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Financing medical expenses can be tough. Right in the midst of the stress of a health issue, you have to wonder how you will pay for the care you need. In fact, millions of Americans are one medical emergency away from financial ruin. If you have experienced a medical issue and wonder how to finance medical expenses, read on to find out what routes you could take.
The energy you spend worrying about medical bills is energy you need to focus on getting well. No, the bills won't magically disappear. But as long as you are proactive, they don't have to take over your life. If you're trying to finance your medical bills, here are a few options:
If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance (at least 27 million Americans do not), it should be your first line of defense against high medical bills. If possible, present your medical card before treatment to avoid any confusion. If your medical situation is not an emergency, call your insurer to find out how much of your expected treatment will be covered and how much you will be out of pocket.
If you have a high-deductible health insurance plan, you may have either a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Both allow you to save money in a tax-free account and use those funds to pay for medical expenses. While it's never fun to drain an account you've spent months building, HSAs and FSAs are a great way to knock out an unexpected medical expense.
Paying medical costs with a credit card is rarely a good decision. It only makes sense if you snag a 0% intro APR promotional rate and pay the card off in full before the promotional rate expires.
Medical credit cards are similar to credit cards. However, there are two key differences. Firstly, medical credit cards can only be used to pay for medical services. Each card type is accepted within a specific network of providers. Second, medical cards usually offer deferred interest. You may get 0% interest for a set period of time, but unlike a 0% intro APR credit card, that interest can still come back to bite you. If you don't pay the debt in full within the deferred interest period, you'll need to pay the remaining debt plus all the interest that's accumulated.
Do you have money put away in an emergency fund? Is your savings account healthy? It often makes most sense to pay a medical bill with those funds. However, only use this method after you have negotiated with the provider for a lower price.
Personal loans can be an effective way to finance your medical expenses. They're especially good for those with a credit score high enough to land a low interest rate. Look for monthly payments you can afford. In some cases, that might mean stretching the loan term over a longer period. That's okay.
If you're wondering whether personal loan payments could fit your budget, use the below calculator. It'll show you the different monthly payments for various emergency loan amounts, loan terms, and interest rates.
Search online for "assistance programs in (your county)" to find a list of programs available to residents of your area. If you don't find anything helpful, contact a local social service agency and ask for advice.
There are two primary things to know before financing your medical bills:
Life is about being practical, which can be frustrating when it comes to unwanted bills. Ask yourself these questions before making a decision regarding financing:
These questions can help point you in the right direction. For example, if you will be off work for months undergoing chemotherapy or other intensive treatment, making sure you have a roof over your head and can eat should take priority.
Get the best rates and terms to fit your needs. Here are a few loans we'd like to highlight, including our award winners.
If your insurance is not adequate to pay your medical bills and paying cash is out of the question, here are a few alternatives to financing:
Financial aid from the medical facility: Most medical facilities, particularly nonprofit ones, have a charity care program designed to reduce or cover medical bills for those in need. Do not be shy about asking. Again, it's the people working in the billing department who tend to have their ears to the ground.
Payment plan through medical provider: Ask about monthly payments. Be honest about how much you can afford to pay and do not cut your budget short. Let's say your son broke his arm, and you received a statement for $1,200. Before calling, you decide that you can afford to pay $50 per month. You explain your situation and ask for a discount. The medical provider cuts the amount owed down to $1,000. By paying $50 per month, you'll have the debt paid off in 20 months. This is common, so never feel shy about asking.
TIP
Medical bills can be especially hard to cover if you're unemployed. But if you lost your job because of the pandemic, you might qualify for a coronavirus hardship loan.
These loans can help you pay for medical or non-medical expenses. You can use the loan to pay rent, buy food, pay off medical bills, or cover other essential costs. If you're facing financial hardship because of the pandemic, this type of loan could help you make ends meet.
For more information, read our guide to getting a coronavirus hardship loan.
Bankruptcy: If worse comes to worst, you can file for bankruptcy protection. It's one of the few ways to stop debt collection calls and completely wipe out medical debt. The downside? Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for at least seven years. It can impact everything from getting a loan to qualifying for the job you want.
A medical emergency is never an expected expense. But with a little careful financing, you can work toward both physical and financial health.
Looking for a personal loan but don’t know where to start? Our favorites offer quick approval and rock-bottom interest rates. Check out our list to find the best loan for you.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Please note that this calculator is not personalized financial advice and should not be considered or used as such. Nor are we promising that by use of this calculator, will you be able to save more money, preserve wealth, or otherwise.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent, a Motley Fool service, does not cover all offers on the market. The Ascent has a dedicated team of editors and analysts focused on personal finance, and they follow the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.
Please note that this calculator is not personalized financial advice and should not be considered or used as such. Nor are we promising that by use of this calculator, will you be able to save more money, preserve wealth, or otherwise.
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