UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Review
Eye health becomes even more critical as you age. AARP says that many adults over 50 are not receiving regular eye care, likely due to a lack of vision insurance. Medicare does not cover vision-related expenses, so many retirees purchase a separate vision plan, and UnitedHealthcare makes choosing a policy easy. We included UnitedHealthcare vision insurance in our Best Vision Insurance Guide because the company offers the most straightforward choices in coverage.
Pros
- Simple plan options
- Convenient in-network provider locations
- No age maximum
- No waiting period
- $10 copay for in-network eye exams
Cons
- No cancellations in the first year in many states
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Options
UnitedHealthcare sells vision insurance as a standalone plan, or you can add eye care coverage to a UnitedHealthcare dental policy. You select one of two plans depending on whether you wear glasses or contacts, or you need benefits to cover both. Once your application is approved and you pay the premium, you can use UnitedHealthcare vision insurance immediately.
We found premium prices and coverage to be relatively uniform across many states. However, state regulations vary, so your cost and options may be slightly different. UHC does not sell vision insurance in Alaska, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, or Virginia.
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Coverage Breakdown
UnitedHealthcare offers two vision insurance options. Plan A is for those who need either glasses or contacts, and Plan B is for those who need both. The policies include some combination of the following:
- Annual eye exam
- Eyeglass lenses, including a scratch-resistant coating
- Eyeglass frame allowance
- Contact lenses, including fitting and evaluation
Some eye care expenses not covered by UnitedHealthcare vision insurance include:
- Replacement of lost or broken frames or contact lenses
- Vision therapy services
- Eye surgeries or other medical treatment (covered under medical insurance)
- Premium options like high-index lenses (extra thin) or anti-reflective coatings
The following chart explains the benefits of both plans in terms of what you’d pay for exams and copays. The insurance covers one exam per year whether your provider is in or out-of-network, and one pair of glasses or contacts annually (or both, if you have Plan B).
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Eye exam, in-network | $10 copay |
| Eye exam, out-of-network | $50 allowance |
| Frames, in-network | $150 allowance |
| Frames, out-of-network | $75 allowance |
| Lenses, in-network | $10 copay for basic lenses, you pay the difference for premium lenses |
| Lenses, out-of-network | $40 (single focus), $60 (bifocals) or $80 (trifocals) allowance |
| Contacts, in-network | $0 copay for basic contact lenses or $125 (Plan A) or $150 (Plan B) allowance for premium contacts |
| Contacts, out-of-network | $105 allowance for premium contacts |
As with all insurance products, we recommend you take the time to read the entire plan description and ask questions before signing a contract. You are obligated to pay all premiums for 12 months before you can cancel in most states.
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Cost
The cost of vision insurance varies by state and factors such as your age, gender, and whether or not you use tobacco. We used the company’s website quote calculator to get an idea of the fee range, and it appears to be pretty stable across demographics. For reference, we looked at prices for both men and women, in Tulsa and Philadelphia, ages 65 and 85, and the quotes were the same for all groups:
- Plan A: $11.40 monthly premium (either glasses or contacts)
- Plan B: $15.70 monthly premium (both glasses and contacts)
You can add a partner or, in most states, a dependent under the age of 26 for around $7.20 per month for Plan A, or $9.90 per month for Plan B. The monthly premium for UHC vision insurance is the same whether you purchase the insurance by itself or as an add-on to a UnitedHealthcare dental insurance plan. You must commit to paying 12 consecutive monthly premiums in most states. UnitedHealthcare vision insurance is renewable for life.
How to Buy UnitedHealthcare, Golded Rule Vision Insurance
You can purchase a vision insurance plan by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website or calling a representative on the phone. On the site, click on Shop for Insurance, then select Supplemental Insurance to find the option for vision plans. Fill in the form on the quote calculator and choose the plan that fits your needs to see the cost. You can immediately apply for the vision insurance after you view the quote.
UnitedHealthcare accepts vision insurance premium payments online using a credit card or electronic funds transfer. Typically, approval is speedy, and you can receive coverage as soon as the next day.
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Complaints
UnitedHealthcare received the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Vision Plans” from J.D. Power’s Vision Plan Satisfaction Report for five of the past six years. AM Best recognizes UnitedHealthcare’s underwriter, Golden Rule Insurance Company, with an “A” ranking for financial stability and strength. ConsumersAdvocate awards the Golden Rule Insurance Company a high score of 9.4 out of 10, and TopTenReviews rated UnitedHealthcare’s vision plans 4.5 out of 5 stars for excellent benefits and affordable premiums. However, reviewers on ConsumerAffairs give the company only one star, with many complaints about the difficulty of finding in-network providers.
UnitedHealthcare, Golden Rule Vision Insurance Q&A
-
Can my UnitedHealthcare vision insurance premiums change?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare reviews premiums annually and gives customers at least 31 days notice of any rate changes. -
Does UnitedHealthcare vision insurance pay for eye surgery or medical treatments?
Medical insurance covers procedures such as macular degeneration treatment or cataract surgery, so UnitedHealthcare vision insurance does not include these benefits. If you want LASIK surgery, you may have access to a discount through a UnitedHealthcare vision plan. -
Can I qualify for a UnitedHealthcare vision plan if I have Medicare?
Yes, Medicare recipients are encouraged to apply. -
How do I find UnitedHealthcare in-network vision care providers?
Visit UnitedHealthcare’s website and use the provider locator tool to see in-network providers in your area. It’s best to do this before you sign up for vision coverage. -
How can I determine if UnitedHealthcare excludes my state from the 12-month premium requirement?
UnitedHealthcare publishes a Vision State Variations list on the website. Check this resource to see if your state is listed.
Conclusion
Many retirees opt to buy vision insurance coverage since neither Medicare or Medicare supplement insurance provide eye care benefits. Choosing a vision policy can be confusing, so UnitedHealthcare makes selecting a plan as simple as A or B. It’s easy to find plan details for each state on UnitedHealthcare’s website, and you can add a dependent or significant other to your vision insurance at a low cost.