Have you ever looked at your medical or vision insurance plan and wondered what types of plans are available? You’re not alone. In fact, most people have been in your shoes and used to be clueless about health insurance. Let me cut to the chase: when choosing a health insurance plan that is right for you, you need to understand two main types of plans: medical and vision coverage.
Exam Types
One way to determine which type of health care plan to select is by looking at the type of eye exam that will be performed. You can distinguish between medical and vision plans by seeing what type of eye exam is included in their benefits. A medical plan will likely include a comprehensive eye exam, whereas a vision plan may only cover a specific eye exam. Also, some plans may not include any type of eye exam at all.
Reason for Visiting Eye Doctor
Another factor to consider is why you are visiting an eye doctor in the first place. If your visit will be covered under your medical coverage, it is unlikely that you need to purchase vision coverage. However, if you are visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist for vision correction procedures such as glasses or contacts, then it may be wise to include vision benefits.
Understanding your cover
Medical vs. vision insurance can be a difficult decision. You may want to opt for the vision plan if you have dependents who need eye care, or you may want medical insurance so that you are covered should a major medical emergency occur. Regardless of what plan you choose, it is essential to know what your insurance covers and what it does not cover.
With vision insurance, many providers include an annual deductible. The amount that you will have to pay before your vision benefits kick in is often reasonable, but if you have a long-standing issue such as needing prescription glasses for reading, you may find that the cost adds up quickly.
With medical insurance, there may be quite a few terms and conditions with regard to your coverage. For example, some policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Others require that you purchase prescription eyewear from specific providers or only offer reimbursement for a certain amount of eyewear per year.
Ultimately, you’ll need to carefully consider your situation and needs before deciding what kind of insurance you actually need. Hopefully, this guide will serve as a valuable starting point for making that decision. But rest assured that either type of coverage is available for you to purchase, and both can prove to be vital and beneficial for your healthcare and well-being.
