A medical loan is personal loan that is used to cover health care bills. The borrower can use this funding to consolidate debt, pay for a medical procedure, or cover medical bills. This credit option is used for those medical expenses that are not covered by regular insurance. These include plastic surgery, fertility treatments, and orthodontics. Medical debt funds can also be used to pay for living expenses during recovery. Since this loan is unsecured, it does not require collateral.

Features

1. Purpose-Specific. Medical loans are designed exclusively to cover medical expenses, ensuring that the funds borrowed are used solely for healthcare-related costs.

2. No Insurance Dependency. Medical loans can benefit individuals who are either uninsured or have insufficient coverage, providing a reliable financing option for necessary medical treatments.

3. Quick Processing. Medical loans often have expedited approval processes, enabling borrowers to access funds rapidly, which is crucial for addressing urgent medical needs.

4. Wide Acceptance. These loans are accepted by various healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized treatment centers, making it convenient for borrowers to pay for services.

5. Fixed Interest Rates. Many medical loans offer fixed interest rates, ensuring that the monthly payments remain consistent over the life of the loan and making budgeting and repayment planning easier.

Pros and cons

How to get a medical loan?

• Discover Trustworthy Lenders. Embark on your quest by pinpointing lenders specializing in medical loans. Prioritize well-regarded banks, innovative online financiers, or niche medical loan facilitators.

• Grasp the Qualification Benchmarks. Delve into the criteria set by financiers for medical loan approvals. These might encompass age brackets, credit ratings, monthly income, and employment consistency. Ensure you're in alignment with these benchmarks before moving forward.

• Quantify Your Financial Need. Gauge the cumulative cost of the medical procedure you're eyeing. Determine the loan quantum that would bridge the financial void after accounting for personal savings or other monetary sources.

• Collate Essential Documentation. Rally all pivotal documents for your loan application. This might include identity verifications, wage slips, bank transaction histories, and any additional paperwork the financier might deem necessary for a holistic financial assessment.

• Weigh Diverse Loan Avenues. Procure loan outlines or initial nods from a spectrum of lenders. Juxtapose the interest dynamics, repayment blueprints, and any ancillary expenses to identify the most fitting loan avenue.

• Commence the Application Journey. Engage in the loan application trajectory with your lender of choice, often executable online. Ensure you populate the application with meticulous and exhaustive details.

• Eagerly Await the Outcome. Once you've submitted, bide your time for the lender's verdict. This interval can oscillate based on the lender's modus operandi, sometimes stretching a few days. Be on standby to cater to any additional informational requisites.

• Peruse the Loan Terms. On securing an approval, assiduously dissect the loan's terms. Key in on elements like interest metrics, repayment horizons, monthly remittance figures, prepayment nuances, and any embedded costs. Comprehend your obligations in entirety and any special financing provisions on offer.

• Endorse the Loan Proposition. If the loan framework aligns with your expectations, greenlight the lender's proposition. This might necessitate a formal agreement or a digital affirmation of the terms.

• Mobilize the Funds and Lock in the Procedure. Once you've given the nod, the lender will channel the funds to your earmarked bank. Thereafter, you're all set to schedule your medical procedure with your chosen healthcare establishment.

Best places to borrow a loan with bad credit

Upgrade

Upgrade is a prominent online lender that offers personal loans to borrowers with bad credit. They provide loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, making them suitable for various financial needs. The minimum credit score required by Upgrade is relatively low, typically around 580. This makes it accessible to individuals with a less-than-stellar credit history. One notable advantage of Upgrade is its flexible repayment terms, which can extend up to five years. This longer repayment period allows borrowers to manage their monthly payments more effectively. However, it's worth noting that Upgrade charges origination fees ranging from 2.9% to 8%. Additionally, while they do not have any prepayment penalties, borrowers should be aware of the interest rates, which can be relatively high for individuals with bad credit.

Upstart

Upstart is another online lender that specializes in providing loans to borrowers with bad credit. Their loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, allowing borrowers to access the funds they need for various purposes. Upstart utilizes a unique underwriting model that takes into account factors beyond just credit scores, making it more inclusive for individuals with limited credit history or low credit scores. The minimum credit score required by Upstart is typically around 580. One of the significant advantages of Upstart is its soft credit check, which means that applying for a loan does not negatively impact your credit score. Repayment terms offered by Upstart range from three to five years, providing borrowers with flexibility. While they do charge origination fees of up to 8%, it's important to note that they don't impose any prepayment penalties. However, borrowers with bad credit should expect higher interest rates.

