If your provider doesn't offer CarePayment, start with the hospital's own payment plan and financial assistance program, then compare a medical credit card such as CareCredit, HSA or FSA funds, or a personal loan for a fixed monthly payment.
- Apply for financial assistance and check an itemized bill before financing
- Provider plans and CarePayment are usually cheapest when available
- A personal loan works for several providers or one fixed payment
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Options, from cheapest to most flexible
Financial assistance
Nonprofit hospitals must have a written financial assistance policy under IRS section 501(r) (IRS). Ask for an application before paying.
In-house payment plan
Many billing offices offer interest-free monthly plans directly. Terms are often shorter than CarePayment's.
Itemized bill check
Request an itemized statement and question duplicate or incorrect charges before financing anything.
HSA / FSA funds
Pre-tax health dollars can cover eligible medical costs without interest.
Medical credit card
CareCredit offers no-interest promos if paid in full and reduced-APR plans. See our comparison.
Personal loan
A fixed rate and fixed monthly payment for bills at any provider, including combined bills from several providers.
See loan optionsWhen a personal loan makes sense
A personal loan can fit when bills come from several providers, your provider has no 0% option, or you'd rather not risk deferred interest on a card. Compare the APR, fees and total repayment cost, and borrow only what you need.
- Check the APR and origination fee together, not just the monthly payment.
- Prefer shorter terms if the payment is comfortable; total interest drops.
- Ask your provider for a discount for paying in full once funds arrive.
Know your rights
The CFPB's medical-bills resources explain how to dispute errors and what collectors can and can't do (CFPB).
Lower the bill before you finance it
- Ask for an itemized bill and check every line against your insurance explanation of benefits.
- Ask about financial assistance or charity care. Nonprofit hospitals must publish a financial assistance policy (IRS).
- Ask for a prompt-pay or self-pay discount, especially if you can pay a lump sum.
- Ask which 0% plans the provider offers, including CarePayment, before taking on interest.
What a personal loan costs
Personal loan rates depend on credit, income and the lender. These examples show how APR and term change the cost:
| Loan | APR | Term | Monthly | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000.00 | 15% | 36 months | $104.00 | $743.86 |
| $5,000.00 | 12% | 48 months | $131.67 | $1,320.12 |
| $3,000.00 | 25% | 36 months | $119.28 | $1,294.06 |
Illustrations only, not offers. Lenders set actual rates, fees and terms.
Which option fits your situation
| If you… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Have low income or a large hospital bill | Financial assistance application |
| Owe one provider and it offers CarePayment | CarePayment (0.00% APR) |
| Can pay it off within 6–24 months | Provider plan or a medical card promo |
| Owe several providers or need one fixed payment | Personal loan options |
| Have HSA or FSA funds | Pay eligible costs with pre-tax dollars |
Questions to ask any lender
- What's the APR, and is it fixed?
- Is there an origination fee, and is it taken from the loan amount?
- Is there a prepayment penalty?
- What's the total amount I'll repay?
- Will you run a soft or hard credit check, and when?
- How fast are funds sent, and can you pay the provider directly?
Red flags to avoid
- Upfront fees before you're approved
- Pressure to sign the same day
- No physical address or licensing information
- Rates or terms that change after approval without explanation
The CFPB explains your rights with medical bills and lenders (CFPB).
Frequently asked questions
What is like CarePayment?
Provider in-house payment plans are the closest match. Medical credit cards and personal loans can also spread costs but usually charge interest.
Can I get a personal loan for medical bills with bad credit?
Some lenders consider fair or poor credit, though rates are higher. Compare offers and total cost before accepting.
Should I use a personal loan or CarePayment?
If your provider offers CarePayment, it's usually cheaper because it's 0.00% APR. A personal loan makes more sense when bills are spread across several providers or CarePayment isn't available.
Can I combine several medical bills into one payment?
A personal loan can pay off several providers at once, leaving one fixed monthly payment.