Want to jump straight to the answer? VSP Vision Insurance is one of the most popular vision coverage providers in the nation. Learn more here.
Don't count on your health insurance plan for vision care. Most regular health insurance plans won't include coverage, so you need to seek out separate vision insurance coverage.
Don't think you need vision insurance? Think again. Vision insurance can help you reduce the cost of your annual eye exam as well as the price of glasses or contacts to save you hundreds.
Find coverage today with Benzinga’s guide to vision insurance in Texas.
Quick Look: Best Texas Vision Insurance
- Best Overall: VSP
- Best for a Large-Suite of Products: UnitedHealthcare
- Best for Combined Vision and Dental Insurance: Humana
- Best for Highest Allowance: EyeMed
- Top-Rated Customer Service: Davis Vision
Best Texas Vision Insurance
Check out our top picks for the best vision insurance in Texas.
1. Best Overall: VSP
VSP stands because it combines a large network of independent specialists and affordable plans for comprehensive annual eye examinations. Individual plans start as low as $13 a month and you can potentially save over $200 per year on out-of-pocket costs. Save up to 25% on select lens enhancements for glasses obtained through a VSP network doctor.
VSP members also enjoy member extras including a free 1-year warranty on all featured frame brands and up to 60% savings on digital hearing aids. Membership also provides up to $3,000 in savings and special offers on contact lenses, diabetes care, LASIK and more.
VSP’s Standard Plan offers a $150 allowance for contacts or frames with an extra $20 available on brands like Calvin Klein, DKNY, Nike and more. Enrollment is open year-round.
Pros
- Nationwide coverage
- Large network
- Low-cost plans with affordable copays
- Discounts on lens customization options
- Extended customer service hours — get support on the weekends
- Flexible payment options
- Flexible coverage start dates
Cons
- Must choose between frames or contact lenses
- May have to pay more out-of-pocket
2. Best for a Large-Suite of Products: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare’s 40-year commitment to customers has earned Texans’ trust. UHC offers 2 vision plan options:
- Plan A costs $11 for 1 person and $7 for each additional person. The plan requires you to choose between contacts or glasses.
- Plan B covers both contacts and glasses. It costs $15 for 1 person and an additional $10 for each extra beneficiary.
You’ll pay a $10 copay with both plans and receive a $150 frame allowance. The carrier covers scratch-resistant coating in full for each pair of eyeglasses bought through its provider. It also covers select contact lens purchases in full, including an initial fitting assessment and up to 2 follow-up visits.
Pros
- Cheaper premiums than other options
- Large provider network
- No waiting period
- $150 in-network frame and contacts allowance each year
- $10 exam copay
- $10 copay for glasses
- No copay for contacts
Cons
- Lower bifocal and trifocal allowance than other options
3. Best for Combined Vision and Dental Insurance: Humana
Humana is a great option for seniors who want to streamline billing. Humana serves 66% of the individual Medicare advantage market nationwide. The carrier partners with EyeMed to provide a single plan at $16 per person with a 1-time $35 enrollment fee.
Through the EyeMed’s network, you:
- Pay $15 for routine exams and $40 for contact lens exams
- Choose from a 65,000 providers network nationwide
- Get a $150 frame allowance and 20% savings on balances above the cost
- Pay $15 for each scratch resistance, tint and UV coating
- Pay a $25 copayment for single, bifocal and trifocal selections
Dental insurance plans are also available through this carrier.
Pros
- Low cost
- Low co-pay costs
- Well-established company with an excellent reputation for excellence
- $150 contacts allowance
Cons
- Some negative customer feedback
- $40 contact eye exam copay
4. Best for Highest Allowance: EyeMed
EyeMed doesn’t just boast a large network of independent providers. It’s also known for coverage at large chains like LensCrafters and Pearle Vision.
Texans have access to 3 plan options: EyeMed Healthy at $5 a month, EyeMed Bold for $17.50 per month and EyeMed Bright at $30 monthly. Members can save an average of 72% off the retail price of glasses and eye exams at in-network doctors.
EyeMed’s Enhanced Provider Search has over 100,000 network providers to pick from. Using in-network providers helps you enjoy discounts like a 40% off additional pairs of glasses, 20% off all non-prescription glasses and up to 20% off anything above your standard frame allowance.
Whether you visit an in-network or out-of-network eye doctor, EyeMed takes care of all your claims paperwork.
