1-800 Contacts Plan vs VSP Individual Plan
👓 1-800 Contacts Plan vs. VSP Individual Plan: Which One Fits Your Vision Needs?
Whether you’re a frequent contact lens wearer or someone looking to save on routine vision care, choosing the right vision plan is essential. Two standout options for individual consumers are the 1-800 Contacts Plan and the VSP Individual Vision Plan. While both help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eye care, they differ in structure, coverage, and provider access. This side-by-side comparison breaks it all down for you.
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🏢 Overview of Each Provider
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Offered by the popular online retailer 1-800 Contacts, this is more of a discount vision membership than traditional insurance. It’s designed to help members save on contact lenses, online eye exams, and other services directly through their platform or partners.
VSP Individual Plan:
VSP (Vision Service Plan) is one of the nation’s largest and most trusted vision insurance providers. Their individual plans are structured like traditional insurance, offering routine vision care, prescription eyewear coverage, and access to a nationwide provider network.
📋 Plan Types & Coverage
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Focused primarily on contact lens users.
Includes discounts on contact lens purchases, online vision tests, and select exams.
No coverage for glasses or in-person optometrist visits unless accessed through partners.
Not a full insurance plan—no deductible, copays, or maximums.
VSP Individual Plan:
Offers comprehensive vision coverage including annual eye exams, lenses, frames, and contacts.
Plans may include lens enhancements like anti-reflective coating and progressive lenses.
You can choose between plans tailored to glasses wearers, contact wearers, or both.
🏥 Provider Network & Retail Partners
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Primarily online-based—services are accessed through the 1-800 Contacts website and app.
Online eye exams are available in select states for renewing prescriptions.
No traditional in-network providers, though some plans may offer reimbursement for exams done elsewhere.
VSP Individual Plan:
Uses the VSP network, which includes 36,000+ eye doctors nationwide.
Accepts both private optometrists and national retailers like Visionworks and Costco Optical (depending on location).
In-person and online appointments available.
💵 Pricing & Premiums
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Typically costs around $99/year or $10/month.
No copays or deductibles, as it’s not a full insurance plan.
Members receive fixed discounts on contacts, online exams, and accessories.
VSP Individual Plan:
Monthly premiums typically range from $13 to $20/month, depending on location and plan type.
Includes copays for exams (as low as $15) and allowances for frames/contacts ($120–$200+ depending on the plan).
Offers both monthly and annual payment options.
📲 Ease of Use & Enrollment
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Very simple to join—sign up online and access discounts immediately.
Designed for seamless use through the 1-800 Contacts app or website.
Perfect for tech-savvy users who prefer an all-online experience.
VSP Individual Plan:
Easy online enrollment with plan comparison tools.
Access to member dashboard, ID cards, and provider search tools.
Offers both in-person and virtual care options.
🎁 Extras & Discounts
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Deep discounts on a wide range of contact lens brands.
Free online vision test renewals in eligible states.
Offers 24/7 customer support and shipping perks for members.
VSP Individual Plan:
Discounts on LASIK, hearing aids, second pair of glasses, and vision accessories.
Access to WellVision® Exams, focusing on overall eye and health wellness.
Additional savings on lens upgrades, light-reactive lenses, and more.
🎯 Best For…
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Frequent contact lens wearers who prefer to order lenses online.
Consumers who don’t need full insurance but want basic savings on eye care.
People who already have health insurance but want vision discounts without overlap.
VSP Individual Plan:
Anyone looking for traditional vision insurance with comprehensive coverage.
Individuals and families who want access to local eye doctors and eyewear flexibility.
Clients who need annual eye exams, prescription glasses, or contacts.
✅ Pros and Cons
1-800 Contacts Plan
Pros:
✔ Affordable, flat-rate membership
✔ Great for contact lens users
✔ Convenient online access
✔ Includes digital eye exam services
Cons:
✖ Not a true insurance plan
✖ No glasses or in-person optometrist coverage unless added
✖ Limited value if you wear glasses or need specialty care
VSP Individual Plan
Pros:
✔ Full vision insurance coverage
✔ Access to 36,000+ in-network providers
✔ Strong frame and contact allowances
✔ Many add-ons and discounts
Cons:
✖ Slightly higher monthly cost
✖ More steps to enroll compared to discount plans
✖ Must use in-network providers to maximize value
🏁 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose 1-800 Contacts Plan if you wear contacts regularly, rarely visit an eye doctor in person, and want simple online savings without dealing with insurance claims.
Choose VSP Individual Plan if you want full-service vision coverage, regular eye exams, and flexibility in choosing between glasses or contacts.
In short, 1-800 Contacts is a smart, budget-friendly membership for contact lens users, while VSP is a comprehensive insurance solution for long-term eye health and vision correction needs.
📞 How to Get a Quote or Enroll
1-800 Contacts Plan:
Visit www.1800contacts.com
Select the vision membership plan during checkout
Sign up in minutes—no eligibility restrictions
VSP Individual Plan:
Visit www.vspdirect.com
Compare plans by state and coverage level
Enroll online and access your ID card instantly
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💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 1-800 Contacts a real vision insurance plan?
No. The 1-800 Contacts Plan is a discount membership, not traditional vision insurance. It offers savings on contact lenses, online vision exams, and lens-related services—but does not cover in-person exams or prescription glasses like full insurance plans do.
How does the VSP Individual Plan differ from 1-800 Contacts?
VSP is a true vision insurance provider offering comprehensive coverage for eye exams, glasses, contacts, and lens enhancements. The 1-800 Contacts Plan is more limited and focuses primarily on contact lens users who shop online.
Which is more affordable: 1-800 Contacts or VSP?
The 1-800 Contacts Plan is typically cheaper at around $99/year. However, VSP offers broader benefits and value through insurance-style coverage, with plans starting around $13–$20/month.
Can I use 1-800 Contacts for eye exams?
Yes, but only in select states and for prescription renewals via online vision tests. For full in-person exams, you’ll need to visit an optometrist independently.
Does VSP cover contact lenses too?
Yes. VSP plans include annual contact lens allowances and coverage for exams and lens fittings. You can also opt for plans tailored specifically to contact lens wearers.
Is there a provider network for the 1-800 Contacts Plan?
No. The plan is mainly used through 1-800 Contacts’ own platform, not a provider network. VSP, on the other hand, has a network of over 36,000 in-network eye care providers.
Can I use the 1-800 Contacts Plan with an existing insurance plan?
Yes. Since it’s not an insurance policy, you can use it alongside other vision insurance or health plans without conflict.
Which plan is better for someone who wears glasses instead of contacts?
VSP is the better choice for eyeglass wearers since it includes coverage for frames, lenses, and in-person eye exams, while 1-800 Contacts focuses only on contact lenses.
Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent