Breast surgery is becoming an increasingly popular choice for women who want to improve their physical appearance. Unfortunately, having the procedure done can cost a significant amount of money and may take quite some time to save up for. To make the process less of a burden, it’s important to take the necessary steps to properly prepare financially. Below, we’ll discuss some steps you can take to prepare for breast surgery.
Know What’s Covered by Insurance
Before you even start saving for your surgery, it’s important to know what (if any) of the procedure will be covered by insurance. If there’s a medical necessity, some policies will cover a portion of the costs. You should check with your insurance company to find out the specifics on your policy. Some policies may cover a different percentage of the costs depending on the hospital where the surgery is performed. If your insurance does not cover the surgery, or only covers a small portion, it’s important to get an idea of how much the procedure will cost you.
Test the Waters With a Saving Plan
Once you have an idea of how much the surgery will cost, you should begin to practice saving for the procedure. Set aside a small portion of your income on a regular basis and work up to the amount you will need for the procedure. As you go along, you can make adjustments to your saving plan until you have a good amount of money set aside. A good rule of thumb is to have the full cost of the procedure saved up three to six months before your surgery. This will give you enough time to make sure you will have the money when the time comes.
Consider Financing Options
If you have not been able to save the full amount needed for breast surgery, you may want to consider exploring your financing options. There are many different companies that offer financing for medical procedures. Some lenders may charge a higher interest rate and have stricter qualifications, but if you have good credit, you may be able to qualify for a better deal. You may also want to check with the hospital to see if they offer any in-house financing plans. Most will allow you to pay for the procedure in installments, which can make the process much more manageable.
Probe Alternative Payment Options
Some surgeons will offer an alternative payment option for breast surgery. If you are unable to pay the full amount upfront, they may allow you to make a down payment and pay the remaining balance over a set period of time. Some surgeons may even allow you to work out a payment plan that fits your budget. These payment plans can help make the entire process much easier for you.
Explore “Self-Financing Options
If you are feeling a crunch and need the procedure done sooner than you are financially prepared for, there are some self-financing options you should explore. One option is to use a credit card to pay for the surgery, which can give you the peace of mind knowing you will be able to have the procedure done right away. Be sure to check the interest rates and make sure you have a plan in place to pay the balance off before the rates increase. Another option is to take out a personal loan from the bank. These types of loans usually have lower interest rates than credit cards, but you may have a longer repayment period.
Budget Carefully After Surgery
You may need to make some lifestyle changes in order to help you save money for your breast surgery. It’s a good idea to budget how much you can set aside each month to help you save for the procedure. Cut out any non-essential expenses in order to reach your goal. Once the surgery is complete, continue to budget your money so you can pay the surgery off as quickly as possible. This will help you avoid having additional debt and allow you to have the sexy new look without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Getting breast surgery doesn’t have to be a huge financial burden. If you take the time to practice good financial planning and explore all of your options, you can have the procedure done without putting a financial strain on yourself. Use the tips above to prepare yourself financially for breast surgery so you can get the procedure done with peace of mind.