VSP is the only national not-for-profit vision insurance company in the U.S. The company makes vision care affordable with low-cost monthly premiums accepted by more than 36,000 eye care providers. While people of all ages can benefit from a VSP Individual or Family plan, the coverage is particularly of note for retirees because of the high allowances for glasses and contacts.
VSP is the only national not-for-profit vision insurance company with a provider network of more than 36,000 providers.
Vision care grows more critical as you age, but Original Medicare plans may not provide eye care coverage unless you have diabetes, and many private health insurances and Medicare Advantage plans don’t include vision insurance. With no coverage for eye care costs, you have to foot the entire bill for annual exams and glasses or contact lenses. An individual vision insurance plan can help fill the gap and cover much of the expense associated with eye care. VSP vision insurance is ideal for many people, with more than 36,000 providers and 84 million members around the world.
Founded in 1954, VSP currently serves one in four Americans and operates under a doctor-governed not-for-profit business model. We awarded VSP Vision Insurance the Best Provider Network distinction in our best vision insurance companies guide.
Pros
Large provider network
Low monthly premiums
Quick online enrollment
Small copays with high allowances
Typical annual savings of over $200
Cons
Reimbursement process for out-of-network providers
Must commit to a yearlong contract
VSP Vision Insurance Plan Options
You can choose between four plans: Standard, EasyOptions, Enhanced and EyewearOnly. The Standard policy is the most affordable and covers an annual exam and a basic pair of glasses or contact lenses. Upgrading to the EasyOptions Plan provides coverage for The VSP Standard plan, which includes an option to upgrade to progressive multifocal lenses or light-to-dark tinting with no copay, plus a higher frame or contact lens allowance of $230. Consider the VSP Enhanced plan if you want premium lenses with anti-glare, scratch-resistant and impact-resistant coatings.
The VSP EyewearOnly plan is for those who only need new basic glasses or contacts, have a current prescription and don’t need an annual exam. The plan also includes lens enhancement discounts. It would be the best fit for plan members who receive a yearly exam with their health insurance but do not have coverage for prescription eyewear.
Like most vision insurance plans, VSP does not include coverage for eye surgeries or therapies, which fall under medical policy benefits. However, members get access to benefits like discounts on LASIK eye correction surgery, contact lenses and more.
VSP Vision Plan Costs
VSP is best for those who plan to use an in-network provider. You can use an out-of-network provider, but you will pay the full price for services upfront and then submit a claim for partial reimbursement.
VSP plans cost as little as $13 a month. Plan rates vary depending on where you live and which of the four plans you choose. The company’s website allows you to enter your ZIP code to see a list of plan options and prices. Below is a chart summarizing the fees associated with plans available for individuals 64 and older.
Feature
Standard
EasyOptions
Enhanced
Eyewear – Only120
Primary Benefit
· Simple plan
· Basic glasses or contacts
· Annual exam
· One Upgrade
· Higher frame or contact allowance
· Light-to-dark tinted lenses
· Free lens upgrades for scratch and impact resistance
· Anti-glare and progressive lens discounts
· Basic glasses or contacts
· No annual exams
Monthly Premium
$16.39
$24.95
$29.93
$10.95
Typical Annual Savings
$246
$330
$293
$180
Exam Copay
$15
$15
$15
Not covered
Basic Lens Copay
$25
$25
$25
$25
Frame or Contact Lens Allowance
$150
$150 or $230
$150
$120
VSP Vision Plan Options
How to Buy a VSP Individual Vision Plan
To sign up for a VSP Individual Vision Plan, visit the website and enter your ZIP code to find the plan options available to you. When you choose a plan, be sure to read the detailed contract information before purchasing. Finalize your policy by providing some personal information and contact details along with your credit card number for payment. You can also call to speak with a vision consultant to get a quote and buy a VSP vision plan.
VSP vision insurance requires customers to sign up for a year of coverage at a time. You can make monthly payments, but you can’t cancel until the year is up. Also, your annual plan will automatically renew by charging to the credit card on file unless you cancel. VSP will notify you 60 days before your insurance comes up for renewal.
VSP Complaints
VSP Individual Vision Plans receive overwhelmingly positive reviews online. The Better Business Bureau gives the company a B rating.
ConsumersAdvocate lists VSP as the first choice for vision care insurance and rates the company with an excellent 4.7 out of 5 stars. We found some lower VSP ratings online, but these were generally for group plans sold to employers through insurance providers, not individual vision insurance policies purchased directly through VSP.
VSP Individual Vision Plans FAQ
When are vision care benefits available after I enroll in a VSP plan?
You can choose to have your benefits active the next business day or the following month. For start dates further than a month out, you can call VSP to speak to a knowledgeable customer service representative who can help.
Does VSP offer any discounts if I buy more than one pair of glasses or sunglasses?
Yes, all vision plans include a 20% discount on the cost of extra pairs of glasses, including prescription sunglasses.
Can I use VSP at chains like Sam’s Club, Target Optical or Cohen’s?
Big chain providers located inside mass retailers are not in-network. Out-of-network benefits are paid out at a lower level, where you pay the full cost upfront and then submit a reimbursement claim.
Does VSP pay for designer frames?
VSP’s frame allowance applies toward the cost of any frames available at in-network providers, but you will have to pay the difference between the retail price and the benefit for more expensive frames. Plus, VSP members get exclusive member extras, like an extra $20, to spend on featured frame brands.* *Brands and promotions are subject to change.
What if I want to add my spouse or family to my VSP vision insurance plan?
You can add another person to your plan for about twice the cost of individual coverage. You can also add dependents who are under 26 years old or disabled.
Conclusion
VSP’s simple vision insurance options and extensive provider network make the company an excellent choice for defraying the cost of eye care for retirees, families and individuals. Choosing and enrolling in a VSP Individual Vision Plan online is quick and easy, and the typical savings with the lowest coverage level is more than $200 a year.
The representative wanted my bank information but wasn't able to provide an email with any qualifying official documentation. They said they would not send an email with the company name, employee name, or employee company contact number. When asked for a supervisor I was told no one was available. I was referred to them by my health insurance. It's insane a representative from a legitimate company referred their customer to a scam site.
EMMA M.
Leigh Acers, FL
July 05 2023 2:54PM
Would have given the company a 3 rating until I tried to contact them to cancel my coverage. On the phone for over 20 minutes, repeatedly entering the same information, before I finally got a person on the line.
Requested my coverage be canceled because the amount of the premiums has consistently been more than any benefits I've received. Much more cost effective to go with an advantage plan with vision coverage and you don't have to waste time trying to get to a person on the phone.
Tom C.
Phoenix, AZ
October 07 2019 6:25PM
DON'T waste your money, prices and coverage do not reflect what you actually buy, plastic lenses or glass, good frames you would wear or throw away frames you won't buy. Reflective, scratch resistance etc, etc. Save your money and just pay the bill, you will not spend more than the coverage and actual cost combined, more than likely less if my experience is any indication. Note: the authorization was diff than what VSP sent me as to what to expect.
