Medical Insurance vs. Vision Insurance

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Having both medical and vision insurance is a great way to ensure that you will have assistance paying for your eye care. However, there are differences between the two.

It is important to understand the differences so you can be sure that you have the coverage that’s best for you.

What is Medical Insurance?

Medical insurance is a type of insurance that helps pay for different medical expenses. It can help cover the cost of things like doctor visits, tests, treatments, and procedures.

When you have medical insurance, you pay a monthly premium to the insurance company. In exchange, the insurance company promises to help pay for your medical expenses if you get injured or are diagnosed with a medical condition.

Having medical insurance can reduce the financial stress of paying for medical expenses and make it easier to get the care you need when you need it. However, it’s important to understand what your insurance covers and doesn’t so you’re prepared for unexpected costs.

What is Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is a type of insurance that helps pay for eye care and eyewear expenses. It can cover the cost of things like routine eye exams, contact lenses, and glasses.

Like medical insurance, you pay a monthly premium for vision insurance, and in exchange, the insurance company agrees to help pay for your routine vision expenses. Before choosing a vision insurance plan, it’s important to understand what it covers, what it doesn’t cover, and how much it will cost.

Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, so you can ensure your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear without worrying about the high cost of eyewear or paying for a routine eye exam out of pocket.

What is the Difference Between Medical Insurance and Vision Insurance?

Vision insurance is designed specifically to help with the cost of routine eye care and eyewear, such as glasses and contacts. However, vision insurance does not typically cover eye surgery, like cataract surgery, which everyone will need at a certain age.

It will not likely cover treatment for other medical issues concerning your eyes or vision. Vision problems may be caused by medical conditions, which call for the diagnosis and treatment by an ophthalmologist.

These problems are classified as medical issues because you require a medical doctor to diagnose the problem, treat it, and prescribe medicine, but not necessarily vision-correcting devices like glasses or contacts. To ensure you are covered if you develop any eye conditions, it’s best to have medical insurance.

Can I Use Medical Insurance for an Eye Exam?

Eye exams are often considered preventative care and are included in some medical insurance plans. To find out if your medical insurance covers eye exams, you can look at your insurance plan’s summary of benefits or contact your insurance company.

Most of the time, if you are seeing an optometrist, they will bill vision insurance. If you are being seen by an ophthalmologist, they will likely bill medical insurance.

At Missouri Eye Institute, our primary focus is eye surgery and treating various eye conditions. Although our eye surgeons may accept vision insurance in appropriate circumstances, most visits, including procedures, will be billed under medical insurance.

If you are looking for routine care and your medical insurance does not cover eye exams, consider getting vision insurance. Remember that regular eye exams are important for maintaining good eye health and catching any eye problems early on!

Do you have more questions or want to have your eyes examined? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute today!