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Best Vision Insurance in Canada: What to Know Before You Buy

June 18, 2025
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Key Takeaways
  • The best vision insurance in Canada usually comes as part of a broader health insurance plan, not as a separate policy.
  • Most provinces don’t cover routine eye exams or glasses for adults, so the right vision plan can help fill those gaps.
  • If you wear glasses, contacts, or have dependants who do, vision benefits can save you hundreds in out-of-pocket costs.
  • To find the best vision insurance for your needs, compare how often exams are covered, what’s included for eyewear, and which providers are accepted.

How to Choose the Best Vision Insurance for You in Canada

Choosing the best vision insurance in Canada starts with understanding your needs. Do you get regular eye exams? Wear glasses or contacts? Have kids who might need vision care soon? Once you know what you’re looking for, compare how often exams are covered, what’s included for eyewear, and whether laser surgery is part of the plan.

If you’re already shopping for health insurance, it usually makes more sense to find a plan that includes vision care. At PolicyMe, our health insurance plans are simple, affordable, and built to cover what matters. You can add vision care if you need it, so you’re not paying for extras you won’t use.

Explore health Insurance with vision coverage.

Vision Care Insurance: Plan Comparison Checklist

Picking the best vision insurance plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. What matters most is how well the plan matches your eye care needs and budget. Use the checklist below to compare plans and spot the best fit — whether you're buying through work, privately, or looking to fill gaps in provincial coverage.

  • Monthly cost: Does the premium fit your budget?
  • Eye exam coverage: How often are exams covered (e.g. every 12 or 24 months)?
  • Eyewear allowance: How much is covered for glasses or contacts? Is it every year or every two years?
  • Contact lens coverage: Are fittings and follow-ups included? Any limits on types of lenses?
  • Laser eye surgery: Is there any coverage or discount for LASIK/PRK?
  • Kids’ benefits: Are children’s exams and eyewear included if you need family coverage?
  • Senior coverage: Does it include support for age-related needs (like cataracts, bifocals)?
  • Out-of-pocket costs: What are the deductibles, co-pays, or annual maximums?
  • Waiting periods: Is there a delay before you can start using certain benefits?

Comparing plans using this checklist can help you avoid surprises and focus on what actually matters; staying on top of your eye health while keeping costs in check.

What Provincial Health Plans Cover (and Don’t Cover) for Eye Care

When deciding whether to get vision insurance in Canada, it’s important to understand what’s already covered by your provincial or territorial health plan. Basic medical eye care (like treatment for infections or injuries) is often included. But routine vision care like eye exams or glasses? That depends on your age and where you live.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works in a few major provinces:

Ontario (OHIP)

  • Children (0–19): 1 free eye exam per year

  • Seniors (65+): 1 free eye exam per year, plus follow-up checks for common conditions like glaucoma or cataracts

  • Adults (20–64): Not covered — unless you have a specific medical condition (e.g. diabetes, eye disease)

Alberta (AHCIP)

  • Children (0–18): 1 full eye exam per year

  • Seniors (65+): 1 full exam per year

  • Adults (19–64): Routine exams not covered

British Columbia (MSP)

  • Children (0–18): 1 exam per year

  • Seniors (65+): Partial coverage for routine exams

  • Adults (19–64): No coverage for routine exams — only medically required visits

Quebec (RAMQ)

  • Children (0–17): 1 annual exam covered

  • Seniors (65+): 1 exam every 2 years, more if medically necessary

  • Adults (18–64): Only covered if you're on social assistance

Bottom line? Unless you’re under 18 or over 65, routine eye exams and eyewear are likely not covered by your province. That’s where private vision insurance can help fill the gap for exams, glasses, contacts, and preventive care.

Explore health Insurance with vision coverage.

Is Vision Insurance Worth It in Canada?

In Canada, vision insurance is rarely sold as a standalone plan. Instead, it’s usually included as part of an extended health insurance package, either through your employer or a private insurer. So the real question is whether those built-in vision benefits are actually useful.

For most people, the answer is yes. If you wear glasses or contacts, or get regular eye exams, costs can add up quickly. An exam alone can range from $75 to $200. Glasses or contacts might run you $300 to $600 every couple of years. With vision benefits, you’re often reimbursed for one eye exam per year and a portion of eyewear costs, usually around $200 to $500 every two years.

If you have a family, the value grows. Kids need regular eye exams and tend to outgrow glasses. Vision care as part of a family plan can help keep those expenses manageable.That said, if you have perfect vision and no dependents, the benefits may be less useful. And in some provinces, children and seniors already get free eye exams through public health care.

In short, vision insurance is most worthwhile when it’s part of a broader health plan, especially if you or your family have ongoing eye care needs.

Summary: Next steps for getting the best vision insurance plan for you

  • Figure out your needs: Do you (or your family) wear glasses, need regular exams, or want coverage for contacts or LASIK? Start there.
  • Check what your province covers: Kids and seniors often get free exams, but adults usually don’t.
  • Compare a few health plans: Look for ones that include vision care as an add-on or built-in benefit.
  • Watch for the fine print: Pay attention to eyewear limits, exam frequency, and provider networks.
  • Already shopping for health insurance? PolicyMe offers simple plans with optional vision coverage, so you only pay for what you actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Vision Insurance 101