Yes, medical debt can affect your credit score, but the impact depends on when it was reported and whether it has been paid. As of 2023, the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—stopped including paid medical collection debts on credit reports. Unpaid medical collections under $500 are also excluded. For larger unpaid medical debts that go to collections, you may see a score drop of 50 to 100 points or more, depending on your starting score and other credit factors.
If you are asking this question, you likely have a medical bill you cannot pay in full, possibly from an emergency room visit, surgery, or ongoing treatment. The hardship here is often sudden and unavoidable—insurance may have left a gap, or you may be uninsured. The risk level is moderate to high: unpaid medical collections can remain on your report for up to seven years, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage, car loan, or rental housing. However, medical debt is treated more leniently than credit card or loan debt by many lenders, and some scoring models weigh it less heavily.
A practical path forward starts with verifying the debt. Request a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to see if the medical collection is listed. If it is, confirm the amount, the original provider, and the collection agency. Next, contact the provider or the collection agency directly to negotiate a payment plan or settlement. Many medical providers will accept a reduced lump sum or set up interest-free monthly payments. If you cannot afford even that, consider a hardship program through the hospital or a nonprofit credit counselor.
Before you take any step, gather your medical bills, insurance explanation of benefits, and proof of income. Keep records of all calls and agreements. Professional review may be useful if the debt is large, multiple accounts are involved, or you are considering bankruptcy. Keep in mind that debt relief options vary by state, debt type, your hardship level, account status, and the criteria of any partner programs.
For a clear, private starting point, use the DebtSense AI assessment on our homepage. It will review your situation without obligation and give you a preliminary look at your options before you speak with anyone.
Debt question guide