LendingPoint

LendingPoint is a bad credit lender that offers personal loans ranging from $2,000 to $36,500. They consider borrowers with credit scores as low as 585, making them accessible to individuals with bad credit. LendingPoint prides itself on providing fast funding, often disbursing funds within one business day. Their repayment terms typically range from two to four years, allowing borrowers to tailor their loan duration according to their needs. It's important to note that LendingPoint does charge origination fees that can be up to 6%. They also have a slightly higher interest rate compared to traditional lenders, which is to be expected when borrowing with bad credit. However, they do not impose any prepayment penalties, enabling borrowers to pay off their loans early if they desire.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is an online lender that specializes in bad credit loans, offering loan amounts ranging from $500 to $15,000. Their minimum credit score requirement is relatively low, typically around 550, making them accessible to borrowers with poor credit. Universal Credit offers repayment terms ranging from six months to five years, allowing borrowers to choose a duration that aligns with their financial situation. While they charge origination fees, the amount may vary based on the borrower's creditworthiness. One notable advantage of Universal Credit is its willingness to consider applicants who have previously filed for bankruptcy. However, borrowers should be aware that the interest rates associated with bad credit loans from Universal Credit may be higher compared to traditional lenders.

OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial is a well-established lender that specializes in bad credit loans. They offer loan amounts ranging from $1,500 to $20,000, making them suitable for various financial needs. OneMain Financial requires a minimum credit score of 600, slightly higher than some of the other lenders in this category. However, they have a reputation for considering other factors beyond credit scores when evaluating loan applications. OneMain Financial provides repayment terms that range from two to five years, allowing borrowers to select a term that fits their budget. It's important to note that OneMain Financial charges origination fees, which can vary depending on your residence state. While they do not disclose their interest rates upfront, borrowers with bad credit should expect higher rates.

Avant

Avant is an online lender that specializes in offering personal loans to individuals with bad credit. They provide loan amounts ranging from $2,000 to $35,000, catering to various financial needs. Avant has a minimum credit score requirement of 580, making them accessible to borrowers with less-than-ideal credit histories. Repayment terms offered by Avant typically range from two to five years, giving borrowers flexibility in managing their monthly payments. While Avant charges origination fees up to 4.75%, they do not impose any prepayment penalties. It's important to note that Avant's interest rates can be relatively high for borrowers with bad credit. However, they provide a transparent prequalification process that allows borrowers to check their potential loan offers without affecting their credit scores.

Requirements

Before applying for medical financing, the borrower must check whether they qualify for all the financial institution requirements.

1. The first requirement is the minimum annual income of the borrower. Each lender requires a different amount of annual income without the deduction of taxes. Since the loan is unsecured and does not require collateral, the lender must ensure that the borrower will repay the loan.
2. The most important criterion for almost any loan is a score loan. Usually, a minimum credit score of 670 is required for a medical loan. The borrower must ensure that the lender makes a soft credit check that does not affect their credit score. The higher the borrower's credit score, the lower the interest rates will be, and the repayment terms will be more flexible.
3. There are bad credit personal loans designed to cover medical costs with low credit score requirements. A minimum credit score of 560 is required for this loan. However, the borrower should have a minimum credit score of 600 this way. They will have a better chance of getting loan approval from the lender.
4. For medical loans, as for any personal loan, it is important not to have bankruptcies and late loan payments in the borrower's credit history. Before applying for a medical loan, the borrower must ensure he has not filed for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies in the last seven years and has not had a total of more than 30 days late for payments on previous loans.
5. To prove employment and income, the borrower may need to provide some documents: paystubs, tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, bank statements.
6. To prove the address of residence, the lender may require the following: recent utility bills, a copy of the lease or rental agreement, rental insurance, which shows the residential address.
7. To confirm the identity of the borrower, an online lender may require the following documents: driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, certificate of citizenship, birth certificate, military ID.
8. Many online lenders allow the borrower to have a co-borrower. A potential borrower who has bad credit can get approval if their friend or relative has a good credit history. Moreover, the presence of a co-borrower allows the borrower to get better repayment terms since the lender will have more confidence in them.

Conditions

1. Credit Score. Most lenders will assess the borrower's creditworthiness by checking their credit score. A higher credit score generally leads to more favorable loan terms, including lower interest rates.

2. Interest Rates. Medical loans come with interest rates that can be fixed or variable. The interest rate is determined by factors such as the borrower's credit history, the loan amount, and the lender's policies.

3. Loan Amount. The loan amount offered will depend on the borrower's needs, the medical expenses to be covered, and the lender's limits. Borrowers should only request the amount they need to avoid unnecessary debt.

4. Loan Term. Common loan terms for medical loans are 12, 24, 36, or 60 months. Longer terms might result in lower monthly payments but higher overall interest costs.

5. Origination Fees. Origination fees, if applicable, are typically a percentage of the loan amount and can range from 1% to 6% or more. These fees are deducted from the loan proceeds.

