VSP Vision Insurance Benefits and Savings

It goes without saying that VSP® Individual Vision Plans gives you real savings compared to being uninsured—so much so that you can see the difference when paying for your vision and eyewear expenses. If you’re not familiar with VSP vision insurance plans or are looking into becoming insured, you may have specific questions regarding frame, lens, and contact lens benefits. To help answer any questions, we’ve made a list of frequently asked questions about the savings and benefits of a VSP vision insurance plan.

How does a VSP frame allowance work?

Depending on what VSP vision insurance plan you enroll in, you can get new glasses frames or contact lenses every 12 months. This means you can redefine your look and style every year. No matter what your style is, here’s how the VSP frame and lens enhancement costs break down in terms of price:

  • There’s a $25 copay for prescription glasses
    • Single vision, lined bifocal, and lined trifocal lenses are all covered by your VSP coverage and your copay
  • 20% savings on any balance over your frame allowance
  • For specific additional lens enhancements, here’s a look at your out-of-pocket copays:
    • Progressive lenses (standard, premium, custom): $0 – $175
    • Anti-glare (anti-reflective coating): $41 – $85
    • Light-reactive lenses: $75
    • Impact-resistant (polycarbonate) lenses: $0 – $35
    • Scratch-resistant coating: $35
    • Tinted (colored) lenses: $15 – $17
    • UV protection: $16

What kind of frames can I purchase with my VSP vision insurance benefits?

With your vision plan benefits you can buy any glasses frames that catch your eye. For frames, you get a $150 or $230 allowance, plus 20% savings on any amount over that allowance. This means you can select any eyeglass frames within that price range, or you can buy more expensive frames and your allowance will go toward that cost.

As a VSP member, you can get an additional $20 to spend on top of your frame allowance when you purchase from the featured frame brands.* Before you purchase, be sure to ask your VSP network doctor about qualifying frame brands. If you need more than one frame, with VSP vision insurance you save an additional 20% on additional glasses and sunglasses from any VSP doctor within 12 months of your eye exam.

What is a contact lens fitting exam?

This type of eye exam is different from a regular eye exam and is specifically meant for contact lens wearers. During this eye exam, your eye doctor will ensure that the contacts are fitting both eyes properly and that the contact lenses are not harming your eyes or vision in any way.

How can I use my elective contact lens allowance?

Instead of buying glasses (frames and lenses), you can purchase new contact lenses every 12 months. However, the difference is you don’t have a copay if you opt for contact lenses instead of glasses. Depending on your vision plan and any upgrade options you select, you can get a $150 allowance, which you can use to purchase contacts and the contact lens exam (see question above). Once you have your contact lens fitting exam, your eye doctor will let you know what types of contact options are available to you.

What are nonelective (medically necessary) contact lenses?

Nonelective contact lenses, also called medically necessary contact lenses, are prescribed by your optometrist. Your eye doctor will let you know if you need medically necessary contact lenses. These types of contacts are not covered by a VSP Individual Vision Plan.

For more answers to frequently asked questions about VSP vision plan coverage, doctor network, or plan use, visit our vision insurance FAQ section or benefits and savings page today. If you’re ready to use your VSP vision insurance, find an eye doctor near you to schedule your next eye exam.

*Brand and promotions are subject to change.

Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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