How to Finance Cataract Surgery

Any investment in your health is almost always money well spent. You may find yourself in a position of trying to pay for surgery to remove protein buildup in one of your eyes. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition, called a cataract. You may need to learn how to finance your cataract surgery if your health insurance won't pay for it.

Instructions

Learn Different Ways to Finance Your Cataract Surgery

1. Find the best price on your surgery. You might find that there is a difference of hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars between different surgeons. Remember that cheaper surgery doesn't mean it's worse, nor does more expensive surgery guarantee better results. If you find two surgeons that you like, cost may be the deciding factor when choosing between them.

2. Talk to your insurance to see what your expected contribution for the surgery will be. Once you know how much your surgery will cost, you can see if you can pay for it up front or if you need to pay it in installments or with a loan.

3. Ask the surgeon's office when payment is expected. Many surgeons require the total amount the day of your surgery and before the operation.

4. Discus a payment plan with your insurance company. If you are unable to pay the balance of your surgery up front, your insurance might cover it and add the cost to your monthly payments. If you have payment options, you'll probably want to pay off as much as you can afford each month to pay less in interest.

5. See your bank about getting a small loan. In the worst-case scenario, your insurance won't pay for any of your surgery. If you and your doctor both still feel that surgery is necessary, call up your bank. Many banks will offer you a small loan to finance your cataract surgery provide that your credit is good.

Tips & Warnings

• If you end up looking at banks for a loan, feel free to inquire at several different banks. Look for monthly payments that you can afford and low interest rates. Your loan does not need to come from your primary bank.

• Always pick a surgeon based on experience, doctor recommendations and how you get along with them. A cheaper surgeon might have less experience and give you a slightly greater risk of complications.

• If your insurance will pay for some of your surgery, be sure that it covers the surgeon you want to use.