Whether you have insurance or not, the cost of medical care can be astronomical. Even with health insurance, many plans have high deductibles or co-insurance clauses attached. In some cases, the insurance company may only pay a portion of your medical bills, leaving the rest up to you. When you or a family member are sick, getting proper healthcare is essential. High and unexpected medical bills can wreak havoc on your finances and can impact your credit if paid late or ignored.

How to pay for your medical bills

If you know in advance that you or a family member will require a medical procedure or treatment, take the time to read and understand what your insurance will cover. Get estimates from medical providers and hospitals. This will allow you to compare services and costs. Whether you know in advance that you need medical treatment or not, below are some ways to help you meet your medical bill obligations:

Review your medical bills

Don’t just accept medical bills as you receive them in the mail. Take the time to review them and look for charges that may be incorrect. Medication or procedures that you didn’t receive or being charged for your room after you’ve checked out are common billing errors. If you are unsure if a charge is valid, contact the hospital or medical provider to verify.

Disallowed charges by your insurance company may be the result of miscoding. Be sure to inquire about charges that your health insurance company is not paying for and why they aren’t covered. You may find that open charges are on your bill due to a clerical error.

Talk to your provider

You may be able to negotiate down the total amount due with your provider. Some hospitals and doctors offer a discount if you pay your bill in full when the services are rendered. If you’ve received estimates from other providers that are lower, you may be able to negotiate your fees down further. You may also be able to reduce your bill by paying a certain amount upfront.

Depending upon your income level and the extent of your medical treatment, your provider may be able to offer alternative options. Many hospitals offer programs for lower-income families that may forgive part of your overall bill and allow you to make payments for the remaining balance over time.

It’s important to communicate early and often with the hospital or doctor’s office. Failing to speak to them or ignoring bills you receive in the mail can result in your account being sent to a collection agency.

Payment plan

The easiest way to pay for your medical bills is to work out a payment plan with the hospital or doctor’s office directly. You may be able to make payments over a few months or longer. Be sure to ask if there are any finance charges or interest. You may be able to negotiate these fees down as well.

The hospital or doctor may propose a monthly amount that they are willing to accept. Know what you are able to commit to each month and don’t be afraid to ask for a lesser amount.

Personal loan

Depending upon your credit, you may be able to obtain a personal loan from a bank or other sources. Personal loans often range from $1,000 to $100,000. Since personal loans charge interest, it’s important to shop around for the best rates.

Medical credit card

Some hospitals, doctors, and dentists will accept medical credit cards. These cards are typically used toward specific medical procedures. Most cards offer a deferred interest period, which means that if you pay the balance off during that time, you will not incur interest. These periods can range from 6 months to 24 months, depending upon the card. It’s important to know the terms of the card. If you make a late payment, you may void out the interest-free period. If you are unable to pay the balance by the due date, you will be charged interest from the first day that you incurred the charge. Interest rates can vary based on the card and typically range between 12.99% and 26.99%.

Outside organizations

In addition to the hospital, there may be other programs that can help with your medical bills. Depending upon the state you live in and your income level, you may be eligible for assistance with medical bills or continuing care. Local government or community organizations may also have programs that provide help to families with high medical bills. If you or a family member has a rare or catastrophic illness, there are charitable organizations that provide financial help for treatments, medications, and procedures.

If you are struggling to pay for medical treatment, it’s important to talk to your medical provider as soon as possible. At a minimum, work out an arrangement to pay your bill over time. Find out if you are eligible for assistance through the hospital, state, or charitable programs. While medical treatments can be costly, being proactive can reduce the strain on your finances and credit.