What is a Medical Loan?
A medical loan is a type of personal loan that is designed to pay for private medical procedures, not available on the NHS, such as cosmetic surgery. Medical loans enable borrowers to spread the cost of private medical treatments over a longer term. Repayments are then made as monthly instalments.
Can you get a loan for surgery?
Yes, personal medical loans can be used to finance a whole range of surgical procedures, including plastic surgery. Borrowers can use the proceeds to pay for an operation in one lump sum, with the balance repaid in small monthly instalments over a fixed term, also known as an instalment loan.
What can you use medical loans for?
Medical loans can be used to fund most private healthcare treatments, including cosmetic surgery, dental orthodontic treatment and IVF treatment. The proceeds can even be used to aid with health insurance. See below for a complete list of the procedures that medical finance can be used for:
1. Plastic surgery
A medical loan can be an effective means to spread the cost of plastic surgery procedures, including both reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. You can use the proceeds to pay for procedures such as, weight loss treatment, liposuction, breast augmentation, botox, nose reshaping, and facelifts to name just a few.
2. Dental treatments
Medical finance can help make the cost of dental and orthodontic treatment more affordable. A loan can help finance those cosmetic dental procedures which are often not covered by the NHS such as; braces, teeth whitening, cosmetic teeth straightening, composite bonding and many other private treatments.
3. Fertility Treatments
Medical loans can help you to raise the money to cover the cost of fertility treatments that are not covered by health insurance or the NHS. This includes, but is not limited to, assisted conception such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), fertility medicines and surgical procedures, such as fallopian tube surgery.
4. Private Health insurance
A medical loan can help pay for areas for which private health insurance may not cover. If your private health insurance will only cover up to a certain amount of money, a personal loan can bridge the gap on the amount that is not covered. It can also be used to cover certain conditions that are not covered by your health insurance policy.
5. Debt Consolidation
A Medical loan, or a personal loan, can also be used to help with debt consolidation. If you currently have several debts for different things, perhaps including a medical procedure of some sort, you may want to consider consolidating all of your debt into a single personal loan. This option could help to make your debt and finances more manageable and lower your monthly payments.
How does a medical loan work?
Medical loans will equip you with a set amount of money to pay for a private medical treatment. The balance, plus interest, is then repaid to the lender in monthly instalments over a fixed term. The amount you repay each month, and the length of the repayment term are pre-agreed upfront with the lender.
Are Medical Loans secured or unsecured?
A medical loan works in the same way as a personal loan. You pre-agree how much money you want to take out and how much time you need to pay the loan back. The cost of the loan is then spread via monthly instalments. You will also have to pay any interest on the loan, as well as any fees you may have accrued.
Am I eligible for a Medical Loan?
In order to qualify for medical finance in the UK, there are certain conditions which you must first meet as a basic requirement:
- You must be over the age of 18.
- You must be a UK citizen.
- You must be in employment, and earning at least £800 a month.
- You must have access to a UK bank account.
How can I get a medical Loan?
You can apply for a medical loan, simply by making an online application. Please see below for a detailed list of what most lenders will require you to submit when you apply for a medical loan.
1. Personal Details
Generally, the personal information that lenders will ask for include; your full name, contact details (email and phone number), your date of birth, your current address and any previous addresses that you have lived at in the last 3 - 5 years. Many lenders will also ask you for your bank account number and sort code. This is to verify that you have a UK bank account to deposit the loan into.
Dependant on their decision criteria, some lenders may also ask you for personal information such as your marital status, and the number of dependents that you have.
2. Credit Score
All lenders are required by law to carry out a credit search on a potential borrower before lending to them. Lenders will assess your credit score to determine whether you are a reliable borrower. Credit requirements differ from lender to lender, so some lenders will offer loans to people with bad credit, while others will have more stringent criteria.
3. Income & Employment
Borrowers are often asked to provide details of their employment and income status to ensure that they can afford a medical loan. While, in some cases a lender may contact your employer to verify your identity and to confirm the stability of your employment, rest assured that lenders will not disclose any information regarding your personal finances to your employer.
4. Expenses & Outgoings
Lenders will be inclined to carry out an affordability check, to ensure that you can afford the monthly loan repayments. To do this many lenders will ask you to detail your average monthly expenses or outgoings. This includes any; bills, rent, mortgage repayments, subscriptions, and debt. Lenders will also often ask you to disclose if you have any financial dependents for the same reason.
5. Collateral
If your credit score or ability to afford loan repayments are called into question, a lender may require you to provide a valuable asset to act as collateral. This means that if you default on your loan, you are liable to handing over your valuable asset to the lender. Collateral is a mandatory when applying for a secured loan.
6. Guarantor
Dependent on the lender’s criteria, some lenders may ask you to sign for a medical loan with a guarantor as an extra form of security. This means, should you miss a payment, your guarantor will fall responsible for making repayments on the outstanding loan amount. The same goes if you default on your loan entirely, the guarantor will be expected to pay the loan off.
