Are Sunglasses Covered by Vision Insurance?

About 12 million Americans over the age of 40 and 6.8% of children under the age of 18 have vision impairment.¹ Vision health is important for everyone, as is preventative care like wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Prescription sunglasses can be expensive, but vision insurance can help with costs associated with protective eyewear.

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Key Takeaways

Sunglasses can be useful tools for reducing your eyes’ exposure to UV radiation and helping to prevent visual impairment.
Some vision insurance carriers may cover prescription sunglasses or sunglasses that are deemed medically necessary.
Aflac offers a range of vision insurance policies, many of which can help with costs associated with protective eyewear.

Does vision insurance typically cover sunglasses

Vision insurance does not always cover sunglasses, but many plans will if they are prescription or deemed medically necessary. If you would like coverage for sunglasses, you should review your vision insurance policy carefully to understand what’s included before making a purchase.

When are sunglasses typically covered by vision insurance?

Sunglasses are typically covered by vision insurance in these instances:

Prescription: Vision insurance typically helps pay for prescription glasses, including sunglasses.
Medical necessity: If an optometrist deems it medically necessary that you wear a pair of sunglasses, your insurer may cover the cost.
Specific insurance plan allowances: Some plans may have specific allowances for sunglass purchases.

Types of sunglasses that may not be covered by vision insurance

If you just want a pair of sunglasses, it’s not a guarantee that your insurance provider will cover them. These types of sunglasses are often not covered:

Non-prescription sunglasses
Fashion or luxury sunglasses
Sports sunglasses

You may also be limited in the brands that your insurer is willing to cover.

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How can I check if my sunglasses are covered by my vision insurance?

To verify your coverage, review your policy documents. You may be able to find them on your insurance provider’s online portal or request a copy from your insurance representative. You can also ask an insurance representative directly what’s included or not included in the policy.

How much coverage can I expect for sunglasses?

Even if your vision insurance offers coverage for sunglasses, it may not cover the cost in full. Your plan may have one or more common coverage limitations including:²

Service limitations: Vision insurance may not cover the type of services you need.
Coverage limitations: Most plans have an annual coverage limit, meaning that after you’ve used it, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket costs.
Network limitations: Some plans may not allow you to use medical providers outside of the network.
Brand limitations: You may only be able to select certain sunglass brands that are approved by your insurance provider.

These limitations may require you to pay out-of-pocket for sunglasses, and you’ll typically have to pay for accessories yourself.

Is it worth getting prescription sunglasses?

If you already wear prescription glasses, it’s may be a good idea to wear prescription sunglasses, too. Prescription sunglasses offer a number of benefits, including:

Protection: Sunglasses offer protection from harmful UV rays.
Comfort: With the right prescription, you may be able to see better and avoid eye strain from looking through non-prescription lenses.
Safety: Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, but they can help you see better when driving or navigating when the sun is bright.

Get a quote for vision insurance

Vision insurance can be worth it if you have prescription eyewear needs since it can reduce your out-of-pocket costs associated with eye care. Aflac offers a range of vision insurance policies, some of which may include coverage for certain types of sunglasses. However, terms and conditions apply, so it’s important to review your policy first to be clear on what’s covered and what isn’t. Chat with an Aflac agent today to discuss your policy options and get a quote for vision insurance.

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