Does Health Insurance Cover Sunglasses?
TL;DR: Does health insurance cover sunglasses?
Private health insurance may cover sunglasses with prescription lenses. To claim sunglasses through your vision insurance, you’ll need:
- Confirmation that your vision benefits cover sunglasses
- A valid prescription from your eye doctor
- An active insurance membership card
When health insurance might cover sunglasses
Most private insurance plans in Canada cover prescription sunglasses along with other types of prescription eyewear, from standard glasses to contact lenses.
Your vision insurance benefits may also cover non-prescription sunglasses if they’re shown to be medically necessary. For example, if your optometrist advises wearing sunglasses after eye surgery or due to a medical condition causing eye sensitivity, you may be able to file an insurance claim for the cost of the sunglasses.
Check the details of your vision care benefits plan or call your insurance company directly to ask if sunglasses are covered in your situation.
How vision coverage usually reimburses sunglasses
The average cost of prescription sunglasses range from $150 to $500 or more for each pair of glasses.
Vision insurance may not cover the full cost of your sunglasses. Most health insurance plans allot a biannual maximum for vision needs, after which all of your remaining costs will be out of pocket. The table below compares reimbursement limits for PolicyMe’s three guaranteed health care plans.
If the cost of your sunglasses is less than the two-year maximum and you haven’t purchased any other prescription glasses during that period, your insurance provider may cover the entire cost of your sunglasses. On the other hand, if the cost of the sunglasses exceeds your plan limits or you’ve purchased other prescription eyewear, you may need to cover part or all of the cost out of pocket.
When sunglasses are not covered
Sunglasses typically aren’t covered by health insurance if they are not vision-correcting—that is, if they don’t have prescription lenses. Sunglasses without prescription lenses still offer eye health benefits, such as UV protection, but they’re not included under standard vision insurance coverage.
Eye care experts at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind recommend wearing sunglasses regularly to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems—even if your insurance policy doesn’t cover the cost!
Is it worth getting vision insurance just for sunglasses?
If prescription sunglasses are the only medical expense you currently pay that’s not covered by your provincial healthcare plan or group insurance, it’s likely not worth the cost of a private health insurance plan.
However, supplemental private health insurance includes major benefits that go well beyond vision care, including:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental insurance
- Mental health care
- Paramedical services (e.g., chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy)
- Medical equipment
- Home care
If you’re currently spending a significant amount out of pocket in one or more of these areas, consider comparing the benefits of a private health insurance plan with your ongoing healthcare needs.
FAQ: Does health insurance cover sunglasses?
Helene Fleischer is Content Marketing Manager at PolicyMe, with 9 years in content marketing and 4 in Canada’s insurance industry. She works with skilled writers and licensed insurance advisors to create useful resources that help Canadians navigate insurance decisions with confidence and clarity.
Helene Fleischer is Content Marketing Manager at PolicyMe, with 9 years in content marketing and 4 in Canada’s insurance industry. She works with skilled writers and licensed insurance advisors to create useful resources that help Canadians navigate insurance decisions with confidence and clarity.
Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of March 2026. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.