Shopping online is a fantastic way to save on prescription glasses. But you might be wondering if you can also use your vision insurance benefits to save even more.
The good news is, yes, you can use your plan to buy glasses online – even if they don’t accept insurance as payment!
In this post, we’ll show you how to order glasses online with insurance so that you can get the best possible deal on your next pair.
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How to Order Glasses Online with Insurance
Pay Upfront And Submit For Out-Of-Network Reimbursement
Most online eyeglasses retailers aren’t in-network providers for vision insurance plans. This means that you won’t be able to use your plan directly with the retailer, but you can still submit a claim for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan includes out-of-network benefits.
To do this, start by purchasing your glasses from an online retailer and pay in full at the time of purchase.
Then, contact your insurer’s customer service department and ask for a claim form. (Many retailers even link to the form directly from their site for your convenience.)
Once you have the form, fill it out with your contact information and the details of your purchase.
Submit both the form and your itemized receipt to your insurer along with any other requested documentation. Once processed, you should be able to receive reimbursement for part or all of your purchase price.
Depending on your plan, you may receive reimbursement for frames, lenses, and even certain lens treatments such as anti-reflective or anti-glare coating.
Same-Day Enrollment Vision Insurance
Use a Vision Discount Plan
If your insurer doesn’t offer out-of-network reimbursement or if you don’t have vision insurance at all, you can still save money on your glasses purchase by using a vision discount or savings plan.
These plans offer discounts of up to 40% on frames, lenses, and other eyewear products from many major retailers – including online stores.
You’ll need to become a member, but vision savings plans generally have a low annual fee.
Like insurance, they usually have a network of participating providers where you can receive discounts on specific services or products, and you can even pair it with an insurance plan for double the savings.
When you find a participating retailer, apply your discount at checkout with your membership.
These plans are often available for individuals, families, or businesses, so there’s something for everyone! You also won’t need to deal with any paperwork, reimbursement forms, or waiting periods to save – once you’re a member, you can use your benefits right away.
Find Online Retailers That Accept Insurance
Finally, there are a few online eyeglasses retailers that accept vision insurance plans directly. These stores typically accept one or more vision insurance providers and let you use your plan in-network to purchase frames, lenses, and other eyewear products.
This means that you won’t need to submit any paperwork or wait for reimbursement – you can simply pay with your plan and save money.
There are several major retailers that are in-network with select vision insurance providers, such as Warby Parker, Glasses.com, Eyeglasses.com, Lenscrafters and GlassesUSA.com.
Here’s a list of major insurance providers and the online retailers that are in-network with them.
Of course, you’ll want to confirm with your insurer and the retailer to make sure that your plan is accepted before making a purchase.
You can often enter your policy information right at the retailer’s site to verify your benefits and coverage.
In most cases, you’ll then be able to see what portion of the cost of your glasses will be covered by insurance. You can then complete your purchase and enjoy your new glasses!
Tips for Using Vision Insurance Online
Don’t Assume Out-Of-Network Benefits Means You’ll Pay More
When it comes to saving money on prescription eyeglasses, it’s easy to assume that you’ll pay less if you use in-network benefits.
While that’s generally true, you can often find stylish frames and lenses for much less online – even when using out-of-network benefits for reimbursement.
A complete pair of prescription glasses can cost upwards of several hundred dollars at a retail optical store, especially if you add in special lens treatments or upgrade to high-index lenses.
By contrast, many online retailers include anti-reflective and scratch-resistance coatings as part of their standard lens packages, which you’d have to pay extra for at most optical shops.
Try 5 Pairs of Glasses at Home For Free
The same frame you have your eye on at the brick-and-mortar shop might also cost significantly more than you would pay online, making your in-network benefits less valuable.
So before you assume that using out-of-network benefits will cost you more, take some time to do a bit of comparison shopping online and you may be pleasantly surprised at the savings!
Save In-Network Benefits For Designer Frames
Where you’ll usually save $$ by buying in-network is if you’re looking to purchase designer frames.
If you’ve set your heart on a certain brand of designer frames and lenses, then shop around both online and in-store to get the best deal.
You may be able to use your vision insurance plan in-network to get a discount on brand name frames and lenses when buying the same product online – and having it shipped to your door.
Or, you can purchase just the frame online and bring it to your optician to be fitted with lenses – this often saves you money on the frame over what your local optical shop may charge for the same pair.
Don’t Overlook Additional Benefits Offered By Your Plan
Finally, be aware that some insurance plans offer additional benefits beyond coverage for eyeglasses. These may include discounts on contact lenses, hearing aids, and even vision therapy.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider to get details on what’s included in your plan, so that you can take advantage of all of the benefits available.
By knowing exactly what coverage is offered, you may be able to save even more money when purchasing prescription eyewear and eye care – both online and offline.