Best Vision Insurance Plans in 2026: Coverage, Costs, and Providers

More than 150 million Americans wear corrective lenses, and eye care costs continue to climb each year. Whether you need glasses, contacts, or both, the right vision insurance plan can save you hundreds of dollars annually on exams and eyewear. But with multiple providers offering overlapping benefits, choosing the best plan can feel overwhelming.

This guide compares the top standalone vision insurance plans available in 2026, breaking down their coverage, costs, network sizes, and best-fit scenarios. If you are new to vision insurance, start with our complete vision insurance guide for a foundational overview of how these plans work. Then come back here to compare specific providers and find the best plan for your situation.

How We Evaluated Vision Insurance Plans

We compared the five major standalone vision insurance providers across several key factors: monthly premiums for individual and family coverage, eye exam copays, frame allowances, lens coverage (including add-ons like anti-reflective coating and progressive lenses), contact lens allowances, LASIK discounts, network size and accessibility, and overall value for different types of eyewear users. All pricing reflects 2026 plan year data where available, or the most recently published rates.

The Top 5 Vision Insurance Providers for 2026

The standalone vision insurance market is dominated by five major carriers. Each has different strengths depending on your eyewear preferences, budget, and where you like to shop for glasses or contacts.

1. VSP Vision Care: Best Overall

VSP is the largest vision insurance provider in the United States, covering approximately 80 million members through employer and individual plans. Its network includes more than 40,000 provider locations, primarily independent optometrists and ophthalmologists, making it accessible in virtually every part of the country.

Key benefits of VSP individual plans:

• Eye exam copay: $15 to $20
• Frame allowance: $150 to $200 (up to $220 on featured brands)
• Lens coverage: Single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses covered in full after copay
• Contact lens allowance: $150 to $200 per year (in lieu of glasses)
• LASIK discount: Average 15% off regular price or 5% off promotional price
• Individual monthly premium: Approximately $17 to $23

VSP stands out for its extensive network and generous lens coverage. Progressive lenses, which can cost $200 to $400 out of pocket, are covered in full under most VSP plans after a small copay. Lens enhancements like anti-reflective coating, scratch resistance, and UV protection are available at fixed copays rather than full retail price. VSP also offers an online eyewear option through Eyeconic, its own retail partner, where members can apply their benefits to online purchases.

2. EyeMed Vision Care: Best for Retail Chain Shoppers

EyeMed is the second-largest vision insurance provider and the go-to option for people who prefer buying glasses at retail chains. Its network includes LensCrafters, Target Optical, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, and most Walmart Vision Centers, giving members convenient access at locations they already shop.

Key benefits of EyeMed individual plans:

• Eye exam copay: $10 to $15
• Frame allowance: $130 to $200 (up to $250 at select retailers)
• Lens coverage: Single-vision covered in full; progressives and bifocals covered with copay
• Contact lens allowance: $130 to $200 per year
• LASIK discount: 15% off regular price or 5% off promotional price at select providers
• Individual monthly premium: Approximately $13 to $22

EyeMed's biggest advantage is convenience. If you regularly shop at LensCrafters, Target, or similar retailers, your in-network options are likely within walking distance. EyeMed also tends to offer slightly lower exam copays than VSP on comparable plans. One notable feature is that some EyeMed plans provide a combination benefit that lets you receive contacts and a discounted pair of glasses in the same benefit year, which is uncommon among vision insurers.

3. Davis Vision: Best Frame Allowances

Davis Vision, now part of MetLife's vision benefits division, is known for offering some of the highest frame allowances in the individual market. Its network includes both independent providers and retail locations, though it is smaller overall than VSP or EyeMed.

Key benefits of Davis Vision plans:

• Eye exam copay: $10 to $25
• Frame allowance: $150 to $250 (Davis Vision's exclusive collection frames are covered in full)
• Lens coverage: Single-vision and lined bifocals covered in full; progressives available at a copay
• Contact lens allowance: $150 to $200 per year
• LASIK discount: Savings through partner laser vision correction providers
• Individual monthly premium: Approximately $14 to $21

Davis Vision's standout feature is its exclusive frame collection. Members who select a frame from this curated collection receive the frame at no additional charge beyond their copay, which can deliver significant savings compared to plans with a dollar allowance that may not cover a full frame. Davis Vision also includes certain lens enhancements like scratch-resistant coating and UV protection at no extra cost on most plans, which other providers charge for as add-ons.

