Vision care is an essential part of a comprehensive health plan. In Canada, many vision-related expenses aren’t covered by provincial health plans. That's why it's important to find supplemental coverage, like Sun Life's personal health insurance plans, to help cover vision-related health expenses.
Whether you need regular eye exams, new prescription glasses, contacts, or even laser eye surgery, Sun Life vision coverage is designed to help you protect your eye health without the burden of significant out-of-pocket costs.
Please note: Vision coverage includes a 1-year waiting period before coverage begins, so plan accordingly if you need immediate vision care coverage.
Sun Life offers vision coverage through two of its personal health insurance (PHI) plans - Standard, and Enhanced - each with different levels of coverage. Here's a quick breakdown: coverage.
| Feature | Basic Plan | Standard Plan | Enhanced Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reimbursement Rate | No coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Maximum (Every 2 Calendar Years) | Not available | $250 | $300 |
| Eye Exam Maximum (Per Year) | Not available | $50 per exam | $50 per exam |
| Waiting Period | Not available | 1 year | 1 year |
| Coverage Includes | Not available | Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, laser eye surgery | Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, laser eye surgery |
| Learn more | More about the basic plan | More about the Standard plan | More about the Enhanced plan |
Comprehensive vision benefits in the Standard and Enhanced plans include:
The exact coverage amounts depend on your specific plan, so you can choose the level of protection that matches your lifestyle and budget.
Vision coverage through a PHI plan has many features, including:
Vision coverage works alongside other health benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental care, paramedical services, and emergency travel medical coverage
Vision coverage is included in both Standard and Enhanced plans
Allows you to choose a plan level that matches your overall health needs and budget
Sun Life PHI plans cover a range of additional health services that can enhance your overall wellbeing, all in one plan:
Get basic to maximum drug coverage depending on your plan tier.
Preventive dental care included in the Basic plan; optional restorative and orthodontic coverage available on the Enhanced plan.
Including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, naturopath services, registered massage therapy, acupuncture, and podiatry.
Psychologists, social worker, and other mental health services with enhanced coverage limits.
Get hearing aid coverage for up to $500-$600 maximum every 5 years depending on your plan.
Coverage for emergency medical expenses while traveling (Standard and Enhanced plans).
Each plan tier - Basic, Standard, and Enhanced - offers different reimbursement levels and annual maximums to match your coverage needs and budget. This integrated approach means you can access the diverse health services you need through a single personal health insurance plan.
Quick, simple, on your schedule
Get a quote and apply for personal health insurance to help cover eligible day-to-day health expenses not included in your provincial plan.
Talk to a licensed Prospr by Sun Life advisor who can answer questions, help choose the right coverage and guide you as you apply for the right plan.
Call us at 1-866-292-2517
Available Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
Dedicated advice for the long run
Build a long-term connection with a Sun Life advisor who can help you choose the right coverage and adjust as your life evolves.
Provincial health insurance generally provides only limited coverage for eye exams, and only to specific groups like seniors, children, and those with lower incomes, depending on your province. Corrective lenses, whether glasses or contacts, are almost never covered by provincial plans. This is why private vision coverage through plans like Sun Life's PHI is worth considering.
The amount of vision coverage you need depends on your eye care habits and budget. Consider how often you need eye exams, glasses or contact lens replacements, and whether you're interested in procedures like laser eye surgery.
A good approach is to calculate your typical annual vision expenses and compare them to the plan maximums. If you have regular vision care needs, the Standard or Enhanced plans typically provide better value than paying out-of-pocket. Keep in mind there's a 1-year waiting period before coverage begins.
Laser eye surgery is an increasingly popular option for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts. On average, laser eye surgery costs between $2,000 and $3,000 per eye in Canada, though pricing varies by clinic and individual circumstances.
Yes. Both the Standard and Enhanced PHI plans can help offset the cost of laser eye surgery. Depending on your plan, you can use your annual vision allowance toward laser eye surgery, or split it between exams, glasses, and contacts.
This information is meant for educational and illustrative purposes only. Some conditions, exclusions and restrictions apply.
