Your Vision is Our Priority at Hillsborough Eye Care

When it comes to protecting your health, insurance plays a crucial role. But when it comes to eye care, it’s easy to get confused between medical and vision insurance. Many people assume that medical insurance and vision insurance are interchangeable, but they actually cover different aspects of eye health. Medical insurance handles eye-related health conditions, while vision insurance focuses on routine eye care and corrective lenses. Understanding the difference between these two types of insurance can help you make better decisions about your eye care and help you avoid unexpected expenses.  

Medical insurance helps cover many healthcare needs, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency care. Whether managing a chronic health issue or dealing with an unexpected medical situation, medical insurance ensures you get the care you need to stay healthy, including eye-related health issues. 

Medical insurance typically covers: 

• Eye Injuries: Whether caused by an accident or trauma, medical insurance will cover the necessary treatments. This can include emergency care, surgical procedures, or follow-up treatments to restore or preserve your vision. 
• Eye Diseases: Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy fall under the scope of medical insurance. These medical issues affect the eyes and need treatment just like any other health condition. 
• Eye Surgery: Surgeries to correct or manage eye diseases, such as cataract surgery or glaucoma surgery, are covered by medical insurance.
• Eye Exams for Medical Reasons: If an eye exam is needed because of a medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your medical insurance will cover it.   

Medical insurance, however, won’t cover routine eye check-ups if there’s no history of eye problems—so things like getting glasses or contact lenses typically won’t be included. 

Vision insurance is a wellness benefit that helps lower the cost of routine eye care and eyewear. It’s kind of like a gym membership for your eyes—keeping them in shape with regular check-ups.

Vision insurance generally covers: 

• Routine Eye Exams: These exams help monitor your eye health and keep your glasses or contact lens prescriptions up to date. Regular check-ups can also catch new eye conditions early. 
• Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: Vision insurance helps cover the cost of prescription glasses and lenses. Most plans offer a set allowance towards eyewear purchases, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 
• Lens Enhancements: Options like anti-glare coatings, progressive lenses, or photochromic lenses (which adjust to sunlight) may be partially covered, depending on your plan. 
• Discounts on LASIK and PRK: Some vision insurance plans offer discounts on corrective surgeries like LASIK or PRK, although they typically don’t cover the full cost.