Medical debt is one of the leading causes of financial stress in the United States. An Upstart personal loan can help you pay off medical bills quickly, consolidate multiple bills into one payment, and avoid the high interest rates that medical financing plans sometimes charge.
Before You Apply: Negotiate Your Medical Bills
Before taking out a loan, call the hospital or provider's billing department. Many hospitals offer charity care programs, income-based discounts, or will accept a lump-sum settlement for less than the full amount. Always negotiate first — then use an Upstart loan to pay the negotiated balance.
Why Upstart for Medical Bills?
- No minimum credit score: Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of credit history
- Fast funding: Pay off bills in 1 business day to stop collection calls
- Fixed rate: Unlike medical payment plans, your rate won't change
- Consolidate multiple bills: Combine bills from multiple providers into one payment
- Loans from $1,000: Even small medical bills can be financed
Check My Medical Loan Rate →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Upstart loan to pay medical bills? +
Yes. Medical expenses are an approved use for Upstart personal loans. You can borrow from $1,000 to $75,000 to cover any medical, dental, or veterinary expenses.
What credit score do I need for a medical loan from Upstart? +
Upstart has no minimum credit score requirement. They use AI-based underwriting that considers your education and employment history, making them accessible to borrowers with limited or damaged credit.
Is it better to use a personal loan or a medical payment plan? +
It depends on the interest rate. Many hospital payment plans charge 0% interest, making them better than a loan. However, some medical financing plans (like CareCredit) charge deferred interest that can be very expensive. Compare the total cost before deciding.
How quickly can Upstart fund a medical loan? +
Upstart typically funds loans within 1 business day after approval. This can help you pay off medical bills quickly to avoid collections.
Will a medical loan affect my credit score? +
Checking your rate with Upstart causes only a soft pull (no impact). A full application causes a hard pull, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. Paying off medical collections can improve your score over time.
WiseIQ may earn a referral fee from some lenders on this page. This does not influence our editorial ratings or recommendations. Our reviews are independently researched and editorially independent. Updated April 08, 2026.
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