Vision Coverage Abroad

Vision coverage—routine eye exams, glasses, and contacts—is rarely included in standard international health insurance. Like dental, it's typically an optional add-on with separate limits. Here's what you need to know about managing eye care as an expat.

How Vision Coverage Works

International health insurance distinguishes between:

This distinction matters: if you have an eye infection, your standard health insurance covers it. But if you just need new glasses, you'll need a vision add-on or pay out of pocket.

What's Typically Covered

Routine Eye Exams

• Usually one exam per year covered
• Reimbursement model (pay then claim back)
• May require using network providers for direct billing

Corrective Eyewear

• Prescription glasses (frames + lenses)
• Contact lenses (daily, monthly, or annual supply)
• Typically either glasses OR contacts, not both
• Basic lenses covered—upgrades (progressive, transitions, coatings) may be extra

What's Usually NOT Covered

• LASIK and refractive surgery (considered elective)
• Cosmetic contact lenses
• Sunglasses (even prescription)
• Lens upgrades beyond basic single-vision
• Second pairs of glasses
• Repairs and replacements mid-cycle

Provider Options

Here's how major international insurers handle vision coverage:

Cigna Global

Offers vision as an optional add-on module. Covers eye exams, glasses, and contacts with annual limits around $200-500 depending on plan level. Network of optical providers for direct billing in some locations.

Allianz Care

Vision coverage available on higher-tier plans. Reimbursement model for eye exams and corrective eyewear. Limits typically €200-400 per year.

BUPA Global

Some plans include basic vision coverage; others require add-on. Check your specific plan level. Generally reasonable limits compared to other international insurers.

Medical Eye Conditions

Remember: conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and eye injuries are covered under your main health policy, not the vision add-on. Don't buy vision coverage just for these—they're already included.

Paying Out of Pocket

For many expats, skipping vision insurance and paying cash makes financial sense—especially in affordable destinations.

The Math

• Vision add-on cost: $15/month × 12 = $180/year
• Annual limit: $300
• Net benefit: $120 maximum

If an eye exam costs $30 and glasses cost $80 in your location, you're paying $180 for $110 worth of care. The insurance doesn't make sense.

Where Vision Care is Affordable

Self-Insure Strategy

1. Skip the vision add-on
2. Get annual exams out of pocket (cheap in most expat destinations)
3. Buy glasses locally or online
4. Save the premium cost for when you actually need care

Online Glasses Options

Online retailers offer significant savings on prescription glasses:

• Zenni Optical: Glasses from $7-50
• Warby Parker: Quality frames $95-145
• EyeBuyDirect: Budget options from $6
• Firmoo: International shipping, budget prices

You'll need your prescription (pupillary distance is important). Many local opticians will provide this even if you don't buy from them.

LASIK and Vision Correction

LASIK and other vision correction surgeries are almost never covered by international health insurance—they're considered elective. But many expats travel specifically for affordable, quality LASIK.

LASIK Costs by Country

• USA: $2,000-4,000 per eye
• UK: £1,500-3,000 per eye
• Thailand: $800-1,500 per eye
• Mexico: $700-1,200 per eye
• Turkey: $600-1,000 per eye
• South Korea: $800-1,500 per eye

Popular LASIK Destinations

LASIK Considerations

• Research surgeons, not just clinics
• Plan for follow-up appointments
• Some surgeons include enhancements in their price
• Have backup glasses for recovery period
• Complications may need treatment in another location

Vision Care by Country

Southeast Asia

Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia offer excellent value. Bangkok's optical shops near Siam area offer quality glasses for $50-150. Vietnam's optical shops are even cheaper. Quality is good—many use the same lens manufacturers as Western countries.

Latin America

Mexico has well-equipped optical chains (Ópticas Devlyn, Sears Optical) with prices 50-70% below US costs. Colombia and Argentina also offer good value. Costco Mexico sells quality glasses at budget prices.

Europe

Western Europe is expensive for vision care. Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary) offers better value. Spain and Portugal are moderate. UK chains like Specsavers offer budget options.

Contact Lens Supplies

Contact lens prices vary less by country since they're manufactured products. Consider:

• Bringing a supply from home if cheaper there
• Online retailers that ship internationally
• Local pharmacies (often sell contacts without prescription in Asia)
• Costco/warehouse clubs in applicable countries

Common Questions

Is vision coverage worth it for expats?

Usually not, unless you're in an expensive country and need frequent care. In affordable destinations (most of Asia, Latin America), paying out of pocket is typically cheaper than the add-on premium. Do the math for your specific situation.

Are cataracts covered under vision or health insurance?

Cataracts are a medical condition, so they're covered under your main health insurance, not the vision add-on. Same for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. You don't need vision coverage for these.

Can I use my glasses prescription from home?

Yes, prescriptions are universal. However, some countries require recent prescriptions (within 1-2 years), and you'll need your pupillary distance (PD) measurement for ordering online. Some optical shops will remeasure your PD for free.

Is LASIK ever covered by insurance?

Rarely. LASIK is considered elective/cosmetic by virtually all international health insurers. Some employer plans or local insurers may cover a portion, but don't count on it. Budget for paying out of pocket.

What if I have a pre-existing eye condition?

Pre-existing eye conditions (like glaucoma) follow the same rules as other pre-existing conditions—typically excluded initially with possible coverage after a waiting period. Routine vision (glasses, contacts) isn't affected by pre-existing conditions.

Should I bring glasses supplies when moving abroad?

Bring: a current pair of glasses, backup pair, your prescription, and contact lens supply (3-6 months). You can always get more locally, but having supplies while you settle in reduces stress.