Vision care plans have a variety of offerings; some plans only cover basic services, while others will cover more extensive treatments. Basic services typically include vision exams, glasses and contacts. Major services could be procedures such as surgery. Elective surgeries, such as Lasik, are usually not covered but some plans can provide you with a small coupon. You’ll want to review your vision coverage to determine what services are covered and at what amount as coverage can vary greatly between plans. Most insurance companies offer two different types of vision coverage, a package plan that grants you access to a capped dollar amount for services, or a discount plan that gives you a certain discount on qualified services. Your vision insurance may include a copay for services or may only allot a certain dollar amount for specific services. Some vision plans include waiting periods, ranging anywhere from 30 days to 36 months. During the waiting period, you will receive either reduced benefits or no benefits. Premiums for this type of coverage can vary depending on the insurance company, the plan you choose, your age and your location. Fortunately, having a pre-exiting condition will not raise your premium.

It is wise to review the policy options you have to choose from, the types of vision services and products you need and how frequently you need them when deciding whether vision insurance is right for you.