Most Comprehensive Coverage: Davis Vision
pros
- Offers wellness programs, diabetic outreach programs, and discounts on hearing aids
- Four of the top five eye care retailers are in your network
cons
- Poor out-of-network coverage
- No plan covers LASIK
Davis Vision began as a family-owned retail optical business in 1917. Today’s Davis Vision was incorporated in 1964 when founder Lawrence Davis opened an ophthalmic laboratory in New Hyde Park, New York. Four of the top five eye care retailers are part of the Davis Vision network, and you can get in-network eyeglasses and exams across the country. He has his collection of glasses, with pairs costing as little as $40 and a breakage guarantee. The company received a Four Circle rating from JD Power and a C+ from the Better Business Bureau.
There are two types of plans that Davis Vision offers: standard and premium. The standard program starts at just $6.31 a month with $10 eye exams, $20 glasses, and an allowance for frames up to $180. The premium plan costs about $10 a month and gives you an extra $20 on shelves. The premium plan also provides a $200 contact lens allowance, while the standard gets you $130.
Davis Vision coverage also offers discounts on LASIK and other health-related services. It provides discounts on hearing aids, a wellness program called Fit Fwd, and a diabetic outreach program. This company recognizes the gaps in traditional health insurance and has established programs to fill them.
Why We Chose It: Davis Vision views your eye health as part of a larger wellness picture that includes hearing aids and diabetic programs that aren’t always covered by insurance.
Best for Lasik Surgery: UnitedHealthcare
pros
- Available in 43 states
- LASIK 35% discount coupon
cons
- Coverage options vary from state to state
- Pay more for out-of-network coverage
In 2003, UnitedHealthcare acquired Golden Rule Insurance (started in 1940), making it one of the nation’s largest health care providers with over 75 years of experience serving 27.8 million people. It has 1.4 million doctors in its network. The company has a financial rating of A Best from AM, demonstrating financial strength and soundness.
UnitedHealthcare vision coverage offers two comprehensive plans: Plan A and Plan B. Plan A is for people who wear only glasses or contacts, while Plan B covers those who wear glasses and contacts. Premiums start at $11.40 a month for Plan A, and neither plan requires a waiting period. Both methods have $10 eye exam copays, $10 eyeglass copays, a $150 in-network eyeglass allowance, and a $0 contact lens allowance.
There are 80,000 providers in UnitedHealthcare networks in 43 states. Laser eye surgery (LASIK) is discounted up to 35% through providers in the Laser Vision Network of America. And if you bundle your vision insurance coverage with other UnitedHealthcare coverage, like health or dental, your total premiums will go down.
Why We Chose You: UnitedHealthcare offers LASIK procedures at a 35% discount through the Laser Vision Network of America, which provides more than 550 correction locations.
