1. California Health Insurance
  2. Supplemental Plans
  3. Vision
  4. VSP

VSP Insurance

Regular eye exams ensure that your eyesight and health are taken care of, but the cost of these eye exams can become quite steep. Vision insurance helps cover the cost of this necessary eye care by making it more affordable and accessible.

Vision Service Plan (VSP) is the United States’ leading vision insurance provider. VSP offers comprehensive eye care coverage, helping families and individuals manage the costs of maintaining good vision health. This service works with a network of eye care professionals, ensuring all members have access to high-quality eye care when they need it.

What Is VSP Vision Insurance?

It all started right here in California. The largest not-for-profit vision insurance in the United States, VSP Vision Care, was founded over 50 years ago when a group of optometrists from Oakland, California, partnered together. California alone has over 5,092 doctors and 7,800 access points where members may obtain glasses or contacts. VSP’s goal is to “help people see by providing affordable access to high-quality eye care and eyewear. That’s why 80 million members are happily covered by VSP.”

As a member, you pay a monthly premium that gives you access to a range of services at reduced rates, including eye exams, contact lenses and glasses. Anyone can enroll, whether you are on Medicare, a veteran, a retiree or a self-employed individual.

Benefits of Choosing VSP Insurance

VSP makes maintaining good eye health more accessible and affordable. It gives you access to quality eye care from a network of professionals. Benefits of choosing VSP include:

  • Easy enrollment: You can enroll any time of year and enjoy coverage from the same day.
  • Predictable premiums: VSP annual premiums fluctuate very little, if at all.
  • Generous frame allowance: Most VSP plans cover your eye exam in full and give you $150 for the frame of your choice.
  • Bonus $40: One of the Exclusive Member Extras includes $40 to spend on select frame brands.
  • Automatic renewal: At renewal, your vision plan will automatically renew. VSP will charge the credit card or bank account unless you call to cancel. VSP will email you 60 days in advance of the renewal to remind you of the auto-renewal.

VSP Vision Insurance Rates

VSP offers two plans:

  • The $120 Vision Plan is $15.16/month per person
  • The $175 Vision Plan is $19.24/month per person

These premiums are the same regardless of a person’s age or where they live in California. You can also opt for a one-year contract, paying monthly or upfront with no additional fees. You may also cancel mid-year so long as you’ve not used the benefits. If you’ve used the benefits, you’ll need to stay on the plan for the year.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a VSP Plan

When considering these plans, their rates and coverage, selecting a plan that covers your annual comprehensive eye exam, glasses or contacts, and lens enhancements is crucial. You may also want to consider any enrollment fees and if your preferred eye doctor is part of VSP plans.

Use our VSP Plan Wizard and answer three simple questions to help you find the right vision coverage for you.

VSP Vision Benefit Overview

VSP Vision Benefit Overview

 

The main difference between the two plans is that the $175 Plan offers lower frames or contact lenses and no additional cost for UV, scratch-resistance coatings, or tints. For more information, review the Your VSP Vision Benefits Summary.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a good idea to know how to make the most of your VSO vision insurance. Here are some frequently asked questions about how the insurance works, lens enhancement savings and more.

What Lens Enhancements Can I Save Money On?

VSP offers savings on scratch-resistant coatings, impact-resistant lenses, UV protection, high-index lenses, anti-glare coatings, progressive lenses and photochromic adaptive lenses.

What if I Lose or Break My Glasses?

If your eyeglasses break or get lost, or you’d feel better having an extra pair, VSP vision insurance gives you a 20% discount on the total cost of the eyeglasses.

How Does Vision Insurance Work?

  1. Get quotes and apply. Choose the 1st of the current month or the following month. If you choose the 1st of the current month, you’ll pay two months of premium when you enroll. Also, you’ll need to wait 5 business days before filing a claim. If you choose the 1st of the following month, you pay a premium for one month, and you can file a claim the day your plan starts.
  2. Find a VSP Doctor.
  3. Schedule an eye exam.
  4. Purchase contact lenses or glasses with VSP insurance.

Do Costco and Walmart Take VSP Insurance?

Some popular places that accept VSP insurance are Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Pearle Vision.

Find Your Way to Vision Benefits With VSP

Whether you have 20/20 vision or have some challenges with your eyesight, a vision insurance plan is essential. Eye exams are for more than just vision — for example, your eye doctor may be able to detect other health conditions like diabetes. VSP supports your eye health management to ensure you have access to the eye care you need.

For questions or assistance with enrollment, VSP can be contacted at (800)410-1857 within the following hours:

  • 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday
  • 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday