What is the Difference between Vision Insurance and Medical Insurance?

By Theresa Semple 

Far too many Americans are skipping vision and medical care due to their personal finances. Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 Americans put off medical care last year?

For these Americans, they do not have the cash to pay for deductibles or coinsurance. Others are afraid to get a surprise bill from a medical provider or facility. Eyecare is one medical category that frequently gets put off. Vision insurance is affordable, but many Americans do not understand the difference between their health care plan. Read on to learn what the difference is between vision and medical insurance. Explore the pros and cons of each insurance type and what benefits they offer.  

What Does Medical Insurance Cover?

Most people falsely assume that their health insurance plan covers all of their eye care needs. While certain medical procedures involving your eyes are covered, exams and corrective measures are not. Simply put, natural vision degradation is not covered by your health care plan. However, your health insurance does cover eye injuries and specific medical conditions. If you have glaucoma or eyelid styes, insurance is likely to cover diagnosis and any correlated treatment. Eye infections and dry eyes also fall in this category.

What Is Vision Insurance?

Now that we have established what health insurance covers, it is time to discuss supplemental vision insurance. In the United States, roughly 164 million people wear eyeglasses. 

At one point, they realized that it was difficult to read a book or street signs. Perhaps the person had difficulty driving at night. Many people realize they have a vision issue due to squinting. 

The next step is to schedule an exam with an eye doctor. Here, the doctor carefully evaluates your vision and identifies any issues. The doctor may diagnose you with astigmatism or declare that you are farsighted. 

These types of eye conditions are not covered by health insurance. There are a number of corrective measures an eye doctor may recommend. 

They include eyeglasses, contacts, or even Lasik surgery. None of these corrective measures are covered by health insurance. Instead, you will need vision insurance to cover your examinations and any corrective measures. 

For the millions of Americans who require eyeglasses, the costs add up fast. Contacts are a recurring expense. 

The frames and lenses for eyeglasses also come at a high cost. Many people also require multiple pairs, such as sunglasses or sports glasses.   

A vision insurance plan is going to cover a large portion of your expenses. Routine examinations at the eye doctor are included. You will also secure contacts and eyeglasses at a fraction of the cost.

Recapping the Difference Between Medical and Vision Insurance

The difference between the two insurance types is straightforward. Health insurance does not cover your eye examinations or any corrective measures. 

Instead, health insurance is reserved for medical conditions only. Eye issues like nearsightedness are not considered a medical condition in the insurance industry. If you are shopping for vision or medical insurance, contact us today to speak with a specialist.