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Evaluating Vision Insurance Plans - Choose the Best One for You
Whether you are looking for a vision insurance plan for yourself or for your employees, it is not a decision to be made lightly. Choosing the right plan can easily save you thousands of dollars in the long-run.
Know your needs
The first step to choosing the right plan is to know what kind of eye care services you will require. Review your medical records from the last two years. You can use this information to estimate your future needs. (If choosing a family plan, be sure to review the records of each member.) Take note of what services were needed (eye exams, glasses, contacts, etc), and how often.
Two main types of plans
Vision insurance plans generally fall into two main categories:
- Vision Benefits Package - this is similar to health insurance where you pay a monthly premium and possibly a co-payment at the time of your visit, and the plan covers the rest
- Vision Discount Plan - you pay the full amount of the service yourself, but at a special discounted rate
Two other things to consider
Whichever type of plan you are looking at, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- The network of providers - make sure you choose a plan with quality eye care providers near you. Driving a long way may not be an issue for your yearly eye exam, but could be very inconvenient if there is an eye injury or other emergency. If you are considering LASIK or other laser vision correction, be sure to look for a surgeon in your prospective plan as well.
- The services offered - Most plans will cover the basics, but don't forget to check for special services you might need such as laser eye surgery or specific types of glasses, coatings, or contact lenses.
Make a chart to compare plans
If there are a number of plans you are considering, the easiest way to compare them is by making a chart. Based on your medical records, write down each service you anticipate needing in the future, and approximately how often. Then for each plan, write down whether these services are covered, the frequency allowed by the plan, and the estimated cost for each plan (copayments, premiums, and any other fees). This will allow you to do a side-by-side comparison to determine which plan will save you the most money while still meeting all your needs.
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Article contributed by SnappyWriting.com
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