Individual vision insurance covers:

• Annual eye exams
• Coverage for corrective surgeries like laser surgeries
• Coverage for eyeglasses and contact lenses

Some vision plans cover or offer discounts on eyeglass lens enhancements (anti-glare, progressive bifocals, scratch-resistant coatings, and more).

Vision insurance premiums vary depending on your provider, location, and plan. Basic plans are generally quite affordable, but prices rise as you add coverage. For instance, VSP, the nation's largest private vision insurance provider, offers a Standard plan starting at $204 annually for individuals or $529.92 for families and an Enhanced plan starting at $423.84 annually for individuals and $1,101 for families. As with health insurance, plans that cover more of your costs generally have higher premiums. For instance, both VSP plans offer exams for a $15 copay, basic eyeglass lenses for a $25 copay, and a frame or contact lens allowance of $150. The amount you pay out of pocket for enhancements to your eyeglasses is capped. Under the Standard plan, you pay a maximum of $33 for scratch-resistant lenses and $175 for progressive lenses. With the Enhanced plan, you pay nothing for scratch-resistant lenses and a maximum of $55 for progressive lenses.