Does Sunglass Hut Accept Insurance? What to Know About Using Vision Insurance for Sunglasses

I love my designer shades – I have several pairs of Ray-Bans Oakleys, and other premium sunglasses brands. But these stylish sunnies often come with hefty price tags! So I’ve wondered – can I use my vision insurance benefits to get money off new sunglasses at Sunglass Hut?

If you need a new pair of sunglasses and want to use your insurance coverage, here’s what you need to know about whether Sunglass Hut accepts vision insurance plans:

How Vision Insurance Typically Works for Eyeglasses vs. Sunglasses

First, let’s look at how standard vision insurance plans cover eyeglasses versus sunglasses:

• Eyeglasses – Vision insurance will fully or partially pay for prescription eyeglass lenses and frames from network providers, up to your plan’s allowance. This coverage applies to both medically necessary glasses and everyday wear eyewear.

• Sunglasses – Most vision plans only cover sunglass lenses if they contain a prescription. Frames are generally excluded unless you choose sunglass lenses as your one frame/lens pair for the year Purely cosmetic non-prescription sunglasses are rarely covered.

So typically, vision insurance only applies to prescription sunglass lenses, not the frames or non-prescription shades. Coverage for sunglass frames may be very limited.

Does Sunglass Hut Accept Vision Insurance for Prescription Sunglasses?

With traditional vision insurance limitations in mind, here’s how it works at Sunglass Hut specifically:

Yes, Sunglass Hut does accept vision insurance – but only for prescription sunglass lenses purchased as part of your eyeglasses benefits for the year. The catch is that Sunglass Hut does not accept insurance for non-prescription sunglasses or the frames of prescription shades.

You can use your eyeglasses frame and lens allowance from insurance to get prescription sunglass lenses and apply any remaining balance toward the frames. But you will likely have a substantial out-of-pocket cost for high-end sunglass frames that insurance won’t cover.

So if you want just basic prescription lens sunglasses with affordable frames, your vision plan may cover a good portion. But for designer brands like Ray-Ban, expect minimal insurance contribution toward the pricy frames.

Tips for Using Vision Insurance at Sunglass Hut

To get the most out of your vision benefits for prescription shades at Sunglass Hut, keep these tips in mind:

• Verify your plan’s out-of-network coverage and reimbursement procedures before going to Sunglass Hut. They are out-of-network for many major vision insurers.

• Ask your eye doctor for your latest prescription and bring it with you to Sunglass Hut – even if you had an exam recently. No prescription = no insurance coverage.

• Be prepared to pay upfront for sunglasses and submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement later. Sunglass Hut won’t submit claims or bill insurance directly.

• Save your itemized receipts showing the separate costs for lenses vs. frames. Insurers will want to see what they’re being asked to reimburse.

• Stick with a frame that meets your plan’s allowance. Going over allowance means paying 100% of any overage out of pocket.

With a valid prescription and following these tips, you can potentially use vision insurance to save a bit on your next pair of Sunglass Hut shades!

Are There Any Vision Insurance Plans That Offer Better Sunglass Coverage?

While traditional plans are limited, some specialized “sunglass insurance” options provide more robust coverage. For example:

Sunglass Hut Insurance

• Covers loss, theft, and damage
• Unlimited replacements with only deductible due per claim
• Typically under $10/month for 1 pair, more for multiple

VSP Sunglasses Plan

• $20 subsidized sunglasses exam every year
• Average 35% off non-prescription sunglasses
• Extra lens enhancements like polarization and tints

Eyeconic Sunglasses Plan

• $15 exam copay for prescription sunglasses
• Set allowances for lenses and designer frames
• 15% discount on non-prescription shades

Plans like these go above and beyond regular vision insurance to make high-end non-prescription and prescription sunglasses more affordable.

Does Sunglass Hut Accept Other Discounts and Savings Opportunities?

Aside from vision insurance, Sunglass Hut offers some other ways to save:

• Promo codes – RetailMeNot, Honey, Rakuten and other coupon sites often have Sunglass Hut discounts for 10-20% off or free accessories.

• Credit card perks – Cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve offer statement credits for Sunglass Hut purchases.

• Loyalty program – Their mailing list provides insider access to sales, BOGO deals, and exclusive promos.

• Secondhand – Sites like Poshmark let you score used Sunglass Hut styles at steep discounts.

• Gift cards – Watch for bonus offers and discounted gift cards from third-party retailers to save on future sunglass splurges.

While insurance discounts are limited, these other savings opportunities can help you get luxe shades for less!

Should You Buy Sunglass Hut’s Insurance for New Sunglasses?

When purchasing expensive designer sunglasses from Sunglass Hut, they will likely pitch you their sunglass insurance plans. Are these worth it?

Potential benefits:

• Covers loss, theft, damage
• Unlimited free replacements with low deductible
• Convenient handling through Sunglass Hut stores

Downsides:

• Only applies to Sunglass Hut purchases
• Limited duration, usually 1-2 years
• May overlap with your homeowners or renters insurance

Before signing up, check if you already have coverage under other policies. But if not, Sunglass Hut’s plans can provide peace of mind for very fragile costly shades.

Bottom Line – Tips for Affording Premium Sunglasses

Designer sunglasses can be a splurge! While vision insurance coverage is limited, following these tips can help you save on luxury shades at Sunglass Hut:

• Use insurance just for prescription lenses and basic frames
• Look into supplemental “sunglass insurance” plans for added coverage
• Utilize coupons, credit card perks, sales, and secondhand deals
• Only get store insurance if you lack existing coverage