Vision Insurance in Maryland: What You Need to Know
Vision insurance in Maryland helps cover the cost of annual eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and specialty eyewear. Without coverage, a routine eye exam in Maryland costs $140–$170, and a pair of frames with single-vision lenses runs $200–$400 at most optical retailers — meaning one annual visit totals $300–$450 out of pocket. Standalone vision plans in Maryland start as low as $11/month for individuals, making coverage cost-effective for anyone who wears glasses or contacts or gets regular eye exams.
Monthly Cost of Vision Insurance in Maryland (2026)
| Coverage | VSP Choice | EyeMed Access | MetLife Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $14/mo | $12/mo | $11/mo |
| Couple | $25/mo | $22/mo | $20/mo |
| Family | $32/mo | $28/mo | $25/mo |
Estimated monthly premiums for Maryland residents. Rates vary by age and ZIP code.
What Vision Plans Cover in Maryland
| Benefit | VSP Choice | EyeMed Access | MetLife Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye exam | Once/year ($0–$10 copay) | Once/year ($0–$10 copay) | Once/year ($10 copay) |
| Frames | $200 allowance, 12 months | $180 allowance, 12 months | $130 allowance, 24 months |
| Lenses (single/bifocal/trifocal) | Covered in full, 12 months | Covered in full, 12 months | Covered in full, 12 months |
| Contact lenses (in lieu of glasses) | $150/year allowance | $150/year allowance | $130/year allowance |
| LASIK discount | 15% off at participating providers | 15% off at participating providers | Not included |
Out-of-Pocket Costs: With vs. Without Vision Insurance in Maryland
| Service | With Insurance | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual eye exam | $0–$10 copay | $140–$170 |
| Frames + single-vision lenses | $0–$25 after allowance | $150–$400 |
| Contact lens fitting + annual supply | $0–$50 after allowance | $175–$300 |
| Progressive lenses | $50–$100 upgrade charge | $250–$500 |
In-Network Vision Providers in Maryland
Finding an in-network eye doctor in Maryland is straightforward with any of the major vision plans:
- VSP Choice: 3,000+ in-network providers in Maryland, including independent optometrists and ophthalmologists and many independent optometrist offices
- EyeMed Access: includes LensCrafters, Target Optical, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, and Sunglass Hut locations across Maryland
- MetLife Vision: partners with Vision Source network, one of the largest independent optometry networks, with strong coverage in MD
All three plans allow out-of-network visits with partial reimbursement — typically $45–$50 for an exam and $70–$100 toward frames.
Is Vision Insurance Worth It in Maryland?
For Maryland residents who get an annual eye exam and purchase glasses or contacts, vision insurance typically pays for itself. Here's the math:
- Annual eye exam without insurance: $140–$170
- Frames + lenses without insurance: $200–$400
- Total annual out-of-pocket without insurance: $300–$450
- VSP Choice annual premium: ~$168/year for an individual
- Estimated annual savings: $247–$297 per year
If you only need an eye exam every two years and don't purchase glasses, the break-even is less clear — but you still benefit from the LASIK discount and the reduced cost if you do need corrective lenses unexpectedly.
Standalone vs. Bundled Vision Insurance in Maryland
You have three ways to get vision coverage in Maryland:
- Standalone vision plan ($9–$17/month): purchased directly from VSP, EyeMed, or MetLife. Best for self-employed, freelancers, or anyone whose employer doesn't offer vision benefits.
- Employer-sponsored vision: often the most affordable option if your employer contributes to premiums. Coverage is typically through VSP or EyeMed.
- Bundled with health insurance: some ACA marketplace plans in Maryland bundle vision and dental at a slightly higher premium. Convenient but generally less comprehensive than standalone vision plans.
Contacts vs. Glasses Coverage
All three major vision plans in Maryland cover either contact lenses or glasses each plan year — not both. If you prefer contacts, your $130–$150 annual contact allowance covers a significant portion of your annual supply. If you order glasses that year instead, the lens benefit pays for new lenses and the frame allowance covers most standard frames. Some plans offer a partial contact benefit even if you also purchase glasses, but you'll typically pay out-of-pocket for one category or the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vision insurance in Maryland typically costs $9–$17/month for an individual plan depending on the carrier and benefit level. VSP Choice runs around $14/month, EyeMed Access is $12/month, and MetLife Vision starts at $11/month. Family vision coverage averages $32/month for three or more members, which is far less than paying out of pocket for everyone's annual exams and glasses.
Most vision insurance plans in Maryland — including VSP and EyeMed — do not cover LASIK as a benefit, since it is considered elective. However, both VSP Choice and EyeMed Access offer a 15% discount at participating LASIK providers. On a $2,500 LASIK procedure, that discount saves $375. If LASIK is a priority, ask your vision insurer for a list of participating ophthalmologists in Maryland.
Yes. All major vision plans in Maryland — VSP Choice, EyeMed Access, and MetLife Vision — allow you to use your annual lens benefit for contact lenses instead of glasses. Most plans provide a $130–$150/year contact lens allowance. Note that most plans cover either contacts or glasses in a given year, not both. If you need both, you may pay partially out-of-pocket for the second item.
For most Maryland residents who get an annual eye exam and purchase glasses or contacts, vision insurance makes financial sense. Without coverage, an eye exam costs $140–$170 and frames plus lenses run $200–$400 — totaling $300–$450 per year. A VSP Choice plan costs about $168/year. For a typical Maryland resident, vision insurance saves roughly $247–$297 annually while also providing discounts on LASIK and specialty eyewear.