Articles
Lower Medical & Dental Costs Abroad: Financing Options for Australians
Posted on Mar 24, 2023 by Find That Finance
Heading overseas for Plastic Surgery and Dental Work
In recent years, more and more Australians have been heading overseas for plastic surgery and dental work. In particular, the rise of “mummy makeovers”, breast augmentation, and dental implants has seen a steady stream of Australians travelling to destinations like Thailand and Malaysia for affordable procedures. For many, the main question is how to pay for these procedures, as not everyone has a few thousand dollars lying around in their bank account. In this article, we’ll look at some options for covering the cost of these procedures, particularly personal loans, savings, credit card and lay-by plans and why a personal loan through Find That Finance might be the best choice. It is also important to weigh up the pros and cons of dental or medical tourism, and understand the logistics involved.
Ways to Fund Your Trip!
Credit Cards
First, it is worth noting that paying for overseas medical procedures with a credit card is not always the best choice. Unless you have a credit card with a high limit and relatively low interest rates, you may end up accruing a lot of interest and fees. Some credit cards also charge a foreign transaction fee, which can be as high as 3% of the total cost. As such, using a credit card to pay for a mummy makeover or dental implant may end up costing you more in the long run.
Save
Saving up for your procedure is another option, and one that many, people choose. However, this can take a long time, and you may not want to wait months or even years to have the work done. Additionally, if you don’t have enough savings to cover the cost of the procedure, you may need to take out a personal loan anyway.
Lay-by plans
Lay-by is another way to pay for overseas medical procedures, but it’s not always offered by clinics or hospitals. Even if it is, you’ll need to pay a deposit upfront and then make regular payments until the full amount is paid off. This can be a good option for some people, but it also means you may need to wait several months or even a year before you can have your procedure done. However, be wary of clinics that may charge high fees or interest to use a lay-by plan, as this could end up being more expensive than other financing options.
Personal loans
So, why might a personal loan through Find That Finance be the best choice? First, it allows you to have the procedure done sooner rather than later. You can apply for a personal loan and have the money in your account within a few days, meaning you can book your flights and surgery date as soon as possible. Additionally, personal loans can have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can save you money in the long run. Find That Finance offers a free loan eligibility assessment and pre-approval service. Once pre-approved you will also know exactly how much you need to repay each month, making it easier to budget.
Using a personal loan to pay for your overseas medical or dental procedure sourced through Find That Finance from one of their many, lenders to finance your trip as repayments can be spread over terms ranging from three to seven years.
For instance, a woman named Michelle, from Melbourne was seeking financing for her mummy makeover. Working through Find That Finance, she was able to get a personal loan on very reasonable terms. As a result, she was able to afford the procedure and she is now living more confidently and happily.
However, before you pack your bags and head abroad for dental or medical tourism, it's important to weigh up the pros and cons of this option, and understand the logistics involved.
Dental/Holiday Packages
One popular trend in medical tourism is the dental/holiday package. This entails signing up for a dental procedure overseas and enjoying the local attractions and sights with your savings. These packages are attractive because they promise a complete holiday experience with dental care included. Many countries may even offer spa treatments, eco-adventures, and cultural experiences to engage visitors.
Pros of Dental/Medical Tourism
The most significant advantage of dental or medical tourism is cost savings. In Australia, private medical costs can be high, and many, procedures are not covered by public health insurance. In comparison, the same treatments can cost substantially less overseas, with savings of up to 80% possible in some cases. The savings can offset travel and accommodation costs and leave room for some sightseeing.
Another benefit is access to the latest medical technologies or treatments. Some countries are known for their state-of-the-art facilities and trained medical professionals, with high investment in both research and development.
Cons of Dental/Medical Tourism
The main risk is receiving sub-standard care or encountering complications with your procedure. This is why you must conduct thorough research and vet medical professionals and institutions before you go. Factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar treatment protocols may increase the risk.
Lastly, there are the logistics of traveling overseas for medical or dental tourism. You will need to factor in costs for travel, accommodation, visas, and insurance. Dealing with different time zones and currencies can also be challenging.
Tips and Recommendations for Managing Logistics
One key factor when choosing a destination is the quality of the care provided. Make sure you research the country and medical facility before deciding to avoid unnecessary risks. Check the qualifications and experience of medical professionals and look for accreditation credentials, including ISO standards or JCI accreditation. Lastly, ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and insurance.
Popular Procedures
Dental implants, mummy makeovers, and boob jobs are some of the popular procedures that Australians choose to have done overseas. While all procedures come with risks, these minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries are usually less risky than more extensive surgeries.
Quality Care and Regulatory Standards
When comparing different medical tourism destinations, consider the quality of care offered and regulatory standards. Some of, the top destinations include Thailand, Singapore, India, and Malaysia, where medical standards are high. You should also research accreditation for the hospitals or clinics you are considering.
Savings in Costs
Cost savings tend to be the biggest draw for Australians opting for medical tourism. For example, a dental implant that may cost around $5,000 in Australia can cost as little as $1,000 in Thailand or Bali.
In conclusion, while there are several ways to pay for overseas medical and dental procedures, a personal loan through Find That Finance is often the best choice. It allows you to have the procedure done sooner, with lower interest rates than credit cards, and the ability to spread the cost over a longer period. If you’re considering heading overseas for a mummy makeover, breast augmentation, or dental implant, speak to the team at Find That Finance to see how they can help you get the funds you need.
Medical tourism offers a potentially cost-effective way to undergo dental or medical procedures overseas. With thorough research and planning, you can minimize risks and maximize benefits. Choosing a reputable medical facility, researching regulatory standards, and investing in travel and health insurance can help to make the journey a success.
With the help of find That Finance, you can secure a loan from their panel of lenders to fund your dental or medical tourism.
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