How much is an eye test and can insurance cover it?

How much is an eye test with Medicare?

If you have Medicare, you can rest assured that some of the cost of your optometrist-provided eye test will be covered. This is a benefit available to all permanent Australian residents who are covered by Medicare. However, there are some stipulations of which you should be aware, including:

• The optometrist you see must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia.
• Your eye test or consultation must be related to vision problems that are clinically relevant.
• If you are under the age of 65, this benefit is only payable one time every three years.
• If you are 65 years of age or older, you can receive this benefit once every 12 months.

After reviewing the above information, you’re probably still wondering how much is an eye test with Medicare coverage? Typically, Medicare will subsidize optometry fees at up to 85% of the Medicare Benefit Scheme (Fraser, 2020). However, since optometrists are allowed to set their own prices, you won’t know exactly how much an eye test will cost you unless you check with your optometrist first.

How much is an eye test without Medicare?

If you don’t have Medicare coverage, you may be wondering how much you may have to pay out of pocket for an eye test. Typically, an initial consultation from an optometrist is around $60 to $70 without Medicare or any private health insurance. Some people only need to pay this cost once per year, while others may need more frequent optometry visits. You may be recommended to receive more frequent eye tests if you:

• Have cataracts, glaucoma or another medical condition that can impact vision
• Experience distorted or blurred vision at all distances
• Have retinal detachment

In addition to yourself, it’s also a good idea to have your child’s vision tested annually before the start of school. Regular vision tests can help you detect any vision problems your child may have early on so you can seek treatment. Early treatment may prevent future learning problems commonly associated with poor vision.

We can help answer the question “How much is an eye test?”

If you’re still wondering, “How much is an eye test and how can insurance coverage help me pay for it?” we’d love to answer those questions for you and help you select the right insurance coverage for your needs. Contact Health Partners today to learn more about your coverage options or to request an obligation-free quote.

References:

Fraser, M. (2020, May 11) The Ins and Outs of Optical Health Insurance in Australia. Comparing Expert. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.comparingexpert.com.au/health-insurance/extras-cover/optical-health-insurance/

Megginson, S. (2020, February 20) Does Medicare cover the cost of an eye test? We take a look. Canstar. Retrieved September 30, 2022, from https://www.canstar.com.au/health-insurance/eye-test-cost/