It all started right here in California. The largest not-for-profit vision insurance in the U.S., VSP Vision Care was founded over 50 years ago when a group of optometrists from Oakland, California partnered together. There are over 5,092 doctors and 7,800 access points where members may obtain glasses or contacts in California alone. VSP’s goal is to “help people see by providing affordable access to high-quality eye care and eyewear….and that’s why 76 million members are happily covered by VSP.”
You can get a quote and apply for VSP online. Signing up for vision insurance is that easy.
VSP Vision Insurance Rates
VSP offers two plans.
- The $120 Vision Plan $15.16/month per person,
- The $175 Vision Plan $19.24/month per person.
The premium is the same regardless of a person’s age or where they live in California.
There is a 1-year contract. You may pay up-front or monthly. 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.
VSP Vision Benefit Overview
The main differences between the two plans is that on the $175 Plan, you pay less for frames or contact lenses, and there’s no additional cost for UV, scratch-resistance coatings, and tints.
For more information, review the Your VSP Vision Benefits Summary.
How Vision Insurance Works
- Get quotes and apply. Choose the 1st of the current month or the following month. If you choose the 1st of the current month, you’ll pay two months of premium when you enroll. Also, you’ll need to wait 5 business days before filing a claim. If you choose the 1st of the following month, you pay premium for one month, and you can file a claim the day your plan starts.
- Find a VSP Doctor
- Schedule an eye exam
- Purchase the eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some popular places that accept VSP Insurance are Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Pearle Vision.
What if I lose or break my glasses?
If your eyeglasses break or get lost, or you’d just feel better having an extra pair, VSP vision insurance gives you a 20% discount on the total cost for the eyeglasses.
Automatically Renews
At renewal, your vision plan will automatically renew. VSP will charge the credit card or bank account, unless you call to cancel. VSP will email you 60 days in advance of the renewal to remind you of the auto renewal.
Contact VSP
For questions or assistance with enrollment VSP can be contacted at (800)410-1857 within the following hours:
- 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
- 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
FAQs
Purchase the eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some popular places that accept VSP Insurance are Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, and Pearle Vision.
Are glasses covered by Medi-Cal in California? ›
All Medi-Cal members are eligible for a routine eye exam, which checks the health of the eyes and tests for an eyeglass prescription. Only members under 21 years old and residents of a nursing home receive coverage for eyeglasses (frames and lenses).
How many pairs of glasses does VSP cover? ›
Glasses and Sunglasses
Discover all current eyewear offers and savings at vsp.com/offers. 20% savings on unlimited additional pairs of prescription or non-prescription glasses/sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP provider within 12 months of your last WellVision Exam.
How much is vision insurance in California? ›
The Cost. VSP offers two vision plans, which cost $15.16 or $19.24 a month, per person. EyeMed offers three vision plans. The rates range from $5.50 to $31 a month, per person for a basic plan, or $16-$92.50 per month for a family of three or more on the richest plan.
Can VSP be used at Walmart? ›
You can use the plan at any Vision Service Plan (VSP) network provider nationwide, including most Walmart Vision Centers and Sam's Club Optical. Before you get service, make sure your provider is in the VSP network.
How much does VSP cover at Costco? ›
Frames covered in full* up to the retail allowance of $130. Costco® Optical allowance of $70 is equivalent to the frame allowance at VSP network doctor locations and participating retail chains.
Does Costco accept Medi-Cal? ›
Do I have to be a Costco member to get my Medi-Cal Rx prescription filled at the Costco pharmacy? According to Costco, a membership is not required to get prescriptions filled. Please see the Costco website for more information.
What does California Medi-Cal pay for? ›
Medi-Cal covers most medically necessary care. This includes doctor and dentist appointments, prescription drugs, vision care, family planning, mental health care, and drug or alcohol treatment. Medi-Cal also covers transportation to these services.
Is Medi-Cal as good as Covered California? ›
Medi-Cal is health coverage, just like the coverage offered through Covered California. Medi-Cal provides benefits similar to the coverage options available through Covered California, but often at lower or no cost to you or your family.
How many times a year can you get glasses with VSP? ›
In general, patients with individual or group coverage through VSP can get an eye exam and new eyeglasses once per year. Typically they will give benefits for lenses every 12 months, and frames every 24 months.
VSP doesn't actively send ID cards, as they aren't required to receive services. All you have to do is give your information when you check in for your eye exam and your eye doctor will pull up your benefits. However, a card is available on your VSP member account, if you'd like something to hold on to for reference.
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.
Does CA Medicaid cover vision? ›
Vision benefits are covered for those with full-scope Medi-Cal benefits. For questions regarding your Medi-Cal eligibility, please contact your county social services office.
What are the disadvantages of vision insurance? ›
Cons of vision insurance are that it may not necessarily cover the type of service you need or will not allow you to travel out of its network for treatment. In addition, if there is a specific brand of lenses you like using, or specialized lenses or frames, it may offer a limited line of brands.
Which benefit is free across all tiers Covered California? ›
All plans offered through Covered California include essential health benefits like preventive care, emergency services, maternity and newborn care and prescription drugs. Rest assured you'll never be turned away for a preexisting condition. The differences in plans come down to metal tiers and categories.
Can I use VSP to buy glasses? ›
Visionworks® is in-network with VSP! You can easily use your vision benefits to buy eyewear at more than 700 retail locations nationwide.
Can non members use Costco optometry? ›
Do I need a membership to purchase glasses or contacts? Yes, you need to be a member to purchase glasses or contacts at Costco Optical centers. However, you do not need to be a member to make an appointment with our in-house optometrist. For more information, visit our dedicated optical site here.
Can I buy sunglasses with my VSP insurance? ›
Get In-network Savings with Eyeconic. Most VSP members can use their vision benefits to buy eyewear online at Eyeconic—the official VSP online retailer where you can shop over 70 brands of contacts, eyeglasses, and sunglasses. Plus, you'll save 20% off any out-of-pocket eyewear costs, just for being a VSP member.
Will Costco adjust glasses for free? ›
You may reach a point where you need your eyeglasses adjusted, either because they're loosened or they didn't really fit right in the first place. Costco Optical will adjust your glasses for free -- whether you bought them at Costco or at another store.
The main differences between the two plans is that on the $175 Plan, you pay less for frames or contact lenses, and there’s no additional cost for UV, scratch-resistance coatings, and tints.