Many patients turn to plastic surgery in order to alleviate aesthetic concerns and improve parts of the body that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is however important to note that these procedures tend to be expensive and are typically not covered by health insurance. If you have identified a potential plastic surgery and are ready to move on to the next step, financing can be a significant hurdle. This article explores 6 ways you can finance your plastic surgery treatment so you do not have to wait any longer.
1. Check with your health insurer
The first step is to check in with your health insurer. Most cosmetic procedures will not be covered because they are considered ‘elective’ and not a medical necessity. However, in some cases (such as when a tummy tuck is performed to address diastasis rectus) insurers will pay for the cosmetic surgery. Just read through your policy or check with your health insurer to rule out coverage before you consider the other plastic surgery financing options on this list.
2. Save in advance
The old-fashioned method of budgeting and saving in advance applies when it comes to plastic surgery financing. If you already have money saved in the back, then you can use it to schedule your procedure as soon as possible. If not, then you can create a budgeting plan that is influenced by the total cost of the procedure that you are looking to have. This means that you need to select a Baton Rouge plastic surgeon and attend a consultation visit so you can get a comprehensive and individualized cost estimate. This is an excellent way to pay for your treatment without having to worry about lender-applicable interests, fees, or penalties. On the flip side, it may take significant time and discipline to amass enough money to finance your procedure.
3. Enroll in a surgeon sponsored payment plan
Many plastic surgeons have financing arrangements that allow you to break down the cost of your plastic surgery treatment into smaller installments without having to pay interest. Keep in mind that many surgeons prefer to not get involved in the financial aspect of the procedure and thus do not offer in-house financing. They may still, however, be able to partner with third-party financing providers to accommodate diverse patient needs.
4. Get a medical credit card
Medical credit cards have become an increasingly popular way to finance plastic surgeries especially because they offer promotional financing. During a specified introductory period, you may be able to break down the cost of your surgery with smaller monthly payments at zero APR (annual percentage rate) or a reduced APR rate. Some of these providers however include very high APR rates. You may also be stuck to paying deferred interest especially if you fail to adhere to the agreed-upon payment plan.
5. Get a fixed-rate personal loan
You may take an unsecured personal loan and use the money to pay for your preferred plastic surgery. These loans typically provide a lump-sum amount between $1,000 and $50,000. You’ll need to make monthly payments with a fixed annual percentage rate. In many cases, personal loans tend to be a cheaper option for financing your plastic surgery procedure. You can shop around for the lowest interest rates and can clear off the loan earlier (if you are able to) by making extra payments.
6. Loans from family or friends
If you have a friend or relative with enough extra money, then they could lend it to you so you can pay for your plastic surgery procedure. This may be the only option you have if you are not able to get credit elsewhere and need to have your cosmetic surgery as soon as possible. Your friends or family members may also be willing to give you a flexible payment plan since you already have a relationship. On the flip side, you could permanently damage your friendship(s) or family relationship if you do not hold up your end of the bargain. A good tip is to put everything in writing detailing the total amount borrowed and how exactly you plan to pay the loan back.
Conclusion
Regardless of what method you choose to finance your plastic surgery, make sure you are aware of the total procedure cost. You do not want to borrow money only to realize that it is not going to be enough to cover all the costs associated with your cosmetic treatment. So get started by doing some research and scheduling a consultation with your plastic surgeon’s office.