Why Healthcare Professionals Use Equipment Finance
Medical and dental equipment represents a significant capital outlay. A single dental chair with digital imaging can cost $50,000–$120,000, while a CT scanner can exceed $500,000. Asset finance lets healthcare practitioners:
- Preserve cash reserves for operational costs, staff wages, and patient acquisition
- Access the latest technology without waiting to save the full purchase price
- Claim tax deductions on depreciation, interest, or lease payments
- Upgrade on schedule as technology advances (especially important in imaging and diagnostics)
- Bundle practice fit-outs into a single finance facility
Medical Equipment We Finance
| Sector | Typical Assets | Finance Range |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Dental chairs, digital X-ray/OPG, CEREC/CAD-CAM, autoclaves, compressors | $20K–$500K |
| Imaging & Diagnostics | CT scanners, MRI, ultrasound, digital X-ray, bone densitometry | $50K–$2M+ |
| Surgical | Surgical tables, anaesthesia machines, endoscopy towers, lasers | $20K–$500K |
| Physiotherapy & Allied | Shockwave machines, laser therapy, rehabilitation equipment, hydrotherapy | $5K–$100K |
| Veterinary | X-ray, anaesthesia, surgical tables, dental units, autoclaves | $10K–$300K |
| Optometry | OCT scanners, slit lamps, autorefractors, visual field analysers | $10K–$200K |
| Practice Fit-Outs | Cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, flooring, waiting room furniture | $30K–$500K |
| Ambulances & Vehicles | Ambulances, patient transport vehicles, mobile clinic fit-outs | $80K–$300K |
Finance Your Medical Equipment
Get a free quote from a broker who understands healthcare equipment financing.
Get a Free Quote →Which Finance Structure for Medical Equipment?
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Finance Lease | Operating Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own from Day 1 | Financier owns; you purchase at end | Financier owns; return at end |
| GST Credit | Full upfront | On each payment | On each payment |
| Depreciation | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Instant Write-Off | ✓ Eligible | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Payments Deductible | Interest only | 100% of payment | 100% of payment |
| Best For | Long-term equipment you'll keep 5+ yrs | Mid-term, regular upgrades | Fast-evolving tech (imaging, lasers) |
| Indicative Rate | 5.49% – 9.49% | 5.49% – 9.99% | By quote |
Operating Lease for Technology Upgrades
For equipment that evolves quickly — such as digital imaging, diagnostic software, and laser systems — an operating lease lets you return and upgrade at the end of the term. This is popular for dental CEREC systems, OCT scanners, and MRI equipment where a newer model offers significant clinical advantages.
Practice Fit-Out Finance
Opening or refurbishing a medical, dental, or veterinary practice involves significant capital. Most lenders offer bundled fit-out finance that covers:
- Custom cabinetry and joinery
- Plumbing, gas, and electrical work
- Flooring, painting, and fit-out construction
- Waiting room and reception furniture
- IT infrastructure, PACS, and practice management software
- Signage and branding
Bundling equipment and fit-out into one facility simplifies administration with a single monthly repayment. It also makes it easier to claim deductions as the fit-out depreciates over its effective life (typically 10–40 years for building improvements, shorter for removable items).
Tax Benefits for Medical Equipment
- Instant Asset Write-Off: Eligible small businesses can deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year of purchase. Current thresholds →
- Depreciation: Medical equipment has ATO-determined effective lives — e.g., dental chairs ~10 years, X-ray equipment ~7–10 years, computers ~4 years
- Interest & Lease Payments: 100% deductible as a business expense
- GST Recovery: GST-registered practices recover the GST paid on equipment
- Fit-Out Depreciation: Capital works deductions for building improvements (Div 43) and plant & equipment (Div 40) within the practice
Note: Medical practitioners who provide GST-free health services cannot claim input tax credits on supplies used to make those GST-free supplies. Consult your accountant about your specific GST position.
Estimate Your Repayments
Enter the equipment cost and term to see weekly or monthly repayments.
Open Calculator →Eligibility & Requirements
- ABN/ACN: Active ABN required; GST registration may or may not apply (many medical services are GST-free)
- Practitioner status: Registered healthcare professional (AHPRA, Dental Board, Vet Board, etc.) strengthens the application
- Time in practice: Established practices get the best rates; start-up options available with a business plan or additional security
- Low-doc options: Finance under $250K often available on a low-doc basis (bank statements + BAS)
- Deposit: Often not required for established practitioners with good credit