7. Supporting Documents
Some lenders may ask you to provide supporting documentation for verification and security purposes. Our medical finance application process can be completed entirely online, and there is no paperwork required. However, at the point of assessment many lenders may ask you to provide additional documentation. Often, this can be submitted online, by simply taking a photo with your phone and submitting via email, so your application will not be slowed down.
How can I get a medical loan with bad credit?
You can still get a medical loan, even if you have bad credit, however some lenders may require those with poor credit to provide an extra layer of security. This could be in the form of a guarantor, or you could also be required to offer your valuable assets as collateral for the loan. If you are concerned that your credit score may affect your ability to get finance, you may also want to consider looking at ways to improve your credit rating.
Why choose us for your medical loan?
Here at iThink Finance, we pride ourselves on our ‘treat others how you would like to be treated’ philosophy. As a broker, we have expert knowledge of the finance industry allowing us to educate and prompt you to make smart financial decisions that help towards the realisation of your financial ambitions.
- Loan amounts up to £20k
- Flexible monthly repayments (12-72 months)
- Instant online decisions.
- A variety of finance options.
- No extra fees.
- Unsecured Loan.
- We work with the top UK lenders.
- Our 5* customer service team are on hand from 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday - Friday, to answer your calls.
How much can I borrow?
With iThink Finance, you can borrow between £1,000 - £20,000, and repay the amount affordably within our flexible repayment term of 12-72 months. Getting a loan for medical bills or loans for medical procedures means you can avoid waiting around and instead, receive your medical treatment without delay.
How do I apply for a medical loan?
Stage One: Submit an online application
Applying for medical finance with iThink Finance is quick and hassle-free. There are no phone calls and no paperwork necessary, simply complete and submit our online application form.
Stage Two: Receive an instant decision
Once you have submitted your application, we will assess your application to search our extensive panel of UK loan providers for a finance provider that best suits your criteria. Within minutes, we’ll return to you with a decision.
Stage Three: Receive your money
Once your loan application has been accepted and you’ve agreed to the terms that the lender has offered, money can be transferred into your account within as little as 24 hours! You’ll then be free to use the loan on the medical treatment you deserve.
What are the benefits of medical loans?
Taking out a medical loan comes with some obvious benefits, such as gaining quick access to the money you need to pay for private medical treatments. However, there are also a variety of advantages to a medical loan that not everybody thinks about. Below are some key benefits associated with these loans
- Flexibility: Often insurance policies have a lot of red tape and will only cover certain treatments or only cover private medical procedures up to a certain amount. As a personal loan generally has no restrictions, you can essentially cover the cost of any medical procedure or health care treatment.
- Speed: A medical loan can be a useful way of bypassing waiting times for some treatments provided by the NHS. Rather than waiting weeks for a ‘non-urgent’ medical procedure, you can use a medical loan to pay for private healthcare and cut your waiting time.
- Unsecured: As the medical loan is unsecured, it means there’s no risk of you losing property through collateral as you would with a secured loan. This gives the extra security you need to help afford medical treatment.
- Spread the cost: With some private medical procedures, payment is required upfront which can leave a big a hole in your pocket. By taking out an instalment loan, you can spread the cost via monthly payments. This can make the payment process much more manageable, and stress free.
4 Tips to find the right loan for medical expenses
When applying for loans for medical expenses, you want to make sure that you are making the right decision for you. Lucky for you – we’ve consolidated our four best tips to help guide you through the lending process:
1. Check the APR
APR stands for ‘annual percentage rate’, which refers to the cost of borrowing over a year. It is a way of measuring the interest rate, as well as any other costs you may have accrued, over the yearly period. Therefore, the interest rate on your medical loan is going to be an extremely important factor to consider when trying to find the best rate.
It will determine how much money you will repay monthly and how much it will cost you to borrow the money, which will impact your overall capacity to repay your debt. You should aim to find the best medical loans low interest deals so you are not paying more than you need to.
2. Look for flexible repayment periods
Taking out a loan is only a good idea if it is going to be affordable for you to pay it back. This is why it is important to look at the repayment periods that loan providers offer. The more flexible a repayment term is, the more affordable and stress-free the loan will be.
This is why we offer a repayment term of 12-72 months, to ensure that your lending experience is as easy, affordable, and accommodating as possible.
3. Improve your credit score
To get accepted for most loans, you are expected to have a good credit score. This is why it is difficult to receive medical loans for bad credit. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary steps to improve your credit score and make sure that you fit the lenders requirements. To ensure this, you should do the following:
- Pay your bills on time.
- Keep a close eye on your credit report and make sure there are no mistakes or fraudulent activity.
- Look to repay existing or high levels of debt.
- Register on the electoral roll.
- Disassociate with anyone else’s credit rating, as it could potentially damage your individual rating. For example, if you have a joint account with your partner and they have a poor credit rating, it can also reflect badly on you and limit any financially-related opportunities.
