My glasses snapped in half on a crowded Tokyo subway. I was blind as a bat. I went to a JINS store in Shibuya, got an eye exam, and walked out with new glasses in 45 minutes for $80 total. My insurance “Vision Add-on” costs $25/month and has a $50 co-pay. I realized I was being scammed by my own policy.
Key Takeaways
- Vision Coverage is Math, Not Insurance: Unlike cancer (unlimited cost), glasses have a fixed, low cost. Paying $300/year for a benefit capped at $200 is bad math.
- Global Optical Costs: In Asia and parts of Europe, eye exams and glasses are incredibly cheap compared to the US. High-quality frames + lenses in Korea/Japan/Vietnam are often
50−50−100. - The “Medical” Exception: If you scratch your cornea or get an eye infection, that is Medical, not Vision. Your standard health insurance covers eye injuries/diseases without the vision add-on.
- Contact Lenses: Insurance rarely covers contacts unless medically necessary (e.g., post-cataract). Routine dailies are out of pocket.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “US-Centric Thinking.”
Americans are used to glasses costing $400. Insurers sell “Vision Riders” based on US prices. If you live in a nomad hub (Bangkok, Lisbon, Mexico City), the street price of optical care is lower than the premium you pay to insure it.
The Investigation: I Called Them
- Cigna Global: The “Vision & Dental” add-on was
55/monthextra.Itcoveredoneexam(55/monthextra.Itcoveredoneexam(100 max) and $150 for frames.- My Cost: $660/year.
- My Benefit: $250/year.
- Verdict: Scam.
- Owndays / JINS (Japan/SE Asia): Walk-in price for exam + glasses = $60 – $100. Ready in 20 minutes.
- GeoBlue: Vision is included in the “Premier” plan, but that plan costs $500/month.
Comparison Table: Vision Insurance vs. Cash
| Feature | Insurance “Vision Rider” | Paying Cash (Tokyo/Mexico) |
| Annual Cost | ~$300 – $600 | $0 |
| Cost of Exam | Covered (often co-pay) | $10 – $30 |
| Cost of Glasses | Capped (e.g., $150) | $50 – $100 |
| Wait Time | Claims Process | 30 Minutes |
[IMAGE: Photo of a receipt from a Japanese optical store for ¥8,000 ($55) next to an insurance quote for $45/month]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Drop the Vision Rider: Log in and remove “Vision and Dental” from your expat policy. Save the cash.
- Buy Backup Glasses Online: Use Zenni Optical or similar. Buy 2 pairs for $50 before you travel.
- Get Examined Abroad: Do your annual eye exam in Bangkok or Seoul. The technology is top-tier, and the price is rock bottom.
- Keep “Medical” Eye Coverage: Ensure your main policy covers glaucoma, cataracts, and eye injuries. That is where the real financial risk is.
FAQ
Does insurance cover Lasik?
Almost never. It is considered cosmetic/elective.
What if I lose my contacts?
Buying replacements abroad is easy. You don’t need a prescription in many countries (just the box). Pay cash.
Is an eye infection covered?
Yes, that is “Medical.” Go to a doctor, not an optician.