One of the biggest differences between EyeMed and VSP comes down to the big-box providers they partner with. When it comes to big retailers, LensCrafters, Target Optical, and Sears Optical are typically part of the EyeMed network. Visionworks, EyeCare Centers, and MyEyeDr are part of the VSP network.

VSP and EyeMed are big companies with ties to big brands. Each company will tend to guide you toward providers that carry their related brands.

This is not to say that you can't get vision services from Target Optical if you have VSP vision benefits necessarily, just that you may pay more for these services, and your eye exam may or may not be covered. Both VSP and EyeMed are directly affiliated with big brand-name corrective eyewear companies.

EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose? | NVISION Eye Centers (2)

Plan Comparison

There are many plans to choose from through both VSP and EyeMed.

VSP plans tend to start a little higher, ranging from about $8 per month for an individual family plan up to $45 per month for a premium family plan. EyeMed plans range from around $5 a month for an individual discount plan to $30 per month for a family plan.

Both companies offer different tiers and levels of coverage with varying copay amounts and benefits. You can sign up for either online and without enrollment fees.

If you have coverage through an employer, this is typically your cheapest option. Individual vision benefit coverage generally costs you more out of pocket.

Here are some examples of EyeMed individual vision plans:

  • EyeMed Healthy
    • Starts at $5 per month
    • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
    • Discounts on glasses frames, lenses, and contact lenses
    • Out-of-network services are allowed for greater costs
    • Additional discounts
  • EyeMed Bold
    • Starts at $17.50 per month
    • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
    • Glasses frames covered with an allowance
    • Lenses for glasses covered after copay
    • Contact lenses covered with an allowance
    • Out-of-network services allowed for greater costs
    • Additional discounts
  • EyeMed Bright:
    • Starts at $30 per month
    • Coverage for the entire family
    • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
    • Glasses frames covered with an allowance
    • Lenses for glasses covered after copay
    • Contact lenses covered with an allowance
    • Out-of-network services are allowed for greater costs
    • Additional discounts

EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose? | NVISION Eye Centers (3)Here are some examples of VSP individual vision plans:

  • Standard Option
    • Starts around $8 per month
    • Comprehensive eye exam included after $10 copay
    • Basic lenses covered after a $20 copay
    • $160 allowance on glasses frames or contact lenses
  • High Option
    • Starts around $15 per month
    • Comprehensive eye exam included after $10 copay
    • Basic lenses covered after a $10 copay
    • $200 allowance on glasses frames or contact lenses
    • Custom glasses frames and contact lens allowances
    • Custom benefits include light-to-dark tinting covered with no copay as well as progressive (no-line multifocal) lens coverage with no copay

VSP and EyeMed vision benefits plans depend on where you live and whether or not you are obtaining coverage as an individual or through your employer. You can get a quote directly from either company for the most current and specific details.

Making the Choice

Both EyeMed and VSP have several good vision benefits plans to choose from that include discounts on eye exams, prescription eyewear, and corrective eye surgeries. If your employer has either one of these options, you will be able to get quality vision insurance at a relatively low cost.

When choosing a vision benefits provider as an individual, you will do well with either company. Here are some things to consider when making the choice:

  • Do you have a preferred provider? If so, which company are they in-network with? Most private practice eye doctors will take either type of insurance, but the big-box retailers often are contracted in-network with either EyeMed or VSP.
  • What will your out-of-pocket costs be, based on your specific needs? The EyeMed individual plans monthly premiums tend to start out a little lower than VSP, but the lower level tiers offer discounts on prescription eyewear. VSP plans cover prescription eyewear with an allowance after a small copay.
  • Do you have a preference when it comes to glasses frames and lenses in terms of brands? EyeMed and VSP are affiliated with some of the biggest name brands, and they will generally offer deeper discounts on their own brands.
  • If you are considered corrective eye surgery like LASIK, be sure to look into the offerings and discount options for both VSP and EyeMed. Both companies have a network of providers that provide these services, and they will offer discounts and coverage based on what you need and where you go. EyeMed uses the S. Laser Network, while VSP works through the VSP Laser VisionCare Program.

In short, EyeMed and VSP are two of the top providers of vision benefits with a lot of options to choose from. When deciding between the two, it is helpful to do a direct comparison, considering your personal preferences and vision benefit needs.

Both companies have comprehensive websites with detailed information you can use to help you decide what is the best option for you and your family.

Company Reviews & Ratings

Both VSP and EyeMed tout high ratings from their customers.

EyeMed’s customer reviews include praise for their friendly customer service representative and competitively priced plans.

VSP’s reviews include strong marks for their solid coverage and overall savings.

Both companies also have some negative reviews from customers, citing high out-of-pocket costs, confusing policies, and issues with cancellation.

How to Sign Up for Vision Insurance

Both VSP and EyeMed make it easy to sign up for vision insurance via their websites.

For VSP:

  • Visit their site to sign up for an individual plan. Enter your zip code and email to get a quote.
  • Ask your employer if they offer VSP Vision Care.
  • If enrolling through a marketplace or exchange, visit the site in question to see if VSP is offered.

For EyeMed:

  • Visit their site to sign up directly for an individual plan. You’ll enter some specifics to get a quote.
  • Talk to your employer about their vision insurance offerings to see if EyeMed is an option.
  • As with VSP, check the sites of any exchanges or marketplaces to assess the vision options.

References

VSP. (2020). Vision Service Plan.

EyeMed. EyeMed.

EyeMed Individual and Family Vision Plans. EyeMed.

VSP Direct. (2020). Vision Service Plan.

U.S. Laser Network. LCA-Vision Inc.

How to Use Your Laser Vision Benefits. (2020). Vision Service Plan.

The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages.

EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose? | NVISION Eye Centers (2024)

FAQs

Is VSP the same as EyeMed? ›

VSP and EyeMed are competitors. As such, they have different provider networks. Both VSP and EyeMed have a variety of vision insurance plans to choose from, with good ranges in price and coverage.

What glasses company takes VSP? ›

Doctors located at (some) private practices, Visionworks, Pearle Vision, Accuvision, Walmart, Costco, Rosin Eyecar, MyEyeDr, and EyeCare Centers are typically in-network with VSP. To find a VSP provider, pull up the VSP Eye Doctor Locator to research providers in your area.

Who is EyeMed owned by? ›

Luxottica also owns EyeMed Vision Care, a managed vision care organization in the United States. As of 2014, it is the second largest vision benefits company in the United States.

Why does LensCrafters not take VSP? ›

Can you use VSP insurance at LensCrafters? While LensCrafters isn't affiliated specifically with Vision Service Plan (VSP), LensCrafters simplifies the reimbursem*nt process for people who use VSP. For VSP, LensCrafters only charges you the amount you'd have to pay out-of-pocket.

Is vision insurance a waste of money? ›

Vision insurance probably will only cover certain frames, so if you prefer designer glasses, you could end up with high out-of-pocket expenses. Give some thought to how often you purchase glasses or contacts. If you only get new glasses every few years, a policy that gives you a new pair every year could go to waste.

Can I use VSP at Costco? ›

Unfortunately, Costco is not a VSP network provider.

Customers can still use Costco Optical with VSP insurance, but Costco is treated as an “out-of-network” provider. So, customers are responsible for submitting claims for reimbursem*nt after receiving care.

How often can you get glasses with VSP? ›

You will receive one spectacle examination per Calendar Year, plus one of the following every two Calendar Years: (1) $200 toward the retail cost of eyeglass frames and full coverage of eyeglass lenses or (2) $300 toward contact lenses and contact lens fitting and evaluation fees.

Can you cancel VSP at any time? ›

There is no additional fee if you pay monthly. You may cancel mid-year, so long as you've not used the benefits. If you've used the benefits, then, you'll need to stay on the plan for the year.

What insurance is best for Lasik? ›

Which vision insurance companies have the best coverage for Lasik? UnitedHealthcare and Davis Vision have the best benefits for Lasik, with discounted rates as low as $1,000 per eye. Many vision insurance plans will only give you a discount if you use one of their affiliated Lasik providers.

Is Lasik covered by insurance? ›

LASIK Isn't Covered by Insurance, But You Can Get Discounts. Key takeaways: LASIK is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance plans because it's not considered medically necessary. Nationally, the average cost of LASIK is about $2,600 per eye and $4,200 for both eyes.

Does Medicare cover eye exams? ›

Medicare doesn't cover eye exams (sometimes called “eye refractions”) for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay 100% for eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Does Ray-Ban accept VSP? ›

Ray-Ban sunglasses and glasses online: We accept VSP, Cigna, and MetLife vision insurance plans.

Why are glasses so expensive? ›

One reason: the manufacturing and materials used to create eyeglasses. It's true that frames and lenses are manufactured better today than they were 30 years ago. Additionally, when it comes to lenses for those frames, there are many upgrade options that promise (and often deliver) a better experience.

Are all glasses frames made by the same company? ›

Most sunglasses are made by the same company.