4. Superior Vision: Best for Contact Lens Wearers

Superior Vision, now part of Versant Health alongside Davis Vision, offers competitive contact lens benefits that make it particularly attractive for people who primarily wear contacts. Its network is moderate in size and includes both independent and retail providers.

Key benefits of Superior Vision plans:

• Eye exam copay: $10 to $20
• Frame allowance: $120 to $200
• Lens coverage: Single-vision lenses covered in full; bifocals and progressives at a copay
• Contact lens allowance: $150 to $250 per year (higher than most competitors)
• Contact lens fitting: Covered or available at a reduced copay
• Individual monthly premium: Approximately $12 to $20

Superior Vision's strongest differentiator is its contact lens coverage. Many plans include the contact lens fitting fee, which typically costs $50 to $100 extra when paid out of pocket. Combined with a higher-than-average contact lens allowance, Superior Vision can save contact lens wearers more per year compared to other carriers. The trade-off is that its frame allowances tend to be slightly lower than Davis Vision or VSP, making it less ideal for people focused primarily on glasses.

5. Spectera (UnitedHealthcare Vision): Best Budget Option

Spectera is UnitedHealthcare's vision insurance brand. It offers some of the lowest premiums in the standalone vision market, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious individuals who still want basic vision coverage. Spectera's network includes over 30,000 access points including independent providers and some retail locations.

Key benefits of Spectera plans:

• Eye exam copay: $10 to $20
• Frame allowance: $100 to $150
• Lens coverage: Single-vision lenses covered in full; standard progressives at a copay
• Contact lens allowance: $100 to $150 per year
• LASIK discount: Discounted pricing at participating laser vision providers
• Individual monthly premium: Approximately $10 to $17

Spectera's premiums are often $3 to $7 per month less than comparable VSP or EyeMed plans. The trade-off is lower frame and contact lens allowances. For someone who wears basic single-vision glasses and just wants covered exams and a modest frame allowance, Spectera can be the most cost-effective option. It is also a common choice among employers looking to add vision benefits at a lower group rate.

Coverage Comparison: Side by Side

To make the comparison clearer, here is how the five major providers stack up across the most important benefit categories. Keep in mind that exact figures vary by plan tier and location.

Exam copays: EyeMed and Spectera tend to have the lowest exam copays at $10 to $15. VSP typically charges $15 to $20. Davis Vision and Superior Vision range from $10 to $25 depending on the plan tier.

Frame allowances: Davis Vision leads with up to $250 and a covered exclusive frame collection. VSP offers $150 to $220 with featured brand bonuses. EyeMed provides $130 to $250 depending on the retailer. Superior Vision offers $120 to $200. Spectera is the most modest at $100 to $150.

Contact lens allowances: Superior Vision offers the highest contact lens allowances at $150 to $250. VSP and Davis Vision provide $150 to $200. EyeMed offers $130 to $200. Spectera provides $100 to $150.

Lens add-ons: VSP includes many lens enhancements at fixed copays and covers progressives in full on most plans. Davis Vision includes scratch-resistant and UV coating at no cost. EyeMed and Superior Vision charge copays for most add-ons. Spectera covers basic enhancements but has higher copays for premium upgrades.

LASIK discounts: VSP and EyeMed offer the most structured LASIK discount programs at 15% off regular pricing. Davis Vision, Superior Vision, and Spectera also offer discounted laser vision correction, but the savings vary by provider location and are less standardized.

Best Plan for Glasses Wearers

If you primarily wear glasses, your top priorities are a high frame allowance, comprehensive lens coverage, and low copays for lens add-ons like anti-reflective coating and progressive lenses. For premium frame shoppers, Davis Vision's exclusive frame collection or VSP's featured brand bonuses deliver the most value. For people who want the widest selection of in-network providers, VSP's 40,000-plus locations are hard to beat. To learn more about stretching your benefits, see our guide on how to maximize your vision insurance for glasses and contacts.

