Because most aesthetic plastic surgery is considered elective, insurance does not typically cover the costs. However, there are various patient financing options that make the procedure(s) more affordable or allow you to pay for the procedure(s) over an extended time period versus paying for everything upfront.
- Surgeon-Offered Financing Plan - Many surgeons offer patient discounts or payment plans that allow you to pay for a procedure over an extended time period without interest. Be sure to speak with your aesthetic plastic surgeon about what payment options are available for you.
- Medical Credit Cards - You may be able to get a medical credit card through your insurance provider. Some of these cards allow you to make payments over a specific time frame without interest. The one catch is you can’t pay off the bill within the agreed-to timeframe; you can encounter high-interest rates. Be sure you understand the payment terms, timeframe, penalties, and interest rate (if you miss a deadline) upfront.
- Credit Cards - You could pay for your surgery using a regular credit card; however, you may want to consider opening a new credit card instead of using an existing one. By doing so, you could take advantage of the introductory perks many credit cards offer, such as an interest-free grace period, cashback deals, or sign-up spending bonuses. It’s important you are aware of the interest rate and any credit card fees upfront so you can plan accordingly. You should also feel confident you can meet your minimum monthly payments and pay off your credit card in a timely fashion to avoid late fees and accumulated interest. While you may plan to pay it off on time, this option can be risky should unplanned or emergency expenses come up that take priority over paying off your surgery.
- Personal Loan - If you qualify and have good credit, you may be able to take out a personal loan to cover your surgery costs. Be sure you understand the fees, interest rate, and terms associated with your loan upfront. If you are considering a personal loan, a good rule of thumb to follow is you should only take out a loan if you think you can pay it off within a year. Otherwise, it may be a sign you can’t afford surgery at this time. You don’t want to be stuck paying a significant amount of interest or late fees.
While all these options help minimize the burden of plastic surgery costs, you should never rush your decision around how to finance your procedure, nor should you feel pressure to decide on your financing plan when you’re at your surgeon’s office. Take the time to think through your options and determine what’s best for you.
The best approach, if possible, is to save money before getting your procedure. This approach will take the stress off you financially and ensure you are prioritizing quality and safety over costs when selecting a surgeon. Plus, by saving ahead of time, you can view your elective aesthetic procedure as something you’ve worked hard for and have earned, which can make the whole experience even more rewarding.