I’m getting a surgery in March, and the estimate says I’ll need to pay about $2,000 even after applying an insurance.
I’m an independent student (yes, I meet one of the prerequisites to be called “independent”), and I work on campus.
I have about $1,000 out of my pocket without a huge trouble,
but I think it would be really helpful if I can borrow $2,000 just in case the medical bill comes out higher.
I don’t have a credit score, but I am wondering if there’s any known bank that gives a student loan without a cosigner.
I turn 21 before I get the surgery, and the amount is pretty low.
Also, if let’s say I sign up for 5-year plan–do I have to adhere to 5 years?
Can I just pay off after a half year or so?
I’ve thought about Stafford loan, but the school financial officer said I already got a financial aid more than I need (by mistake), so they won’t be able to give more loan this year. Since the amount is low, I’m thinking about taking out a private loan from a bank. If any of you have an idea, please let me know. It would be tremendously helpful.
You can also talk with the financial counselors at the hospital. They may reduce your out of pocket cost due to your financial circumstances, or set up a payment plan for you. It took me a year to pay off my husband’s last hospitalization and the hospital was very understanding and set up an interest free payment schedule that allowed me to do that.
You could look into Care Credit… it is a credit card specifically for medical expenses. I think posting links is against terms of service, but if you put a google search in for Care Credit, you should find the webstie.
Do start with the finance office at the hospital itself. They deal with this sort of thing all the time, and should be able to help you set up a payment plan.
If you live in one of the 26 states which have expanded medicaid eligibility to adults with no children, you might qualify. Contact your department of social services. If so, medicaid might pay your deductible.
I guess this is remotely related to college stuff, but I wonder when is the proper time to call the hospital financial consultant. After getting a bill? After getting a surgery? Before getting a surgery? I’d give them a call, but I don’t want to make unnecessary calls and waste money (let’s say, it turns out that they can’t give me any advice until the bill is issued). Thanks for the help. I’m grateful that I asked the question here before I move on.
Most hospitals will have you preregister for surgery and will ask about insurance and how you plan to pay then. This usually happens during the week or so prior to the procedure.