They're all made by one company, Italian manufacturer Luxottica–one of the biggest consumer companies that consumers have never heard of.

Does VSP cover stolen glasses? ›

The Eyewear Protection Program is not an insurance plan. The program provides additional warranty protection for breakage only and cannot be used to replace lost or stolen glasses. Lens and frame replacement is based on the professional judgment of the VSP doctor.

How much does Walmart charge to put lenses in frames? ›

Eyeglass Lens Replacement Walmart
Lens PricesSingle VisionCharge for Using Own Frame
RX-able.com$28/pairNo
Walmart$70/pair$25
*In most cases, Rx-able.com edges new lenses in your frame within 24 hours of receiving your frame.

Can I get both contacts and glasses with VSP? ›

Your VSP network doctor will perform a contact lens exam in addition to your routine eye exam to ensure proper fit of your contacts. To find out if your plan allows both glasses and contacts, log in for details.

How many pairs of glasses in a 12 month period will a vision expense insurance plan cover? ›

Usually covers one pair of eyeglasses but does not cover safety glasses.

Is it worth getting life insurance at 60? ›

Having an over 60s life insurance policy in place can help give you and your family peace of mind. If you have the policy for one or two years, then your loved ones could receive a cash sum when you die. Your family might use it to help with funeral costs, put it towards bills or save it for a rainy day.

How much does the average person spend on life insurance per month? ›

The average cost of life insurance is $26 a month. This is based on data provided by Quotacy for a 40-year-old buying a 20-year, $500,000 term life policy, which is the most common term length and amount sold. But life insurance rates can vary dramatically among applicants, insurers and policy types.

Can you use EyeMed at Costco? ›

Yes, Costco accepts VSP and EyeMed insurance.

In addition, its optical department also accepts most other major vision insurance plans. So when you visit Costco Eye Center, you're likely to have your vision care covered by your insurance plan.

Are Costco eye lenses good quality? ›

Costco Optical is a department within large Costco stores. This department sells glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses and offers eye exams. At the time of publishing, Costco Optical does not hold an accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which gives the department an A+ grade.

How much do progressive lenses cost at Costco? ›

This includes the anti-blue light treatment since I'll be using them for computer work. 4th pair of glasses. The frame for my sunglasses was $49.99, and the Kirkland Signature HD progressive lenses were $159.99 for a total of $209.98.

Does VSP have a deductible? ›

What are the VSP Benefits? Your VSP plan provides one eye exam in a 12-month period, necessary lenses and frames in a 12-month period. There is a $10 deductible for the exam and a $25 deductible for frames and lenses.

Does VSP reset every year? ›

Vision insurance benefits typically restart once a calendar year (12 months) or once every other calendar year (24 months). If you have purchased your insurance directly, this date may not be January 1st.

Can I get sunglasses with vision insurance? ›

Vision insurance can make eye care more affordable. It typically covers eye exams, as well as products to correct vision, such as prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Some vision insurance plans also offer discounts on LASIK and other elective vision correction surgery.

Is VSP direct legit? ›

VSP Vision Service gets an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau; however, customer reviews on the BBB website give it a 1/5. Customers allege problems with getting claims paid, difficulty canceling their policy, and challenges determining if care providers were in-network.

What is VSP high? ›

What are standard and high options? FEDVIP vision plans (including VSP) offer both a standard option and a high option. In general, the high option will cost a few more dollars a month but will cover more of the costs when you use your benefits.

Why can't I create a VSP account? ›

If you get notified that your account can't be created, there may be a couple reasons. One being, you'll need to be an active VSP member with effective coverage in order to create an account at this time. (If you've enrolled, but your coverage period hasn't started yet, you'll need to wait until it's active).

Does LASIK last forever? ›

While the effects of LASIK surgery are permanent, the benefits can decrease over time. For most patients, the results of LASIK will last a lifetime. About 10-12% of patients nationwide will need an enhancement surgery because of anatomical changes to the eye/eyes.

What is the difference between laser and Lasik eye surgery? ›

The most important thing to know about the difference between laser surgery and Lasik surgery is that there is no difference. Lasik surgery is a type of laser surgery. In fact, Lasik is an acronym for the procedure that is formally known as laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

Does LASIK count towards deductible? ›

Can I write off LASIK surgery on my taxes? According to the IRS, yes, you can deduct, “eye surgery to treat defective vision, such as laser eye surgery,” from your taxes. However, your total medical expenses for the year must meet a threshold to be eligible and you must itemize your deduction.

