Medical and allied health equipment finance: how can a practice fund equipment without paying cash upfront?

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 Asset Finance Compliance

Can a medical practice finance equipment instead of paying cash?

Yes. Equipment finance lets a practice buy or use an asset and pay for it over time, with the asset usually acting as security. Instead of paying the full price on the day you buy, you make regular repayments over an agreed term, which can leave more cash for wages, rent and the unexpected. Interest, fees and charges apply, so the total you pay will generally be more than the cash price.

Who can use medical and allied health equipment finance?

We help medical and allied health practices equip clinics and surgeries. That can include:

• general practices and specialist clinics
• dental practices
• allied health practices, such as physiotherapy, podiatry and optometry, whether new or expanding.

Practices are run through different structures, such as a sole trader, a partnership, a company or a trust. Each lender sets its own criteria for the business structures it accepts, so tell us how your practice is set up and we'll confirm which lenders on our panel may consider it.

What equipment can be financed?

• Medical equipment: for example diagnostic, imaging and dental equipment, and treatment equipment for allied health.
• IT hardware: computers, servers and other technology the practice runs on.
• Fit-out: fitting out new rooms or a clinic, subject to the lender's criteria.
• Vehicles: cars, utes and vans used by the practice.

New equipment is the most common. For used equipment, it depends on the asset, its age and condition, and the lender's criteria. All funding is subject to the lender's assessment.

Which finance structure suits medical equipment?

The main difference between the structures is who owns the equipment during the term and what happens at the end.

Each structure can be treated differently for GST, depreciation and tax. We don't give tax advice, so ask your accountant which one suits your practice before you choose.

What about working capital and cash flow?

Financing equipment rather than paying cash can help a practice keep working capital for day-to-day costs. Some structures allow a balloon or residual, which lowers the regular repayments but leaves a lump sum to pay at the end.

If the practice needs funds that aren't tied to a piece of equipment, 360 Asset Finance can also arrange unsecured business loans through its lender panel, subject to the lender's assessment. Whatever you choose, the repayments are due for the full term, so make sure they fit your cash flow for the whole of it.

What are the pros and cons of financing medical equipment?

Possible advantages

• The practice can get equipment now and pay for it over an agreed term.
• It can keep working capital for wages, rent and day-to-day costs.
• A lease or rental can make it easier to upgrade equipment that goes out of date.

Possible drawbacks

• Interest, fees and charges mean the total cost is generally more than the cash price.
• Repayments are due for the full term, even if the equipment is used less than planned.
• A balloon or residual leaves a lump sum to pay at the end.

What should I have ready?

Every lender sets its own requirements, but it helps to have:

• a quote or invoice from the supplier, and whether the equipment is new or used
• the amount you need and when you need it
• identification for each applicant, director or guarantor
• your ABN and practice details
• evidence of income or business performance, such as bank statements or financial statements
• details of your existing debts and other finance.

Your broker will assess your income and financial situation and tell you what the lender needs for your deal.

How does it work, step by step?

1. Tell us what you need. Describe the equipment, the amount and your timeline.
2. We compare lenders. We look for options from our panel that fit your practice.
3. We manage the process. We prepare the application, work with the lender and keep you updated through to settlement.
4. You get the equipment. Once the lender approves and settles, the supplier is paid and repayments begin.

How can 360 Asset Finance help?

We're a specialist asset and equipment finance broker working with a panel of lenders. We can:

• arrange finance for medical, dental and allied health equipment, IT hardware, fit-out and vehicles through our lender panel, subject to the lender's criteria;
• compare structures, repayments and total cost across our panel;
• tell you what the lender needs, starting with the supplier's quote and your practice details;
• work alongside your accountant, who can explain GST, depreciation and tax;
• prepare the application, work with the lender and keep you updated through to settlement;
• connect you with 360 MMS for premises or 360 SaaSFin for practice software.

FAQs

Sources and further reading:business.gov.au: Leasing or buying vehicles and equipment · business.gov.au: Improve your cash flow · business.gov.au: Apply for a business loan

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax or legal advice. Finance is provided by the lender you choose and is subject to its lending criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 Asset Finance is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705.