Cigna Medical Insurance: What You Should Know Before Your Eye Exam
- Dr. Ryan Corte
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Are you interested in learning more about Cigna medical insurance? Maybe you already have Cigna and are looking for an eye doctor in Charlotte or Asheville, NC.
If so, look no further, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts Cigna medical insurance! We also accept a wide range of vision and medical insurance plans to make receiving quality eye care as easy and affordable as possible.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions patients ask about Cigna, including how it covers eye care, what to expect at your visit, and how to make the most of your benefits.
What Is Cigna Medical Insurance?
Cigna, founded in 1982, is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, serving more than 190 million customers globally. The company is known for its strong focus on whole-person health, combining medical, dental, and vision coverage with preventive wellness programs.
When it comes to eye care, Cigna covers medical eye exams for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, and macular degeneration. Some Cigna plans also include routine vision benefits through partner networks like VSP or EyeMed.
Cigna’s mission is to make healthcare simple, affordable, and predictable, and at Reflect Vision Care, we share that same commitment when it comes to your eyes.
How to Find a Cigna Eye Doctor
Finding a Cigna provider is quick and easy. You can use the Cigna Find a Doctor Tool to search by:
ZIP code or city
Doctor or practice name
Specialty (Optometry or Ophthalmology)
Type of plan (HMO, PPO, Open Access, etc.)
💡 Tip: When searching, choose Optometry (medical) for medical eye conditions or Routine Vision (VSP or EyeMed) if you’re looking for a standard vision exam or glasses.
And yes, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts Cigna medical insurance for medical eye exams at all our Charlotte and Asheville locations.
What If My Provider Isn’t In-Network?
Cigna allows flexibility in choosing your eye doctor. However, if your provider is out-of-network, you may need to pay at the time of service and then submit a claim to Cigna for reimbursement.
Your reimbursement will depend on your plan type, PPO plans typically include out-of-network benefits, while HMO plans usually require you to see in-network providers for coverage.
Our team at Reflect Vision Care can check your benefits ahead of time to confirm coverage and estimated out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Does Cigna Insurance Cost?
Cigna’s medical insurance premiums and copays vary depending on your plan type and whether your coverage is employer-sponsored, individual, or Medicare Advantage.
Typical details include:
Copays: range from $10–$40 for medical visits (depending on the plan).
Deductibles:Â vary, but many plans cover preventive or medical eye care after the deductible is met.
Vision add-ons:Â routine exams and eyewear are sometimes included through Cigna Vision (administered by VSP).
We can help you understand your coverage before your appointment, so you know whether your visit will be billed to Cigna medical or Cigna Vision.
What Does Cigna Cover for Eye Care?
Cigna medical insurance covers eye care when it’s related to diagnosing or treating an eye health condition, rather than simply updating your glasses prescription.
Medical Eye Exams
Cigna covers medical eye exams to diagnose and treat:
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Dry eye disease
Diabetic retinopathy
Eye infections, allergies, or pain
Floaters or flashes of light
If your plan includes vision benefits through VSP or EyeMed, routine exams for glasses or contacts may also be covered once per year.
Glasses and Contact Lenses
Cigna’s medical plans don’t include eyewear benefits directly, but many members have Cigna Vision or a VSP partnership for routine coverage. Typical benefits include:
A $150–$200 frame allowance
Discounts on premium lenses and coatings
Partial coverage for contact lens fittings and materials
Are Medically Necessary Contact Lenses Covered by Cigna?
Yes, in certain cases. If you require medically necessary contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus, severe dry eye, or corneal irregularities, Cigna medical insurance may cover the fitting and materials once your deductible is met.
Our doctors at Reflect Vision Care will determine whether your condition qualifies and help submit documentation for approval if required.
Does Cigna Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?
Yes. Cigna covers annual diabetic eye exams as part of its medical benefits for patients with diabetes.
These exams help detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss if untreated. During your visit, our doctors will evaluate your retina using advanced imaging and send a report to your primary care provider or endocrinologist to coordinate care.
Does Cigna Cover Cataract Surgery?
Yes, Cigna covers medically necessary cataract surgery, including:
Removal of the cataract
Implantation of a standard intraocular lens (IOL)
If you choose to upgrade to a premium or multifocal IOL, the additional cost is considered elective and not covered.
Our team will help coordinate pre- and post-surgical care with your ophthalmologist and ensure your claim is billed properly.
Does Cigna Cover LASIK or PRK?
Cigna does not cover LASIK or PRKÂ because they are considered elective procedures.
However, many Cigna members are eligible for discounts through the QualSight LASIK network, which provides 15–25% savings on refractive surgery at participating locations.
We can refer you to trusted LASIK centers that participate in these discount programs.
Additional Cigna Benefits Patients Should Know
Comprehensive medical coverage:Â including eye diseases, diabetes, and surgical conditions.
Optional vision add-ons:Â routine exams and eyewear through VSP or EyeMed.
Preventive care:Â glaucoma screenings and diabetic eye exams covered annually.
Nationwide network:Â access to thousands of optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Easy management:Â track claims, find doctors, and view benefits through the myCigna app.
Why Choose Reflect Vision Care for Your Cigna Eye Care
At Reflect Vision Care, we proudly accept Cigna medical insurance and specialize in both medical and routine eye care.
Whether you’re managing dry eye, monitoring diabetes, or simply updating your glasses, our experienced doctors will provide thorough, compassionate care while helping you understand your coverage.
We’ll verify your Cigna benefits, minimize out-of-pocket expenses, and ensure your visit is billed correctly, so you can focus on what matters most: your vision.
Schedule Your Cigna Eye Exam Today
Ready to use your Cigna medical insurance for your next eye exam? We’re here to help!
Schedule your eye exam at one of our convenient Reflect Vision Care locations:
📞 Call us or schedule online to book your appointment today!