Medical bills are one of those expenses in life that you can’t really help. Most of the time, you don’t get to save up and plan when you have a medical emergency, and it’s usually going to take a good chunk of money to pay it off. Sometimes you don’t have that option though, and this is a good time to access the help of a medical credit card.

Advantages

The advantages to this type of a credit card specifically are that you’ll probably find lower interest rates, and a lot of cards provide you with a zero percent APR for an introductory period, meaning that if you just need to spread the payments out over a year or so, this option is perfect.

Disadvantages

One of the biggest disadvantages to this type of card is that you may not be able to use it on all of your medical purchases. Usually, cards are going to either be open with where and how you can use it, or it will be much more specified for the type of procedure you are paying for. If you apply for a credit card that your specialist has suggested in order to pay your bill, there’s a pretty good chance that it’s specifically for their type of procedure. However, it should be pretty easy to find one that covers more aspects, sometimes even covering pet health care expenses.

CareCredit

This card is much more associated with specialty procedures. It lists cosmetic, dentistry, hearing, LASIK & other vision procedures, and veterinary specialties as categories you can use it on. Depending on the price of your procedure, you’ll be able to get zero percent APR for anywhere from six months to two years. Unfortunately, it comes with a deferred interest rate at about $26.99%, so you’ll want to be certain you can pay it off before the introductory period ends.

Access One Medcard

This card is for general health care procedures and visits. Their introductory period is simple with zero percent for one to two years with a 9.25% APR following this time.

Wells Fargo Health Advantage Card

Use this card for dental, hearing, LASIK, and veterinary needs. They have three options for an introductory period: zero percent for six months to a year and a half with deferred interest; zero percent for two to three years not deferred; or a rate of 9.99% for a year and a half to five years.

MedKey

This is one more ideal for small procedures and charges over general health, emergency services, optical, prosthetics, surgical, physical therapy, and more. This is because it has a much shorter introductory period of only 90 days, after which there will be no differed interest and a rate of 5.99%.

When health issues arise, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with medical bills, and there doesn’t always seem to be a way out. Try to find a card that works best for your situation, and definitely try to have it paid off before your introductory period ends. This way, you’re simply getting to pay your bill in smaller, more manageable payments. Do your research, and ask your doctor’s office if there’s a medical credit card they recommend for you.