Optimal cover for children’s eyes: supplementary insurance for glasses
19.04.25
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Children's glasses are often more than just a vision aid; they are daily companions during play and learning. Supplementary insurance can provide financial security if statutory health insurance does not cover all costs. Find out how to get the best protection for your child.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Statutory health insurance covers the basic cost of spectacle lenses for children under eighteen, but often not frames or extras.
Additional insurance for children's glasses is worthwhile if you want higher-quality coverage, protection against damage/loss and cost control.
When taking out the policy, pay attention to the scope of cover (frames, lenses, repairs, loss), waiting periods and reimbursement limits, which are often between one hundred and three hundred euros per pair of glasses.
Understanding the basics: statutory health insurance benefits for children's glasses
Statutory health insurance (GKV) in Germany contributes to the cost of children’s glasses up to the age of eighteen. As a rule, the costs of standard spectacle lenses are covered if there is an ophthalmologist’s prescription. The amount of the subsidy is based on fixed amounts, which often cover only the basic version. For many families, this means that any additional costs for higher-quality lenses or fashionable frames must be paid for themselves. Statutory health insurance usually does not cover the costs of special coatings such as anti-reflective coating or hard coating. A statutory health insurance for glasses often offers only basic cover here. This regulation ensures that every child receives the visual aid they need, but it only partially takes individual needs into account.
Recognising added value: When is supplementary insurance for children's glasses worthwhile?
Additional insurance for children’s glasses becomes particularly interesting when parents value more comprehensive protection and higher-quality care. If glasses are broken or lost while playing, statutory health insurance (GKV) often does not cover replacement, or only to a limited extent. A private supplementary policy can step in here and cover the cost of repairs or a new pair of glasses, often several times within a certain period. Many plans also reimburse the cost of more robust or lighter plastic lenses, which are ideal for active children. If your child, for example, needs glasses with special lenses or a particularly sturdy frame that goes beyond the GKV standard, a glasses insurance policy can close the financial gap. The need often arises from the desire for more than basic cover alone.
Check the scope of cover: what does a good children’s glasses supplementary insurance policy cover?
The benefits of supplementary insurance for children's glasses vary considerably depending on the provider and tariff. However, a good policy should include certain core benefits. These typically include contributions towards spectacle frames that go beyond the statutory health insurance fixed allowance, and cover for higher-quality lenses, for example with anti-reflective coating, hard coating or blue-light filter. Many policies also pay out for damage, breakage or loss of the glasses, which is an important factor for children. Some tariffs also provide regular contributions towards a new pair of glasses, even if the prescription has not changed significantly, or even cover prescription sunglasses. Look out for tariffs that also allow quick replacement, often within 24 to 48 hours. A comparison of vision aid insurance policies is advisable here. The exact terms and benefit levels are decisive when choosing the right cover.
Important benefit components can include:
Cover for the cost of spectacle frames above the statutory health insurance rate, often up to an amount of one hundred euros or more.
Reimbursement for specialist spectacle lenses (e.g. plastic, anti-reflective coating, hardening), which can account for up to eighty per cent of the costs.
Benefits in the event of damage or breakage, often with a small excess of, for example, ten per cent.
Protection against loss or theft of the glasses, which is particularly important for expensive models.
Contributions towards a new pair of glasses at specified intervals, for example every two years.
Sometimes also cover for contact lenses as an alternative to glasses.
These points help you assess the scope of the insurance cover more accurately.
Calculating costs: premiums and savings potential with supplementary insurance
Monthly contributions for supplementary insurance for children's glasses often start at less than ten euros. The exact premium depends on the chosen tariff and the scope of cover. A plan with higher reimbursement limits and shorter waiting periods will tend to be slightly more expensive. It is important to note the contract terms and notice periods, which are usually one to two years. Some insurers offer family discounts when several children are insured, which can save up to fifteen per cent. Compare not only the price, but also the value for money of the supplementary health insurance. Careful calculation helps to save costs in the long term and find the right cover.
Exploring practical cases: Typical scenarios and the role of insurance
Imagine your seven-year-old child loses their glasses on the playground – the cost of a new pair of glasses can quickly exceed two hundred euros. Without additional insurance, you often have to cover these costs yourself in full, as statutory health insurance usually does not pay in such cases. With a suitable policy, the insurer covers a large share of the costs, or even the entire amount. Another example: your child needs glasses with specially hardened lenses because they are very active; these cost eighty euros more than standard lenses. The supplementary insurance can cover these additional costs. In particular, when repeated damage occurs within a short period, for example twice a year, the value of good insurance becomes clear. Even when it comes to a fashionable frame that boosts a child’s self-confidence, a glasses insurance policy can be helpful. These examples highlight the practical benefits in everyday life.
