A staggering $11,559 — that’s the estimated healthcare costs per person in the US in 2019. Much of this — a whopping $370 billion to be specific — go toward prescription drugs alone.
What’s more, experts project US national health spending to grow an average of 5.7% between 2020 and 2027.
All that said, it’s no wonder that more consumers are looking for ways to save on health care costs. Buying medical products online is one such effective and convenient strategy.
However, simply purchasing your medical must-haves online won’t guarantee you the most savings. Don’t worry though, as we’ve listed a few of the best ways to save even more money when ordering medical items online!
Compare Prices from Various Suppliers
Online medical product suppliers have lower overhead and transaction costs. They also get their supplies straight from the manufacturers themselves. For a more in-depth look at why medical supplies often cost less online, you can learn more here.
However, prices still vary from one supplier to another. That’s why you should still compare products and prices from at least three suppliers.
Buy Straight From the Manufacturer
Some manufacturers make their medical products directly available to consumers. Check if the item you need comes from such a manufacturer. You may be able to save even more money if you cut out the middleman and buy straight from them.
Look for and Compare Free Shipping Deals
Online medical products already cost less, but you can save even more if they come with free shipping. Most suppliers offer this, but their terms differ when it comes to how much you need to spend to qualify for the deal. For instance, some offer free shipping for purchases of $50 or more, while others may need you to spend at least $100.
That said, don’t forget to do the math before you place any orders. You might feel tempted to shop more just to qualify for free shipping. There may be other websites carrying the medical supplies you need but have better terms.
Consider Signing Up for Subscriptions
You’ll also find subscription deals on medical supplies that require frequent restocking. A few examples are diabetes test strips and incontinence supplies.
Most of these subscriptions involve an automatic re-ordering process. This means you’ll automatically get billed for a set of new supplies, usually every month. However, you’ll also receive a discounted rate for every subscription you have.
Check Insured Prices vs Cash-Based Rates
It may come as a surprise, but some prescription drugs can cost more when covered by insurance. The same applies to many other medical products and supplies.
So, before you buy medical supplies online, be sure to check their cash-based prices first. Then, compare them with how much you’ll end up shelling out if you use your insurance. It’s possible that you’ll pay less if you opt to pay straight with cash instead of relying on your coverage.
Start Saving Money Now by Buying Medical Products Online
There you have it, some of the best ways to secure better deals when buying medical products online. The more of these strategies you follow, the greater your potential savings could be.
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