Medical Insurance Bill

the-nimrod

Hi,

I had an operation in January this year which was covered by my medical insurance. We had to pay an excess, which I have done. However a few weeks of leaving hospital I had a bill arrive for £181 for Post Operative Consultation with the specialist. I called my insurance company who said to me to forward the bill as I am not responsible for this as it should have been included in my consultants bill to them. They also said that it is reasonable that I should have atleast one consultant led post op visit due to the nature of my operation and would not be liable to pay it.

Now a few months on I have received a Debtors letter detailing that I am liable for this, and that they are chasing me for it. They have given me two weeks to sort it out. It just seems that my insurance company have not done anything with it. I am waiting for a response from them but just wondered where I stand legally? Am I liable for this? Will I have to pay this whilst the insurance company and the hospital fight it out? Just worried that it may affect my credit score.

Advice or thoughts most welcome.

Many thanks, Jason.

lisyloo

What this probably means is that the insurer have dragged their feet paying, and the creditor has got fed up with waiting.
This is fairly standard proceudre for trying to escalate matters.

I would get onto your insurers ASAP and start demanding action and getting assurances.

Most likely this is someone trying to expedite getting a bill paid by a tardy payer, but they have no choice but to chase you.

Brize

Jason:

To clarify, the contract is between you and the service provider (the hospital or consultant) so, yes, you are liable for the costs incurred.

I've had to deal with a number of these cases for my clients over the years and it's nearly always an administrative blip on the part of the insurer or service provider. There's every likelihood that you'll be able to resolve matters quickly and easily.

As to whether the unpaid bill will affect your credit rating, my understanding is that only companies extending credit are able to record entries against your credit record, unless, of course, an unpaid debt results in a CCJ.

I hope this helps.