You've been denied or you're uninsured, and you're weighing two paths: finance the procedure in the US with CareCredit or a medical loan, or pay cash at a fraction of the cost abroad. Both paths get you the procedure — the question is which one makes better financial sense for your specific situation.
The financing trap most patients miss
CareCredit's 0% promotional offers look appealing — and they can be, if you pay the balance in full before the promotional period ends. But here's the catch: if you don't, deferred interest kicks in retroactively at 27%+. A $15,000 procedure financed at 0% for 12 months becomes a $19,000 procedure if you miss the payoff deadline by even one month.
Medical loans through Prosper Healthcare Lending, LightStream, and others offer fixed rates but typically range from 6–15% APR depending on credit. A $20,000 procedure financed at 10% over 5 years costs you $25,500 in total — $5,500 in pure interest.
The break-even comparison
| Scenario | Gastric sleeve example |
|---|---|
| US procedure cost | $18,000 |
| CareCredit 0% (24 mo), paid on time | $18,000 ($750/mo) |
| CareCredit, missed deadline (27% retroactive) | $22,860 |
| Medical loan (10% APR, 5 years) | $22,950 |
| Colombia procedure + all travel | $7,500 |
| Savings: Colombia vs best US financing | $10,500 |
Even the best-case US financing scenario (0% CareCredit paid on time) costs $10,500 more than paying cash in Colombia. If you miss the CareCredit deadline or take a medical loan, the gap widens to $15,000+.
When US financing makes sense
Finance domestically when the procedure is too complex for medical tourism (complex multi-level spine surgery, certain cancer treatments), you have excellent credit and can definitely pay the 0% balance on time, the savings from going abroad are less than $5,000 after travel costs, or you're uncomfortable with international medical care.
These are valid reasons. But for most high-cost elective procedures — bariatric, orthopedic, dental, cosmetic, fertility, vision — the math overwhelmingly favors paying cash abroad.
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Explore surgery costs in Colombia →Frequently asked questions
Is it better to finance surgery or go abroad?
For most elective procedures costing $10,000+ in the US, paying cash abroad is financially superior. Even 0% CareCredit costs $10,000–$15,000 more than the Colombia cash price for the same procedure. The gap widens further with interest-bearing loans.
What happens if I miss a CareCredit payment?
If you don't pay the full balance before the 0% promotional period ends, deferred interest accrues retroactively on the original balance — typically at 27%+. A $15,000 procedure can become $19,000+ overnight. Always set up autopay and confirm payoff timing.
Can I finance medical tourism instead?
Some patients use personal loans or 0% credit cards to finance the smaller Colombia cost. A $7,500 procedure on a 0% credit card paid over 15 months is $500/month — far more manageable than $750–$1,000/month for a $18,000 US procedure.
What's the real cost of a medical loan?
A $20,000 medical loan at 10% APR over 5 years costs approximately $25,500 total — $5,500 in interest alone. At 15% APR, the total climbs to $28,600. Compare these total costs to the cash price abroad, not just the monthly payment.