September 2025 | PerfectGift Experts | 5 minute read
In an era where digital transactions are the norm, healthcare's continued reliance on paper checks is not just outdated—it's financially reckless. While consumers tap phones to pay for coffee and businesses transfer millions with a click, healthcare is still stuffing envelopes, licking stamps, and hoping checks don't get lost in transit.
The solution? Switching to fully customizable Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards through PerfectGift. This modern alternative streamlines payments, cuts costs, enhances security, and transforms how providers, staff, and patients experience healthcare payments.
The High Cost of Paper Checks
Despite advancements in digital payments, a significant portion of healthcare payments remain paper-based. Remarkably, 23% of healthcare and 30% of dental claim payments are still made by paper check. Each check costs between $3 and $5 to process, a burden that compounds when major payers and systems issue thousands of payments monthly. (curogram.com, paymentsjournal.com)
The Growing Urgency for Speed and Security
Most people want their money faster, and healthcare institutions must deliver funds with both speed and security to meet the demands of their customers. At the same time, organizations reap the benefits of cutting costs and reducing operational pain points.
This urgency is underscored by a troubling trend: mailed check theft is on the rise. According to public service announcements and industry reports, check theft has surged by as much as 300% in the last five years, with the sharpest increases since 2021. Sometimes referred to as “The Mailed Check Crisis,” this problem highlights the risks of clinging to outdated paper systems—especially in an industry as sensitive as healthcare.
The Digital Payment Surge in Healthcare
The healthcare digital payment ecosystem is expanding rapidly. The global healthcare digital payment market is expected to rise from USD 17.19 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 94.15 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 20.82%. (precedenceresearch.com) Additionally, by 2030, credit/debit cards—like those powered by Visa or Mastercard—will dominate patient payment methods, with 78% of providers accepting them through portals. (pymnts.com)
Why Healthcare Needs Prepaid Cards
Digital payments are no longer a nice-to-have; they’re expected. Providers and patients demand:
- Speed: Instant digital issuance wipes out mail delays.
- Transparency: Every payment can be traced and reconciled.
- Security: Digital methods drastically reduce fraud and theft risks.
Although 77% of healthcare claim payments are processed electronically, still 30–35% of businesses don’t offer prepaid card options, missing a huge opportunity for cost savings and efficiency. (curogram.com, paymentsjournal.com)
Practical Use Cases for Prepaid Cards in Healthcare
Healthcare organizations can leverage Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards across multiple scenarios:
- Provider Reimbursements: Instantly compensate physicians and partner clinics—no envelopes needed.
- Employee Incentives & Rewards: Reward staff with branded, customized prepaid cards.
- Patient Incentives & Refunds: Distribute rebates or co-pay reimbursements swiftly.
- Continuing Education Stipends: Fund training, certifications, or conferences seamlessly.
- Clinical Trial & Research Disbursements: Compensate participants easily and securely.
- Patient Transportation & Hospitality: Cover travel or meal expenses via cards instead of cash or checks.
- Charity or Community Programs: Distribute funds to partners with accountability.
- Temporary or Contracted Staffing: Pay temp nurses or vendors accurately and fast.
The Benefits of PerfectGift Prepaid Cards
Switching from checks to Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards through PerfectGift yields tangible benefits:
- Lower processing costs: Avoid $3–$5 per-check fees.
- Branded professionalism: Cards enhance organizational identity and trust.
- Instant payment: No delays—funds are available immediately.
- Enhanced security: Digital issuance safeguards sensitive financial data.
- Improved relationships: Fast, reliable payments strengthen provider and patient trust.
The Way Forward
Healthcare’s digital transformation isn’t just starting—it’s accelerating. Paper checks are costly, insecure, and unnecessary. Rising check theft makes staying with paper even riskier. By adopting Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards through PerfectGift, healthcare payers and providers can modernize payments, reduce costs, and build a more efficient, resilient financial ecosystem.
Ready to make the switch?
Connect with Cody, our Business Development Rep, to strategize how PerfectGift can transform your healthcare payments for good.
