Medical debt on your credit report

Which medical collections should not appear on your report, and how to dispute one that should not be there.

What the bureaus removed

Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion do not include paid medical collections or medical collections under $500 on credit reports. Medical collections also should not appear until they are at least a year old.

What can still appear

Unpaid medical collections of $500 or more that are at least a year old can still appear. A broader federal rule to remove medical debt from credit reports was struck down in court in 2025.

If one should not be there

If a medical collection is paid, under $500, less than a year old, or not yours, dispute it with the bureau and include proof, such as a receipt or an insurance statement.

Check the bill too

Medical bills often contain errors or charges insurance should have paid. Ask the provider for an itemized bill and check it with your insurer.