Use expert tips: What to look out for when signing up
Before taking out additional insurance for your child's glasses, you should check a few points carefully. Pay attention to any waiting periods; some tariffs only pay out after three or six months from the start of the contract. Clarify the exact terms for reimbursement in the event of loss or damage – is there an excess? Our expert tip: Check whether the tariff also covers changes in prescription, which occur frequently in children and can make a new pair of glasses necessary, often after just one year. Also find out about the rules on eye specialist check-ups, which are sometimes included in combined packages. A careful reading of the small print is essential.
Checklist before signing the contract:
Are there any waiting periods and how long are they (often three months)?
What is the maximum reimbursement per year or per pair of glasses (e.g. up to three hundred euros)?
What types of damage are covered (breakage, loss, scratches)?
Is there an excess, and if so, how much (e.g. ten per cent)?
How often can a benefit for a new pair of glasses be claimed (e.g. every 24 months)?
Are repairs also covered, or only complete replacement purchases?
Are there any exclusions, for example for purely cosmetic preferences without medical necessity?
These questions will help you make the right decision for your child.
For cover under statutory health insurance, an ophthalmologist's prescription (prescription) is usually required. This confirms the medical necessity of the visual aid for your child. The prescription must be presented to the optician, who can then bill the health insurer directly, at least for the statutory health insurance portion. For benefits from a private supplementary insurance policy, the optician's invoice and, where applicable, the prescription often also need to be submitted. Our expert tip: Keep all receipts and prescriptions carefully, for at least two years, so that you can assert any claims. If you have any questions about the cost estimate submitted to the health insurer, you should ask at an early stage. Understanding these processes makes handling a claim easier when the benefit is paid out.
Looking ahead: the long-term benefits of good cover
Early and comprehensive cover for your child's visual aids can bring many long-term benefits. You not only avoid unexpected high costs, but also ensure that your child is always optimally cared for. This can have a positive impact on school performance and overall development, as good vision is a basic requirement for many activities. A suitable supplementary insurance policy offers financial predictability and reduces the stress associated with damaged or lost glasses. Bear in mind that a child's prescription can change quickly, which means regular adjustments and often new glasses within one to two years. Comprehensive dental supplementary insurance can also be a sensible addition to your child's health, much like protection for the eyes. This way, you ensure well-rounded preventative care.
Next steps: personalised advice for optimal protection
Choosing the right supplementary insurance for your child's glasses depends on many individual factors. These include your child's specific needs, your financial circumstances and your expectations regarding the scope of cover. A general recommendation is therefore difficult. At nextsure, we recommend an individual analysis of your situation to find the precisely tailored cover, which often costs only a few euros per month. Let us work together to assess which options are best suited to you and your child. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of children’s glasses.
Berufsverband der Augenärzte Deutschlands provides information on children’s vision and eye problems.
Deutsches Ärzteblatt contains an article on the prevalence and changes in myopia among children and young people.
Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (ZVA) offers information about children and their eyesight.
Verbraucherzentrale explains that health insurance only pays for new glasses in exceptional cases.
Finanztip provides information on co-payments for glasses under statutory health insurance.
MSD Manuals offers medical information about visual weakness (amblyopia) in children.
Zeiss provides information on the increasing myopia among children and young people.
AOK gives guidance on recognising myopia in children.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) explains what to bear in mind when a child needs glasses.
FAQ
Does my child need a prescription from the ophthalmologist for the supplementary insurance for every new pair of glasses?
To claim benefits from the statutory health insurance fund, a current prescription from an ophthalmologist is generally always required. Many supplementary insurance policies also require a prescription or at least confirmation of the change in visual acuity by an optician, especially for the first pair of glasses or significant changes. The exact terms vary; please check your policy documents. Often, for repeat prescriptions within a certain period, an optician's measurement is also sufficient.
Are there waiting periods for supplementary insurance for children’s glasses?
Yes, many plans for glasses supplemental insurance have initial waiting periods. These are usually three to six months after the contract is concluded before benefits can be claimed. However, there are also plans without a waiting period, which usually have slightly higher premiums.
Are prescription sunglasses for children also covered?
Some more comprehensive eyewear supplementary insurance plans can also cover the cost of prescription sunglasses. However, this is not standard and should be checked specifically in the insurer’s list of benefits. Often, reimbursement for this is limited to a certain amount every one to two years.
What if my child needs contact lenses instead of glasses?
Some glasses supplementary insurance policies also include benefits for contact lenses, either as an alternative to spectacles or in addition to them. However, the extent of cover for contact lenses and care products may be lower than for spectacles. Check the tariff details carefully if this is relevant to you.
How often can I claim a new pair of glasses through the supplementary insurance?
The frequency with which benefits are provided for a new pair of glasses is set out in the insurance terms and conditions. Periods of one to three years are common. For children, due to changes in vision or growth, an annual subsidy may sometimes also be possible, or there may be special provisions in the event of breakage or loss.
Does the insurance also cover repairs, or only completely new glasses?
Good supplementary insurance policies for children's glasses usually cover both repair costs and the cost of a completely new pair of glasses in the event of irreparable damage or loss. The amount of reimbursement and any excesses may vary depending on the claim and tariff. It is important to clarify this in advance.
