When I first left my corporate job back in 2014, stability was something I left behind with my cubicle. As a new full-time freelancer, I could no longer rely on my employer for my health insurance needs. The Health Insurance Marketplace does not offer vision benefits and I was at a loss. I went without vision insurance for years. When I discovered , I could clearly see that this was the perfect vision insurance solution for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Navigating freelance life is difficult at first. I have found that freelancing is a lot like putting together a puzzle. Each piece represents a different element that ensures the work you do as a freelancer creates a blossoming career. Vision coverage is one important piece to that puzzle. I’ve taken some of the common questions about getting vision insurance as a freelancer and did my best to address these concerns!
How do I sign up for a VSP Individual Vision Plan?
Finding a VSP vision plan is easy. Start by entering your zip code and email on their website to see plan options available in your area. Plans start for as low as $13 a month. For this low monthly payment, you donât have to guess if your vision has changed or worry about overpaying for new glasses or contacts. Members save an average of more than $200 per year and once you pick a plan, you can start using your benefits as soon as the next business day.
Where is my VSP Vision Insurance card?
Once you sign up for VSP, don’t expect to receive an insurance card in the mail. VSP does not require the use of physical insurance cards to use your vision plan. At first, I called asking where my insurance card was because it was shocking to not receive one. But trust me, you don’t need to worry about an insurance card to access your benefits. Any VSP doctor is able to access your plan when you call to make an appointment. The doctor will already know any copays you may have.
Is an annual eye exam covered by VSP Vision Plan?
Yes, your vision plan includes a comprehensive eye exam. For years, I put off getting my yearly vision exams because I didnât have vision insurance. Now that I have a plan, it includes a comprehensive eye exam and a generous allowance for frames plus additional savings on lens enhancements.
How can I find a doctor in network?
Thereâs a simple tool where you can in your area either as a current VSP member or a prospective VSP member. VSP offers one of the largest network of independent doctors. My mom is a loyal patient of and it was really easy to confirm that her doctor was in network. Donât have a doctor you like? VSP can help you find an eye doctor thatâs in network AND in your neck of the woods!
How can I find a doctor in network?
There’s a simple tool where you can in your area either as a current VSP member or a prospective VSP member. VSP offers one of the largest network of independent doctors. My mom is a loyal patient of and it was really easy to confirm that her doctor was in network. Don’t have a doctor you like? VSP can help you find an eye doctor that’s in network AND in your neck of the woods!
What eyewear brands are included?
I had a plethora of designer eyeglass options with my VSP vision plan. I tried on pairs from Chloé, Nike, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Longchamp and more. The pair I ultimately picked was from a navy square pair from Lacoste. I didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket for them.
VSP provides exclusive member offers including an extra $20 to spend on top of your frame allowance when you select designer frames from bebe, Cole Haan, Flexon or Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few.
Navigating life as a freelancer and solopreneur can be challenging enough without having to worry about vision insurance. VSP is the piece to the puzzle that I was missing for years. Considering that 1 in 4 Americans has VSP, I’m surprised I didn’t find out about it sooner but I am glad I know now!
Want to see if an is right for you? Take a look through their site and let me know if there’s any other questions I can answer about the process. I want all of us bloggers, creatives and other freelancers to not have to sacrifice on life’s necessities like vision insurance just because we have chosen to be our own bosses!
* VSP Individual Vision Plans sponsored this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links and Iâll earn a small commission if you shop through them. This is one of the ways I can continue to bring you amazing content!