Does LASIK fix astigmatism? ›

The ultra-precise lasers used for LASIK surgery can be programmed to reshape the cornea so the front surface of the eye is more symmetrical, thereby eliminating vision problems caused by astigmatism. Most of the time astigmatism can be fully corrected with a single LASIK procedure.

Is LASIK painful? ›

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Painful? Fortunately, LASIK eye surgery is not painful. Right before your procedure, your surgeon will place numbing eye drops into both of your eyes. While you may still feel a little bit of pressure during the procedure, you should not feel any pain.

Which is better LASIK or LASEK? ›

LASEK is a better choice if you have a thin cornea or a medical condition that makes laser eye surgery more challenging to complete. During LASEK eye surgery, only one laser will be used to correct your vision— rather than the two that are used in LASIK.

Does Ray Ban accept VSP? ›

Ray-Ban sunglasses and glasses online: We accept VSP, Cigna, and MetLife vision insurance plans.

Can I use VSP at Sunglass Hut? ›

To use the benefit, you will have to visit a participating, authorized, independent VSP optometrist. Because it requires an VSP insurance pre-authorization from an optometrist, you will not be able to just walk into the local Sunglass Hut or Nordstrom to use this benefit.

Does VSP cover Gucci frames? ›

The same goes for spending your HSA/FSA dollars. Shipping is free, and you even get a complimentary frame adjustment from a VSP eye doctor to ensure your Gucci eyewear is a perfect fit.

Does Oakley take vision insurance? ›

Some of the plans for which we are participating providers include Anthem, Aetna, Medicare, Medicaid, United Health Care, Medical Mutual, Humana, Eye Med, Vision Service Plan, and Tri-Care.

Does Costco Optical have Ray-Bans? ›

In addition to a wide range of eyeglasses brands, Costco Optical offers a variety of top names in sunglasses including Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Oakley and more.

How much does it cost to put prescription lenses in Ray-Bans? ›

To put Ray-Ban prescription lenses on your Ray-Ban sunglasses our pricing starts at $59.95 and it depends what material and tint you choose to add. You can choose to add single vision rx (most common for either near sighted or far sighted,) or progressive lenses (both rx in one,) as well as choose polarization options.

What is the average cost of prescription sunglasses? ›

According to a survey on CostHelper, prescription sunglasses can cost as little as $20 and as much as $700. The true average is somewhere between $150 and $500, depending on the power of your prescription, the frames and lenses you choose, and the financial support of your vision plan.

Does Sunglass Hut take EyeMed? ›

Good thing you've got EyeMed to help you safely soak up the sun with these special savings. ³ Redeemable at participating Sunglass Hut stores in the U.S. and online at sunglasshut.com.

Does insurance pay for sunglasses? ›

Using vision insurance, FSAs or HSAs for sunglasses. Vision insurance will almost always cover prescription sunglasses, but it's unlikely to cover sunglasses without prescription lenses. Some plans do offer a percentage discount on non-prescription sunglasses when you buy them from an in-network provider.

Can you put a prescription in Shield sunglasses? ›

Occasionally prescription shield sunglasses can be created by fusing a shield lens with a prescription portion. Oakley makes the best solution, and Bolle offers the only other available prescription sunglass shield solution. Both can be head in either polarized or non-polar variants.

Can you put prescription lenses in Prada sunglasses? ›

Can you put prescription lenses in Prada sunglasses? Yes, you can get new prescription lenses custom made and installed into most pairs of Prada sunglasses.

Are designer frames covered by insurance? ›

Most vision insurance plans have a frame allowance that will cover a portion of your prescription eyewear purchase. That percentage varies based on your vision plan but can be applied to any brand of glasses or sunglasses.

Can you put prescription lenses in Gucci glasses? ›

Can You Put Prescription Lenses in Gucci Sunglasses? Yes! At FramesDirect.com, our staff of expert opticians is standing by to help you add prescription lenses to your favorite pair of Gucci shades. Additional options, including polarization and gradient tints, can customize your frames further.

Why are Oakley sunglasses not suitable for driving? ›

Lenses that only react to UV light are not suitable for driving because car windscreens filter out UV, slowing and limiting the reaction of the lenses.

Why are Oakley prescription lenses so expensive? ›

The premium cost means Oakley can spend more time making sure they've produced quality, durable products than other companies. Both the frames and lenses are made to resist impacts, protecting your eyes from potentially dangerous material and helping them last even longer.

Are Oakley glasses worth it? ›

Oakley sunglasses are easily the best bet for athletes thanks to their durability and strength. As you might expect from a luxury brand, the price of Oakley sunglasses can run a little high. A good pair of Oakleys will typically set you back between 100 and 200 dollars.

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