Warby Parker has become one of the most popular eyewear brands by offering stylish frames at affordable prices. But can you use vision insurance when buying their prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses?
The answer is yes—Warby Parker accepts most major vision insurance plans. However, maximizing your savings takes a bit of work. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using insurance with Warby Parker, including:
- How vision insurance works with Warby Parker
- What vision plans do they accept?
- Using out-of-network coverage
- Claiming Warby Parker with FSAs/HSAs
- Tips to maximize your vision insurance savings
- Pros and cons of using insurance at Warby Parker
Let’s dive in and learn how to make the most of your vision benefits when buying eyeglasses and sunglasses from this popular eyewear retailer.
Overview of Vision Insurance with Warby Parker
Warby Parker is an in-network provider for several major vision insurance providers, including VSP, EyeMed, and UnitedHealthcare. This means that if you have coverage through these companies, you can use your benefits to purchase prescription eyewear and eye exams directly from Warby Parker.
For other insurance plans where Warby Parker is out-of-network, you can still use your benefits, but you’ll have to pay upfront and submit a claim to get reimbursed for part of the cost. We’ll explain this process more below.
The first step is to log into your vision insurance account and check your specific plan details. Here are some key things to look for:
- Your allowance for eyeglass frames and lenses
- Copays for exams, materials, and lens options
- Frequency of covered benefits
- Out-of-network reimbursement policy
This will give you an idea of what vision services your plan covers and how much insurance will contribute when buying from Warby Parker.
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What Vision Insurance Plans Does Warby Parker Accept?
Warby Parker accepts most major vision insurance plans. According to their website, they are an in-network provider for:
- VSP
- EyeMed
- Spectera
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Cigna
- Davis Vision
- Aetna
- Superior Vision
- Vision Benefits of America (VBA)
For these providers, Warby Parker will file your claim directly and apply any discounts or covered benefits at the point of checkout. All you have to pay is any applicable copays or costs not covered.
They recommend contacting your benefits administrator first to get your ID card and determine your exact in-network coverage.
Warby Parker also offers out-of-network reimbursement for many other vision plans. Keep reading to learn how this works.
Using Vision Insurance Out-of-Network at Warby Parker
If Warby Parker is out-of-network for your vision insurance provider, you can still use your benefits to save money. You’ll just have to pay the full price upfront and then submit a claim to get reimbursed for a portion of the cost.
Here is the general process when using out-of-network vision insurance with Warby Parker:
- Purchase your eyeglasses or sunglasses from Warby Parker upfront. You’ll pay the full retail price at checkout.
- Save your itemized receipt showing the services purchased.
- Obtain an out-of-network claim form from your vision insurance company, either through their website or by calling.
- Complete the claim form with information about your purchase. Make sure to note Warby Parker as the provider.
- Attach the itemized receipt to the claim form.
- Submit the documentation to your vision insurance provider.
- Your insurance company will process the claim and send you a reimbursement check for the approved amount.
Double check your specific out-of-network policy details to understand what percentage or maximum dollar amount your plan will reimburse for glasses or contacts from a non-participating provider like Warby Parker.
For example, your plan may reimburse up to $200 for eyeglass frames every two years. So if you bought $150 Warby Parker frames, you’d get back $150 after submitting your claim. Any amount over your allowance would be your responsibility.
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Can You Use an FSA or HSA at Warby Parker?
Yes, Warby Parker accepts FSA (flexible spending account) and HSA (health savings account) cards as payment methods when purchasing prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, eye exams, and contact lenses.
You can use pre-tax dollars from these tax-advantaged accounts to pay for qualified vision care services and products. This allows you to save more money on eyeglasses and sunglasses.
To use your FSA or HSA at Warby Parker:
- Make sure the card is activated and tied to a major credit card network like Visa or Mastercard.
- Add the card to your Warby Parker account payment options.
- Select the FSA/HSA card option at checkout to pay for all or part of your order.
- Save the itemized receipt in case you need to provide documentation of your qualified vision purchase.
Using an FSA, HSA, or both together with your vision insurance benefits can help you maximize savings on stylish Warby Parker eyewear.
Tips to Save the Most Money With Vision Insurance at Warby Parker
Follow these tips and strategies when using your vision insurance plan to get the most savings possible on eyeglasses or sunglasses from Warby Parker:
Compare Coverage for Eye Exams
Many vision plans fully cover one eye exam per year. Get your prescription updated before buying new glasses to maximize benefits. Warby Parker offers eye exams in some stores.
Understand Lens Options Covered
Insurance typically covers standard single vision or bifocal lenses. Add-ons like progressives or light-reactive lenses may require additional copays.
Use Allowances Annually
Most plans cover new eyeglass frames annually or every other year. Take advantage by replacing glasses regularly.
Extend Wear of Contacts
If your plan covers either glasses or contacts in a year, get the most expensive item covered. Wear contacts longer to use the glasses allowance.
Use FSA for Copays
FSAs can help cover vision copays, deductibles, and non-covered charges. Use it for maximum savings.
Compare Prices as Out-of-Network
Weigh the costs of going out-of-network if Warby Parker doesn’t accept your plan. You may save more depending on your reimbursement allowance.
Ask About Discounts
Inquire with Warby Parker about any discounts for paying in full upfront rather than using insurance. Could be cheaper.
