Thanks everyone - no I can not get a credit card or a personal loan, I had to enter into an agreement to pay off debt from a previous marriage where my ex took off & left me in a world of debt I had no idea of but my name was attached to it & I had to wear the cost. This means basically not able to get credit cards, loans of any sort.

My current partner's income won't be sufficient for a loan if he takes it out on his own.

Suppose the thing that sucks is that we can afford comfortably to pay the repayments with our combined wages, yet that little mark from 5 years ago says no I can't. And it's there for another 2 years. I can't borrow off family as they aren't in a position to loan us that much money - even with getting the rebates back straight away.

I think I may take up the option that Krikkit suggested. Surely if I have the money to pay the gap, then they'll allow me to do it. (I know some clinics let you do this - but mine don't offer it on paper unfortunately)

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - it's an emotional process in so many ways!