4. Look Out for Early Repayment Charges
Early repayment charges are applied when you have chosen to repay your debt sooner than your contracted end date. In these circumstances, lenders usually require that you pay this fee along with your existing debt. However, not all lenders charge for this.
Therefore, if you feel that you may potentially pay off your debt earlier than you are contractually supposed to, you may want to check that the lender you choose to go with does not uphold this charge so that you don’t end up paying more than you need to.
What are the Alternatives to Loans for Medical Procedures?
Feeling good about applying for medical loans but need to know all of your options? Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives to medical loans so you can decide on which option is the best for you and your needs.
• Medical Credit Cards
Medical credit cards are a type of credit card that is used to cover medical expenses exclusively. Some medical credit cards can be used only for specific services though, so it is important to check that it can be used for your medical expenses before you apply.
• 0% Credit Cards
You can always apply for a credit card to pay for your medical loans and spread the cost over a long repayment term to make the debt more affordable to manage. Read More »
Nevertheless, it is important to consider that the interest rates on a credit card may be considerably higher than a personal loan, so you should first try to find a 0% credit card and repay your debt before the interest free period ends.« Show Less
• Healthcare Cash Plans
Healthcare cash plans are beneficial to those who are looking to save on routine healthcare such as dentistry, physio, and optometry-related medical expenses. Some people often confuse healthcare plans with private medical insurance, but they are two separate things. Whilst cash plans give you money back on routine healthcare expenses such as the above, private medical insurance provides cover for actual medical conditions and offers consultations, diagnosis, and surgery. Read More »
Healthcare cash plans are a better option for those who are looking to save money on their medical expenses, alternatively to those looking to cover the whole sum of the expenses. What’s more, you don’t need a medical referral to access a cash plan.« Show Less
Frequently Asked Questions Medical Loans FAQS
When considering applying for medical loans, you are likely to accumulate an endless list of questions regarding the topic. And if we haven’t answered all your questions already, then take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions below.
I need a loan for medical bills. How much can I borrow?
You can borrow anywhere between £1,000 - £20,000 with iThink Finance. We understand that medical procedures can come with a big price tag, that’s why we specifically work with lenders who are able to offer up to £20,000.
What type of medical treatments are covered by the NHS?
Whilst the NHS is free at the point of delivery, the care expenses are not offered for all treatments and circumstances. There are several factors that go into deciding whether the treatment you are looking to receive will be available to you and your individual circumstances.
For example, some procedures and treatments are only available to specific groups, or only for those who it is considered a medical necessity and who have been referred by their GP. It is important, therefore, to consult with your GP beforehand to see if your particular treatment is covered by the NHS.
I need to find the best loan for medical expenses, but I don’t have good credit. Can someone co-sign on my loan?
It is usually harder to receive medical procedure financing with bad credit. However, if you don’t have the best credit rating then it may be a good idea to get someone, with good credit, to co-sign on your loan. However, just be aware that it may be difficult to find someone willing to take on that responsibility.
When you co-sign a loan, the co-signer also takes on full financial responsibility for the management of it. Therefore, they will also be liable if the debt is not repaid.
Do you charge any other fees with your medical loans?
No. iThink Finance does not charge any other fees for our service. However, some lenders may charge fees for the service they provide. So, make sure to check the terms and conditions of your loan agreement for more information on charges and fees that may have been applied to your loan.
What information is required for me to apply for loans for medical procedures?
You will be required to provide a few personal details to apply for a loan online. This information includes contact details, first and last name, date of birth, and your marital status. Personal details needed are listed below:
- Forename and surname.
- The purpose of your loan.
- Date of birth.
- Email address.
- Contact number.
- Marital status.
- Number of dependants.
Are health and medical insurance the same?
Despite having two different names, health and medical insurance are usually classified as the same thing. They both cover events that require surgery, treatment, or hospitalisation if someone is ill or falls ill. However, the terms and conditions of health and medical insurance may differ, so always read the fine print.
How do I get the right loan for medical expenses?
To receive a loan for medical expenses, you should ensure that your credit rating is in great shape by: paying bills on time, keeping a close eye on your credit score, and by not applying for a huge amount of loan or credit card applications. You should also look out for low APR; no fee deals on your loan to make sure you are getting the best rate on the market.
How do I apply for a medical loan?
Apply online for a medical loan by following these 4 steps:
- Select how much you want to borrow and for how long you need to pay the loan back.
- Enter the personal details and documents that are required, then submit your application.
- One of our lender’s will be in touch with an instant decision.
- Receive your money straight into your account within 24 hours.
Are medical loans regulated?
Yes, the medical loans that we help broker are regulated in the UK. We are an authorised and regulated credit broker and are entered on the Financial Conduct Authority register. iThink Finance acts as a credit broker, and only works with reputable lenders that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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