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
Determining the best vision insurance in Canada depends on individual needs and circumstances, but several top options are consistently recognized for their comprehensive coverage and customer satisfaction.
When evaluating these plans, consider factors such as the extent of eyewear coverage, frequency of eye exams, and any waiting periods for specific services. Some plans also provide the option to bundle with health insurance, which can offer cost savings.
Ultimately, the best vision insurance is one that aligns with your specific needs, whether that’s regular eye exams, high-quality lenses, or corrective surgery. It’s advisable to compare quotes and benefits from multiple insurers to find a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Choosing the right vision insurance plan involves a few key steps. First, assess your specific needs, considering factors like whether you wear glasses or contacts, as some plans offer better coverage for eyewear than others. Next, think about future care; if you might require vision correction surgery like LASIK, look for plans that offer partial coverage or discounts for such procedures. It's also important to compare the frequency of eye exams included in the plan, as regular check-ups are vital for maintaining good eye health.
Consider also bundling vision coverage with existing health insurance to simplify management and potentially save on costs. Finally, read the fine print, paying close attention to coverage limits, exclusions, and waiting periods to ensure the plan aligns with your needs and budget. Taking these steps can help you find a vision insurance plan that provides comprehensive care and peace of mind.
Vision insurance typically covers a range of eye care services, focusing on preventive and corrective measures. Most plans include coverage for routine eye exams, which are essential for detecting vision problems and overall eye health. Coverage usually extends to prescription eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, with specific allowances for frames, lenses, and sometimes even specialty options like progressive lenses.
Additionally, some vision insurance plans may offer partial coverage for corrective surgeries, such as LASIK, and provide discounts on these procedures. It's also common for plans to include coverage for eye disease screenings and treatments for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. However, the specifics can vary widely between plans, so it's important to review the details carefully to understand the coverage limits, co-pays, and any exclusions. Overall, vision insurance is designed to help manage the costs of essential eye care services and promote regular vision health check-ups.
Yes, you can use vision insurance for LASIK surgery, but coverage varies by plan. Some vision insurance policies offer partial coverage or discounts for LASIK, while others may not cover it at all. It’s essential to review your specific policy to understand the details regarding coverage for corrective eye surgeries. Many plans have waiting periods or require you to meet certain criteria before eligible for coverage. If your plan does not include LASIK, some insurers may offer flexible payment options or financing plans to help manage the costs.
Yes, many vision insurance plans in Canada do cover contact lenses, but the extent of coverage can vary widely between plans. Typically, plans may offer either a specific allowance for contact lenses or cover the full cost, depending on the type of lenses prescribed. Some insurers provide a higher coverage limit for contact lenses than for glasses, making it a viable option for those who prefer them. It's essential to review your plan details, as some may require a prior eye exam to determine your prescription before coverage is activated.
Additionally, certain plans might have restrictions on the frequency of lens replacement, usually allowing coverage for a new pair once a year. To ensure you make the most of your benefits, check with your provider about specific coverage terms, exclusions related to contact lens purchases.
Yes, there can be age restrictions for vision insurance coverage in Canada, but these vary by insurer and specific plan. Some providers may offer plans tailored to children, adults, or seniors, each with different benefits and coverage limits. For instance, pediatric vision care plans often focus on the unique needs of children, including regular eye exams and allowances for eyewear as kids grow.
Some plans may have age restrictions for certain services, such as corrective surgeries like LASIK, which are typically more accessible to adults. Additionally, seniors may benefit from plans designed specifically for age-related vision issues, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
It’s essential to review the specific terms of each vision insurance policy to understand any age-related limitations and ensure that the coverage aligns with your or your family's needs. Always consult with your insurance provider for tailored advice based on your situation.
Yes, you can switch your vision insurance provider in Canada, but there are a few factors to consider. First, review the terms of your current policy, including any cancellation fees or notice periods. If you’re still within a contract, you may need to wait until the end of your policy term to avoid penalties.
Next, research potential new providers to ensure they meet your needs, such as coverage for glasses, contact lenses, and eye exams. It's also important to check if your preferred eye care professionals are covered by your plan.
When you find a new plan that suits you, apply for it before canceling your current coverage to avoid any gaps in protection. Be aware of any waiting periods for certain services with your new plan. Overall, switching can lead to better coverage or cost savings, so take the time to evaluate your options.
