People have gotten creative in what they ask friends, family and strangers to pay for via crowdfunding.

Unfortunately, crowdfunding is a pretty ineffective way of alleviating medical debt, according toa recent NerdWallet study.

Sometimes it seems like the only option.

Medical bills

No Interest Til Almost 2027?

Think of all theodd things you might crowdfund!

Theyre all dwarfed by medical crowdfunding.

Article image

The number seems staggering, until you break it down.

Serious illnesses and diseases are the most common reasons for medical crowdfunding.

These ailments come with tons of charges for doctor visits, costly treatments and prescription drugs.

Article image

Families need to cover lost wages, unusual transportation and child care as they cope with illness.

GiveForward says about 70% of medical fundraisers are for people recently diagnosed with cancer.

What Makes a Medical Crowdfunding Campaign Successful?

First, fully funded medical campaigns saw an average of nearly 55 contributors.

Do the math: That would mean contributors giving about $285 on average.

Third: Typically, a friend or family starts a campaign on the patients behalf.

Something about that dynamic moves people to want to give.

Crowdfunding Alternatives

Even with the best advice, the odds are stacked against a successful campaign.

So what do you do about that remaining medical debt?

It may not eliminate all of it, but try these tips forsaving money on your medical bills.

Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

Probably not as good as youd like.

It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

Ask one of these companies to help…