6. Prepayment Penalties. Some loans have penalties for paying off the loan early. Borrowers should inquire about prepayment penalties if they plan to repay the loan beforehand.

7. Use of Funds. Medical loans are intended for medical expenses only. Borrowers may need to provide documentation or proof of the medical expenses to ensure the loan is used for its intended purpose.

8. Collateral. Medical loans are generally unsecured, meaning they don't require collateral. However, terms can vary, and some lenders might offer secured options that use assets as collateral.

9. Loan Approval Time. Different lenders have varying approval timelines. Some medical loans are designed for quick approval to facilitate urgent medical needs, while others may take longer to process.

Ways to get the money

Within the framework of medical loan financing, the modus operandi predominantly revolves around the direct allocation of monies to the medical facility or institution tasked with the surgical intervention. As your loan garners approval and all mandatory documentation is squared away, the lending entity liaises with the healthcare center to ensure precise fund distribution.

The lending party might resort to a plethora of techniques, such as dispensing checks, initiating electronic fund transfers, or employing other vetted disbursement modalities. This is done to guarantee that the capital is designated exclusively for defraying the medical procedure's expenses. It's crucial to underscore that the specific operational steps and conventions might differ, contingent on the lending institution and the contractual understandings brokered with the healthcare entity.

Things to pay attention to

• Rate of Interest. Scrutinize the interest percentages proposed by diverse financiers. Contrast these rates and opt for a financing route with an advantageous interest rate to curtail the cumulative loan expense.

• Loan Specifications. Delve into the loan stipulations meticulously, encompassing the repayment tenure and any appended charges. Ascertain that these conditions resonate with your fiscal landscape and that you can effortlessly adhere to the monthly remittance commitments.

• Concealed Charges. Rigorously dissect the loan contract to unearth any covert fees or levies. Be vigilant about initiation charges, early repayment fines, and other latent expenses that might inflate the total repayment sum.

• Credit Stipulations. Grasp the credit benchmarks instituted by the financier. While some lenders might uphold stringent credit rating standards, others might proffer financing avenues for those with a not-so-stellar credit history. Align with a lender that mirrors your credit standing.

• Approval Mechanism. Acquaint yourself with the loan sanctioning trajectory. Identify the essential paperwork, the approval timeframe, and any supplementary phases entailed. Stay primed to furnish the requisite details to streamline the procedure.

• Repayment Modalities. Probe for adaptable repayment alternatives. Certain financiers might extend modalities like fortnightly remittances or the latitude to effectuate surplus payments devoid of penalties. Such adaptability can bolster your fiscal management prowess.

• Procedure-Specific Financing. Seek clarity on any distinct financing stipulations or promos pertinent to the specific medical procedure you're contemplating. Some financiers might proffer bespoke financing routes for specific interventions, potentially offering more amenable conditions.

• Affiliation with Providers. Validate that the medical entity or clinic endorsing the financing modality is esteemed and adept in executing the specific medical intervention. Ratify their concurrence with the financing blueprint prior to advancing.

• Credit Score Implications. Comprehend the ramifications of medical loan financing on your credit rating. Tardy or omitted remittances can tarnish your credit, whereas punctual payments can augment your credit stature.

• Alternate Financing Avenues. Investigate supplementary financing routes, like personal finance schemes or credit cards, to juxtapose terms and pinpoint the most apt alternative for your scenario. It's pivotal to weigh all potential avenues prior to crystallizing your decision.

Legal regulations of medical loans

National Consumer Law Center issued Model Medical Debt Protection Act. This act describes the activities of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The ACA monitors and regulates the activities of non-profit hospitals and financial assistance programs. This act determines whether a particular person is eligible for financial assistance.

The National Consumer Law Center is also strengthening consumer protection rules for medical loans. Moreover, the organization also supports cost control, limits on facility fees, and restrictions on the issuance of unexpected medical bills.

The true cost of a medical loan

This type of personal loan can cost the borrower quite expensive. To avoid unnecessary overpayments, the borrower should consider alternatives to medical loans, such as a medical credit card. Medical credit cards may have interest fees less than other personal loans for healthcare financing but may have higher credit requirements and higher limits for the loan amount.

