Cosmetic procedures in Canada have become more accessible than ever with many reliable options available for financing. Here’s how to pay for plastic surgery by taking advantage of loans and monthly payment plans.
Key Takeaways:
- Plastic surgery in Canada can cost upwards of $36,000 or more, with most procedures not qualifying for coverage under health insurance and provincial medical services plans (MSP).
- An uptick of patients in recent years becoming more confident in prioritizing self-investment and well-being means that financing to pay for cosmetic procedures is a viable solution that is more widespread today than ever before.
- It’s important to work with trusted providers when looking for financing, and a good clinic will help you get there. The top Canadian financing solutions that we at 8 West Clinic have partnered with include Beautifi, Medicard by iFinance, and Affirm (PayBright).
How do you pay for plastic surgery in Canada? Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision, often accompanied by questions about how to manage the costs. It’s frequently perceived that cosmetic procedures are only attainable by those with financial freedom, but the reality is that surgery now is more accessible and inclusive than you might think with the ease of finding support through financing.
At Dr. Thomas Buonassisi’s facial plastic surgery practice, we understand that paying for your procedure can be a barrier on your journey to looking and feeling like your best self. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about paying for plastic surgery in Canada with financing options, including specific solutions we offer.
How much does plastic surgery cost in Canada?
The cost of plastic surgery in Canada can vary widely depending on the procedure and the complexity involved. Some general price ranges for common facial surgeries include $9,000-$18,000 for rhinoplasty/nose job, $14,000-$36,000 for facelift and/or neck lift, and $5,000-$13,000 for blepharoplasty.
These estimates account for everything including surgeon fees, anesthesia, operating room facilities, and follow-up visits. Prices can vary significantly, however, based on the complexity of the surgery and individual patient needs—with fees subject to variation at any given time. It's important to have a detailed consultation to get the most up-to-date and accurate quote tailored to your case.
At our Vancouver, BC clinic, we follow a pre-assessment process before booking patients in for any consultation and subsequent procedure(s). To get the conversation started, patients are first connected with one of Dr. Buonassisi’s patient care managers, who will reach out for a pre-consult call. In this session, you will go through an assessment of your goals and a discussion about your desired surgery. An optional virtual photo review is also conducted at no charge.
Preliminary pricing details and other key points of information are provided at this stage of the process to provide you with full transparency, so you can make an informed financial and emotional decision about whether or not it's worth moving forward to the next stage: the surgical consultation with the surgeon.
To request a pre-assessment call with our patient care team, you can do so online or give us a call directly at (604) 733-1669.
Is plastic surgery covered by insurance in Canada?
A frequently asked question from prospective patients before thinking about payment options is if it’s possible to have your procedure covered by insurance. In most cases, cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance in Canada because it is considered elective and not medically necessary. However, if a procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as reconstructive surgery following an accident or mastectomy, it may be covered by provincial health insurance or private insurance plans. You will have to first check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Cosmetic Procedures: Procedures performed solely for aesthetic reasons are typically not covered by insurance. This includes surgeries like facelifts, rhinoplasties, and facial feminization.
Medically Necessary Procedures: Surgeries that are deemed necessary for health reasons may be partially or fully covered. This includes procedures such as breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, correction of congenital anomalies, or procedures to address functional impairments (e.g., upper blepharoplasty for obstruction of vision).
8 West Clinic is considered a completely private practice, meaning all procedures performed by Dr. Buonassisi and our medical professionals are deemed cosmetic and have no coverage under the Medical Services Plan (MSP) for British Columbia. Patients should consult with their insurance provider(s) if applicable to understand what is covered under their specific plan and if any portion of a procedure can be claimed, provided enough proof can be produced. For clarity, 8 West Clinic does not work with any insurance companies nor offer any direct billing.
Regardless, the full cost of your desired procedure is provided with transparency in the pre-assessment and consultation process. This is to equip you with the information to decide if surgery is right for you financially, and to help you decide if you would prefer to pay for surgery as a lump sum or to finance it over time.
Can you finance cosmetic surgery in Canada?
Yes, financing cosmetic surgery in Canada is a completely viable option. In a recent report by the American Society of Plastic Surgery, it is stated that many patients “are making sure funds are available for their self-care and grooming routines, both minimally-invasive and surgical.”
“As cosmetic surgery has become more accepted, it has become a popular and more accessible option for people to improve their looks and well-being,” and this is reflected in today’s ever-growing array of financing solutions accepted at many clinics in both the United States and in Canada to make these procedures more affordable.
The ease in taking advantage of loans and payment plans can help patients manage the cost of undergoing these procedures. By spreading payments out over time rather than saving up funds over the span of months or years to pay an upfront lump sum, patients are given the chance to invest in their self-confidence and well-being sooner than later.
At 8 West Clinic, our aim is to help our patients find the confidence boost that unifies their outward appearance with how they truly feel on the inside.
