If you’re a parent, one of your biggest nightmares is probably your child becoming ill and you not being able to get him the care he needs. Unfortunately, that’s a reality for some parents who don’t have a lot of money and aren’t sure where their next dollar is coming from. If their child gets sick, they have no insurance to use, so they try to avoid the doctor. Sometimes that’s not possible, and they end up with medical bills that they aren’t sure how to pay. You can end up in that situation all too easily, but there are options available to you.

If you have friends and family members who can help you, consider borrowing from them to pay the medical bill, so you don’t have to pay late charges and have something negative on your credit report. You can also dip into savings if you have any, or check out emergency loans if you have a steady, verifiable job. No matter what you choose to do, your child needs medical care if he’s sick. You can always find a way to pay the bills off, but don’t let your child’s health suffer. Take him to the doctor and let the doctor know you have no insurance and little money.

Ask if there are any discounts available or charities that can help. Ask about payment plans and other arrangements. Depending on the doctor, there might be a lot of options or only a few. The important thing to remember is that you won’t know unless you ask. People can’t be turned away when they seriously need medical care just because they don’t have any money. If your child is sick, be sure to seek treatment. You can figure out how to pay the bill once you know that your little one is going to be all right.