Quick answer
Hearing and vision finance is a personal loan used to pay for hearing aids, prescription glasses, contact lenses, cataract surgery or laser eye surgery. Costs can be significant and are not always fully covered by Medicare, private health or government programs. Ownright Custom Finance can look at loan options for these health purchases Australia-wide.
Key points
- Hearing aids and eye procedures can cost a lot, and rebates rarely cover everything
- Government hearing support exists for eligible people, so check it first
- A personal loan spreads what is left over a manageable term
- Quotes from the clinic make the application faster
- Suits
- Adults and families with out-of-pocket hearing or eye costs
- Security
- Usually unsecured
- Typical items
- Hearing aids, glasses, lenses, cataract and laser surgery
- Australia-wide
- Yes
What is hearing and vision finance?
Hearing and vision finance is a personal loan that covers the out-of-pocket cost of things like hearing aids, prescription glasses, contact lenses, cataract surgery or laser vision correction. Better hearing and clearer sight change daily life, yet the bill can arrive in one lump while rebates and cover only reach part of it.
A loan lets you spread what is left across a term that suits your budget. Our job is to make that comparison simple, and to tell you plainly when borrowing is not the best step.
What support exists before borrowing?
It pays to check what help is on offer first.
- Hearing Services Program. The government program funds hearing services for eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents, including some people under 26.
- NDIS. The NDIS says it can fund hearing supports such as devices, repairs, maintenance and assessments where they are reasonable and necessary for a participant, and in some cases it supports items the program does not cover.
- Private health extras. Policies often pay a limited benefit toward hearing aids, glasses and lenses, with annual caps and waiting periods.
- Medicare. Certain eye and ear procedures attract rebates, although many elective or private costs sit outside.
Eligibility rules differ, and we do not assess entitlements. A call to the program, your NDIS contact or your health fund will tell you what applies. What remains is where a loan can help.
Which costs do people borrow for?
| Purchase | Why people borrow |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Premium devices, both ears, and ongoing fitting and servicing |
| Cochlear and other implant extras | Costs not fully covered |
| Glasses and lenses | Specialised prescriptions, multiple pairs, family purchases |
| Cataract surgery | Out-of-pocket amounts for private care |
| Laser vision correction | Commonly self-funded |
For related health costs, see our pages on medical treatment loans and dental treatment loans. Mobility and assistive devices sit on our page about mobility and disability equipment finance.
Who tends to apply?
- Older Australians who want better hearing but face a clinic quote above their savings
- Parents of children who need specialist lenses
- Workers whose job depends on clear vision or hearing
- People who have put off treatment for cost reasons
- Anyone comparing a clinic payment plan with an outside loan
What do lenders look at?
Income and living costs. The lender tests the repayment against your budget after expenses. Our explainer on loan serviceability covers how this is calculated.
Credit history. Recent defaults and enquiries matter. Check your file first with our guide to the free credit report.
The quote. A written quote from the clinic or surgeon proves the purpose and the amount.
Income type. Pension and fixed incomes are treated differently across lenders. Our page on Centrelink and pension income loans looks at this closely.
Clinic payment plan or personal loan?
Many clinics offer payment arrangements, which can be simple and convenient. A personal loan offers the alternative of paying the clinic upfront as a cash buyer, which can open the door to comparing providers and sometimes negotiating. The choice depends on the terms on offer and what you are comfortable owing, and to whom.
We compare the two so you can decide with the whole picture in front of you.
How Ownright helps
Trevor Scott has been in finance for more than 40 years, and he knows that a hearing or vision problem rarely waits for a convenient moment. We keep the conversation warm and the paperwork light. You tell us what is needed, we explain what lenders might want and we aim for a repayment you can live with.
We work Australia-wide from Knoxfield, Victoria, and look across lenders rather than offering a single product. We never promise approval, but we do work hard to find a fit.
An illustrative example
A retired couple is quoted for a pair of hearing aids with a fitting package. A government program covers part of the cost, and their health fund pays a small benefit. We would work out the remainder, check pension and savings income, then look at a modest personal loan with a term that keeps the weekly repayment gentle. This is an illustrative scenario with no real people involved.
How do I compare clinic quotes sensibly?
Prices for hearing aids and eye procedures can differ widely between providers, and the cheapest is not always the best. Before borrowing, collect at least two written quotes. Ask what is included: fitting, adjustments, follow-up appointments, batteries or chargers, warranties, and what happens if the device needs replacing. For surgery, ask about surgeon fees, facility fees, anaesthetist fees and aftercare, since these are often billed separately.
Check what your private health fund or any government program will contribute, and when. Waiting periods on extras cover can delay benefits, and some programs have set schedules for device replacement. Knowing these facts lets you borrow the right amount rather than the headline price.
Finally, think about timing. Some people prefer to treat a hearing or vision problem immediately because of safety, work or driving needs. Others can plan ahead and save part of the cost. Either path is reasonable, and a loan is only one tool. We simply help you use it well if it suits.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the check on program or fund support
- Borrowing for the full quote when part is rebated
- Ignoring ongoing servicing or replacement costs
- Applying to many lenders at once
- Rushing into the first offer at the clinic
What to have ready
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Quote from the clinic, optometrist or surgeon
- Recent payslips, pension statements or bank statements
- Evidence of any rebate or funding
- A list of current debts
Our guides on how to get loan ready and documents you need help with the paperwork. When you are ready, you can begin your application.
Ready to hear and see better?
Sounds like you’re looking for hearing and vision finance. We’re the lending experts when it comes to health-related personal loans, and we make the process easy. Click the button below and see if you qualify.
How it works, step by step
- 1
Step 1
Send us the clinic quote and tell us about any rebate or program support.
- 2
Step 2
We work out the amount left to borrow and a repayment pattern that is comfortable.
- 3
Step 3
We approach lenders suited to your income and credit profile.
- 4
Step 4
Funds are paid and your treatment or fitting goes ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a loan for hearing aids?
Yes, many people borrow to cover the out-of-pocket cost of private hearing aids. Lenders assess income, expenses and credit as with any personal loan. A clinic quote helps. Check first whether the Hearing Services Program or NDIS can contribute, since that could reduce the amount you borrow.
Does the Hearing Services Program cover everything?
Not necessarily. The government program funds hearing services for eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents, and the NDIS can fund some hearing supports for participants. Some people choose devices or features beyond what a program covers. We look at borrowing for the gap.
Can I finance laser eye surgery or cataract surgery?
Often yes. Laser vision correction is commonly self-funded, and some cataract procedures involve out-of-pocket costs even with private health cover. A written quote from the clinic or surgeon helps lenders assess the purpose. Costs differ between providers, so compare quotes before borrowing.
Are glasses and contact lenses worth financing?
Smaller purchases may be easier to pay by card or with savings. A loan can make sense for high-index lenses, multiple pairs or family purchases at once. We will tell you honestly if a loan looks unnecessary, since borrowing for a small amount has its own cost.
Will private health insurance help?
It depends on the cover. Extras policies often pay limited benefits for hearing aids, glasses or lenses, with waiting periods and annual limits. Check your policy before borrowing so you know what you will get back. We can then size the loan to what remains.
Can I get a loan on a pension or low income?
Sometimes. Some lenders consider pension and other government income, depending on type and stability. Smaller amounts may be easier. See our page on Centrelink and pension income loans. We explain how different lenders view your income before you apply.