SHIP Vision Benefits

Vision coverage is included as part of Berkeley Student Health Insurnace Plan (SHIP).

All UC Berkeley students enrolled in SHIP automatically will receive benefits covering well vision exam and prescription glasses or contact lenses.

VSP is the vision insurance provider for SHIP students. SHIP members can visit UC Berkeley School of Optometry.

 New for 2017-18: Vision coverage for glasses or contact lens increased to $150.

2017-18 VSP Member Information
Plan Network Choice
Member ID Your VSP ID number is the nine numbers after the "XDP" on your Anthem Blue Cross ID card.

2017-18 Vision Benefits Summary 
VSP Choice Provider  Non-Network Provider
Eye exam (Once every plan year. Not including contact lens fitting.) $10 co-pay $47 allowance
Prescription glasses (once every plan year)

● $25 co-pay + $150 allowance

● Additional $20 coverage for featured framed brands

 $45 allowance for frames, $30-$60 allowance for lens1 
Contact lenses (in lieu of glasses, once every plan year) $150 allowance $100 allowance
Additional glasses or sunglasses, inlcuding lens enhancements  20% discount N/A
Lasik or PRK refractive surgeries  15% discount (average) N/A

1Allowance depends on the type of lens. 

2017-18 Benefit Summary

Review for additional benefit details including frequency of coverage. 

Please note:

  • Contact lens wearers may be subject to a contact lens evaluation fee or fitting fee.
  • If lenses and frames or contact lenses are chosen which exceed the $150 allowance, the cost above $150 is the responsibility of the student. 
  • You are expected to pay the co-payment and other fees are the time of service. There are no claims to file for in-network providers.
  • The following services or supplies are not covered by this vision plan: Orthoptics or vision training, non-prescription glasses or contact lenses, medical or surgical treatment of the eyes other than laser vision correction, non-FDA-approved vision services, treatment and materials, and any other service not listed above as a covered benefit.

  • Injury or illness of the eye will continue to be covered by the medical portion of SHIP, administered by Anthem Blue Cross.

Out of Network Claims  

For out of network claims, members must pay for the services and submit a claim for reimbursement. In addition to the hardcopy claim form, members can submit out of network claims online. Members can upload images of their receipts when completing the member reimbursement form on the VSP website. For most members, this option replaces having to mail in the form with copies of the receipts. Follow these instructions to submit an online claim: 

  • Go to vsp.com and log in to your account.
  • Once logged in, click on “Benefits & Claims” under the “Members” tab.
  • Select the “Claims & Reimbursement” box.
  • Click the “Submit an Out of Network Claim” bar to view form information and then click “Start New Claim.”
  • On the form, select the patient and then enter the practice information, services received and costs.
  • Upload up to three receipt images (If you have more than three receipts or want to mail it instead, you can print it at this step to mail in).
  • Click “Submit” and you’re done.

Topics

Insurance topic page

 Appointments

For your convenience, vision services are available at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry with two clinics on campus: Tang Eye Center and Minor Eye Center. To make an appointment, schedule online or contact:

Tang Eye Center
(510) 643-2020
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-4:30pm

Minor Eye Center
(510) 642-2020
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday, Sunday: 8:30am-3:30pm 


For urgent needs when the clinic is closed, you may call (510) 642-2020, 24 hours a day.

If you are away from Berkeley and need vision care, you may see a VSP provider.

Extra Savings for SHIP members