Does Vision Insurance Cover Sunglasses?

If you've signed up for vision insurance, you might imagine yourself with a classy new pair of Ray-Bans or other luxury sunglasses. While some vision insurance does cover prescription sunglasses, there are often limits.

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from serious conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, which can be worsened by the sun’s harmful rays. Does vision insurance cover sunglasses? In many cases, yes. Here are the details and what you need to know. 

Does Insurance Cover Sunglasses?

Our eyes are susceptible to damage from UV rays, and if you're a regular glasses-wearer, prescription sunglasses are essential for sunny days. Fortunately, vision insurance usually covers prescription sunglasses within a limit. 

The cost of the sunglasses depends on your provider's deductible and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider. With some vision insurance policies, you may be able to submit a receipt for reimbursement with an out-of-network provider. 

How Much Do Prescription Sunglasses Cost With and Without Insurance?

The cost of prescription sunglasses without insurance depends on the type of prescription and can be between $150 and $500 or more. Some suppliers sell frames and lenses separately, while others sell a package. Single-vision lenses are typically less expensive than bifocals or multifocals.  

How much you can save with vision insurance depends on the annual limit and any deductibles you have. For example, if your vision insurance covers up to $500 a year for glasses, and you already purchased a pair of standard frames with prescription lenses for $300, you have $200 remaining to use towards a pair of prescription sunglasses. Note that it's worth double-checking with your vision insurance provider as not every plan will cover sunglasses. 

How to Use Vision Insurance for Prescription Sunglasses

You can choose a provider in your vision insurance network to use vision insurance for prescription sunglasses. You will generally need receipts and a prescription verifying the need for sunglasses. Some vision insurance plans will allow you to use any provider and submit receipts for reimbursement. If in doubt, check with your vision insurance provider to understand the covered network and coverage or reimbursement procedure. 

If you don't already have vision insurance, here are the steps to get coverage and get prescription sunglasses for less: 

Look for a Vision Plan 

Research various vision insurance providers. You can consider a vision insurance plan or a vision discount plan. You can also consider getting a health savings plan (HSP) to cover sunglasses costs. If you have health insurance with the Health Insurance Marketplace, some plans include adult vision insurance. Likewise, some companies offer vision insurance as part of their employee benefits.

Get an Eye Exam

Once your relevant insurance is active, the first step to getting prescription sunglasses is to get a current eye exam in case your prescription changes. During the eye exam, the optometrist will determine your current prescription and also check for more serious eye diseases or issues that will need to be monitored. This is essential to protect your eye health and get an accurate prescription. 

Pick Your Sunglasses

This is the fun step! You can bring a friend and try on different frames to find ones that fit your face shape and style. Then, you can have them fitted with lenses for your new prescription. 

Give Your Prescription to the Store

If you choose your sunglasses in a location other than your optometrist, such as an online glasses provider, you can submit your prescription for your custom sunglasses. 

Find the Best Vision Companies From Benzinga’s Top Providers

If you want to find the best vision insurance, you can check the offers from Benzinga's top providers here: 

How to Maximize Vision Insurance With an HSA or FSA

In addition to vision insurance, you can maximize your vision insurance with your FSA or HSA. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to set aside pretax dollars for qualified medical expenses. 

You can use that money for prescription sunglasses or other qualified medical expenses. By strategically utilizing your funds, you can cover many vision-related expenses while saving on taxes. 

Are Prescription Sunglasses Worth It?

If you need to wear glasses for everyday life, prescription sunglasses are worth it. However, if you only wear glasses for specific activities, like computer work, they may not be worth it.

Benefits of getting prescription sunglasses include:

• See well without eye strain
• Get UV protection
• Reduce glare to improve driving safety
• Convenience
• Safeguard your eye health
• Better vision outdoors 
• No need to stack your glasses

Should You Get Sunglasses With Insurance?

If you have vision insurance, getting prescription sunglasses can add convenience while protecting your eye health. With a wide choice of vision discounts and vision insurance plans, several opportunities exist to save more on sunglasses. Remember to research plans and compare coverage to save more this year!

Frequently Asked Questions