For glasses wearers who need progressive lenses, VSP is typically the strongest option because progressives are covered in full under most plans. With other carriers, you may face a $50 to $100 copay for progressive lenses. Over multiple years, that difference adds up significantly.

Best Plan for Contact Lens Wearers

Contact lens wearers should focus on the contact lens allowance amount, whether the fitting fee is covered, and any additional discounts on lens orders. Superior Vision leads in this category with allowances up to $250 and covered or reduced-cost fitting fees. VSP and Davis Vision are solid middle-ground options with $150 to $200 allowances.

Daily disposable contact lenses cost $400 to $900 per year depending on the brand. Even with a $200 allowance, you will pay a significant amount out of pocket. However, some plans offer additional discounts on contact lens orders from approved suppliers that can further reduce your costs. When comparing plans, calculate your expected annual contact lens expense and subtract both the allowance and any available supplier discounts to determine your true out-of-pocket cost under each plan.

Best Plan for Both Glasses and Contacts

If you wear both glasses and contacts, most plans will require you to pick one benefit per year. However, EyeMed offers combination benefits on some plan tiers that allow you to use a contact lens allowance and also purchase glasses at a discount in the same benefit year. This is a meaningful advantage for people who switch between glasses and contacts regularly.

Another strategy for people who need both is to select a plan with a generous contact lens allowance and purchase backup glasses from an online retailer at a low out-of-pocket cost. Online prescription glasses can be purchased for $30 to $150 without using insurance, which may be more economical than trying to stretch a single plan to cover both types of eyewear.

Individual Market vs. Employer-Sponsored Plans

If your employer offers vision insurance, it is almost always worth enrolling. Employer-sponsored vision plans are significantly cheaper because the employer typically pays a portion of the premium. An individual employer plan might cost $5 to $12 per month, compared to $10 to $25 per month for the same coverage on the individual market. The benefits are usually identical or better under an employer plan.

If you do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage, you can purchase individual plans directly from any of the five major carriers. The enrollment process is straightforward and typically does not require medical underwriting. Most individual plans have a short waiting period of 30 to 60 days before benefits become active.

For self-employed individuals or those between jobs, the cost-benefit equation is tighter. You are paying the full premium, so the plan needs to deliver clear savings over paying out of pocket. Read our analysis on whether vision insurance is worth it to run the numbers for your specific situation.

Individual vs. Family Plan Pricing

Family vision plans cover you and your dependents, typically a spouse and children under 26. Family premiums generally run 2 to 2.5 times the individual rate, or roughly $25 to $50 per month. Each family member receives their own set of benefits, including a separate eye exam, frame or contact lens allowance, and lens coverage.

Family plans are where vision insurance delivers the most consistent value. If two or more family members need glasses or contacts, the combined benefits almost always exceed the annual premium. For a family of four where each member needs an annual exam and at least one pair of glasses, the plan can save $300 to $800 per year compared to paying out of pocket at a traditional optical shop.

Here is a rough comparison of individual versus family pricing by carrier:

• VSP: Individual $17 to $23 per month; Family $38 to $55 per month
• EyeMed: Individual $13 to $22 per month; Family $30 to $50 per month
• Davis Vision: Individual $14 to $21 per month; Family $32 to $48 per month
• Superior Vision: Individual $12 to $20 per month; Family $28 to $45 per month
• Spectera: Individual $10 to $17 per month; Family $25 to $40 per month

Network Size Comparison

Network size and composition matter because using an in-network provider gets you the full value of your benefits. Going out of network typically means reduced allowances and higher out-of-pocket costs. Here is how the providers compare:

• VSP: Over 40,000 locations. Primarily independent optometrists and ophthalmologists. The largest vision care network in the country.
• EyeMed: Over 35,000 locations. Strong presence in retail chains including LensCrafters, Target Optical, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, and most Walmart Vision Centers.
• Spectera: Over 30,000 access points. A mix of independent and retail providers backed by UnitedHealthcare's infrastructure.
• Davis Vision: Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 locations. Includes independent providers and select retail locations. Part of the MetLife and Versant Health network.
• Superior Vision: Approximately 25,000 locations. Also part of Versant Health, with overlap in the Davis Vision network.

