Vision Insurance

Vision insurance for individuals can keep the self-employed seeing clearly
By Melissa Haveman Many self-employed business owners forgo individual eye insurance, seeing it as an extra expense. However, individual vision insurance plans are becoming more affordable and many are geared toward self-employed workers. Obtain the eye care coverage that you need and keep your eyes, as well as your family’s, healthy for years to come. Why consider vision insurance plans?

1. Individual eye insurance saves you money on exams, glasses and contact lens.
2. You’ll be able to keep track of your eye health and find potential problems early.
3. Vision insurance quotes are easy to get and you won’t even need to leave your office to get them.

Although many of us tend to take our eye health for granted, individual vision insurance can be an easy way to help you get the eye care that you need at affordable prices.
 

Look into vision insurance plans if you have employees

Offering your employees health, dental and vision insurance can be a way of retaining happy employees. You may get a better deal on insurance by packaging all three together.
Try: VSP offers individual vision insurance and employer plans. Get a quote for small business group vision insurance with eHealth Insurance.

Get quotes for vision insurance for individuals online

Most insurance companies have websites that give quick vision insurance quotes. Use the services to get a ballpark idea on cost of vision insurance plans.
Try: Request an online quote from Individual Health Plans. You can also request a quote from Stepping Stone.

Check with your other insurance companies about vision insurance

Many insurance companies offer discounts if you have multiple plans with them. Check with your health, car or home insurance company to find out if they carry vision insurance for individuals and eligibility for discounts.
Try: Aflac sells individual vision insurance through local sales agents. Contact Principle about available vision plans.

Decide on the coverage you need

If you're paying for your own insurance out of pocket, you may want to use higher deductibles or a little less coverage to keep the cost manageable. Add up your typical vision costs per year and how much the coverage would save you, but keep in mind that insurance is important for emergencies and bigger problems.
Try: Use Spectera’s or Avesis’s locator to see if there is a vision provider near you. AARP offers vision discounts for members.

• If you already have a eye care provider that you like, ask him or her for recommendations on vision insurance plans. This can help you find an individual plan that includes the provider that is familiar with your vision care history.