Medical loans have interest rates slightly higher than other types of personal loans. On average, the annual percentage rate (APR) for this type of financing ranges from 6% to 36%. In addition to the fact that the borrower must pay interest, the borrower will also pay some additional fees:

1. Origination fees. The origination fee is a charge that the lender takes for his work. The borrower receives funds with the origination fee already withdrawn. Usually, the origination fee varies from 1% to 10%. In the context of the rapid development of the online lending industry, finding a lender that offers an origination fee even below 1% is not difficult.
2. Application fees. Some lenders charge a separate fee for accepting an application from the borrower. Usually, this fee is small. However, the borrower should look for a lender who does not charge the client's application fee since there are many such lenders.
3. Prepayment fees. Prepayment fees or prepayment penalties are commissions for paying a loan early. Some borrowers want to reduce the interest payment by making payments several months in advance. Some lenders punish such borrowers with the help of prepayment fees. A modern credit union does not charge a prepayment penalty from the client but takes full payment on interest, regardless of whether the loan is closed ahead of time.
4. Late fees. Late fees are a commission for late payments. Usually, the commission amount is about $15. To avoid this commission, the borrower should install ACH debit automatic monthly payments on the loan or monitor the payment calendar closely.
5. Returned check fees. Returned check fee is a commission for lack of money on the borrower's account. The lender still makes the transaction and adds the missing amount to the loan amount. For this, the borrower will also have to pay a returned check fee in addition to the missing amount. The fee amount can range from $20 to $40.

How to repay a medical loan?

Repayment terms for medical financing usually range from 12 to 60 months and depend on the conditions of a particular lender.

To reduce monthly payments, the borrower should review all the offers on the online lending market. The borrower should also discuss with the credit consultant the most favorable offers from the lender. If the borrower's credit score is not so high to reduce interest rates, the borrower is recommended to look for a co-borrower.

1. Lenders recommend setting automatic monthly loan repayments. These payments are made using ACH debit. This method has several advantages. Automatic loan repayments allow the borrower not to keep track of the payment calendar and, at the same time, not to be late with the payment. Lenders do not charge fees for automatic transactions.
2. The borrower can also discuss sending checks by mail with the lender. However, in this case, the borrower needs to send checks in advance so that the payment arrives on time. Moreover, the lender can take a commission from each payment using a check.
3. Some lenders offer the borrower to make online payments manually. To do this, the borrower can use an account on the company's website or a mobile application if the lender has one. Usually, the company does not charge a commission for such payments.
4. Some lenders may offer the borrower, not the most popular payment methods, such as payment by phone and wire transfer. However, each transaction made by such methods will require payment of a commission.

Alternatives

1. Healthcare Payment Plans. Many medical providers offer their own payment plans, allowing you to spread out the cost of your medical expenses over time. These plans often come with little to no interest and can be a good option for managing specific medical bills directly with the provider.

2. Credit Cards. If you have a credit card with available credit, you might use it to cover medical expenses. This can be convenient, but credit cards often come with higher interest rates than personal loans. Some credit cards also offer promotional 0% APR periods for new purchases, which could be advantageous if you can repay the balance within the promotional period.

3. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). If you own a home, a HELOC allows you to borrow against the equity you've built up. Interest rates on HELOCs are usually lower than those for unsecured loans, but keep in mind that your home serves as collateral, putting it at risk if you can't repay.

4. Medical Credit Cards. Some credit cards are specifically designed for medical expenses. These cards might offer promotional 0% interest periods for medical charges, but be cautious to read the terms carefully, as high-interest rates can kick in after the promotional period.

5. Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use the funds in these accounts to pay for eligible medical expenses. Contributions to HSAs are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

6. Personal Line of Credit. Similar to a personal loan, a personal line of credit gives you access to a predetermined credit limit. You can borrow and repay as needed. Interest rates may be lower than credit cards but still vary based on your creditworthiness.

Editorial opinion

Important

How to Choose a Lender

1. Make sure to confirm whether the lender is licensed to operate in your state. You can verify this information with your state regulator or attorney general.

2. Check if the lender is a member of a reputable association, such as the Community Financial Services Association of America. Membership in such organizations may provide an extra level of reliability.

3. Carefully review all the terms and conditions of your payday loan contract.

4. Thoroughly examine the interest rates on payday loans and ensure that your contract includes a detailed breakdown of the total cost of the loan.

5. Take advantage of your right of rescission. Usually, you can rescind the loan within three days after signing the agreement. Alternatively, there is typically a "cooling-off" period, which allows you several days to thoroughly review the contract before making an informed decision to enter into a consumer loan agreement based on the terms specified by the lender.

6. Choosing a payday lender is a significant decision that demands careful consideration and a good understanding of how such organizations operate.

Additional Resources

• What Credit Score Do You Need for a Personal Loan?
• How to Get a Personal Loan in 7 Steps
• Personal Loan Pre-Approval
• How to Apply for a Personal Loan
• Personal Loan vs Personal Line of Credit

Sources

• U.S. News & World Report L.P. Best Medical Loans of May 2025 25.09.2023
• Forbes. Best Medical Loans Of May 2025 25.09.2023
• Nerdwallet. 5 Best Medical Loans in 2025 25.09.2023
• Bankrate. What you need to know about medical loans 25.09.2023