Medical Financing

Are there any alternatives to medical loans?

You may find that a medical loan doesn’t suit your circumstances. Here are some other options that may be a better fit for you:

• Credit cards: if your bill is relatively small, a credit card can be a great way to spread the cost, especially if you have good or excellent credit and so can get a long 0% APR period. Just be aware that interest rates can be as high as medical loans after this period, or for anyone who can’t get a 0% APR card.
• HSA or FSA: Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts are sometimes available through your employer or health insurance provider so you can pay off outstanding medical bills. When you use these services to pay for your medical bills, you will often get a discount.
• 401(k) loan: You can take a loan from yourself out of your 401(k), provided you don’t want to use your 401(k) within the next 5 years (or you may be penalized). These loans are limited to $50,000 and have a 5-year repayment period.
• Payment plans: Many medical providers provide payment plans for essential treatment, and some for non-essential treatment, so ask your medical provide what is available to you. Some providers will require a down-payment followed by monthly payments, while others will set up a monthly payment plan for you. Make sure you’re aware of any interest rates and additional fees before you agree to your plan.
• HELOC: A home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to open a line of credit secured against your home. This works much like a credit card, where credit becomes available to you again once you’ve paid it off, so can be a good option if you’re not sure yet the total cost of your care. These usually have lower interest rates and offer more credit than other options, but you may have your home taken from you if you don’t keep up your repayments.
• Friends, family, & crowdfunding: Don’t be afraid to turn to friends and family if you’re in a tight spot and need—or have had—essential care. They may be willing to help you pay off or manage the costs of your debt. Crowdfunding is another good option, and sites like GoFundMe will allow you to share your story and allow friends and well-wishers to anonymously donate to help you pay your bills.
• Consider financial assistance: if you are going to struggle to meet your repayments, there is no shame in asking for help and we would encourage you to look into free and low-cost healthcare options available to you. There are many financial aid programs offered by hospitals to ensure you get the care you need. You often need to meet certain criteria to qualify, but don’t write yourself off before you apply.

Can I get my medical bills reduced?

In some cases, you can get your medical bills reduced, so it’s always worth seeing what you can do before you get a payment plan in place. Here are some options:

• Negotiate a lower payment: It’s easy to feel like a victim when you cannot afford large medical bills, but remember that you’re not powerless. Try talking to your hospital if you don’t qualify for financial aid and tell them about your financial situation to see if they can reduce your bill.
• Ask about a discount if you’re uninsured: Some hospitals will discount their rate if you are uninsured to make it more affordable, so make sure you ask if they offer any reductions for uninsured people.
• If you have almost enough to pay, offer to pay it off in one: This option certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you have the cash to pay almost the entire bill, talk to your hospital to see if they’re waive the remaining amount if you pay it off now, or if they can help you with a payment plan for the remaining amount.
• Dispute high rates and inaccuracies: It’s easy to panic when you get your medical bill, but once you’ve gotten over the shock, sit down and find out what everything on your bill should cost and if it seems high, question them on it. There are also stories out there of people asking for an itemized bill and suddenly finding their bill reduced drastically, so if your bill isn’t broken down, ask them to give you an itemized bill.

What credit score do I need to apply for medical financing?

You will be able to find some form of medical financing for any credit score, but if you’re struggling financially, make sure you investigate ways to reduce the bill, low-income programs, and crowdfunding before you start looking to borrow.

That said, most lenders will look for a credit score of 600 or more for good interest rates, and any score below that will likely have a high interest rate.

What is the average medical loan interest rate?

The average medical loan interest rate can vary depending on several factors, including the borrower's creditworthiness, the loan amount, the repayment term, and the lender's policies. It is important to note that interest rates are subject to change over time and can vary among lenders. To get an accurate understanding of the current average interest rates for medical loans, it is best to consult with lenders or financial institutions that offer medical financing options. They can provide you with specific information based on your financial situation and the loan terms you are seeking.

How can I qualify for medical financing?

To qualify for medical financing, follow these steps:

1. Check your credit: Lenders assess creditworthiness, so aim for a higher score before applying.
2. Research lenders: Look for those specializing in medical expenses or offering healthcare financing.
3. Gather documents: Prepare proof of income, bank statements, and identification.
4. Assess requirements: Review eligibility criteria, including credit score, income, and residency.
5. Complete the application: Fill it out accurately, providing details on medical expenses.
6. Review loan terms: Carefully examine interest rates, repayment period, and fees.
7. Accept the offer: If satisfied, sign the loan agreement.

Remember, meeting requirements doesn't guarantee approval. Compare lenders, select the best fit, and get the medical financing you need.