Can I get contacts without insurance?
Yes, you can absolutely get contact lenses without insurance coverage. Vision insurance may offset your costs, but there’s no need to go around squinting just because you either don’t have an insurance plan, or you’ve already used up your benefits for the year. Here’s how to get contacts without insurance (no third job necessary):
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Get an eye exam from a low-cost provider
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Order in bulk to take advantage of discounts
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Use 1-800 Contacts to take an online vision exam and order your contacts
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Pay for your contacts with funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)
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Ask for help from nonprofit organizations
Many people go without vision insurance to save money, so contact lens wearers often pay out of pocket. That said, you need a valid contact lens prescription whether you’re using insurance or your own funds. We’ll explain how to get one without breaking the bank.
How much are contacts without insurance?
The cost of contact lenses without insurance varies depending on the lens type, brand, and where you purchase them. Most wearers can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $700 or more per year out of pocket.
Daily disposable lenses tend to have higher up-front costs than monthly lenses, but there’s also no need to buy contact lens solution or a storage case. So, the total cost of daily disposables is often in line with that of monthly contacts.
Brand, prescription complexity, and the need for specialty lenses all have a big impact on price. If you’re planning to buy contacts without insurance, it’s important to understand what type of lenses you need.
For example, toric lenses tend to be a little bit more expensive because they have a special shape and weight to help with astigmatism. Astigmatism is an abnormal curvature of the eye that can cause blurred or distorted vision, which can make driving at night more difficult due to light distortion.
Multifocal lenses are also more expensive. These lenses have multiple prescription powers, so they allow you to see clearly at all distances. Magic? Nah, just the power of lens technology. But you’ll pay a little more for this wizardry.
FYI, if you need contacts without insurance, buying online is usually less expensive than purchasing lenses through a doctor’s office. Price matching and discounts can reduce your costs even further.
Learn how to order contact lenses online at 1-800 Contacts
How to buy contacts without insurance
Buying contacts without insurance is a straightforward process that always begins with a valid prescription. From there, you have several options for where and how to purchase.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to get contacts without insurance (and without tearing your hair out):
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Schedule an eye exam. No matter where you buy contacts, you’ll need a valid prescription. No prescription, no lenses.
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Compare prices. Check online retailers, big box stores, and your eye doctor’s office. It’s amazing how much prices can vary for the same pair of lenses. Some retailers, like 1-800 Contacts, will even price match if you find a better price elsewhere.
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Look for discounts, coupons, and manufacturer rebates. A little research can help you save a lot of money.
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Place your order. When ordering online, you can usually upload your prescription, enter the details manually, or give permission for the retailer to verify it with your eye doctor’s office.
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Consider buying in bulk. If you’re able to, purchasing a year’s supply of contacts usually unlocks additional savings. Bonus: You don’t have to remember to order as often. Future you will thank you!
In addition to lower prices, online retailers may offer price matching, free shipping, or flexible return policies. These perks can make contacts even more affordable.
Eye exam and contacts without insurance
A valid contact lens prescription is required to purchase contacts regardless of insurance status. If your prescription has expired, you’ll need to renew it before you can order contacts.
It’s also worth noting that a contact lens exam is different from a standard eye exam. It includes a fitting to make sure the lenses sit comfortably on your eye. During this type of exam, an eye care professional also verifies that contacts give you clear vision without any discomfort.
Without insurance, eye exam costs vary, but an affordable online vision exam option exists. It takes less than 10 minutes to renew your prescription, and it costs an average of $130 less than an in-office visit.
Where to get contacts without insurance
You can purchase contact lenses without insurance from a reputable online retailer, your eye doctor’s office, or a big-box retailer, each with different price points and available savings. These are the most common options:
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Eye doctor’s office. Visiting a local eye doctor is convenient, but it’s usually the most expensive option. If you’re interested in saving without insurance, an in-person visit may not be in your budget.
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Big-box retailer. Retailers like Walmart and Costco offer competitive pricing and may even accept FSA or HSA funds.
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Online retailers. Online retailers are generally the most affordable option. You also get access to a wider selection of lenses, price matching, manufacturer discounts, and access to bulk-purchase discounts.
Contact lenses without insurance
Getting contact lenses without insurance is more manageable than many people expect. With a valid prescription and a little research, affordable contacts are within reach. Remember: Costs vary by lens type and retailer, but buying contacts online is often the least expensive (and most convenient) option.
Comparing prices, looking for rebates, and taking advantage of bulk-purchase discounts can also make a meaningful difference in your out-of-pocket costs. Now that you know how to get contacts without insurance, go forth and find your preferred brand. 1-800 Contacts can help.
See how to get free shipping on affordable lenses, as well as the time it takes to get them and how to save time and money on the entire process. How much are contact lenses? Compare the prices of daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly contact lenses and find the best option for you. See where to order contacts online, according to price and shipping times. Compare top online retailers to find the best deal for you. Everything you need to know about contact lenses
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Where to order contacts online
Did you know you can order contacts online?
Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor’s office and hello to convenience. With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contact lenses.