Though vision coverage is usually included in an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, it is rarely included in an individual health insurance plan. Vision insurance is a benefit that helps defray costs of eye exams, vision services, and eye wear such as contact lenses and glasses.

Basic vision coverage includes comprehensive eye exams and a pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Most benefits packages include a deductible, a monthly premium, and copays for certain services.

Vision insurance is often a value-added benefit that is linked to HMOs, PPOs, or indemnity health insurance plans. Vision insurance costs vary depending on the plans and serviced provided but monthly premiums range from $0 to $15 and deductibles usually range from $0 to $40. For each service provided, you may need to pay a copay that may range from $10 to $15.