What Insurance Do I Need For an Eye Exam?
Vision Vs. Medical Insurance
Medical insurance should be used to cover your comprehensive medical eye exam. You do not need vision insurance for this type of exam. Medical insurance should also be used for the further management of eye conditions and treatments.
Vision Insurance is a benefit that can typically only be used once a year and will likely cover your regular eye exam. You may also have vision benefits that can be used toward the purchase of glasses or contacts.
Please note that even if you have both vision and medical insurance, you cannot use both for the same visit. For example, if you schedule a comprehensive medical eye exam, you will have an additional charge to obtain your eyeglass prescription if you are trying to use both benefits at the same time.
If you schedule a regular vision eye exam, you will receive your prescription as part of those benefits. If, however, during your regular vision appointment, you are diagnosed with a medical eye-related issue or require additional treatment, our team may recommend that you use your medical insurance to reduce your cost.
Take a look at this helpful chart to further discern the differences between Vision and Medical Insurance.
| Vision Insurance |
Medical Insurance |
| Covers some eye care services like regular eye exams and refractive services. |
Covers medical eye care services, including the management of eye diseases and comprehensive medical eye exams. |
| Benefits typically include an allowance toward glasses and/or contact lenses. |
Only covers materials if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA). |
| Benefit can only be used one time per calendar year or one time every other year. |
Benefit can be used multiple times throughout the year. |
If you have further questions about which insurance benefit to use for your eye exam, please ask your patient representative during scheduling, or Contact Us anytime.