Pros
- Don't need an employer to get coverage
- Various options of coverage with corresponding costs
- Large provider network
- Optional additional hearing benefits
Cons
- Coverage only available in 48 states
- Does not give 100% coverage for glasses or contact lenses
- Does not fully cover LASIK
5. Top-Rated Customer Service: Davis Vision
Davis Vision stands out for its array of paid-in-full lenses. It also offers the latest technology in lens options and access to a large network of private practice providers and national retailers. Its Designer Plan provides 100% coverage on annual eye examinations and a 1-year breakage warranty for the repair or replacement of plan-covered lenses and frames.
There are 3 levels of frame coverage to choose from. The Fashion level and Designer levels are covered in full. Premier level requires a $25 copay. Spectacle lenses, contact lens evaluation, fitting and follow-up care require a $10 copay. The plan also offers up to $130 in frame allowance at any in-network provider or up to $180 at Visionworks locations.
Members enjoy a 50% discount off additional pairs of eyeglasses at any Visionworks retail location and a 10% discount on disposable contact lenses.
Pros
- Customized plans at different price points
- Over 91,000 points of access within the U.S.
- Out-of-network coverage options
- May qualify for discounts on LASIK surgery
- Eyeglasses come with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Coverage is only available through an employer
- Reimbursement levels are low for out-of-network
- Customer service is poor
An Overview of Vision Insurance
What does vision insurance cover? Vision insurance is designed to cover a portion of the costs of routine eye exams and prescription eyewear. Some plans also give savings on elective vision corrective surgery like PRK and LASIK.
Major health insurance policies may offer unlimited benefits after certain deductibles and copays are met. There are many types of vision coverage. But most vision plans are wellness benefits or discount plans with specific savings and services for an annual premium.
Most Texans receive health insurance through government programs or an employer. These insurance plans may or may not include vision coverage. Do your research and pay close attention to each plan’s offerings to get the best coverage for your needs.
- Start by choosing a suitable plan and payment option.
- Visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. An in-network provider will help you get the most from your benefits.
- If corrective vision is required, your optometrist can help you pick contacts or glasses.
- Pay your copay and your eye care provider will process your benefit claims.
Average Cost of Vision Insurance in Texas
Vision insurance is an easy way to reduce the costs of eye care. But how much will coverage cost?
According to the Vision Service Plan (VSP) online savings calculator, the average cost of an eye exam in Texas is $162.52. You can expect to pay a monthly premium of $10 to $30 for most individual vision plans. You may also need to pay a small copay. Benefits include greatly reduced or free eyeglasses and contacts as well as multiple savings on services and elective procedures.
A vision plan can also provide allowances to cover the entire cost of frames or lenses. You may also be able to buy glasses through select brands and provider networks at a lower price than in an optometrist’s office.
You’ll likely see significant savings when you compare the out-of-pocket costs with the cost of vision insurance. For instance, the average eye exam is $152 without insurance. You can spend over $200 on eyeglasses, depending on the lens and frames. You’ll already be saving hundreds of dollars with your 1st eye exam with a vision plan.
When is Vision Insurance Worth It?
Regular eye exams are important for your vision health. Eye exams can detect early signs of serious eye diseases or problems like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Other health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes can also come to light.
Vision insurance can also provide:
- Savings on routine eye exams
- An allowance that goes toward contacts and glasses
- Top-quality lenses and frames from premium brands
- Savings on optional lens enhancements
The amount of money you save depends on your plan of choice and your lens and frame selections. For example, you can save over $200 annually as a VSP Individual Vision Plan member.
Find Your Texas Vision Insurance Plan Now
Use a vision insurance plan to help you save on regular eye exams, glasses, contact lenses or even a specialty surgery. The monthly premium is sure to pay off if eyewear and eye care are already a part of your healthcare routine.
A comprehensive vision insurance plan is just a few click away. Start by comparing quotes, and find your best vision plan today with Benzinga’s guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vision insurance in Texas cover contacts?
Yes, many vision insurance plans in Texascover contact lenses. Check your policy so you know how much is covered.
Does Texas vision insurance cover sunglasses?
Vision insurance in Texas often covers enough for you to replace a frame and pair of lenses each year. Generally, a savvy person will replace their glasses this year and sunglasses next year.
Can I choose any eye care provider with vision insurance in Texas?
Most vision insurance plans in Texas have a network of preferred eye care providers, and visiting an in-network provider may offer you discounts and benefits. However, some plans may also allow you to see an out-of-network provider, but with different coverage terms.