The end of the year is approaching. This is the perfect time for Canadians to review their vision insurance benefits.
Many insurance plans operate on a "use it or lose it" basis, meaning unused benefits will expire at the end of the year.
This is your reminder to make the most of your vision insurance before it’s too late. Request an appointment with Eye Health Centre in St. Albert.
The Concept of "Use It or Lose It" Vision Insurance
Vision insurance helps cover the costs of routine eye care, such as annual eye exams, prescription glasses, and contact lenses. It may also cover specific eye treatments.
However, unlike other types of insurance, vision benefits often don’t carry over into the next year. This means they will expire if you don’t use these benefits by the end of the year. As a result, you will pay out-of-pocket for services or products that your insurance could have covered.
What Do Vision Insurance Plans Cover?
- Annual Eye Exam: Most Canadian vision insurance plans cover one comprehensive eye exam per year. This is crucial for monitoring eye health and updating your prescription if necessary.
- Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses: Vision insurance includes coverage for prescription glasses or contact lenses each year. This allows you to save on frames, lenses, and contact lens fittings.
- Additional Eye Care Services: Some plans offer coverage for additional services such as specialty lenses (like those with anti-reflective coating or blue light filtering).
Why It’s Important to Use Your Vision Insurance Benefits
Failing to use your vision insurance benefits means you’re losing out on potential savings. Here’s why it’s important to take advantage of your benefits before they expire:
- Protect Your Eye Health: Eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy often develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This makes routine exams essential for early detection and treatment.
- Update Your Prescription: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription can change over time. By using your benefits to update your eyewear, you can ensure that you’re seeing as clearly as possible.
- Get New Eyewear: Fashion and technology in eyewear are constantly evolving. Vision insurance can cover the cost if you need a new style, want to try out the latest lens technology, or need a spare pair of glasses.
- Save Money: Using your vision insurance before it expires can save you a significant amount of money on eye care.
How to Make the Most of Your Vision Insurance Benefits
If you haven’t had your eye exam this year, book an appointment as soon as possible. Look for a direct billing optometrist near you who can bill your insurance directly. This can make the process even more convenient.
Additionally, plan ahead if you anticipate needing eye care services next year. Also, consider scheduling your appointments early to ensure you can make the most of your benefits before they reset.
Maximize Your Remaining Benefits in St. Albert
Vision insurance is a valuable resource that helps you maintain good eye health and save money on essential services and products. Schedule your eye exam at Eye Health Centre in St. Albert.