 TITLE: What Is a Medical Credit Card? CONTENT: Alternative Ways to Pay for Medical Debt\n----------------------------------------\nFinally, ask yourself whether a medical credit card is the best way to pay off your medical debt. Here are a few options that might make more financial sense:\n**Negotiate direct payments.** Talk to your provider before you finance your medical bill. They may be willing to reduce or eliminate charges up front. They may also work out a plan for you to pay them back directly, possibly with low or no interest attached.\n**Seek financial assistance.** Many providers—especially hospitals—have financial assistance programs for patients with qualifying incomes. There may also be programs in your community to help people in need.\n**Save up and pay cash****.** Although this won't work for emergency or urgent treatment, it's worth considering for elective procedures.\n**Use a traditional credit card.** Check the rates and any promotional offers on your existing cards—and shop for new credit cards with 0% interest promotions or competitive interest rates. You may beat any deal you can get from a medical credit card.\n**Consider a personal loan.** A personal loan enables you to pay off medical debt in regular installments over time, with interest rates that may be lower than what you'd pay on your credit card. You can browse personal loans that match up with your credit score using Experian CreditMatch™.  \nFinding Your Best Option\n------------------------\nA medical credit card can be a viable alternative for paying off medical expenses. Just make sure you first understand rates, terms and the impact on your credit—as well as taking the time to determine whether a new medical credit card is in fact your best, most painless option. If you're in a position where credit is needed to help you cover your medical costs, first be sure to understand your credit situation so you can better focus your efforts. Whether that means improving your scores or applying for debt you can qualify for, checking your credit report and score is usually a wise first step. END