Can I Use Vision Insurance With Warby Parker? The Tricky Policies

Seeing Savings: Can I Use Vision Insurance With Warby Parker?

Sticker shock strikes when you edit your virtual cart filled with stylish new frames at Warby Parker. Despite the retailer's low prices relative to brick-and-mortar options, paying full price still strains the wallet. You wonder - does Warby Parker take insurance? Using those unused vision benefits seems wise if possible.

How Vision Insurance Works

Vision insurance functions differently than medical insurance. Rather than monthly premiums, vision plans usually come as rider benefits to existing health plans from your job or private insurer. Companies contract with eye med providers like VSP, EyeMed and Humana to administer coverage.

Plans specify an exam copay amount, frames/contacts allowance, and discounted lens pricing. Allowances go towards a portion of product costs, while you pay the remaining balance. Copays and reimbursement rates vary based on the particular vision insurance plan.

What to Know About Warby Parker

Neil Blumenthal and partners launched Warby Parker in 2010 as an eyewear startup aiming to disrupt the monopoly in the optical industry. The brand skips expensive store leases and middlemen to offer designer-quality frames starting at just $95 including prescription lenses. Budget-conscious consumers enthused over the hip non-luxury pricing.

The digitally native company operates primarily online through direct Warby Parker sales. But they also boast over 160 retail stores across the U.S. and Canada for browsing frames in person. Their rising retail presence leads many customers to ask - does Warby Parker take insurance towards frames and lenses?

Using Insurance With Warby Parker

The answer is yes...and no. Here are the specifics on how insurance works (or doesn't) when ordering eyewear from Warby Parker both online and in stores:

• You can not directly use insurance to pay for any portion of Warby Parker orders placed online or in their app. Their systems don't accept vision insurance plans for payment.
• However, Warby Parker stores do accept many major vision insurance plans. You can use in-store allowances towards Warby Parker eyeglasses. Some out-of-network reimbursement may also apply to partial costs.
• After purchasing frames in-store with insurance coverage, you can get prescription lenses through Warby Parker using remaining benefits. So double-dipping insurance towards both components is possible.

Maximize Savings With Warby Parker Insurance Workarounds

Just because Warby's virtual checkout doesn't integrate with vision benefits doesn't mean you can't realize some savings. Get creative with these insurance-related tips when buying eyeglasses online:

• Purchase frames online, then take them to an eye med provider to order lenses using insurance. Pay Warby's standard $95 including basic lenses, then swap those out later.
• Order blue light filtering or progressive lenses from Warby Parker first. Then visit your provider to get a replacement set covered by insurance up to the allowance amount.
• Some people order glasses online using insurance benefits elsewhere first to lock in exam and lens pricing. Then they purchase discounted Warby Parker frames separately out-of-pocket.

Other Online Eyewear Retailers Accepting Vision Insurance Plans

While the majority of Warby Parker orders won't qualify for vision coverage, selecting an online retailer participating with your insurance opens up savings potential. Many modern optical e-commerce brands now integrate with the major providers. Here's a breakdown of other top online options accepting insurance:

EyeBuyDirect

Known for cheap but legit prescription eyewear starting around $6. This direct-to-consumer site offers integrated vision insurance benefits during online checkout for VSP, EyeMed and others.

GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA offers designer eyewear like Ray-Ban & Oakley up to 70% off retail prices. Insurance discounts display during order completion online for EyeMed, VSP, Spectera and more top providers.

Lensabl

This specialty site crafts custom lenses for your unique vision needs. Lensabl accepts and coordinates EyeMed, VSP, Davis, Spectera and many other major vision plans.

Coastal

Top rated for designer frames costing way less, Coastal lets you easily apply insurance coverage from EyeMed, VSP, Davis Vision and others when checking out online.

Eyeconic

Eyeconic stands out with virtual try-on tech and lenses developed via patient feedback. Insurance benefits directly integrate online from providers like EyeMed, VSP, Superior, and more national companies.

Using Vision Insurance to Save on Eyewear Costs

Annual eye exams detect crucial health issues and determine if your prescription changed. So don't skip visits trying to save money. Instead maximize value through vision coverage towards glasses and contacts wherever accepted.

Keep the does Warby Parker take insurance nuances in mind when ordering. While you can't directly use benefits buying online for mailed delivery, Warby Parker stores do facilitate insurance coverage. And workarounds to double-dip discounts often help lessen final expenses sans insurance.

Plenty of reputable eyewear e-commerce sites catering to every style and budget gladly process vision insurance during online checkout too. So shop multiple options blending price, aesthetics and ideal vision correction to get the very most from your benefits this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.