Self-investment in this sense can be invaluable for patients, which is why we’re committed to reducing the barriers of payment so that our patients don’t have to wait to look and feel their best. We vet and work with leading lenders in Canada to make financing a seamless step in your journey, and are happy to help you with any questions you may have about how the process works at our clinic.
How does cosmetic surgery financing work?
Finding financing for plastic surgery is a quick and easy process. It typically involves applying for a loan or payment plan through an approved third-party lender. A number of these specialize in working with Canadian patients undergoing medical procedures. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Start the Consultation Process: Contact your clinic of choice to inquire about the procedure(s) you’re interested in. Obtain a quote tailored to you and confirm which financing providers they are able to accept. At 8 West Clinic, this information is offered in the complimentary pre-assessment stage to save you the time, money, and effort of scheduling a visit for a full surgical consultation.
- Application: You will be directed to fill out an application, which is typically done online in a few minutes. The application will ask for basic personal and financial information. The application is normally submitted and reviewed with a soft credit check and with no impact to your credit score.
- Approval: The financing provider will review your application and, in most cases, give you an instant pre-approval for the loan amount that you’re eligible for. Factors like your credit score, income, and financial history may influence approval. The application and approval process are at no cost to you, and you can easily do this step while at your doctor’s office.
- Payment Plan Selection: Once approved, you can choose a payment plan that works with your budget, whether you’d like to finance the entirety or a portion of your procedure total. This might range from short-term plans (2 months) to longer-term plans (up to 6 years). Interest rates are usually determined by your credit history; loan terms can vary; and deposits or down payments may or may not be required, so it’s important to review the details carefully.
- Payment and Surgery: The provider will either pay your clinic directly or give you a loan to pay for your procedure when you’re ready to book, and you are cleared for surgery on the payment front.
- Repayment in Installments: You will make payments to the financing provider in small installments, typically on a monthly basis until your loan is paid off. You are free of all financial obligation to your clinic related to your procedure so you can focus on recovery and results.
Financing options make it possible to undergo your desired procedures without having to pay the entire cost upfront, spreading the expense over a more manageable series of payments.
Financing options for plastic surgery in Vancouver
At both our Vancouver and North Vancouver clinics, we accept several industry-approved financing solutions that offer competitive rates and a flexible variety of terms to accommodate our patients' diverse financial needs.
Beautifi: As one of the premier medical procedure and surgery financing companies, Beautifi’s goal is to make cosmetic surgery financing affordable on any budget.
- Application: Online
- Approval: Instant
- Loan Amounts: $25,000+
- Term Lengths: From 6 to 72 months
- Payment: Direct to your medical professional
- Other Benefits: No prepayment penalties or fees, no money down
Medicard by iFinance: As Canada’s top choice for cosmetic procedure financing and having worked with 10,000+ merchants across the country, Medicard by iFinance simplifies affordable beauty with its fast and easy process.
- Application: Online
- Approval: Instant
- Loan Amounts: $500-$40,000
- Term Lengths: From 12 to 72 months
- Payment: Direct to your medical professional
- Other Benefits: No down payment, no collateral, no early payment penalties
Affirm (formerly known as PayBright by Affirm): With over 17 million purchases financed, Affirm is a widely known choice among shoppers and patients alike. With Affirm, you’ll never owe more than you agree to up front. Instead, you’ll always get a flexible, transparent, and convenient way to pay over time.
- Application: Online
- Approval: Instant
- Loan Amounts: $50-$10,000
- Term Lengths: Pay 4 interest-free payments every 2 weeks, or pay monthly installments in 3 months up to 48 months.
- Payment: Direct to your medical professional
- Other Benefits: No hidden fees, no late fees, no prepayment fees, no annual fees, easy AutoPay options in the Affirm app or online
*We look forward to assisting you with your questions regarding our financing providers. 8 West Clinic, however, is unable to answer questions related to any applications, term details, rate details, or payment details. Your lender will be the best source of information regarding these matters.
How to choose the right financing solution
It can be exciting to know that you have numerous options that can help knock down barriers to looking and feeling your best. However, financing a cosmetic procedure is a decision that requires careful consideration. Failing to repay the loan can lead to significant financial repercussions that can affect you for a long time. It's essential to thoroughly compare different lenders and fully understand the loan terms before committing, as doing so will help you steer clear of potential credit or financial problems in the future.
When deciding on a financing provider and payment plan, carefully assess the following and weigh the benefits with the risks of taking out a loan:
- Loan Amounts: Look at the amounts you qualify for—will you be comfortably covered for your desired procedure? Will you have to pay any amounts upfront?
- Interest Rates: Compare the interest rates offered by each financing provider to ensure you get the best deal.
- Payment Terms: Look at the length of the payment terms and make sure you can choose one that aligns with your financial situation.
Financing your plastic surgery in Canada doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the costs involved and exploring the various financing options available, you can make informed decisions about your procedures.
At 8 West Clinic, we are committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals while providing financial solutions that make your journey smoother. Whether you choose Beautifi, Medicard by iFinance, or Affirm, rest assured that we have the right plan to fit your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our financing options and take the first step on your surgery journey.