What’s Covered by Vision Insurance at Warby Parker?
What your specific vision plan covers at Warby Parker will depend on your insurance provider and policy details. But in general, these are some of the vision services and products you can use benefits for:
- Eye exams – Most plans fully cover routine eye exams once a year or every two years. This is covered at the Warby Parker in-store optometry clinics.
- Prescription eyeglasses – Insurance will contribute a set allowance or percentage toward the cost of single vision or multifocal prescription lenses and eyeglass frames.
- Prescription sunglasses – Some plans cover prescription sunglasses the same as regular eyeglasses. Others only cover discounts.
- Contact lens exams and fittings – Fitting fees and contacts may be covered up to an allowance or with a copay.
- Contacts – Your insurance may cover a portion of the cost of contacts or provide an allowance toward the annual supply.
- Lens add-ons – Additional lens treatments like light-reactive lenses or blue light filtering may be partially covered, depending on your plan.
Always double check with your specific insurance provider to understand exactly what vision benefits you can use at Warby Parker retail locations and online.
Pros of Using Insurance at Warby Parker
There are a few advantages to using your vision insurance when buying eyeglasses or sunglasses from Warby Parker:
Save money – Insurance discounts and reimbursements make designer eyewear more affordable. You may pay only a fraction of the original price.
Coverage for add-ons – Insurance can help cover lens upgrades like progressives and light-reactive lenses that normally add cost.
One-stop shop – You can get an exam, prescription eyewear, and use your benefits all at Warby Parker. More convenient.
Flexibility – Warby Parker works with most major plans, either in-network or out-of-network for flexibility.
Extended warranty – Warby Parker’s one year, no scratch warranty can provide extra protection beyond your vision insurance policy term.
Using your benefits is an easy way to save money on Warby Parker’s already reasonably priced designer frames and premium lens options.
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Cons of Using Insurance at Warby Parker
However, there are a few potential drawbacks:
Limited frame selection – Insurance plans only cover certain eyewear styles and frame options
Extra steps – The claim process for out-of-network insurance involves extra time and paperwork.
Added costs – If Warby Parker is out-of-network, you must pay the full price upfront before getting reimbursed for just a portion.
Benefit limits – Vision insurance only covers eyeglasses or contacts so often. It doesn’t apply to non-prescription sunglasses.
In-store only – To use your benefits, you need to purchase eyewear at a Warby Parker retail location instead of online.
Reimbursement delays – It may take weeks or longer to get your claim approved and receive reimbursement checks when using out-of-network coverage.
Plan restrictions – Specific lens options, coatings, or frame choices may exceed your coverage limits or not be included.
While vision insurance can save you money at Warby Parker, there are some limitations and additional steps involved, depending on the specifics of your plan.
The Bottom Line
Warby Parker makes it feasible to use vision insurance when buying their designer prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses in-store. You can maximize savings by understanding your specific policy details.
For many shoppers, the discounts, reimbursements, and added coverage for lens upgrades provided by insurance benefits can significantly reduce the retail cost of Warby Parker eyewear.
However, limitations like frequent eyewear purchases required to break even and extra claim paperwork for out-of-network coverage should be considered. Check if the savings outweigh the costs for your situation.
Ultimately, vision insurance can be a money-saving tool for frequent eyeglass wearers who want to enjoy Warby Parker frames using their covered benefits. But more occasional buyers may find the extra costs aren’t justified.
Warby Parker Vision Insurance FAQs
Does Warby Parker accept VSP insurance?
Yes, Warby Parker is an in-network participating provider for VSP vision insurance. You can use your VSP benefits to purchase prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses directly from Warby Parker retail locations or online.
Can I use insurance if I buy online from Warby Parker?
Unfortunately, you cannot use your vision insurance benefits for online purchases from Warby Parker currently. To use your in-network or out-of-network insurance, you must purchase eyewear and services at a Warby Parker retail optical store.
How do I know if my vision insurance is accepted at Warby Parker?
Check the Warby Parker website for their list of in-network participating providers. You can also call your insurance company directly to verify if Warby Parker is part of their network. If not, out-of-network coverage may be available.
What if Warby Parker doesn’t take my vision insurance?
If Warby Parker does not accept your vision insurance, you can still use your benefits to get reimbursed for part of the cost. You’ll pay upfront, submit a claim, and your insurance will refund you according to your out-of-network policy.
Can I use just my FSA or HSA at Warby Parker without insurance?
Yes, you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds by themselves to purchase prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, eye exams, and contact lenses from Warby Parker without also using vision insurance.
Is Vision Insurance Worth It for Buying From Warby Parker?
Whether vision insurance is worth it for you when buying glasses or sunglasses from Warby Parker depends on several factors:
- How often you purchase new eyewear?
- Your prescription strength and need for add-ons
- Availability of in-network benefits
- Out-of-network reimbursement policy
- Cost of premiums vs. expected savings
In general, vision insurance makes the most financial sense if you are purchasing prescription eyeglasses or contacts yearly and want coverage for lens extras that can add cost. Comparing your estimated savings against the premiums can tell you if the benefits outweigh the annual costs.
For occasional eyewear purchasers or those with simple prescriptions, vision insurance may not provide enough savings compared to premium costs. Weigh your personal expected vision care spending to determine if it’s worth it.
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