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UnitedHealthcare Vision Review
4.6 Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Offers a standalone vision plan or an add-on to its dental plans. Choose one for glasses or contact lenses, and another for both eyeglasses and contacts. The premiums are affordable with conveniently-located in-network providers in retail stores and private practices.
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About UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance
UnitedHealthcare is a well-known insurance provider serving over 27 million Americans. The company’s vision insurance is underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company, which has been in existence for over 80 years and was acquired in 2003 by UnitedHealth Group. UHC vision plans are available to adults of any age and are available in all but eight states and Washington, D.C.
Eye health becomes even more critical as you age. AARP says that many adults over 50 are not receiving regular eye care, likely due to a lack of vision insurance. Medicare does not cover vision-related expenses, so many retirees purchase a separate vision plan, and UnitedHealthcare makes choosing a policy easy. We included UnitedHealthcare vision insurance in our Best Vision Insurance Guide because the company offers the most straightforward choices in coverage.
Pros
- A single plan option
- Convenient in-network provider locations
- No age maximum
- No waiting period
- $10 copay for in-network eye exams
Cons
- No cancellations in the first year in many states
- Not available in every state
UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance Options
UnitedHealthcare sells vision insurance as a standalone plan, or you can add eye care coverage to a UnitedHealthcare dental policy. Its VisionWise standalone plan offers coverage for both contacts and glasses. Once your application is approved and you pay the premium, you can use UnitedHealthcare vision insurance immediately.
We found premium prices and coverage to be relatively uniform across many states. However, state regulations vary, so your cost and options may be slightly different. UHC does not sell vision insurance in Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington or the District of Columbia.
UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance Coverage Breakdown
UnitedHealthcare offers a single VisionWise plan for eyeglasses and contacts, The policy includes coverage for:
- Annual eye exam
- Eyeglass lenses, including bifocal- and trifocal-lined lenses
- Eyeglass frame allowance
- Contact lenses, including fitting and evaluation
Some eye care expenses not covered by UnitedHealthcare vision insurance include:
- Replacement of lost or broken frames or contact lenses
- Vision therapy services
- Eye surgeries or other medical treatment (covered under medical insurance)
- Corrective eye surgeries like LASIK
- Non-prescription eyewear
- Premium options like high-index lenses (extra thin) or anti-reflective coatings
The following chart explains the vision benefits available in the UnitedHealthcare VisionWise plan administered by Spectera, Inc.
| Service | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Eye exam, in-network | $0 copay |
| Eye exam, out-of-network | $50 allowance |
| Frames, in-network | $150 allowance |
| Frames, out-of-network | $75 allowance |
| Lenses, in-network | $10 copay for single-vision, bifocal-lined and trifocal-lined lenses |
| Lenses, out-of-network | $40 (single focus), $60 (bifocals) or $80 (trifocals) allowance |
| Contacts, in-network | $150 allowance for a 12-month supply |
| Contacts, out-of-network | $105 allowance for a 12-month supply |
As with all insurance products, we recommend you read the entire plan description and ask questions before signing a contract. In most states, you are obligated to pay all premiums for 12 months before you can cancel.
UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance Costs
The cost of vision insurance varies by state and factors such as your age, gender, and whether or not you use tobacco. We used the company’s website quote calculator to get an idea of the fee range, and it appears to be pretty stable across demographics. For reference, we looked at prices for both men and women, in Tulsa and San Diego, ages 65 and 85, and the estimated monthly premium for all groups is $13.28 per month.
In most states, you can add a partner or a dependent under the age of 26 for twice the monthly premium, or around $26.56 per month.
The monthly premium for UHC vision insurance is the same whether you purchase the insurance by itself or as an add-on to a UnitedHealthcare dental insurance plan. You must commit to paying 12 consecutive monthly premiums in most states. UnitedHealthcare vision insurance is renewable for life.
How to Buy UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance
You can purchase a vision insurance plan by visiting the UnitedHealthcare website or calling a representative on the phone. On the site, click on Shop for Insurance, then select Supplemental Insurance to find the option for vision plans. Fill in the form on the quote calculator and choose the plan that fits your needs to see the cost. You can immediately apply for the vision insurance after you view the quote.
UnitedHealthcare accepts vision insurance premium payments online using a credit card or electronic funds transfer. Typically, approval is speedy, and you can receive coverage as soon as the next day.
UnitedHealthcare Vision Insurance Complaints
UnitedHealthcare Vision has earned the second-highest ranking in J.D. Power’s 2022 and 2023. AM Best recognizes UnitedHealthcare’s underwriter, Golden Rule Insurance Company, with an “A+” ranking for financial stability and strength.
ConsumersAdvocate awards Golden Rule Insurance Company a high score of 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks it as one of its top picks for Best Vision Insurance. TopTenReviews rated UnitedHealthcare’s vision plans 4 out of 5 stars for excellent benefits and affordable premiums. However, reviewers on ConsumerAffairs give the company only one star, with many complaints about the difficulty of finding in-network providers and a frustrating and slow process for out-of-network reimbursements.
UnitedHealthcare Vision FAQs
Yes. UnitedHealthcare reviews premiums annually and gives customers at least 31 days’ notice of any rate changes.
No. Medical insurance covers procedures such as macular degeneration treatment or cataract surgery, so UnitedHealthcare vision insurance does not include these benefits.
Yes, Medicare recipients are encouraged to apply.
Visit UnitedHealthcare’s website and use the provider locator tool to see in-network providers in your area. It’s best to do this before you sign up for vision coverage.
UnitedHealthcare publishes a list of Vision State Variations on its website. Check this resource to see if your state is listed.
Conclusion
Many retirees opt to buy vision insurance coverage since neither Medicare nor Medicare supplement insurance provides eye care benefits. Choosing a vision policy can be confusing, so UnitedHealthcare makes it easy with a single plan. Plan details for each state are easy to find on UnitedHealthcare’s website, and you can add a dependent or significant other to your vision insurance at a low cost.