Vision coverage options

Allowances, not deductibles

Most vision coverage pays a set amount toward an exam and a set allowance toward frames, lenses or contacts each period. The useful comparison is the total allowance against the monthly cost, plus which providers accept the plan.

When it's worth it

For households that buy glasses or contacts regularly, a vision plan is usually straightforward value. For someone with an annual exam and no correction, the maths is often closer, and paying out of pocket can be reasonable.

• How many people in the household need correction.
• How often lenses or contacts are replaced.
• Whether your preferred optical provider participates.