Adding a vision insurance plan

Vision plans cover some of the costs not typically covered by health insurance.

Vision insurance can help you take good care of your eyes. Here are key things to know when choosing a vision plan.

See vision plan options

Reasons to choose vision insurance

A comprehensive eye exam can help to detect health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some health plans include coverage for an eye exam, but not all do. A vision insurance plan can reduce how much you pay for eye exams or eyewear.

There are two main reasons to choose a vision insurance plan:

  1. If your health plan does not cover eye exams, then a vision plan will pay some or all of the cost of an annual eye exam.
  2. You can get some costs covered for things not typically covered by a health plan, such as:
  • Prescription eyeglass lenses and frames
  • Eyeglass enhancements, such as scratch-resistant coating or polarized lenses
  • Contact lens fittings
  • Contact lenses

Blue Cross vision plan options

Blue Cross offers vision plan options for employer groups, individuals and families. Plan benefits vary based on the plan type.

With a Blue Cross vision plan, you have access to a national network of more than 50,000 vision care providers. You can choose to see any optometrist or ophthalmologist in the network, in private practice or at one of these four optical stores: Visionworks, Sam's Club, Costco or Walmart.

In addition to the plan premium, you may also pay part of the costs through copayments or coinsurance, depending on the plan you select. Vision benefits are limited to a set amount per year. After you reach the maximum limit, you pay for all costs.

How to enroll in a vision plan and pay the premium

At work, you can enroll in a Blue Cross vision plan during open enrollment if your company offers the plan. You will pay a monthly premium for vision coverage.

You can enroll in an individual Blue Cross vision plan any time. Coverage generally starts the first of the month after we receive your application and payment.

You do not have to be a Blue Cross health plan member to enroll in a Blue Cross vision plan.

More about vision

Vision plans for you and your family
Vision plans for small employers
Vision plans for large group employers
Welcome to Blue Cross vision plans
5 ways to protect your eyes
Most common eye problems

*Retail partners of Davis Vision. Davis Vision is an independent company providing vision benefit management services and access to their network. Each vision provider is an independent contractor and not our agent. It is up to the member to confirm provider participation in their network prior to receiving services.

How do I