You folks should know that you really do not have to pay for a type rating at all; at least not in the sense of paying cash and never having the company pay you back. It does not seem to matter the number of hours you have, either. You probably all know about British Airways cadet schemes, but maybe you do not know that places like Qatar airways hire expats with 250 hours and give them airbus type ratings.
Now, I do not know what Qatar is saying publically; all I know is that I met this British kid in the simulator building doing his type rating on the Airbus and he said he had 250 hours. He was wearing glasses, as well! So, take heart! Somewhere, somehow, there will be a company that will give you a type rating for free.
...after all, if a guy like me can get it paid for, so can you...
personal site:
http://walter.freefuelforever.com