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Hospital loans explained: How to finance medical expenses with ease 

Hospital loans explained: How to finance medical expenses with ease 

Medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. These unexpected costs have a way of cropping up when you least expect them. They can turn your world upside down and, if you are not prepared to handle them, drain you financially.

A hospital loan in India can be one way to cover your medical expenses. These loans offer funds upfront and can help you manage the costs of hospitalization, medicines, pre- and post-hospitalization expenses and more, without delay. They can be especially helpful in a crisis, which is why it is important to understand them now, so you know your options when things get complicated.

Let’s find out more about hospital loans.

What is a hospital loan?

A hospital loan is a type of lending facility designed to help cover medical expenses. It can be used to pay for hospitalization costs, treatments, surgeries, medical conditions, and accident-related expenses. These loans are especially useful for individuals who do not have health insurance or when medical bills exceed the coverage provided by their insurance policy.

Hospital loans are often confused with personal loans, but the two are not the same. While personal loans can be used for any personal requirement, including medical emergencies, hospital loans are specifically meant for healthcare-related needs and usually offer funding structures tailored to medical expenses. And hence, hospital loan interest rates​ and repayment terms are often designed keeping healthcare costs in mind.

Why hospital loans matter for medical expense planning

A hospital loan can be essential for medical expense planning. It helps you address urgent financial needs during medical emergencies by ensuring timely access to funds. This allows you to focus on your health without worrying about costs.

The loan can bridge the gap between health insurance coverage, personal savings, and actual medical expenses. It can be particularly useful for high-cost treatments or procedures, where your existing financial resources may fall short or get exhausted quickly.  

How hospital loans work in India

A hospital loan offers quick access to funds, usually without any collateral requirements. It can be availed when you need immediate financing to cover medical expenses, and is often processed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the lender.

The loan tenure varies based on your income and repayment capacity, but hospital loans are generally short-term in nature. Hospital loan interest ratesvary depending on factors such as your credit score, loan amount, and income. Most lenders require minimal paperwork. You can also apply for the loan digitally for faster approvals. The loan can be repaid through regular installments along with applicable interest, as per the agreed terms.

Types of hospital loans available

Hospital loans can vary based on multiple factors. These include the type of treatment the loan may cover, the lender’s terms and conditions, and the repayment flexibility. It is advisable to understand these variations carefully to choose a loan that best suits your needs.

For ease of understanding, here are the two main types of hospital loans in India:

Hospital loans for emergency medical treatment

This type of hospital loan can be used to cover emergency medical expenses, such as unplanned hospitalization. These situations often involve urgent medical attention, including accidents or serious health conditions like a heart attack or stroke, where there is no time to prepare financially.

In such cases, hospital loans can be extremely helpful. You can apply for the loan and gain quick access to funds to cover immediate medical needs without delay.

Also Read –  Quick Loans for Medical Equipment

Hospital loans for planned surgeries and procedures

This type of hospital loan is used for planned surgeries and medical procedures. Since the treatment costs are known in advance, you can estimate the expenses and apply for the loan beforehand. Once the funds are approved and disbursed, you can proceed with the treatment.

The processing time is usually similar to that of emergency medical loans, but planned procedure loans offer greater peace of mind and better financial control, as they allow you to prepare and manage repayments more effectively.

Key benefits of taking a hospital loan

Here are some benefits of taking a hospital loan in India:

  • Quick approval: Hospital loans are approved quickly, and funds are usually disbursed within a few days. This is especially helpful during medical emergencies and offers greater financial flexibility.
  • Minimal documentation: The application process requires limited paperwork and simple documentation. There are no lengthy procedures, which makes it easier and faster to access funds.
  • Flexible tenure: You can customize the repayment tenure to suit your financial capacity. This helps you manage monthly installments comfortably.
  • Financial support: Hospital loans provide timely financial support during medical emergencies. This allows you to focus on the treatment and not carry financial stress.

Also Read –  How To Apply For A Quick Medical Loan

Eligibility criteria for hospital loans

Below are the eligibility criteria for a hospital loan in India:

  • Age requirement: The applicant’s age should generally be between 21 and 65 years. The upper age limit may vary depending on the lender.
  • Employment status: The applicant must be employed either as a salaried individual or a self-employed professional, as per the lender’s criteria.
  • Minimum income: Lenders may ask for a minimum monthly income. The exact value can differ based on the loan amount, tenure, and credit score.
  • Credit profile: Applicants must have a clean repayment history and a good credit score.

