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EyeMed vs. VSP: Which Should You Choose?

Home / Insurance for Laser Eye Surgery & LASIK / EyeMed vs. VSP

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EyeMed and VSP are competing vision insurance providers, two of the biggest to choose from in the United States.

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Both VSP (Vision Service Plan) and EyeMed have a wide range of providers and plans to choose from, offering many savings and discounts on vision services and treatments.

VSP and EyeMed are competitors. As such, they have different provider networks. Both VSP and EyeMed have a variety of vision insurance plans to choose from, with good ranges in price and coverage.

To choose between the two, look at the different plans and provider networks. Then, decide which one is going to offer you the best deal with the most convenience.

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Similarities Between EyeMed & VSP

VSP and EyeMed are two of the largest providers of vision benefits in the country. Both offer savings on prescription glasses and contacts as well as coverage for routine eye exams and discounts on corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK.

EyeMed and VSP have large networks of eye doctor providers. Both partner with retailers to offer services. Both offer many different plans and levels of coverage to choose from.

Many private doctors will take both VSP and EyeMed to offset the cost of services. Certain doctors will cost less through your plan if they are considered in-network. Out-of-network providers are either not covered or will result in more out-of-pocket expenses. Using a provider that is within your provider network saves you money.

How VSP & EyeMed Differ

One of the biggest differences between EyeMed and VSP comes down to the big-box providers they partner with. When it comes to big retailers, LensCrafters, Target Optical, and Sears Optical are typically part of the EyeMed network. Visionworks, EyeCare Centers, and MyEyeDr are part of the VSP network.

VSP and EyeMed are big companies with ties to big brands. Each company will tend to guide you toward providers that carry their related brands.

This is not to say that you can’t get vision services from Target Optical if you have VSP vision benefits necessarily, just that you may pay more for these services, and your eye exam may or may not be covered. Both VSP and EyeMed are directly affiliated with big brand-name corrective eyewear companies.

Plan Comparison

There are many plans to choose from through both VSP and EyeMed.

VSP plans tend to start a little higher, ranging from about $8 per month for an individual family plan up to $45 per month for a premium family plan. EyeMed plans range from around $5 a month for an individual discount plan to $30 per month for a family plan.

Both companies offer different tiers and levels of coverage with varying copay amounts and benefits. You can sign up for either online and without enrollment fees.

If you have coverage through an employer, this is typically your cheapest option. Individual vision benefit coverage generally costs you more out of pocket.

Here are some examples of EyeMed individual vision plans:

EyeMed Healthy

  • Starts at $5 per month
  • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
  • Discounts on glasses frames, lenses, and contact lenses
  • Out-of-network services are allowed for greater costs
  • Additional discounts

EyeMed Bold

  • Starts at $17.50 per month
  • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
  • Glasses frames covered with an allowance
  • Lenses for glasses covered after copay
  • Contact lenses covered with an allowance
  • Out-of-network services allowed for greater costs
  • Additional discounts

EyeMed Bright

  • Starts at $30 per month
  • Coverage for the entire family
  • Comprehensive eye exam covered after copay
  • Glasses frames covered with an allowance
  • Lenses for glasses covered after copay
  • Contact lenses covered with an allowance
  • Out-of-network services are allowed for greater costs
  • Additional discounts

Here are some examples of VSP individual vision plans:

Standard Option

  • Starts around $8 per month
  • Comprehensive eye exam included after $10 copay
  • Basic lenses covered after a $20 copay
  • $160 allowance on glasses frames or contact lenses

High Option

  • Starts around $15 per month
  • Comprehensive eye exam included after $10 copay
  • Basic lenses covered after a $10 copay
  • $200 allowance on glasses frames or contact lenses
  • Custom glasses frames and contact lens allowances
  • Custom benefits include light-to-dark tinting covered with no copay as well as progressive (no-line multifocal) lens coverage with no copay

VSP and EyeMed vision benefits plans depend on where you live and whether or not you are obtaining coverage as an individual or through your employer. You can get a quote directly from either company for the most current and specific details.

Making the Choice

Both EyeMed and VSP have several good vision benefits plans to choose from that include discounts on eye exams, prescription eyewear, and corrective eye surgeries. If your employer has either one of these options, you will be able to get quality vision insurance at a relatively low cost.

When choosing a vision benefits provider as an individual, you will do well with either company. Here are some things to consider when making the choice:

  • Do you have a preferred provider? If so, which company are they in-network with? Most private practice eye doctors will take either type of insurance, but the big-box retailers often are contracted in-network with either EyeMed or VSP.
  • What will your out-of-pocket costs be, based on your specific needs? The EyeMed individual plans monthly premiums tend to start out a little lower than VSP, but the lower level tiers offer discounts on prescription eyewear. VSP plans cover prescription eyewear with an allowance after a small copay.
  • Do you have a preference when it comes to glasses frames and lenses in terms of brands? EyeMed and VSP are affiliated with some of the biggest name brands, and they will generally offer deeper discounts on their own brands.
  • If you are considered corrective eye surgery like LASIK, be sure to look into the offerings and discount options for both VSP and EyeMed. Both companies have a network of providers that provide these services, and they will offer discounts and coverage based on what you need and where you go. EyeMed uses the S. Laser Network, while VSP works through the VSP Laser VisionCare Program.

In short, EyeMed and VSP are two of the top providers of vision benefits with a lot of options to choose from. When deciding between the two, it is helpful to do a direct comparison, considering your personal preferences and vision benefit needs.

Both companies have comprehensive websites with detailed information you can use to help you decide what is the best option for you and your family.

You deserve clear vision. We can help.

The board-certified surgeons at NVISION have performed over 2.5 million procedures. Your journey to better vision starts here.

Book a Consultation Now or Find a Location

Company Reviews & Ratings

Both VSP and EyeMed tout high ratings from their customers.

EyeMed’s customer reviews include praise for their friendly customer service representative and competitively priced plans.

VSP’s reviews include strong marks for their solid coverage and overall savings.

Both companies also have some negative reviews from customers, citing high out-of-pocket costs, confusing policies, and issues with cancellation.

How to Sign Up for Vision Insurance

Both VSP and EyeMed make it easy to sign up for vision insurance via their websites.

VSP

  • Visit their site to sign up for an individual plan. Enter your zip code and email to get a quote.
  • Ask your employer if they offer VSP Vision Care.
  • If enrolling through a marketplace or exchange, visit the site in question to see if VSP is offered.

EyeMed

  • Visit their site to sign up directly for an individual plan. You’ll enter some specifics to get a quote.
  • Talk to your employer about their vision insurance offerings to see if EyeMed is an option.
  • As with VSP, check the sites of any exchanges or marketplaces to assess the vision options.

References

  1. VSP. (2020). Vision Service Plan.
  2. EyeMed. EyeMed.
  3. EyeMed Individual and Family Vision Plans. EyeMed.
  4. VSP Direct. (2020). Vision Service Plan.
  5. U.S. Laser Network. LCA-Vision Inc.
  6. How to Use Your Laser Vision Benefits. (2020). Vision Service Plan.

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