Some minor surgical interventions can substantially improve our quality of life. But, although they may be procedures simple and in an outpatient setting, may have a high cost. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the various options available to finance these surgeries. So how can you carry out these interventions through the National Health System (SNS) at no cost? Will your health insurance covers? Or do you need to resort to a health credit? We answer these questions in this article.
Surgical interventions by the National Health System
to perform a minor surgical intervention by medical indicationsuch as a laser myopia correction (lasik) operation, the placement of dental implants, removal of moles or other type of dermatological interventions on an outpatient basis, through the National Health System (SNS) can be complicated. All patients who need surgery and who attend a public unit are included in the waiting list enrolled for surgery. Between surgery and clinical discharge, the process is regulated by the Integrated Management System for Surgery Enrollees (SIGIC). Then, the doctor of the specialty consultation that assists him in this unit prepares the surgical proposal with user data, diagnosis, priority level and other clinical information relevant to the case. Afterwards, the patient must sign a consent form for the proposal to be delivered to the surgical service. According to the law, there are maximum response times that the SNS must comply, which depend on the priority levels. A scheduled surgery must have an answer according to the following deadlines surgical indication: Urgency (level 4): 3 days; High priority (level 3): 15 days; Priority (level 2): 60 days; Normal Priority (Level 1): 180 days. Then why minor outpatient surgical interventions can be complicated to carry out through the SNS? For the wait time, as they have normal priority of level 1which means you have to wait for a response, maximum six months. Also read: How to make an appointment on the SNS through the online service
Does health insurance not reimburse minor surgical interventions?
if you have one health insuranceyou can get a co-payment by value of this type of surgery. The contribution can be in whole or in partand depends on what is included in the policy when contracting the insurance. Your insurance may cover certain specialties and not others. And, within each specialty, there is a maximum annual ceiling that you can spend. Health and work accident insurance: Coverage and differences So, for this type of surgery: Ophthalmology and Dermatology specialties are included in practically all insurances. However, keep in mind that the specialty of Stomatology is not covered under most insurance. If your insurance covers the specialty corresponding to the intervention you want to have, you may still need a pre-approval. And still need a justification of a doctor with supporting tests that surgical intervention is essential for the patient. If the surgery is for aesthetic reasons, the insurance may not approve. Also read: What are the differences between health insurance and a health plan?
Personal credit for health expenses
If you do not have health insurance, or do, but do not pay, and do not want to wait on a waiting list so that you can have one of these surgeries through the SNS, you always have the bank financing option. There are several banks that allow the contracting of the personal credit for health expenses. These insurances include programmed situations such as surgeries, consultations, exams, treatments, but can also cover unforeseen. Among the various options offered by banking institutions, this credit can range from thousand euros to 75 thousand euros, from 36 months to 96 deadline monthsand usually has a flat rate. The positive points of this financing solution include the convenience and speedsince you can perform this order online and get immediate pre-approval. Once the contract is consummated, you can receive the approved loan amount within 48 hours. In order to submit this request, it is necessary to gather documentation and proof of health expenses what you want to do. Therefore, you must gather following documents: Citizen Card; IRS statement from the previous year and respective statement of settlement; Last three payslips; Declaration of the Employer (link, role/category);
Health credit simulations
At Banco Montepio, if you want a 5 thousand euros, 60 monthsoffer a 5% APR is Nominal Annual Rate (TAN) of 3.150%getting to pay 90.46 euros of monthly installments. The TAEG, in this case, includes the Individual Credit Protection Plan – Life Mode (mandatory insurance) – for a borrower (63.93 euros – single premium, paid at the beginning of the contract), interest and stamp duty on the use of credit and interest. O Total Amount Charged to the Consumer (MTIC) stands at 5,623.45 euros. At Banco CTT, a financing of 5 thousand euros paid in 72 monthly installments stays at 77.41 euros of monthly installments. Credit insurance, in this case, is optional and costs 6.19 euros per month, which is not included in the installments. For this amount, the bank offers a APR of 4.7% is 3.50% TAN. In total, the MTIC is reflected in 5,705.52 euros. But if you need help comparing bids, Doctor Finance is a credit intermediary that can help choose the best financing solution for your case. I want help from a Doctor Read more: Personal credit: What does it take to get the loan approved?
A professional writer by day, a tech-nerd by night, with a love for all things money.