Documents required to apply for a hospital loan

You need to submit a few basic documents to apply for a hospital loan:

  • Identity and address proof: Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory for verification. You can also submit other proofs like a passport, a Voter’s ID, etc.
  • Income proof (salaried): Salary slips for the last three months along with recent bank statements.
  • Income proof (self-employed): Income Tax Returns (ITRs) of the previous year and bank statements of the last six months.
  • Photograph: A few copies of your latest passport-sized photograph.  

Step-by-step process to apply for a hospital loan

Here is a step-by-step guide to apply for a hospital loan:

  1. Check lender options: Research and compare lenders to understand eligibility criteria, interest rates, terms, and conditions.
  2. Fill the application form: Complete the loan application carefully with your personal, employment, and income details.
  3. Attach required documents: Upload or submit the necessary documents as specified by the lender for verification.
  4. Use a hospital loan EMI calculator: Use a hospital loan EMI calculator to estimate repayments and choose a suitable loan amount and repayment tenure.
  5. Submit the application: Review the details and submit the application for processing.
  6. Loan disbursal: Once approved, the loan amount is disbursed to your bank account, usually within a few days.

Interest rates, charges, and repayment options

A hospital loan may come with the following costs:

  • Interest rates: Lenders charge interest on hospital loans, which vary by policy and borrower profile. This interest is added to your Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).
  • Processing fees: Some lenders may charge a one-time processing fee at the time of loan approval.
  • EMI structure: The EMI amount depends on the loan amount, applicable interest rate, and the chosen repayment term. Longer terms may result in lower monthly payments, while shorter terms can lead to higher installments.

Tips to manage hospital loan repayment effectively

Below are some tips that can help you manage your hospital loan repayments more effectively:

  • Plan your EMIs: Use a hospital loan EMI calculator to understand your future monthly payments and plan them carefully so you can pay on time.
  • Budget wisely: Create a realistic monthly budget to ensure a portion of your income is set aside each month for loan repayment.
  • Avoid late payments: Make sure you pay your EMIs on time to avoid penalties and late fees.
  • Maintain health insurance: Having health insurance alongside a hospital loan gives you an additional financial backup. It can reduce the burden of medical expenses.
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FAQs

Can hospital loans be used without health insurance?

Yes, hospital loans can be used even if you do not have health insurance. They are designed to cover medical expenses such as hospitalization, surgeries, and treatments when you do not have insurance or your insurance coverage is insufficient. They can be a useful option during emergencies or high-cost medical situations.

How quickly can a hospital loan be disbursed?

Hospital loans are usually disbursed quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours after approval. Some lenders may take a couple of working days, depending on document verification and eligibility checks. Having said that, these loans are usually processed quickly and are suitable for urgent medical needs.

Is a hospital loan different from a personal loan?

Yes, a hospital loan is specifically meant for medical expenses such as treatments, surgeries, and hospitalization. A personal loan, on the other hand, can be used for any purpose, including travel, electronics, relocation, or weddings.

What is the typical interest rate on a hospital loan?

Interest rates on hospital loans can vary from lender to lender and depend on factors like credit score and income. They generally start at around 10% and can go higher based on the loan value and other terms and conditions. It is important to check these rates beforehand.

What is the repayment tenure for a hospital loan?

The repayment tenure for a hospital loan can usually range from a few months to a few years. These loans are typically short-term in nature and designed to manage immediate medical expenses.

Is collateral required for a hospital loan?

No, hospital loans are usually unsecured and do not require any collateral. You do not have to pledge any assets. Lenders only consider your income, employment status, and credit history to offer the loan.

Can a hospital loan be used to buy medical equipment?

Yes, hospital loans can be used to purchase medical equipment required for treatment or recovery. This may include post-surgery or post-treatment equipment such as glucose monitors, oxygen concentrators, and others, depending on the lender’s terms.

Are hospital loans available for hospital expansion?

No, hospital loans are intended for individual patients to cover personal medical expenses. They cannot be used for hospital expansion or infrastructure development. You can apply for other types of loans for hospitals in India for expansion purposes.