Before choosing a plan, always check the provider directory on each carrier's website to confirm that your preferred eye doctor or optical shop is in network. A plan with excellent benefits is only valuable if you can use it at a convenient location.

Vision Insurance for Seniors on Medicare

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. Seniors who want vision coverage have two primary options: enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes vision benefits, or purchase a standalone vision plan from one of the carriers listed above. For a detailed comparison of senior-specific options, see our guide to the best vision insurance for seniors on Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans with vision benefits vary widely. Some offer basic coverage with a low frame allowance of $50 to $100, while others provide comprehensive benefits comparable to standalone plans with allowances of $150 or more. The vision benefit is typically included at no additional premium beyond the plan's standard Medicare Advantage cost. However, Medicare Advantage plans come with their own trade-offs in terms of provider networks and referral requirements for medical care.

Standalone vision plans for seniors work the same way as plans for younger adults. VSP, EyeMed, and the other carriers all accept members over 65. The premiums and benefits are generally the same regardless of age, which is one advantage of vision insurance compared to medical or dental insurance, where costs can increase with age.

How to Maximize Your Vision Insurance Benefits

Once you have selected a plan, these strategies will help you get the most value from your vision insurance:

• Use your exam benefit every year: A covered annual exam is one of the most straightforward benefits. Even if your prescription has not changed, the exam screens for eye diseases and updates your records. Schedule it early in your benefit year so you do not forget.
• Time your purchases around your benefit year: Vision benefits reset annually. If you need new glasses, buy them right after your benefit year resets to take full advantage of the allowance. If your benefit year ends in December, do not wait until January to get new frames when you could use this year's allowance now and next year's allowance in January.
• Ask about featured frames and lens promotions: VSP offers extra allowances on featured brand frames. Davis Vision's exclusive collection frames are covered in full. Ask your provider which options give you the most coverage for your copay.
• Combine with HSA or FSA funds: Use your vision insurance to cover the bulk of the cost, then pay any remaining balance with pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars. This stacks the insurance savings with the tax savings for maximum benefit.
• Check for online ordering options: Some plans now allow you to apply your frame and lens allowance to online purchases. VSP's Eyeconic platform and certain EyeMed partner sites accept insurance benefits directly. Online ordering can sometimes give you access to a wider frame selection than what is available in a single retail location.
• Do not overpay for lens add-ons: Lens coatings and upgrades can add up quickly. Anti-reflective coating is generally worthwhile, but premium photochromic or blue-light coatings may not be necessary for everyone. Check what your plan covers at a flat copay versus what you would pay out of pocket to decide which upgrades are worth it.

The Bottom Line

The best vision insurance plan for 2026 depends on how you use your eye care benefits. VSP is the strongest all-around choice with the largest network and the best progressive lens coverage. EyeMed is ideal for people who prefer retail chain shopping at places like LensCrafters or Target Optical. Davis Vision offers the best frame value through its exclusive collection. Superior Vision stands out for contact lens wearers with higher allowances and covered fittings. Spectera delivers the lowest premiums for people who want basic coverage without overpaying.

For most individuals, start by checking which providers in your area accept each plan. Then compare the total annual cost under each plan, including premiums, copays, and any expenses that exceed your allowances. The cheapest premium is not always the best deal if the allowances are too low to cover your needs.

If you have employer-sponsored coverage available, enroll. The subsidized premiums almost always make it worthwhile. If you are purchasing on the individual market, compare at least two or three carriers before committing. And if you are on Medicare, evaluate whether a Medicare Advantage vision benefit or a standalone plan better fits your overall healthcare needs.

Plans, pricing, and coverage details vary by location and are subject to change. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual insurance advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit each carrier's website to view specific plans available in your area.